75 Fall Activities That Are Budget Friendly and Fun

It’s that time of the year again – the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and it is time to break out of boots and coats. Yes, we’re talking about fall, the year’s best season.

There’s no better way to enjoy the season’s excitement than to get creative and plan fun activities. We have compiled a list of 75 activities for you to enjoy with your family, friends, and even solo if that’s more your style.  

So, grab your flannels and get set for fabulous fall festival ideas and fun activities. 

 

Fall activities for kids 

Children love to spend time outside during the fall. So please take advantage of our list of fun fall activities for kids and instill a lifelong appreciation for nature in your children. 

 

1. Build A Scare Crow 

Gather some hay and stuff an old set of clothes with it. Prop your scarecrow on a stick and add a pumpkin head to make him spookier. Remember to give him a hat. 

 

2. Make a Bird Feeder

Spread peanut butter on a pinecone and sprinkle birdseed on it. Take a piece of string to hang the pinecone on a tree in your yard. 

 

3. Leaf Painting 

Head outside and collect some pretty and colorful fall leaves. Now paint the leaves and press them onto a piece of paper. Use your creativity to paint unique designs with the leaves. Display this particular fall artwork in your living room. 

 

4. Leaf Jumping 

Colorful leaves cover the ground during fall. So why not make the most of this and indulge in old-fashioned leaf jumping? Kids love to run and jump into piles of crunchy leaves. 

 

5. Create a Nature Journal

Whenever you are out for a walk and find something interesting like a pretty leaf, unique pebble, or twig, bring it home. Draw what you have seen and add these elements to your book. This activity will make your kids more observant. 

 

6. Fly a Kite

If it’s a windy day, make the best of it. Take your kite and make it fly.  

 

7. Scavenger Hunt

Print a list of items you want the participants to look for. Give the kids a clipboard and pencil to check the items when they find them. A fall scavenger hunt is an excellent way to make your kids slow down, have fun and spend a tonne of time.

 

8. Have a Pumpkin Decoration Contest

Take a pumpkin each and decorate it with anything you want. It can be paint, markers, or stickers. Don’t forget to give a prize to the best-decorated pumpkin. 

 

9. Go on a Color Walk

Go outside and collect items based on the day’s color. The theme could be any autumn shade, like yellow, orange, red, or brown. 

 

10. Try Puddle Jumping

You don’t need to sit at home if it has rained recently. Wear your boots, go outside, and jump into some muddy puddles.  

 

11. Make Fall-themed Playdough

Make your playdough but with a twist. Give it a fall color and scent. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie scents best for this festive playdough. 

 

12. Apple Tasting Test 

This activity is a great way to increase the fruit intake of your kids. Buy different varieties of apples and slice them. Blindfold each child and let them taste the different types. Let them write down which one they liked the best and why.  

 

Fall Activities for Toddlers

The toddler years are a time for cognitive, social, and emotional development. So, here are some fall activities to keep your toddler occupied while they improve their finer motor skills and gain sensory experiences. 

 

13. Leaf Rubbing 

Collect some colorful leaves from outside with your toddler. Explain why leaves change color. Now place the leaf under a plain white paper and let your toddler rub the crayon of his choice on the paper. Watch their excitement as the pattern of the leaf transfers on the paper. 

 

14. Apple Printing 

Cut apples in half. Now dip them in paint and press them onto a piece of paper. Create beautiful patterns with this apple stamp. 

 

15. Fall Theme Sensory Box 

Fill a plastic box with fall things like leaves, acorns, corn, and pinecones. Let your toddler play with these items. They will enjoy the new textures of these objects.  

 

16. Leaf Threading 

Threading is a great way to improve fine motor skills in toddlers. You can turn it into a fall activity by teaching them to thread leaves through a thin twig. 

 

17. Read A Book About Autumn  

Introduce your toddlers to the fall season by reading them some exciting fall-related books. Allow your toddler to explore fall colors as you read about the chilly weather and falling leaves.

You can choose from the touch and feel, padded board, and sing-along books. 

 

18. Explore the Inside of a Pumpkin

This one might get messy, but kids enjoy scooping, squishing, and exploring the inside of pumpkins. You can also get them to remove the seeds with tweezers to improve their fine motor skills. 

 

19. Apple Bowling 

Take a bruised apple and some bottles to set up a game of apple bowling in your backyard. This simple activity can keep your toddler occupied for some time. 

 

20. Apple or Pumpkin Bob 

Fill a bin with water and place a few apples or mini pumpkins. Let your toddler pick, plop, and splatter away. If they get bored, give them spoons and ask them to scoop the apples and pumpkins. 

 

21. Leaf-Cutting 

Leaf-cutting can be a great way to develop fine motor skills. Let your toddler select the leaves and teach him how to use the scissors. If that sounds too dangerous, have them do it with their hands. 

 

22. Go On A Nature Walk 

Go on a nature trail with your toddler and let your toddler lead the way. Don’t worry if they don’t go in the direction you want or if you are going in circles. Allow your child to explore nature. 

 

23. Paint Pebbles 

Let your toddler paint some rocks with fall colors. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out ideally. Just give them a brush and let them have fun.  

 

24. Spider Decorations  

This simple fall craft for toddlers will help create incredible Halloween decorations. It would be best to have some construction paper, scissors, glue, and googly eyes. Help your child trace their hands on the construction paper. Cut them, add googly eyes, and your spider decoration is ready.  

 

Fall Activities for Friendly Fun

You are still searching the web for fall activities with friends near you. You can stop your search now, as we’ve got you covered. Call some friends who you want to join you on your fall adventures and get started. Don’t forget to click pictures.  

 

25. Go to a Pumpkin Patch

There’s more to a visit to the pumpkin patch than just picking out pumpkins. There are corn mazes, hay rides, corn hole stations, and food trucks. All these fall activities make this a great weekend outing. 

 

26. Throw a Pumpkin Carving Party

A pumpkin party is a casual, easy-to-organize event that everyone loves. Take the pumpkins you picked at the patch and hand them to your guests. Hand out a small carving kit to each person, including paper towels and garbage bags. After you have carved all the pumpkins, line them on the porch and take pictures. 

 

27. Visit a Local Fair 

Most southern states host their state and country fairs in the fall. Check out the one closest to you with your friends. Enjoy the rides, play the carnival games, and feast on the sumptuous food. 

 

28. Plan a Picnic 

There’s no better setting than fall to have a picnic with friends. Sunshine, cool breeze, bright colors, and the smell of fallen leaves add to the charm of the outdoors during fall. Pack up a picnic basket and bring some extra blankets if the weather is chilly. 

 

29. Host a Backyard Bonfire Party 

There’s nothing like the warmth of a bonfire and good company to enjoy the fall season. Gather all your friends around the fire pit to roast marshmallows, toast friendships, and create great memories. Use hay bales, carved pumpkins, and blankets to create the perfect fall setting.  

 

30. Go Hiking 

During fall, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, which makes it the perfect time to go hiking with your friends. The White Oak Canyon Trail, Silver Falls State Park, and High Pass Loop are some of the best places in the country to hike in the fall. 

 

31. Take a Ghost-Walking Tour 

If you love all things Halloween, then a ghost walking tour may be the thing you need. You can Google ghost tours near me to find the best options. You can choose from the numerous options, including haunted hotels, scary cemeteries, or ghost towns, to enjoy some thrilling adventures.  

 

32. Go On a Cider Crawl 

Gather your best friends and go on a cider crawl around town. Apple cider is a delicious beverage that screams fall. Enjoy this hot, steamy drink with your friends on a fantastic fall day. You’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the orchards as you enjoy the cider in the cideries. 

 

33. Shop at an Outdoor Flea Market

Fall is the ideal time to visit a flea market, as most merchants stock up during the summer. You can find various things here, including art decor pieces, upcycled items, kitchenware, vintage toys, and garden art.  

 

34. Tailgate at a Local Football Game

While a football game can be a great way to spend your day, a pregame tailgate party can add to the fun. Reserve a good spot, set up a canopy and seating, and fire up your grill. 

 

35. Go to a Halloween Festival 

Embrace the season in style and head out to a Halloween festival. Salem, Massachusetts, hosts a month-long festival in October with ghost tours and many other activities. If you can’t visit Salem, there are plenty of other Halloween festival destinations nationwide that you can go to.  

 

36. Play Card Games 

Get together with your friends and play card games. Treat everyone to pumpkin spice snacks and drinks.  

 

Fall Activities for Couples

Fall is one of the most romantic seasons. The possibilities for fall activities for couples are endless. Before you search for things to do near me for couples, here are some ideas for you.  

 

37. Plan a Fall-themed Photo Shoot

If you are a couple that loves to spend time together outdoors, there is no better way to preserve all these memories than to plan a photoshoot. You can hire a photographer or click pictures yourself. You can take pictures while hiking together or visit your local forest or park and click photos with the gorgeous leaves as a backdrop. 

 

38. Go Stargazing  

You can grab a blanket, sit on your porch with your partner and stargaze. Grab a cup of pumpkin spice latte or hot cocoa, snuggle under the blankets, and enjoy. 

 

39. Take a Train Ride Through the Country

There is no better way to see the leaves shift from green to glowing red or gold than to take a romantic train ride through the country with your partner. You can grab some souvenirs at the train stops along the way. 

 

40. Go for a Bike Ride

A leisurely bike ride is an excellent idea for a fall date. Take in the sights and enjoy the beauty all around you. You will get a deeper appreciation of the changing autumn colors.  

 

41. Go Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

Fall is the right time to visit a winery. It is the harvest season, and many wineries organize special events to celebrate the harvest. Enjoy the wines and learn more about them from the sommelier.  

 

42. Take a Walk in the Park

A walk with your partner on a cool fall morning, with a cup of coffee in your hand, can be quite cozy and romantic. Enjoy the beauty surrounding you and make it a walk to remember. 

 

43. Book a Fall Cabin for the Weekend

Renting a cabin for a weekend getaway can be very romantic. You and your partner will have plenty of uninterrupted time together, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy fall activities like a walk in nature, a campfire, and roasting marshmallows. 

 

44. Rewatch Your Favorite Scary Movies

Curling up on a couch and rewatching your favorite scary movies together is a great opportunity to cuddle up close. Get ready with popcorn and snacks, and enjoy your date night at home. 

 

45. Try Some Seasonal Treats Together

With the change in season, grocery stores are stocked with seasonal treats like pumpkin snack mixes, pumpkin doughnuts, and peanut butter pumpkin bites. Explore your neighborhood grocery stores and pick out the goodies you would like to try. Taste these seasonal treats and enjoy the evening together. 

 

46. Visit a Spa for a Romantic Weekend

Treat yourself and your partner to some TLC at a spa. Enjoy massages and some other treatments and spend a relaxing weekend together. 

 

47. Go to a Drive-in Movie Theatre

Drive-in movie theatres are a great idea for a date night. Find one nearby that is screening classics or horror movies. 

 

48. Make Your Own Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is easy to make and a great way to welcome the new season. The key to making a good mulled wine is to give the spices enough time to infuse. For this wine, you can use flavors like ginger, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, cardamom, and orange. 

 

Solo Activities For This Fall Season

You don’t need another person to be able to experience all the fall festivities. Sometimes, your own company is all you need.  

 

49. Visit a Farmer’s Market

Visit a farmer’s market and pick out your favorite seasonal produce. You can use these to create a meal with all your favorite fall flavors. 

 

50. Go Fishing 

Many fish species are active in autumn, so why not go fishing? You could rent a small fishing boat or sit on the shore and cast a line. The bonus is that once you catch a fish, you can take it home and prepare a delicious meal. 

 

51. Nature Photography 

Nature photography is best-enjoyed solo. So take out your camera and photograph the beauty of nature around you.  

 

52. Explore a Village Nearby 

If there is someplace that you have wanted to explore for some time, this is the time to do it. Chalk out your plans before you head out. Figure out how to get there and what activities you want to do once you are there. 

 

53. Read a Good Book 

Take a break from your regular daily routine and read a good book. Fall is the perfect time to stay indoors and catch up on your reading. If you don’t want to stay home, head to a neighborhood café, order a festive latte, and enjoy your book. 

 

54. Go Birdwatching 

Pack a pair of binoculars, pick a birdwatching guide from your library, and head to a neighborhood park. If you live in a state that hosts migratory birds this season, you’re in for a great adventure. 

 

55. Run 5K 

There’s nothing like running in the fresh, crisp air during fall. There are several fall-themed 5Ks that you can register for. 

 

56. Make a Fall-themed Trail Mix

Make a fall-themed trail mix if you’re not into baking but still want a homemade fall-themed treat. Add pumpkin seeds, Chex Mix, candy corn, raising, chocolate chips, and autumn-colored M&Ms. 

 

57. Be Zen 

The hectic holiday season is approaching, so take time out and enjoy solitude. Go out into nature alone and take in the sight, sounds, and smells of nature. Take a yoga mat with you and do yoga or meditation to calm your mind.   

 

58. Eat Apple Cider Doughnuts

Nothing says fall better than delicious spicy fall-flavored apple cider doughnuts. They are flavored with cinnamon sugar and directly infused with apple cider, giving them a unique flavor. You can bake your batch or buy them from a local harvest festival or pumpkin patch.  

 

59. Make Pumpkin Soup 

Enjoy the most favorite fall vegetable by cooking delicious and creamy pumpkin soup. If there’s a traditional recipe you make every year, cook that. You can always search the net for recipes if you are new to cooking. 

 

60. Make Fall Candles 

There’s nothing better than walking into a house that smells great and matches the season’s mood. Making fall-scented candles is easier than you think. You will need craft supplies and scents like cinnamon, clove, pumpkin, and vanilla. 

 

61. Shop for a New Autumn Wardrobe

The change in season demands a new wardrobe, so head to the mall and buy some autumn fashion essentials like lightweight sweaters, blazers, and a trench coat. 

 

Fall Activities for Family

Don’t worry about how to keep your family entertained during the fall and what to do for fun. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor fall activities you can enjoy.  

 

62. Go Backyard Camping 

Camping is one of the most popular fall activities. However, finding a family-friendly camping site can be challenging. Backyard camping can be an excellent option for your family. Pitch a tent in your backyard and enjoy. 

 

63. Decorate Your Home for the Festive Season

This is a fun fall activity for the whole family. Create a fall theme mantel and decorate your porch. Paint some pumpkins and set them on the patio. Add fall things like burlap, candles, and natural wood to the theme. 

 

64. Go Apple Picking 

Visit an apple orchard nearby and learn about all the different varieties available. Pick out the ones you like and enjoy their delicious flavor. You can now use these apples to try out a traditional recipe like caramel apples or apple pies.  

 

65. Host Family Game Night

Let each family member choose their favorite board game. Get some snacks and drinks ready, and enjoy a great time with your family. 

 

66. Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Not only are pumpkin seeds great to taste, but they are also very nutritious. You can scoop them out and roast them at 350F for 15 minutes. Some great flavors include paprika, sea salt, fennel and garlic oil, caramel, and ginger. 

 

67. Visit a Zoo 

A zoo visit is a good outing for families with kids and animal lovers. Animals are much more active this time of the year than during the hot summer days. It’s fun and educational and will be a lasting memory for your children. 

 

68. Create a Gratitude Jar 

Writing down what you are thankful for is easier than just saying it aloud. Create a gratitude jar where each family member writes down what they are grateful for on paper and puts it in the jar. Open the jar on Thanksgiving day and read it out aloud. 

 

69. Organize a Pumpkin Head Photoshoot

Doing a photoshoot while wearing a pumpkin on your head can be fun for you and your family. You can buy a fake pumpkin to avoid carving out a pumpkin. An outdoor location with a backdrop of autumn leaves is ideal for this photoshoot. 

 

70. Read Ghost Stories

Gather around a bonfire in your backyard and tell the scariest ghost stories you know. Each family member should get a turn. Whether your story makes everyone shriek in fear or laugh out loud, this activity will surely be fun. 

 

71. Create an Autumn Wreath

Start a new family tradition by making a homemade autumn wreath. Visit your local crafts store for all the items you need. Add the autumn treasures you may have collected during your outings and visits to the wreath. 

 

72. Carve Jack-o’-Lanterns

If you have already visited a pumpkin patch with your family, it is time to get creative. Pick patterns of your choice and carve them onto the pumpkins. Younger kids can help paint the pumpkins. Add some candles, and your jack-o’-lanterns are ready.  

 

73. Plant a Fall Garden 

Plant flowers that will thrive in the chilly weather. Plant pumpkins and share them with your friends once you have enough produce. You can also plant bulbs in your garden for the next season.  

 

74. Create an Outdoor Obstacle Course

Use things around your house to create an obstacle course in your yard. Set obstacles you can jump over, run around, or knock through. This obstacle course will make a fun outdoor activity for your family.  

 

75. Go Zip Lining

Zip lining can be a fun adventure for the whole family. The fall season makes the perfect time for this adventure as the weather is ideal, and you get to enjoy the colorful foliage of autumn. 

 

Which Fall Activities Are You Picking Up This Season?

So that’s the list of over 75 fun activities you can plan and participate in this fall. Did you find some activities you want to try? Let us know which ones you liked the best.  

Happy fall to you all!  

This article originally appeared on Mrs Daaku Studio.