Oh my gourd, it’s official. Summer is over, the kids are back at school, and we’re all back to the grind. But as the leaves start to fall, we don’t have to let fun fall by the wayside. ‘Tis the season for all kinds of festive fun, from spooky Halloween activities to scenic autumnal outings. What’s more, a lot of that fun can be had on the cheap! Which is good, because that means you can save some money for the holiday season ahead. Here are some ideas for making the most of a fall weekend as a family — without spending a penny.
1. Put the Kids to Work…
Raking leaves! Some light yard work is a fun, healthy reason to get the whole family outside and make the most of that crisp fall weather. Plus, those leaves aren’t going to rake themselves! But all work and no play makes Jack (o’Lantern) a dull boy, so when once those leaves are raked into a big, irresistible pile, go ahead and invite the whole family to dive in. Heck, even get the family dog involved! Sure, you’ll end up having to rake the leaves up all over again, but the fresh air and family bonding will be totally worth it. Bonus: You snuck a teaching lesson about chores into the fun.
2. Pile into the car and head out to a harvest festival.
Festivals abound in autumn and harvest fests tend to be among our favorites. Harvest festivals are all about celebrating the fruits of the season and in the fall that means corn, pumpkins, apples, and all manner of oddly shaped gourds. These family-friendly fests are almost always free to attend and boast activities and treats for kids of all ages. And you can almost always find a good one happening in a city or town near you! For example, in New York, the NYC Parks Department hosts a huge harvest fest on Randall’s Island, replete with an agenda including face painting, pumpkin carving, live music, food, and…a chicken meet-and-greet? Cluck yeah!
3. Take a trip to...San Diego?
If you happen to be on the West Coast, plan to spend an October weekend in the sunny coastal city of San Diego, which is hosting an entire month of dedicated free family fun! Dubbed Kids Free October, the monthlong celebration includes complimentary kids meals at participating area restaurants, free activities like kayaking and golf, and gratis admission for kiddos to a number of venerable local institutions. One standout is the San Diego Zoo, as well as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Both are offering free admission for kids aged 11 and younger all month. Plus, both locations will host a variety of kid-focused special entertainment every weekend in October, including special animal presentations and enrichment across their exciting exhibits.
4. Lace up your sneakers and hit the ground running.
Fall is peak season for 5Ks and themed fun runs, and a lot of these road races offer modified, kid-friendly options. While we’re not suggesting you sign your 8-year-old up for a marathon, there are a lot of age-appropriate family fun run options in the fall — and we bet there’s one near you! Even better, unlike runs for serious athletes, family fun runs tend to be very affordable and many are even totally free to join, like this kids run in Oregon. Don’t forget to stretch!
5. Go peep some leaves!
The foliage is on fire (in a good way) across much of the country this time of year, and October is one of the best months to get outside and drink it up. Plan a nature walk in a nearby park, reserve, or even just your own neighborhood. Put an educational spin on the outing by having your kids identify the different types of colorful leaves as you stroll. Bring along a bag and take some especially pretty leaves home to keep the fun going indoors with a crafty fall project, like a festive fall leaves sun catcher.
6. Pump up your pumpkin game…
Painting pumpkins and carving Jack o’Lanterns is a given this month, and there are all kinds of activities, events, and festivals dedicated to the tradition. For example, each year Boston hosts an annual Pumpkin Float on the city’s Frog Pond. Attendees are invited to bring their own Jack o’Lanterns to join the floating parade. Do some research to see what’s going on in your town and get involved. And if there isn’t a fun event in your town or city, why not host a neighborhood pumpkin carving or painting party at your own house with prizes for the spookiest, silliest, and all around most creative creations!
