Fall Bucket List Ideas for Broke People
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No money, no problem! You can still have fun this Fall with these Bucket List Ideas for Broke People. All activities are geared to families, teens and adults.
After a long hot summer, cooler weather is finally here. Fall is one of my favorite seasons because there are so many fun and frugal activities that you can do with your family.
Besides the hot chocolate, cozy campfires, and the crisp Fall air, there are plenty of things you can do. Even if you’re broke!
So let’s get to this list of cheap or free Fall bucket list ideas for frugal people!
1. Drive Around to See the Fall Foliage
If you live in an area where the leaves change colors when the temps cool, pile into the car and drive around to take a look at Nature’s beauty! The vibrant colors of the leaves may be just what you need to get in the Fall spirit.
2. Visit the Farmer’s Market
Head to the farmer’s market to gather some staples for your next meal, or just browse and see what’s available. There’s still an abundance of fruits and veggies available as we transition to Autumn. If you have a little extra money, grab a bouquet of sunflowers to bring a little sunshine to your table.
3. Attend a Fall Festival or Harvest Event in Your Area
Many cities have Fall festivals, carnivals, or harvest events during the Autumn months. While some may charge a small admission fee, many are free and open to the public. It’s fun to browse the different vendor booths, participate in activities and listen to live music.
4. Head to a Pumpkin Patch
Even if you don’t plan on carving pumpkins this year, visiting a pumpkin patch is a great frugal Fall activity to do with your family. Some even offer hayrides, face painting and corn mazes.
5. Make Your Own Caramel or Candy Apples
You can make this classic Fall staple for less than $1 per apple, depending on what ingredients you already have in the pantry. So grab some caramel, apples, and sprinkles if you wish, and make your own tasty treats at home with your family.
6. Watch Football Games at Home
Fall football is a huge staple of Autumn and one that you can share with your family right from your couch! So snuggle up under your favorite blanket, make some tailgating or finger foods, and enjoy the big game right from home.
If you prefer live football action, check out your local high school football schedule. Admission is usually just a couple bucks and you can cheer on the home team in person.
7. Go Stargazing In Your Backyard
Spread out a blanket and look up at the stars. Make a game of identifying the constellations. Prepare a thermos of hot chocolate to keep you toasty warm.
8. Pick Apples at an Orchard
Many apple orchards are inexpensive and will let you pick baskets of apples to take home. You can easily snack on these for a frugal snack, cook a batch of apple butter, bake them into a delicious apple pie or whip up a batch of my fresh apple cider.
9. Take a Hike
The Fall months are the perfect time to go for a hike. With the leaves changing colors and the air nice and crisp, it’s a refreshing way to get a little exercise.
10. Enjoy a Picnic, Even if It’s Just in Your Backyard
Sure, a backyard picnic may not sound glamorous, but it can still be a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy a budget meal. Make some fun finger foods, spread out a nice picnic blanket and enjoy a light meal in the fresh air.
11. Pick Up Some Fun Fall Reads from The Library
Head to your local library and see what kind of fun Fall books they have in stock. You might be able to also snag some seasonal audiobooks or movies.
Don’t forget to check their event schedule – many libraries offer cool (and free!) activities.
12. Have a Fall or Halloween Movie Marathon
Most streaming services and cable TV stations will have some kind of Fall movie marathon ready to go during the cooler months. Take advantage of these great options by getting a free trial to a streaming service (or two).
Put your comfy jammies on, make a batch of Harvest Snack Mix or popcorn and settle in. You can binge watch some fun and free movies – just don’t forget to cancel the subscription before the free trial ends!
13. Go Camping
For many states, Fall is considered off-season for camping. You may enjoy discounted rates and lighter crowds than in the Summer season. And the weather won’t be sweltering so you can have a more enjoyable camping experience with your family.
14. Enjoy a Fall Potluck-Style Meal with Friends and Family
Get together with a group of friends, neighbors or your family and plan a potluck dinner. Set a theme or have everyone bring their favorite dish. It’s a great way to try a variety of delicious dishes. And it’s budget friendly because you only have to pay out of pocket to cook one dish.
15. Try Your Luck at a Corn Maze
Depending on your area, the corn maze usually costs just a few dollars for admission. It’s a fantastic bargain for what can be hours (or possibly an entire day!) of fun. Many of the mazes offer additional family-friendly activities like hayrides and petting zoos.
Check out your local corn maze schedule as they may offer discount days for less crowded days and times.
16. Decorate or Carve Pumpkins Together
Purchase a pumpkin or two to decorate or carve. If you can swing the cost, it’s fun to give each family member his or her own pumpkin to get creative with. Look for free pumpkin carving templates online, or you can make your very own creation by painting the pumpkins.
17. Organize a Game of Touch Football
Invite your friends and neighbors for a friendly game of touch football. It’s a fun way to spend an Autumn afternoon.
You don’t need a lot of money to have a fun Fall season. Hopefully, this list gives you inspiration to get out, enjoy the Autumn season and make some unforgettable family memories on the cheap!
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