The hot chocolate, the fuzzy socks, the astonishing yellows, reds, and oranges… Fall is all about enjoying the cozy comforts and breathtaking views. But, with money tighter than ever, how can you embrace the spirit of the season without emptying your wallet? Today, I’ll share the best cheap fall activities for adults so you can make the most of this magical time of year without spending a fortune!
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+101 Ridiculously Cheap Fall Activities For Adults [2024]
Ready for the coziest season of the year? If you are looking for exciting and cheap fall activities for adults while the air becomes crispier and leaves change color, then hold tight, because this list is HUGE! With so many options to choose from, there’s no way to get bored! Let’s dive in 🙂
Cheap Indoor Fall Activities For Adults
1. Organize A Book Club
If you and your friends are bookworms (like me!), there’s nothing like meeting in a cozy coffee shop and having deep literary discussions.
In this case, you’ll want to make it fall-themed and propose books related to this season.
Here’s a list of the most popular fall books:
- Light in August (William Faulkner)
- Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë)
- The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern)
- Practical Magic (Alice Hoffman)
- The Secret History (Donna Tartt)
- The October Country (Ray Bradbury)
- Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier)
- The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman)
During these meetings, share your overall impressions and discuss the plot, the characters, and the writing style of the books chosen.
2. Go To A Harry Potter Theme Party
Some bars organize theme parties all year long, think Ladies Night, 80s Retro Night, Rock ‘n Roll Night – you name it!
But one theme party that attracts hundreds of customers during fall is certainly the Harry Potter Theme Night.
Actually last week my sister Rocío and her boyfriend went to a Harry Potter theme party and it was so much fun!
She went dressed as Lucius Malfoy and her boyfriend as Dobby. They looked like this:
And guess what – they didn’t spend A DIME on their costumes!
She used a big silver ring, dark clothes she already owned, and the wig was donated by one of her work colleagues.
Her boyfriend used a blanket from his bed and a sock, and he made the ears with a piece of paper and a headband from Rocio’s accessories.
3. Cook Pumpkin Pie
I’m not gonna lie: I actually pig out on pumpkin pie all year long but fall is the perfect season to cook this delicious Thanksgiving dessert.
I tried different recipes but this pumpkin pie recipe is the winner.
I love to eat it with pecan praline and a steaming cup of ginger tea.
RELATED POST:
Want to make the most out of fall?
Check my Ultimate Fall Planner to organize yourself, prepare for Halloween and Thanksgiving, and make unforgettable memories during the coziest season of the year!
4. Play A Virtual Escape Room
I didn’t know that virtual escape room games even existed but they do!
In these games, you have to search for clues and decipher secret codes. The best part is that they don’t have a time limit like in the physical format!
It’s perfect to play with friends and family and you can adjust the level of difficulty as needed.
Here are some FREE popular virtual escape room games to play this fall:
- The Hogwarts Escape
- Escape The Crate
- Online-Escape-Room.com
- The Misadventure of the Missing Manuscript
- Escape from The Shire
- Ultra Mega Super Death Escape Room
- A. Tuckaway General Store
5. Have A Movie Night
Put on your favorite fuzzy socks, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and watch your favorite fall TV show or movie in bed.
I love this fall activity because it’s simple, free, and relaxing.
Here are some classic fall TV shows and movies to choose from:
- Gilmore Girls
- The Vampire Diaries
- Harry Potter Saga
- Twilight Saga
- When Harry Met Sally
- You’ve Got Mail
- The Craft (My favorite one!)
- Autumn In New York
6. Attend A Stand-Up Show
This is another inexpensive activity that you can try during fall season.
Whether you go alone, with your partner, or with friends, attending a stand-up show is an excellent way to have fun on a budget.
I tried this activity with my husband and the show was terrible; we didn’t laugh at the jokes but at how bad the event was!
I won’t attend a comedy show again but I really hope you have more luck than us!
7. Decorate Your Porch
You don’t need to spend a little fortune to decorate your house and porch with fall theme items.
Have you tried doing it yourself instead of buying it?
In the Crafty Fall Activities section of this post, you’ll find several ideas to make your own ornaments to decorate your porch.
If you need some inspiration to arrange them, resort to the ol’ reliable: Pinterest!
8. Try Indoor Rock Climbing
If you are sensitive to cold like me and want to play sports but without being outdoors, you should definitely try indoor rock climbing!
If you are gonna try it for the first time, it’s normal to feel intimidated at first, but remember that everyone here is having fun and you are not going to compete with anyone!
Safety measures are always applied and they always recommend not to go with your nails done because it’s easy to ruin them while you climb.
9. Visit A Weird Museum
When we think of museums, we think of those full of paintings and art pieces.
But have you visited weird museums yet?
Think of those showcasing puppets, toilets, medical tools, etc.
I’m sure that in your town there’s at least one museum that shows things other than paintings.
For example, here in Buenos Aires, there are museums of hearing technology, football items, coin collections, and even body deformities.
Type ‘alternative museums near me’ in Google and see what pops up!
10. Have A Potluck Dinner With Friends
If you want to throw a party while maintaining costs low, organizing a potluck dinner is a fantastic idea!
Now, as with any party, there are some tips you should apply so to avoid issues like repeated food or running out of drinks!:
- List the number of guests
- Calculate how many drinks you’ll need
- Assign food categories to guests to avoid repeated food
- Be aware of special dietary needs or restrictions
- Go for ready-to-serve meals
- Go for small portions so everyone can sample different dishes
- Try cooking easy fall potluck recipes to save money and effort!
11. Listen To A Local Singer
There’s nothing like supporting your local economy through listening to music.
Particularly, I love to go to jazz bars and listen to local musicians and singers.
You pay for the ticket and you don’t need to eat or drink anything.
Usually, I order some water and an appetizer and that’s it! So I end up spending less than $15.
Last year, during fall, I went to a jazz bar with my husband and we had a lovely time; the show lasted around an hour and it’s a beautiful experience for first-timers!
Here are some pics I could take that night (sorry for the quality; the light there was awful hahaha):
12. Make Apple Cider
This traditional fall beverage not only is a delicious treat but also fills your kitchen with that sweet and spicy aroma we all love.
If you ask me, I’m a fan of sipping apple cider while relaxing by the fire and reading a good book.
Here’s the recipe I use every year. Enjoy!
13. Have An Apple Tasting Party
Fall season is apple peak session, so what’s better than celebrating autumn by tasting as many apple varieties as possible?
Organize a party with all your friends or your family and gather together to taste Honeycrisp, Gala, SweeTango, and McIntosh apples.
My tip is to buy the apples at a farmer’s market because you’ll find a broader selection than in supermarkets.
It’s a wonderful activity to do with kids too!
14. Practice An Easy Autumn Yoga Flow
You can practice yoga all year long but if you want to stay active during fall and you are not accustomed to physical activity, then yoga is perfect to get your body moving with a low-impact workout.
Here’s my favorite yoga flow that will help you with lung health this season.
You only need comfy clothes and a mat. That’s all!
15. Read A Book On A Cozy Corner
This is a classic!
Put on some fuzzy socks and a comfy sweater, sit on your couch next to the fire, and read a good book.
It doesn’t matter WHEN you do it.
What’s important here is to devote part of your day to yourself to let your mind wander through the fictional worlds portrayed by fall-theme books.
Here’s a list of books that you can add to your TBR pile:
- Light in August (William Faulkner)
- Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë)
- The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern)
- Practical Magic (Alice Hoffman)
- The Secret History (Donna Tartt)
- The October Country (Ray Bradbury)
- Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier)
- The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman)
16. Have A Sleepover
You don’t need to be in your teens to keep enjoying sleepovers!
Spending the night with friends is fun no matter your age.
To have the perfect sleepover during this season, pack your favorite fall-theme pajamas, some slippers, and pumpkin-flavored treats, and watch a horror movie (or a romantic one – this depends on the mood you want to set).
Movies like Scream or Autumn in New York are perfect for this season.
If you were looking for cheap indoor fall activities, a fall-themed sleepover is the perfect excuse to have a blast with your friends.
17. Take A Relaxing Warm Bath
I don’t have a bathtub, so if you have one, use it as much as you can during fall!
I would love to fill it with hot water, light some fall-scented candles, and read a book while relaxing in the tub.
To make this experience even more complete, you can listen to jazz music and bring some treats and a hot beverage too.
It’s a fantastic way to decompress after a long day if you were looking for cheap fall activities for adults.
18. Learn A New Skill
New season, new skills.
Don’t waste any time and improve your career with these money-making skills:
- Sell candles on Etsy
- Create and sell low-content books
- Learn to bake
- Learn how to proofread
- Write and earn money
- Translate books for profit
- Create and sell digital planners
- Learn affiliate marketing
19. Play With Slime
Slime comes with more and more new scents and I’m amazed at how creative brands get when ideating new products.
Through the years, for example, OG Slimes have released fall-themed slimes with the following names:
- Pumpkin Cold Brew
- Zombie Waffle
- Banana Cream Pie
- Sweater Weather
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pile of Leaves
- Apple Pie
I don’t know about you, but with those tempting names, I want to play with them all!
Check OG Slimes’ website to check current stock.
20. Keep A Journal
Just as leaves change colors during fall, we also experience changes in our lives, and keeping a journal can help you reflect on these transitions to improve your well-being.
Whether you write freely on a piece of paper or get a proper fall journal, take a moment to write about the things you are grateful for this season: how comfy you feel, how cozy your house is, the warm beverages during mornings – anything that makes you feel happy and fulfilled.
In your journal, you can also track mood changes, track new habits, make checklists, set goals, and collect fall recipes to try later.
This is one of those cheap fall activities for adults that certainly promote reflection and peace. Make it a daily habit.
21. Give Your Furniture A Makeover
Who said that furniture must look the same all year round?
This fall, give your cabinets, closets, and tables a fall makeover without spending a fortune.
It’s amazing how different they can look with a fresh coat of paint in warm, seasonal colors like burnt orange, deep burgundy, or rustic brown!
You can even swap out your cabinet handles and drawer pulls with rustic hardware or create your own with twine or rope for a handmade touch.
Include this activity in your bucket list of cheap fall activities for adults!
Make sure to include these fun activities in your fall planner!
Check my Ultimate Fall Planner to create a fall bucket list, plan your meals, control your budget, and make the most out of Halloween and Thanksgiving.
22. Get Crafty
When money is tight and you are looking for cheap fall activities for adults, DIY projects are a great way to entertain yourself indoors.
You can use materials around the house or buy cheap items at your nearest art store.
There are actually a TON of DIY projects you can take on this fall, so go to the Crafty Fall Activities For Adults section of this post and choose your favorite ones!
23. Pamper Yourself
You deserve ‘Me Time’ all year long, no matter the season.
But there’s something about fall that makes it even more cozy: the sweet, spicy scents, the warm colors, the relaxing atmosphere…
So schedule your ‘Me Time’ in advance and commit to it!
It can be as simple as sipping a hot tea while reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath with scented candles, or even giving yourself a fall-themed manicure.
The key here is improving your well-being and reset your energy levels.
24. Visit The Mall
My husband and I always visit the mall when we want to have fun but on a budget.
We get to do some window shopping, stroll by the storefronts, discover new stores, and maybe drink a coffee.
We basically spend money on the taxi to get there and that’s it!
You can even get to know the fall decoration trends to later decorate your house on your own. We love it.
25. Practice A New Language
If you want to take up a new hobby this fall, I highly recommend learning a new language.
It not only opens your mind to a new culture, gastronomy, and way of living but also it’s good for your brain and adds a new skill that can benefit your career.
My mother tongue is Spanish, but I also learned English, Italian, and now I’m trying to practice my Portuguese and German too.
You’ll see that when you start learning a new language, then you can’t stop and want to learn every language on Earth 😂 LOL
Cheap Outdoor Fall Activities For Adults
26. Go Apple Picking
This is my favorite outdoor fall activity!
It’s fun, cheap, and you end up with a basket full of apples to make delicious recipes at home.
Now, take into account that, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to pull on apples that are attached to the branches.
The apples that are perfectly ripe are the ones that fall to the ground on their own.
Make sure to check pet policies in advance, bring your basket, and some food to make a picnic!
27. Visit A Corn Maze
Navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze offers a fun and engaging way to connect with nature and it’s also a cheap fall activity to challenge your problem-solving skills and have a blast with friends or family.
Plus, many corn mazes are part of larger fall festivals, where you can enjoy other seasonal activities like hayrides, pumpkin picking, and cider tasting, making it a perfect all-around autumn experience.
Oh, and don’t forget that corn mazes are totally safe! Staff is ready to assist visitors in different areas of the maze if they need help. Relax and have fun!
28. Try Leaf Peeping
Next on our list of cheap fall activities for adults is leaf-peeping.
Taking a stroll at your nearest park to admire the golden, crimson, and magenta leaves that swirl in the air is one of the most relaxing (and free!) activities you can do during fall.
You can simply take a walk, read a book, make a picnic, or plan a route in advance if you want to take in the breathtaking sights by car.
Use Leafsnap to identify tree species through the visual recognition software.
29. Visit A Pumpkin Patch
Personally I never tried this before, but sounds exciting!
You not only can pick your own pumpkins but also enjoy the fresh produce and handmade goods offered by farmers.
I also noted that along with pumpkin picking, these events include festivals and hayrides, so who knows?
Maybe if you’ve never visited a pumpkin patch, it can become your new cherished annual tradition!
30. Try A New Hiking Route
I can’t recommend hiking enough for people who love to be outdoors.
It’s an activity I do to connect with nature, de-stress, and improve my creativity.
Particularly, this time of the year calls for long walks while enjoying the astonishing fall colors.
So, prepare your backpack, your water bottle, use comfy clothes, and plan your next hiking route!
You can use this app to get reliable route suggestions and access the best maps worldwide.
31. Start Bird-Watching
I’ll always do some birding through my home but in fall I highly recommend you do it at your nearest park or conservation area.
It’s pretty easy to get started.
Just download a bird-watching app to identify the different species you discover while you walk or join a bird-watching club if you feel like it.
Last time we bird-watched, we discovered a great egret, a pinnated bitter, and even a tegu lizard!
32. Ride Your Bike
The cooler temperatures are not an excuse not to stay active.
Ride your bike around the neighborhood and enjoy the sights!
At this time of the year, the trails are not full with other riders anymore so it’s perfect if you like to have more space for yourself.
Plus, you get some fresh air and the vitamin D your immune system needs to stay healthy.
Staying fit has never been so easy!
33. Go Geocaching
If you love to be outside and discover new places, geocaching is for you.
This basically entails using a GPS-enabled device (like your smartphone) to hide and seek treasure containers, called “geocaches” or “caches,” at specific locations marked by coordinates.
Each “cache” typically contains a logbook where finders sign their geocaching username and date of discovery, apart from small toys, trinkets, or other inexpensive items.
The idea is to take something and leave something of equal or greater value. It’s so fun!
Have you tried it out yet?
34. Take A Historical Spooky Tour
I’m almost sure that in your town there is at least one HAUNTED place.
Cemeteries, palaces, abandoned castles and buildings – there’s always a place that is home to famous ghosts.
These places are gems for tourists and horror enthusiasts so, if you are looking for ways to spend fall outside, this is a fantastic way to make a tour and know more about the history of your town.
Google ‘Haunted places near me’ and check if there’s a tour available.
35. Take A Hayride
Taking a hayride is a tradition you can miss out on this fall.
You can bring friends and family and it’s a great way to enjoy nature, see livestock and hoop houses, and interact with farmers.
Just make sure to plan this activity in advance because hayrides typically are carried out on selected days with prior registration.
Tickets are as low as $10 per adult!
36. Collect Leaves For Craft Projects
I love to collect leaves at the park during fall because they come in so many shapes and colors and I can use them in many craft projects.
It’s free and so relaxing!
When I collect leaves I use them as bookmarks and also for home decorations, like centerpieces, garlands, and leaf rubbings.
If you want to preserve them, press them in a book or use a leaf preservation method such as coating them with glycerin or waxing. This will help maintain their color and shape for longer periods.
37. Enjoy A Bonfire With Hot Chocolate
If you have no money to spend this fall, you can enjoy a bonfire in your own backyard.
It only takes digging a hole in the grass, surrounding it with stones, making a teepee out of kindling around the tinder, and dropping a match into the center of it to start the fire.
While you warm yourself, you can drink hot chocolate with s’mores and even play the guitar if you are with friends.
Always check local regulations to avoid legal or safety issues! Enjoy your bonfire responsibly 🙂
38. Smell The Petrichor
After it rains, I can’t help but go outside and enjoy the relaxing smell of petrichor, which is the earthy scent of wet soil.
It’s free, soothing, and you can simply go outside to make a pause on your day and enjoy the rain smell while sitting on your porch or reading a book.
You can bring a hot beverage with you for a more cozy experience.
39. Attend A Pie Eating Contest
If you love pumpkin pie then you should register in a pie-eating contest at least once in your life.
Each year, during fall festivals, dozens of contestants stuff their mouths with pumpkin and apple pie to win the great prize.
The best part is that no hands are allowed to eat, so it’s even more challenging.
After the contest, you can join other activities if time allows. You’ll have a good laugh!
40. Stargaze
Stargazing during the fall can be a magical experience.
The cooler, crisper air often results in clearer skies, making it an ideal time for observing the night sky.
Just bring a blanket or a reclining chair to your backyard during the night and try to identify as many constellations as possible.
You can use the app SkyView, Star Walk, or Stellarium to look for these and other celestial objects.
If you are lucky, you can even see meteor showers, like the Orionids in October and the Leonids in November!
41. Participate In A Zombie Run Marathon
There are currently two types of zombie marathons nationwide in the United States: one entails running while wearing a costume and the other features two types of runners: humans and zombies!
I prefer the latter because you run in a zombie-infested course where the living dead will try to steal the ‘health’ flags attached to your waist.
In these events, there are typically free event t-shirts, temporary tattoos, snacks, and refreshments, and you get to support your local community because part of the proceeds are donated to charities.
I highly recommend you visit 5k Zombie Run to have a blast this fall.
42. Take A Stroll In The Woods
If you want to enter a meditative state of mind, you should definitely take a stroll in the woods.
The forest is a quiet and peaceful place where only the sound of leaves in the wind can be heard, which reduces anxiety and improves your mood.
Instead of being glued to screens all day long, it’s liberating to be in contact with nature, far from the city noise and everyday worries.
Take a moment to breathe the fresh air and enjoy your surroundings. Your body and mind will thank you later.
43. Take Nature Photography Walks
This is one of those cheap fall activities for adults you can’t go wrong with.
Whether you walk in the woods or the park, you’ll come across some amazing scenery during fall.
Why not capture it for posterity?
Next time you take a stroll in nature, make sure to bring your camera so you can take pictures and look back at them at home.
It’s a beautiful way of capturing memories and spending your day in nature.
44. Visit An Antiques Market
I love to visit antiques shops and markets because there are so many things to see!
I always end up amazed at the materials and style of old furniture, toys, paintings, and jewelry.
You don’t need to buy anything; but, if you choose to rummage through the trinkets and handcrafts, you can find treasures that can be hard to find elsewhere.
When I visit the antiques neighborhood of San Telmo, here in Buenos Aires, I usually spend three to four hours exploring the stores.
You will enjoy yourself without spending a dime.
Cheap Fall Activities For Couples
45. Create Pottery Together
No, I’m not asking you to recreate that famous and insanely CHEESY pottery scene of Ghost.
There’s no need to get so messy and cringey.
It’s enough if you get some clay from your nearest craft store, watch a YouTube tutorial about how to make an object with clay and laugh at how bad it turns out.
I tried to make Mickey Mouse in clay with my partner but, unfortunately, it fell to the ground and ended up destroyed LOL. Here’s how it looked before the disaster:
46. Attend A Festival
What’s better than attending a fall festival with your soulmate?
Hayrides, pumpkin picking, pie eating contests, music performances, fresh produce, handmade crafts – there are so many things to see and try.
There are also specialized fall festivals like Powhatan’s Festival of the Grape and Confluence Pumpkin Fest.
Always check your town’s event calendar so you can buy tickets in advance for upcoming events.
47. Try Wine Tasting
Wine tasting at home is a fun and cozy fall activity for couples.
As the weather gets cooler and the leaves turn colorful, set up a warm and inviting space in your home with soft lighting and candles.
Pick a variety of wines, such as rich reds and seasonal whites, and pair them with different types of cheese, chocolate, and fruits.
Take your time tasting each wine, talking about the flavors you notice.
This simple and intimate activity allows you to enjoy each other’s company, learn more about wine, and make special memories together.
48. Have An Horror Movie Night
This classic is a must during autumn!
Cuddle up under a warm blanket, make some popcorn, and dim the lights for a perfect spooky evening.
Choose from classic horror films like ‘Halloween’ or ‘The Exorcist’ for a nostalgic scare, or opt for modern thrillers like ‘Get Out’ and ‘A Quiet Place’ for edge-of-your-seat suspense.
You can also dive into supernatural stories with movies like ‘The Conjuring’ or ‘Hereditary.’
Just a note here: only watch Hereditary if you are not bothered by messed-up movies. It’s a warning LOL
49. Go To A Pumpkin Smashing Contest
A little friendly competition between you two doesn’t hurt, right?
Fall festivals often include pumpkin-smashing contests and it’s a perfect opportunity to test your strength and have a good laugh together.
If you don’t feel like going to a festival, you can get your own pumpkins and play in your backyard.
Who can smash pumpkins the fastest? Who can do the most spectacular smash?
You can use a hammer, but always play safely!
50. Forage For Mushrooms
Foraging for mushrooms is perfect for those who love exploring nature together.
Check the weather in advance and head to your nearest forest to discover and collect edible mushrooms.
Bring a basket, a small knife, and a guidebook or mushroom identification app like Shroomify to ensure safe and accurate foraging.
Mushrooms you can eat include morels, shaggy mane, meadow mushrooms, and chanterelles.
Want an even more bonding experience? Cook a delicious meal with them when you arrive home!
51. Try Pumpkin Archery
Continuing with competitive games, try your aim with pumpkin archery.
Every year, fall festivals include pumpkin archery in their activities and attract kids and adults alike.
They even place balloons with green-colored vinegar mixed with baking soda inside the pumpkins so green goo comes out of their carved mouths when you shoot them.
It’s a fun activity for couples that you must include in your fall bucket list.
52. Carve Pumpkins
Carving pumpkins can turn into a fantastic and cozy fall date for couples.
Kick off your pumpkin carving date with a trip to a pumpkin patch, farm stand, or market to pick out your pumpkins.
Once back home, set up your carving station on the front porch or dining room table and carve the pumpkins with serrated knives and spoons.
It doesn’t need to be perfect; just be creative and enjoy the moment!
Don’t forget to capture the memories by taking photos of your carving station, sitting with your finished jack-o-lanterns surrounded by lights, and holding your pumpkins in front of your faces for a cute shot.
53. Play Halloween Boardgames
Whether it’s sunny or rainy outside, playing board games never gets old.
Dust off your horror-themed board games and play all afternoon until finishing all the games.
There are different Halloween board games you can choose from: Betrayal at House on the Hill, Arkham Horror, Mansions of Madness, Dead of Winter, Zombicide.
These will keep you entertained for hours!
54. Take A Cemetery Tour
Cemeteries hold interesting (and horrifying) stories and are worth a guided tour with your partner.
A guided tour provides historical and cultural insights, allowing you both to learn interesting facts and legends associated with the site.
It’s not the typical date idea but I can assure you that it is super romantic and interesting.
We’ve recently attended a guided tour of one of the most important cemeteries in town and we are planning to visit it again!
Bring your camera to take pictures of the intricate monuments, sculptures, and landscapes.
55. Practice Your Halloween Makeup In Advance
You still have time to perfect your Halloween makeup.
Why not have a makeup session with your partner?
You’ll have a good laugh and it will bond each other even more.
It’s a nice way to work as a team to create the perfect Halloween makeup to impress everyone on the great day and you can check Pinterest if you need inspo.
When you are finished, take a picture of your makeup and share it on IG to capture the moment!
56. Visit A Halloween Store
When I was a kid, I loved when my grandmother would take me to Halloween stores because they were full of latex masks of different horror characters, like werewolves, Freddy Krueger, and Pinhead.
While she shopped for things, I wandered through the aisles of racks to check out the masks, costumes, and props.
Next time you need something from this type of store, go with your partner and see what products are being offered without buying anything. It’s fun and relaxing.
57. Play Old Videogames
Mario Kart was launched in 1996 but you know what? It’s even to this day that my partner and I keep playing it on the computer when we want to spend time together.
We get incredibly competitive with each other and we see who can win the most rounds.
We have a blast every time we play old games. Have you tried it yet?
58. Cook Apple Cider Donuts
Fall can’t be fall without delicious treats and it’s a perfect excuse to cook some puffy apple cider donuts with your partner.
This recipe always turns out well and makes up to 12 doughnuts, perfect to eat during a movie night or just relaxing by the fire.
Just use 1/2 cup of cider for concentrated flavor and add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom to the sugar topping to give it an extra touch.
59. Visit The Local Library
Go to your nearest library and sneak into the horror stories section.
Horror books are known for their beautiful covers and I spend almost an hour admiring the artwork of these books when I go to the library with my partner.
We usually don’t buy anything but it’s a nice activity to spend time together.
Who knows? Maybe one of the books catches your eye and you end up bringing it home.
60. Stroll The Streets
Ahh, autumn. The scenery can’t be more romantic to walk hand in hand with your partner.
The air feels crisp, the streets are colorful with red, orange, and yellow, and the leaves rustle with each step.
This is a cheap way to bond together outdoors and spend a relaxing time together admiring your surroundings.
By far, this is my favorite activity for couples. It’s so simple and cute!
61. Plan Your Halloween Costumes
If you don’t know what the heck to use as a Halloween costume, the moment to plan it is NOW!
Get inspired by your favorite horror movies or browse for ideas on Pinterest.
Remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune on your costume; you can make it with things you have at home. You can get crafty if needed.
Work as a team and look for the best ideas for the spooky season.
62. Have Breakfast In Bed
There’s nothing more romantic and relaxing than beginning your day with a delicious breakfast served in bed.
Cook some pumpkin pancakes together and enjoy them in bed with a cup of hot chocolate while you watch your favorite Netflix show.
You can light some candles for a more cozy atmosphere.
63. Have A Virtual Hangout
Can’t meet due to bad weather?
Have a virtual hangout and have a blast without being physically together.
Here are some ideas for your next virtual hangout:
- Plan a virtual tour (could be a city or museum)
- Plan your next vacations
- Bake while on video call
- Play virtual games (I-Spy is a classic)
- Watch a movie while video call (you can use the app Teleparty)
- Watch an online class
- Host weekly book club nights
- Workout at the same time
- Chat while you drink cocktails and listen to music
- Play truth-or-dare
64. Celebrate Oktoberfest
I can’t wait to celebrate Oktoberfest again with my partner!
At this event, there’s live music, craft beer everywhere, parades, delicious German food, and folk dancing shows.
Did you know that there are lots of fun competitions and games too? My favorite game was similar to dart-throwing, though instead of darts you use an axe!
It’s a must for this season if you are looking for cheap fall activities for adults.
Crafty Fall Activities On A Budget
65. Make Mason Jar Lanterns
Mason jar lanterns are a classic crafty project, but why not make them fall-themed?
Collect some fallen leaves and make this beautiful piece of art to decorate your home.
Follow these instructions to create your own autumn mason jar lanterns.
66. Knit A Scarf
With these cooler temperatures, we all need a scarf to avoid catching a cold.
If you want to do a craft project, then create a scarf to use during fall and winter.
Here are the pattern and instructions to knit the perfect fall scarf.
67. Knit A Sweater
Fall can’t be cozy without a fuzzy sweater.
I always go for warm and neutral colors, so I definitely recommend you make your own fall sweater.
Here’s my favorite beginner-friendly pattern.
68. Make A Wreath
The first step to decorating your porch for fall is…Adding a wreath!
This particular wreath is very well-made and you can use real autumn leaves and foliage and a wire coat hanger pulled into a circle shape as the base.
It looks stunning and you don’t need to spend so much money on it.
69. Recreate Your Favorite Starbucks Fall Season Drink
I love fall because that means I can get my Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks!
But since we don’t want to spend money this fall, we are gonna recreate it at home.
You can make it in less than ten minutes with this recipe.
70. Make Needle-Felted Characters
I fell in love with needle-felting back in 2012 and created several projects, including fall-related objects and characters.
Here’s a pic of them – I made apples, a ghost, and Zero (Jack Skellington’s pet ghost dog):
The tools are pretty cheap and you can start doing these projects even if you are a beginner.
Check YouTube for easy tutorials by typing ‘object/character’ + ‘needle felted’.
71. Make Bracelets
This easy tutorial teaches you how to make a simple beaded elastic bracelet with a fishing knot that would prevent your bracelet from breaking.
If you know the basics, then you can get orange, red, and yellow beads to make your own fall bracelet.
There are even leave-shaped beads that you can try out if that’s your style.
72. Make DIY Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a fall staple and you can make your own with just paper and glue.
They make beautiful ornaments for your house and the best part is that you can make them with paper you already have.
Here’s the YouTube tutorial to make them in no time. The result is STUNNING.
73. Make DIY Wax Melt
We all love autumn scents and flavors.
Why not concentrate them in wax melts to fill your home with delicious aromas?
These pumpkin-shaped wax melts are easy to make and they do not require wicks as candles.
You can store them in the freezer in a container and you remove one wax melt at a time to use.
74. Make Handmade Earrings
I think this is the easiest tutorial to make autumn DIY earrings.
Aren’t they cute?
Porcelain is very easy to work with and dries faster than natural clay.
The tutorial features leave-shaped earrings, but you can make any shapes you want, like pumpkins, sunflowers, or even ghosts.
75. Make Witch Sticks
If you are running out of Halloween or fall ideas to decorate your home, try making this witch broom with dry flowers.
I just love its spooky aesthetics.
You can place it against a wall indoors or outside on your porch.
76. Make Reusable Teabags
Don’t want to buy teabags over and over again? Do you prefer a more sustainable option?
Then you HAVE to make these reusable teabags!
They are incredibly easy to make and you’ll be able to drink as much tea as you want without worrying about the waste.
77. Make An Autumn Centerpiece
Yes, you can make a fall centerpiece for less than $10!
You only need some baskets, oranges, some fake greenery, pine cones, a sponge, and glue.
I bet you have at least half of these materials in your home.
Here’s the tutorial for the cheap DIY fall centerpiece that will catch everyone’s attention.
78. Make An Autumn Doormat
Fall is the season of cozy meetings with friends and family, so prepare to welcome everyone to your home with a cute DIY fall doormat.
You can make this craft project with a cheap IKEA rug, black paint, and a reusable stencil from your nearest dollar store.
Here’s the tutorial if you want to try it out.
79. Make Pumpkin Spice Candles
Who can resist the scent of pumpkin and spices and the glow of an organic candle?
Learn to make your own with this easy tutorial.
It’s pretty straightforward and the ingredients and quantities appear on the video.
80. Make A Scrapbook
Collect and capture memories in a cute fall-themed scrapbook.
To get started, get a blank scrapbook or a binder with blank pages.
Then you can start working on it adding photos, decorative paper, stickers, and stamps.
Here are some inspiring scrapbook ideas to start working on your journal.
81. Make A Fall Garland
I love garlands because you can decorate so many spaces with them.
You can place it across the fireplace mantel, as a table centerpiece, along bookshelves, around the frame of your front door, or even along the banister of your staircase.
Here’s an easy and inexpensive DIY fall garland you can make today.
82. Make A Fall Painting
Get cheap art supplies from your nearest art store and make a beautiful autumn painting with watercolors.
Watercoloring is incredibly soothing and you can frame and hang the resulting painting or give it away as a gift.
Here’s an easy tutorial on how to make an easy autumn scenery.
83. Make Soap
There’s nothing like washing your hands with a delicious pumpkin-spice-scented soap.
With this tutorial, you’ll be able to make soap in less than 10 minutes.
If you have time, you can double the recipe and gift the extra soaps to family and friends.
84. Make a Fall-Themed Shadowbox
Shadowboxes incorporate natural elements like leaves, acorns, pumpkins, and pinecones, capturing the beauty of the fall season and bringing the outdoors inside.
I absolutely loved this tutorial, because it teaches you how to make a beautiful shadowbox for less than $10.
Shadowboxes protect their contents from dust and damage, so you can use real leaves if you want!
85. Make Fall-Themed Drawings
Take a piece of paper, colored pencils, and let your imagination run wild to create beautiful autumn drawings.
Don’t want to use colored pencils? You can use acrylic paint, watercolors, or even go digital.
Here’s a fall-themed drawing I made with my graphic tablet this week:
86. Make An Indoor Garden
If you’ve always wanted to scratch your green thumb itch, then growing an indoor herb garden is for you.
In this easy tutorial, you’ll learn how to grow an indoor herb garden with the Kratky hydroponics method.
If you don’t know what the heck that means, don’t worry; it’s well-explained in the video. Cheap and easy!
Cheap Activities For Families During Autumn
87. Play In The Leaves
The simplest way of entertaining your kids is taking them to your nearest park, where leaves form a carpet and they can play for hours.
Jump into piles of leaves, toss them in the air, and enjoy the crispy sound of dry leaves underfoot.
You’ll spend quality time together surrounded by nature, away from screens and daily routines.
88. Go On A Ghost Hunting Expedition
No, I’m not saying to take your kids to graveyards and abandoned houses at night. That would be very negligent and that’s not what this list of cheap fall activities for adults with kids is about.
I’m talking about organizing a spooky activity your kids will love… At home!
You can choose to do it in your attic or your backyard at night, using a flashlight and a ‘ghost detector’ (could be as simple as repurposed toys or homemade gadgets).
To set the scene, tell them a paranormal story or legend to set the stage for the hunt.
Kids will be looking for noises, movements, or any kind of paranormal activity, writing this down in their logs.
When you finish, you can give them a pot full of Halloween treats or a certificate of bravery.
89. Build A Scarecrow
I find scarecrows very cute and building one can be a rewarding and fun fall activity for families.
Don’t overcomplicate it: make it with things that already exist in your house, like old clothes and newspapers for the filling.
Here’s an easy tutorial to make a cute scarecrow with your kids.
90. Have A Family Photoshoot
Get ready to pose and have a blast taking fall family pictures!
No professional camera is required: just use your cellphone’s camera and a tripod if you have one.
You can take these pictures at home or in natural settings.
Some fall photography ideas include throwing leaves, visiting a pumpkin patch, playing at the park, having a picnic, and enjoying fall meals at home.
91. Catch And Release Fireflies
Catching and releasing fireflies remains one of my most cherished family memories.
I remember using mason jars to catch them and see their flashing lights.
Just remind kids to be gentle at all times and to respect the fireflies as living creatures.
92. Make A Potato Sack Race
One of the best cheap fall activities for families is a good old-fashioned potato sack race at home.
Just grab some large sacks—burlap works great—and head to your backyard.
Set up a start and finish line, and let everyone hop into their sacks, holding the edges around their waists.
When someone yells “Go!”, it’s a hopping race to the finish line.
I can assure you that the whole family will be laughing and cheering!
It’s a fantastic way to get everyone moving and enjoying the crisp fall weather together.
93. Fly A Kite
Windy days just call for kite flying with kids.
Head to an open area like a park and help your kids assemble the kite and explain how it works.
Show them how to hold the string and let the wind catch the kite as they run.
Watching their faces light up as the kite soars higher is priceless.
It’s a fun and cheap way to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fall breeze and teaching kids a new skill.
94. Camp In The Family Room
We would make family camps in the living room when I was a kid and, for a person of that age, it’s an adventure.
It’s pretty simple: set up a cozy tent or make a fort using blankets and pillows in the living room and bring in sleeping bags, flashlights, and some favorite stuffed animals.
You can tell stories, play board games, and even have an indoor picnic with easy-to-make snacks.
95. Watch Scoobydoo With Fall Treats
Watching Scooby-Doo with fall treats is a perfect cozy family activity.
Gather everyone in the living room and queue up your favorite Scooby-Doo episodes.
Prepare a selection of fall treats like caramel apples and pumpkin spice popcorn and snuggle up with blankets and pillows.
It’s a delightful way to spend a fall evening, combining the fun of a classic cartoon with delicious seasonal snacks for a memorable family night in.
96. Prepare An Indoor Treasure Hunt Mission
Start by creating a series of clues that lead to different spots around the house.
Each clue should guide your kids to the next location, eventually leading them to a hidden treasure, such as a small toy or a bag of fall treats.
You can write the clues on pieces of paper and hide them in fun places like under cushions, inside books, or behind furniture.
Make it themed with autumn decorations and perhaps even a story about a hidden treasure.
This kind of activity helps kids develop their teamwork skills and keeps them entertained for hours.
97. Play One Word Story
Playing ‘One Word Story’ and other similar games is perfect for rainy days or days when you just want to spend quality time with your family indoors.
Gather everyone around the fireplace and start the game by having one person say a single word, and then go around the circle with each person adding just one word to continue the story.
The story can go in any direction, leading to hilarious and unexpected twists.
Lots of giggles guaranteed.
98. Bake And Decorate Cookies
Classic sugar cookies or pumpkin spice cookies are great recipes to get your kids involved in the kitchen.
Let the kids help mix the dough and use cookie cutters to shape the cookies; autumn-themed cutters such as leaves, pumpkins, or apples are super cute, but you can use whatever cutter you have available.
After baking, set up a decorating station with colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations.
Kids will love to experiment and get creative during the whole process.
99. Play Spot The Difference
You can play this game online or print out game sheets.
To start, find a set of images with minor differences between them—these could be autumn-themed scenes, pumpkin patches, or spooky Halloween illustrations.
Sit together and carefully examine each image, identifying the differences.
It’s a great way to sharpen focus skills and encourage friendly competition.
Here are two free printables to play this game.
100. Visit A Local Farmers’ Market
Farmer’s market stalls brim with colorful fresh produce, homemade treats, and artisanal crafts.
This is a visual feast for kids and you get to buy the goods you need to cook at home.
Many markets also offer live music, cooking demonstrations, and activities for children, so it’s a fun and cheap outing for the whole family.
101. Make Crafts For Kids
If you don’t know what cheap fall activities for adults with kids you can do, resort to CRAFTS.
Adults and kids alike can have a blast doing crafty projects.
Here’s a list of ideas to try out during family time:
- Easy Paper Turkey Craft
- Leaf Lion
- Craft Stick Scarecrow
- Acorn Craft For Kids
- Pinecone Hedgehogs
- Seasons Changing Craft
102. Play Halloween Plastic Cup Ghost Bowling
Setting up this game is so easy: you just need 10 plastic cups, a permanent marker, and a ball.
Draw spooky ghost faces on the cups and set them up in a pyramid shape.
Then use tape or markers to designate a starting line a short distance away from the cups.
Players earn points based on how many cups they knock over.
Here’s the full tutorial and demonstration.
103. Try New Foods
Take advantage of this new season and get your kids to try new food.
It could be cheese and pear, persimmons (sweet af and delicious), pepper with hummus, chocolate squash muffins, and lasagna.
You can even print some tasting logs for them to document their experiences when trying out the new flavors.
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104. Plant Veggies
Planting fall veggies in your backyard is a fantastic way to enjoy the cooler weather and get the kids involved in gardening.
Pick a sunny spot in your garden or use containers if space is limited.
Veggies like carrots, lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes thrive in cooler temperatures, so they are good options to consider.
Have the kids help with digging the soil, planting seeds or seedlings, and watering them gently.
This way, they can see how vegetables grow from seed to plate, without adding chemicals.
105. Try Kids Yoga
Kids Yoga has been gaining popularity in recent years as one of the best cheap fall activities for adults with kids and can be a fun and relaxing activity for your kiddos.
You can practice yoga with them in your backyard or indoors; it’s totally up to you.
Follow along with a kids’ yoga video or guide them through simple poses like downward dog, tree pose, or butterfly pose.
Encourage them to take deep breaths and stretch gently, making it playful with animal-themed poses or storytelling.
This fall kid yoga session features a cute fox doing the poses!
Wrapping Up: Cheap Fall Activities For Adults
So there you have it! This post was all about the best cheap fall activities for adults.
Are there any more activities you would like to add to the list?
Share them in the comments section below!
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