The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Fun Fall Idea Guide

Fall is my favorite time of year. It isn’t because of pumpkin spiced lattes; in case you were wondering. I love Fall because I’m a weakling and can’t handle the swampy summer heat in the DC metro area. Fall is that magical time of year when the weather cools off, the leaves change into beautiful colors, and all the mosquitos go to hell. Seriously, I love this time of year because all the horrible bugs die, and I can enjoy being outside again without pounds of deet coating my skin.

October is when I officially recognize Fall has begun; it’s cold enough in the evenings to wear boots and all the fun seasonal activities begin. Previously, I’ve posted some general ideas that are budget-friendly fun ideas to do from home here, but for a fun fall theme, read on to see my ultimate fun Fall, budget-friendly ideas:

October

1. Visit a farm. Sure, it’s a “basic” activity but for a reason. Farms have pumpkin patches and apple orchards where you can pick your own stuff. It’s fun and makes for adorable photo ops. Additionally, those with kids typically find fun activities at a farm such as a petting zoo, corn maze, hayrides, and more. The one in the DC metro area that I like is Butler Farms. It has something for all ages.
2. Walk through a haunted forest. For my single pringles, a haunted forest is a fantastic 2nd or 3rd date spot, even if you hate scary things. The fear factor helps build intimacy naturally because you are both screaming your heads off, holding hands and running for dear life. On the plus side, if your date runs away without you then you know they would be terrible in an emergency so you can dump them. The local one I like is Markhoff’s Haunted Forest in Poolesville, MD.
3. Watch all the Harry Potter Movies in one month. Some people like watching the movies around Christmas time, and while I understand why, J and I prefer watching them all in October. The reason being that the movies get progressively darker and by the end it’s spooky enough to be on brand for Halloween. The complete set is available on blu ray for less than $50 through Amazon, found here.
4. Attend a Halloween party or pass out candy. Speaking of Halloween, dressing up in costume to attend a party or pass out candy is the peak October activity. I’m at the point in my life where I love passing out candy and seeing all the adorable costumes. This is what motherhood is doing to me.
5. Go to a football game. October is the better month to go to a football game – NFL, college, or high school. Though NFL games continue until February, it gets pretty miserable if you wait until the later months. I’ll never forget the Vikings Ravens game I attended with J at M&T Stadium many years ago where it snowed A LOT. It made for an exciting game, but we were freezing. This can be a budget friendly option if you opt to support a local high school team. Tickets are typically $10 or less.

November

1. Throw a chili cookoff. Cold weather and chili go together like peas and carrots. What better way to enjoy some classic comfort food than to gather some friends together and have a friendly chili cookoff competition. You can even double it with a Sunday football game to pair the food with a passive activity.
2. Hallmark movie drinking game. This is a favorite activity with J’s family. Every year before Thanksgiving, we get together with his family, make festive drinks and turn on a truly terrible Hallmark Christmas movie. The only rule we abide by is to drink anytime someone says “Christmas.” It’s a surprisingly aggressive rule.
3. Smores around a firepit. This classic activity is always a crowd pleaser, and it is so simple. I recommend mixing up what you use for chocolate. Make it a Reese’s Peanut Butter cup or just use dark chocolate for some variety.
4. Go to a hockey game. Now that it’s officially cold weather, hockey games are so fun to attend, and you’ll be inside. Whether it is a professional game or a peewee game, it’s a fun way to spend a couple hours.

These are my favorite things to do during the Fall months. I hope you enjoy them! What are some of your Fall traditions you enjoy?

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