The start of October means that fall is officially here! Fall is my favorite season because of the cooler weather, leaves changing, delicious food and all the fun fall activities. While PSLs and dressing up for Halloween are definitively on the calendar, fall festivities can add up and be expensive! One of the hardest parts of college is balancing not overspending with going out and having fun with your friends. I’ve come up with five fall activities that are fun and don’t cost too much money!
Haunted House
Instead of a haunted hayride or haunted night at a local amusement park, look up local haunted houses. Oftentimes community centers and churches put them on for a small or donation or even for free! You’ll be just as scared or you’ll be in hysterics, laughing at how ridiculous it is. To put a different twist on this you can even sign up to be part of a haunted house and scare people.
Pumpkin Carving
Just because you don’t want to spend a lot of money, doesn’t mean you have to completely pass up on your pumpkin dreams! Instead of hitting up the expensive pumpkin patch, check out your local farmer’s market or grocery store and grab pumpkins at cheaper prices. Then spend time carving at home. Bonus you can roast the seeds for a fall snack.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is a must on any good fall bucket list! It can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. Most farms have good “you pick” prices that cost less than you would pay for the apples in store. Look for local farms that won’t have entry fees and then stock up on those honey crisps to make the trip extra worth it. Apple orchards are a great place for a good old-fashioned Instagram photoshoot for some extra fun.
Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are one of the best treats for fall! Picking up freshly made donuts from a local bakery adds up over time. Instead of buying them, make homemade apple cider donuts, and some pumpkin spice ones too (my favorite are from Sally’s Baking Addiction). Pair with some hot apple cider or spiked cider depending on what mood you’re in. Baking donuts is so easy and your whole apartment will smell like fall. It’s also a great way to spend a chilly day with your girlfriends.
A Fall Hike
When the colors change in autumn it is absolutely gorgeous. As a California girl, I have always been jealous of those east coast fall leaves. No matter where you live though, a crisp fall hike to look at the changing scenery is a perfect weekend adventure. Make it extra special by bringing warm apple cider or hot cocoa in thermoses. You can even pick up acorns and dried leaves along the way to use as fall decor.