Inexpensive Fall Fun

GUEST BLOGGER: Elizabeth Vance

Earlier in the summer I wrote up a post about free/cheap summertime activities. Now that fall is upon us, and it’s my absolute favorite time of year, I thought a follow up post for autumn would be fun! Here’s the problem, though. Every typical fall activity costs money: corn mazes, hayrides, football games, haunted houses, etc. So, here are a list of free or cheap fall activities you could try.

---

First and foremost, fall colors. One of my favorite things about fall is, in my opinion, that Mother Nature is at her finest this time of year! Take a drive, go on a hike, be outside. It’s cooling down and changing colors, which means ideal outdoor time. We’ve had lots of fun in the past when we’ve made tin foil dinners at home, wrapped them in towels, and went up the canyon to a picnic area where we enjoyed warm food, crisp and clean air, and the beautiful fall colors! If you’re not sure where you can see pretty colors, check out this article by the Salt Lake Tribune that lists beautiful fall drives across the state!

Another great thing about fall is all the super fun at home activities you can do. I know you all quickly think of carving pumpkins and dipping apples in caramel but there are ways to make these activities different and more exciting. For example, check out this page on Better Homes and Gardens’ website about alternative ways to decorate a pumpkin. Also, if apples and caramel aren’t anything exciting to you, try making your own caramel dipping sauce. My husband and I tried it and I could not get enough. Just start by getting your hands on some of those square, individually wrapped caramels and throwing them in a pan on the stove. Add a little milk as it melts until it’s the consistency you’re hoping for and that’s it! It is so much yummier than other caramel sauces I’ve had before. Just don’t make too much or you’ll be gaining your holiday pounds a little early this year!

And lastly, try checking out your local homecoming parades and farmers markets. This time of year a lot of high schools and universities do homecoming parades. Go support your local school and enjoy a parade in much better weather than the summertime parades. Also, farmers markets just seem cuter to me this time of year. Pumpkins and apples and corn stalks! So fun! My husband still talks about the apple cider we bought at a farmers market a couple of years ago in October. Best apple cider ever! It’s fun to support local people and enjoy the fall time items! Check out your local farmers market before it closes down for the season!

I hope fall makes you as happy as it makes me! Take some time to enjoy the wonderful fall time fun! But just remember, to have fun in the fall you don’t have to spend tons of money so everyone in your family can go to the typical fall activities I mentioned in the first paragraph. You can appreciate all fall has to offer with little or no costs! Let me know how you celebrate the autumn season inexpensively! I’m always looking for more ways to savor my favorite season!

Have fun this fall!
Liz