Make the most of autumn this year with fun, budget-friendly family activities like nature walks, picnics, pumpkin patches, scavenger hunts, and other easy ideas that won’t break the bank.

When the crisp fall air rolls in, the leaves start to change colour, and the back-to-school frenzy is behind you, it’s the perfect time to slow down and experience the season with your family. While some autumn activities and adventures can get pricey—think large-scale fall festivals and haunted houses—there are plenty of ways to make the most of it without spending too much. To find budget-friendly activities that families can enjoy together, you don’t have to look far or hard.

One of the most rewarding fall activities is also completely free: going on a nature walk. Many parks and trails become breathtaking with the vibrant colours of the changing leaves. And the best part is you don’t need a fancy destination. Just pick a local trail or even a quiet neighbourhood street lined with mature trees. It’s fresh air, entertainment, and exercise all rolled into one. To kick things up a notch, why not pair your family walk with a fall picnic so you can linger and peep the leaves a little longer? Pack a thermos of hot cocoa, some sandwiches, and a blanket, and settle in under a canopy of fall foliage. It’s a low-cost way to turn an ordinary meal into a fall memory kids are sure to cherish.

Visiting a local pumpkin patch is another fall staple that doesn’t have to break the bank. Tickets are generally reasonable, with discounts for kids, families, and groups. Plus, farms often offer small petting zoos, fun fall-themed photo ops, fire pits, and warm drinks, making it an easy way to spend an afternoon. You can let the kids choose their own pumpkins, which will later double as a second fall activity as you carve and decorate them for your front porch.

If you’re looking for something else to do indoors, fall is also prime baking season. Get the kids involved in making pumpkin muffins, apple crisp, or even simple sugar cookies cut into leaf and pumpkin shapes. It’s a great way to teach basic kitchen skills while filling the house with delicious aromas.

For an indoor activity that will still get you out of the house, look no further than the library. Libraries become cozy havens in the fall, offering free story times, craft events, or movie screenings geared toward families. Even without special programming, taking a family trip to the library to pick out fall-themed books is a budget-friendly way to spend time together.

When everyone is ready to head back outdoors, another activity that blends fun and affordability is creating a fall scavenger hunt. Make a list of items, like a red leaf, a smooth rock, a bird feather, or even a squirrel sighting, and then head outside as a family to see who can check off the most items.

Finally, don’t forget the simplest joy of fall: playing in the leaves. Raking might be a chore, but it turns into a lot more fun when kids get to dive into a big pile at the end.

At the end of the day, fall doesn’t have to be expensive to be special. With a little creativity and willingness to explore the outdoors, your family can make the most of crisp afternoons and cozy evenings without overstretching the budget.