20 super fun fall activities that won't drain your bank account

If you live in an area with apple orchards, picking your own is a great way to spend a fall afternoon — and end up with some tasty apples at the end of the day. Most orchards charge by the basket for the apples, and some may ask for a small admission fee for visitors. 

Score a couple of pumpkins at the grocery store, and have a head-to-head Halloween decorating contest at home. Pair off into family-on-family teams, make sure there are adults around to help with the cutting, and award a prize at the end of the night to the winner. Candy, perhaps? 

Pumpkin patches pop up all over during October, and it's a perfect choice for date night. As you stroll through the patch taking Instagram photos, you can also find the best pumpkin to carve at home later. 

If you've got an outdoor space, there's no better way to ring in the arrival of fall than a backyard campfire even if you're just using your gas-fired grill, head outside to toast marshmallows and make gooey s'mores in the backyard before watching a scary movie or two for the perfect fall night. 

Who doesn't love a spooky movie night? Round up some of your favorite films, from the classics to new favorites, and serve spooky snacks and drinks tinted with blood-red food coloring to really drive the theme home. 

When the leaves start to change, it really feels like fall has arrived. Spend a Saturday taking a scenic drive in your area, or consider a short road trip to a nearby region that boasts stunning fall foliage. Pack a picnic, and you'll have a great day date that won't break the bank. 

Caramel apples are an iconic Halloween treat, and they're easy to make at home. You'll only need two ingredients -- melted caramel candies and your favorite apples -- to make your own, plus any toppings that you love. Chocolate chips, crushed cookies, and candies like M&Ms are always great options. 

As the temperatures cool off, the conditions for stargazing improve. If you live in a major city, drive an hour or two outside of the city limits to see truly spectacular skies while you bundle up in a blanket and sip hot cocoa. Pro-tip: use a free mobile app like Night Sky to help you identify what you see in the sky. 

Even if you don't love football, there's no denying the camaraderie of the season. Round up your favorite snacks, like chicken wings and queso dip, and invite a few friends over to watch the game. 

Even though the temperatures are getting cooler, you can still brighten up your yard with plants that can withstand the season. Flowers like dahlias and hostas can lend vibrant hues to your outdoor space, or consider growing your own fall produce like carrots and kale. 

Hayrides are popular during the fall months, especially at venues like pumpkin patches. They also tend to be free or cheap and offer a great opportunity to get cozy and sip hot cocoa while enjoying the cool nights. 

Now that the heat of summer has subsided, autumn offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Pack your tents and head to a nearby state or national park, or keep it simple with a backyard campout complete with s'mores and stargazing. 

Fall weather is great, but the food is even better. A themed potluck is an excellent way to greet the season and offers a budget-friendly way to hang out with your friends and try a whole lot of new dishes. Pick a theme, like pumpkin dishes or a fall-inspired charcuterie party, and browse sites like Pinterest for recipes that will wow your guests. 

Public libraries offer a wealth of media during spooky season, and that doesn't just mean books! Scope out DVDs and audiobooks for your daily commute while grabbing classic Halloween tales like Bram Stoker's "Dracula" to round out your fall reading list. 

Fall is festival season, and it's likely that your town will have a slew of cool events in the coming months. Check your local paper or sites like Nextdoor for harvest festivals, farmers' markets, and other fall-themed activities that won't break the bank. 

Instead of spending cash on new fall decor, head outside! Consider filling a chic container with acorns, making a wreath from fall leaves, or arranging pumpkins and gourds to add a budget-friendly touch of fall to your home's decor. 

Fall is an abundant time for produce like leafy greens, beets, and hard squashes, and the best place to find the freshest eats is at the farmers' market. You can also score fun decor, pumpkins to carve, and of course, plenty of snacks for your scary movie nights. 

The leaves are changing, and that means that it's a great time to get outside and see this change up close. Look for marked nature trails in your area, and consider enlisting the help of a park ranger or nature guide that can help you find the best sights, identify native plants, and maybe even spot some wildlife. 

Some people go all-out with their Halloween decorations, and driving around to check out the best displays is a fun way to spend an evening. Fill a Thermos with hot cocoa or cider, make a playlist of spooky tunes, and spend a few hours checking out the best decorations in your neighborhood. 

When October 31 finally rolls around, there's no better way to celebrate than with a fun, low-key party. Put on your best costumes, invite over a few friends, and serve themed snacks while watching a scary movie marathon or breaking out the Ouija board.