Fall Activities for Families: 10 Ideas for Every Budget

It’s officially the start of the ‘ber months – AKA one of my favorite parts of the year! Obviously, I love a good fall DIY project. Beyond that, I love the coziness and nostalgia that accompany September through December. But this time of year can also get expensive fast, between back-to-school costs and Christmas around the corner. With that in mind, this list covers fall activities for families across a range of budgets. Because no matter what you’re working with, there are plenty of ways to make the season special!

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Free Fall Activities for Families

Fall Color Drive

An afternoon spent driving around and soaking in all the fall color is a staple for a reason! Even better if the kids who usually resist naps happen to fall asleep in the car. 😂 If you want to come prepared, bring this anti-nausea bracelet and these motion sickness relief tablets along for the drive, just in case carsickness makes an appearance.

Fall Activities for Families: Nature Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of fall-themed things to find on a walk (think acorns, pine cones, red leaves, etc.) and let the kids lead! This activity is even more fun if you head somewhere you haven’t been before, like a park that’s just slightly out of the way.

Fall Hike and a Picnic

We have no shortage of hiking trails here in Utah, but even if you’re not near the mountains, this one still works. A local nature preserve, state park, or a tree-lined walking path is extra beautiful when the leaves are changing. Pack a blanket and some fall-themed food, like:

• Apple cider
• Tomato soup and grilled cheese
• Chili
• Cornbread muffins
• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Apple slices with caramel dip
• Trail mix with dried cranberries, pecans, and chocolate
• Pumpkin bread

Fall Picnic Supplies

Affordable Fall Activities for Families

Corn Maze

You didn’t think you’d make it through this list without mention of a corn maze, did you? They’re a great way to tire out the kids and get in the fall spirit.

Fall Activities for Families: Backyard Bonfire Night

Bonfires and autumn go hand-in-hand! Gather up your s’mores supplies and roast them over a backyard fire pit for the ultimate cozy night.

Affordable Backyard Fire Pits

Farmers Market Morning

Wandering around a farmers market, sampling fall treats and buying fresh produce, is a great way to spend a weekend morning and support local businesses! Kids will love the novelty of visiting the market, especially when they’re used to trips to the grocery store.

Fall Baking Day

Is there anything better than your house smelling like a fall dessert? It just doesn’t get cozier! Kids will have a blast helping you bake a few fall treats. And yes, it might make the process take longer, and it will definitely be messier than if you just did it yourself, but we’re creating fall memories here, people!

A few ideas for your fall baking day:

• Cake mix cinnamon rolls
• Sourdough
• Chocolate chip pumpkin bread
• Snickerdoodle cookies
• Chocolate-dipped pretzels with fall sprinkles (this one is great to let kids do semi-independently!)

Fall Activities for Families: Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Another fall staple! Let your kiddos pick out the pumpkin of their dreams, then head home to paint or carve them.

Pumpkin Decorating Supplies for Kids

Splurge-Worthy Fall Activities for Families

Apple Picking at a Local Orchard

This one could lean toward a more affordable activity depending on where you go and how many apples you pick. It would be a fun one to pair with your fall baking day – apple pie, anyone?

Fall Activities for Families: Weekend Cabin Trip

A weekend getaway, even if it’s fairly close to home, feels novel for kids and is a great way to spend time as a family. And if you’re an outdoorsy bunch, you could save on this one by going on a weekend camping trip instead.

Utah Fall Activities for Families

For my fellow Utahns, I put together a list of some of my favorite local activities for autumn! They range in price and time commitment, but they’re all a blast.

Burgess Orchards

This place is famous for its produce, with a focus on peaches in the summer and apples in autumn. It’s an affordable option for apple picking, and they also have seasonal produce and yummy fall treats. Think apple cider slush, donuts, and sundaes!

Thanksgiving Point

It seems like there’s always something going on at Thanksgiving Point, and fall is no exception. The Scarecrow Festival is so much fun to walk through and admire the pumpkins, seasonal displays, and of course, scarecrows!

Homestead Crater/Midway Staycation

Because this crater has warm water year-round, it’s a perfect swimming spot for fall. And kids will be obsessed with how cool it is. Since it’s in Midway, why not make a staycation out of it? There are so many cute restaurants and shops nearby – it’s like being in a Hallmark town!

Gardner Village

The Witchfest is a staple, and visiting is free. Wander around the village and let kids do the scavenger hunt – they’ll have a blast! Once you’re done, end the visit with a stop at the Chocolate Covered Wagon for some treats.

Cross-E Ranch

There’s so much to do here, like strolling through the corn maze, interacting with animals, visiting the pumpkin patch, and watching pig racing (yes, you read that right 😂).

Kinlands Pumpkin Patch

This is such a cute, quaint pumpkin patch that we love to visit! They also have an adorable farm shop.

Highland Gardens Fall Festival

I can’t believe this one is free, but it is. There are lots of activities, like giant slides, a corn kernel pit, a tire swing, a bounce house, tractor rides – pretty much a kid’s dream!

I hope this gave you lots of ideas for family time this fall! Remember, it’s not about how much you spend – it’s just about being together. ❤️