As the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to change color, you might feel tempted to just snuggle up on the couch with a movie and a blanket. But if you’re like us, you might be extra excited to usher in the new season. There is plenty to do in 2021 before winter arrives, so here are 10 cheap or free fun things you can do (indoors and outdoors) to get the most out of the fall season! 

1. Visit a local farm

Take full advantage of the harvest season by going apple picking at a local farm. All you need to do is find a farm in your area — bonus points if they have a corn maze or tractor ride! And while you’re there, don’t miss out on a photo-op in the pumpkin patch to get into the Halloween spirit. 

Why not turn those apples into a yummy apple pie? Here’s a recipe that we love and is super simple to make!

2. Enjoy a fall hike

Before all the leaves fall, take advantage of the colorful views by going on a relaxing nature walk. Search online for some local trails in your area or ask a nature-loving friend for their recommendations. This is one you can do on your own to gather your thoughts or turn into a family activity for an exciting afternoon. Don’t know where to start? Check out the AllTrails app that is your guide to the great outdoors!

3. Visit a local farmer’s market

If you don’t live near a farm but are still interested in enjoying the autumn harvest, be sure to check out a local farmer’s market. All you need to do is find a farmer’s or community market nearby. Bonus points if you can find some seasonal baked treats to take home!

4. Explore a museum

From educational to artsy, ice cream to shoes — there’s a museum for everything! The best part about museums is that they’re usually very affordable and many have recently started hosting their exhibits online for free. Simply search up a few museums in your area to start mapping out a day of family fun.

5. Host a fall picnic

The cooling weather means that there are fewer bugs to interrupt your picnic, so bring your best plaid blanket and pack your basket for a bountiful harvest picnic. Enjoy a small afternoon picnic with your family or bring some extra friends along to make it a picnic event. 

Want to host a restaurant-themed picnic on a budget? We’ve got you covered.

6. Do some crafting

If the weather is keeping you from going outside, try making some fall-themed crafts with the kids. With the internet at your fingertips, there’s no limit to what you can make. But if you’re on a budget, the recipe for a Flipp DIY always includes affordable ingredients and a fun time for all. 

Find out how you can create a beautiful Fall Candle Centerpiece or get a headstart on your DIY Halloween Costume on our blog and be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay tuned for more fun fall-inspired DIYs!

7. Make some cozy fall drinks

For many of us around the world, the new season brings in new flavors, but mainly pumpkin spice. If you love to curl up with a good show and a warm drink, try out our Fall Drink Recipes that are quick and easy to whip up at home. From tea-lovers to cider fans, there’s a recipe in there for everyone, so be sure to check it out!

8. Indulge in some autumnal baking

If you have children in your life, ask those little helpers if they’d like to join in on some fall-themed baking. Your kids will love to help out in the kitchen and for once, they can get their hands in the food before it’s finished. Check out our blog on how to make these scrumptious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

9. Carve a pumpkin 

With fall comes the harvest season and with the harvest season comes pumpkins! Flex your creative muscles with this activity and carve a pumpkin that you handpicked at a farm or your local grocery store. If you’ve never carved one before or need a refresher, we’ve got a great article on Pumpkin Carving for Beginners.

10. Take a fun class

If one of your goals has been to get more fit, why not bring everyone in on it? A little more exercise never hurt anybody, so call up some friends and family to sign up for a yoga class or take a virtual pilates lesson together. And if working out isn’t your thing, you can always take a cooking class or a knitting class — the sky’s the limit.