5 Ways to Have Frugal Family Fun During the Fall
Looking for fun fall activities the whole family can enjoy?
To many, autumn is the most beautiful time of year. Cool weather and vibrant,
variegated leaves make the season pleasant for outdoor excursions. With a
cornucopia of natural splendor, fall is rife with fulfilling entertainment
opportunities that don't require much (if any) money. Here are 5 ways to have
frugal family fun this autumn.
Hiking
There is no better time of year to go on a family hike. You
may have to bundle up a bit as the season deepens, but there are few things
more refreshing than a lungful of crisp autumn air. Many communities host
annual fall hiking sprees, which is always a great way to explore your home's
natural treasures while spending quality time with the family. Teach the kids
to identify leaves and send them on a scavenger hunt to find as many different
types and colors as possible. Let them take their best leaf home and preserve
it with a simple water and glycerin solution.
Bonfire
Fall is perfect for bonfires. The weather is just right, and
you don't have to worry about the pesky mosquitoes that plague and ruin so many
summer fires. Have the kids help gather sticks and show them how to build a
proper fire. Bonfires make a great setting for a number of activities. You can
roast marshmallows and hotdogs, read scary stories and play or listen to music.
Leaf pile
The simple pleasures are what make life worth living. Raking
leaves is hard work, but the joy your children get from jumping in the piles
make it well worth the toil of the chore. This is also a good opportunity to
put the kids to work. Have them help out with raking--it will make the end
reward that much more satisfactory. While the kids are frolicking, sit back and
crack open a pumpkin ale or heat up a mug of apple cider.
Make Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are one of autumn's trademark foods. They're
both delicious and cheap. You need only red apples, soft
caramels, milk, peanuts (optional) and skewers. Start by removing the stems
from the apples. In place of the stems, jam the skewers down inside. Melt the
caramel together with a little milk (a pound of caramel and 2 tbsp of milk is
about right). Roll the apples in the caramel and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
Let them sit on a sheet of wax paper until the caramel hardens.
Harvest Festivals
Many communities and churches put on fall festivals that are
often free to attend. See if any such events are taking place in your
neighborhood. You and your family can enjoy hayrides, bonfires, storytelling,
cider, snacks and live music. If you make it an annual event, your kids will
begin looking forward to it every year. There is no better family setting for
frugal fall fun.
Stephen writes for
NerdWallet, a financial literacy site dedicated to helping consumers save money
on both important fiscal decisions and everyday spending. His current project
is tracking the best deals of Black Friday 2012.
