5 Awesome Fall Activities That Won't Break the Bank

Now that fall is officially here, you may be eager to enjoy the season to the fullest. But if you're short on funds, you may be wondering how to pull that off.

If you're in that boat, you're not alone. Many people have had to dip into their savings accounts over the past couple of years as inflation has persisted. And recent research from The Ascent found that parents were planning to spend an average of $895 on back-to-school shopping this year. So if you recently racked up a credit card tab in that vicinity to buy the clothing, sports equipment, and supplies your kids needed to start the school year on the right foot, you may now be limited in what you can spend.

But that doesn't mean you can't have a blast this fall. Here are some lost-cost activities you and your family can enjoy.

1. Go apple picking

Some apple orchards charge a modest (or not so modest) entry fee. But if you can find one that only charges for what you pick, then apple picking can be a pretty affordable experience. Just tell yourself you'll only get a couple of apples from each available variety, and you might spend a fun afternoon romping around an orchard for under $20.

Plus, you get to eat your haul -- so that could mean spending a little less on fruit at the supermarket.

2. Take a hike

It's common for state parks to charge an entrance fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day in some parts of the country. Since we're past that point, chances are, entrance to a state park in your neck of the woods will be free.

That means you can spend a day on the trails without forking over a dime (other than perhaps the cost of gas, but if you choose a park that's close by, that cost should be minimal).

3. Host a potluck football party

Love watching football? If you have like-minded friends, you may be eager to host gatherings. But supplying pizza or another meal for a crowd can get expensive.

The solution? Make it a potluck event. Have everyone bring a beverage, appetizer, or main dish and enjoy cheering on your favorite team (or rooting against your least favorite) together.

4. Have a chili cook-off

Fall -- especially the second half -- is unquestionably chili weather in much of the country. Another fun event you can look to host is a chili cook-off. Have a bunch of friends whip up pots of their signature recipes and spend an evening tasting each other's creations.

And if you need a cheap side dish to serve with all of that chili, you can get a mega-sized chile cornbread from Costco for just $6.99.

5. Have a s'mores night around the fire pit

Who says s'mores are only a summertime thing? You might enjoy those gooey concoctions even more when you're sitting around a fire snuggled up in a fleece. It's a fun way to enjoy some outdoor time with your kids -- and get them away from their various electronic devices for a bit. Invite the neighbors if you want to make it feel like even more of a party.

If you're on a budget this fall, you may not be able to swing a day at the pumpkin patch (since some of these places charge $25 or more for admission per person) or a regular stop at Starbucks for a morning Pumpkin Spice Latte (at roughly $6 a pop, those drinks can really add up). But you can still make the most of the season by sticking to the activities above.