Entertaining your family can get incredibly expensive. Dinner out, a movie, and ice cream afterward could easily end up costing much more than your monthly electric bill, even with coupons and penny pinching. What’s that you say? You want to provide memorable experiences but you don’t want to live like Ma and Pa Ingalls? Here are some great fall family fun night ideas to have a great time without breaking the bank.
Game On. I bet you have a whole closet full of games just waiting to be played. Whether you take the traditional board game route or choose to set up a tournament on your favorite gaming platform, spend some time playing together. If you have a few dollars budgeted for entertainment this month, go to the store and buy a new game to play together. You’ll spend less than you would out on the town and have a way to play for hours in the future, too.
S’more Time. There’s nothing like a cool evening, a campfire, and an ooey gooey s’more. Share your favorite highlights of the week together, tell stories, or play I Spy while you munch on marshmallows. A simple snack can be a conversation starter but if you’re challenged for ideas of what to talk about, check out these ideas on Pinterest.
Apple Orchards & Corn Mazes. A delicious apple on a crisp fall day is one of the fall’s best delights. Many apple orchards also offer great family activities for free. From playgrounds to petting zoos, from crafts to music, there’s much to be done and seen. One key piece of advice is to check your destination’s website to see how much additional activities cost. Do your research before you ever leave the driveway so that you can properly set expectations for what you will and won’t be doing. Bring cash to spend (you could even divvy it up between family members) and when it’s gone, the paid fun is done. It’s a must for our family to visit designations like Kelsay Farms, the Apple Works, and Conner Prairie each fall.
Get your hike on. You can glimpse the beautiful colors of fall up close and personal when you literally hit the trail. State parks are filled with natural spaces to stretch your legs and see beauty. The entrance cost is minimal and there are often special activities free of cost. On September 21st, you’ll want to check out the DNR’s Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience at Benjamin Harrison State Park. Your family can learn about everything from archery to cave exploration to kayaking and more. Or head to the nature center at your favorite park to learn about the history of our state and its wildlife.
Fall is the perfect time of the year to draw your family closer together. And you can do it with the simplest of pleasures. Spend time and not money on those you love!
What do you do during the fall to enjoy time with your family without overspending?
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[…] this week’s Queen on 13 segment where I shared how you can best save on Frugal Fall Family Fun? Focus on spending time instead of money on those you love so much! Check out the above video for a […]