7 Things You Can Do This Fall That Won’t Break the Bank

There’s no better way to get your yearly fall fix (and pics) with family and friends than at a pumpkin patch. Whether your goal is to grab a gourd to make fresh pumpkin pie filling and seasoned pumpkin seeds; to host a backyard carving contest; or to bring your kids along for the cow train, petting zoo, and hayrides; an outdoor patch is a great and cheap place to make fun autumn memories.

While the patches themselves may look a little different this year, do a Google search to find out which farms or pop-ups are open near you, and whether they’re following any special guidelines. Oh — and don’t forget to grab a box of cider donuts on your way out!

Pumpkin reigns supreme when people think of fall, but is there anything more autumnal than the smell of fresh apple pie in the oven? This year, you don’t have to venture far to enjoy the crisp weather and stroll through tree-lined groves. Pack a blanket and picnic, bring your camera and head to your local apple orchard to grab bushels of fruit straight off the branches. If you’re over 21, consider treating yourself to a hard cider tasting as well. Not sure what to do with all the apples you’ve picked? Check out this list of 31 things you can make with them, including turnovers, salsas, slow-cooker ciders, butters and more.

Now’s the time to squeeze in any last-minute outdoor exercise before winter rolls around and you’re stuck at home. Whether you live in a city or suburbia, you can get your heart rate up just by stepping out of your house and staying close to home. Dust off the bike from your garage or storage unit and go on scenic rides amidst the changing autumn leaves; go on walks and hikes by yourself or with friends; put on rollerblades and get in your morning skate; do yoga in your backyard or on the beach. You can even join in on a virtual turkey trot from wherever you are to support a great cause.

Friday nights in autumn are perfect for staying in. Put on your PJs, throw some popcorn kernels on the stove, steep some tea (or make a hot toddy) and cozy up on your couch for a fall movie marathon. You can make the evening merry by having a few friends over or tuning into a virtual hangout so your friends can watch and react to the movies alongside you from wherever they are. Whether you’re in the mood for a back-to-school blast from the past like “Matilda,” want to get ready for football season with “The Blind Side” or get spooky with “Ghostbusters,” you have plenty of options and streaming platforms to choose from. If you want to get out of the house for a safe movie night, check out the area for drive-ins, bring snacks and plenty of blankets, and enjoy a flick from the comfort of your own car.

Switch things up this year and turn your potluck tradition into a dinner pick-up from your favorite nearby restaurants. Whether you’re inviting your friends over for a socially distant gathering in your backyard or having a picnic at the park, ask your friends or guests to bring their own meals or grab family-style options to share with everybody else. You can set a cuisine as the theme — Chinese, Mediterranean or Mexican, for instance — or a type of food (like pizza or burgers) and have people sign up to bring certain dishes via text or a spreadsheet. It’s a great way to support local businesses, try new foods and get to take an evening from cooking (and doing the dishes!). If you still want to bring a sweet treat for everyone to share, consider portioning them out into individual bags or wrapping them in wax paper or plastic wrap to hand to guests individually.

Put your DIY skills to use by getting crafty — without leaving your house. Best of all, these activities are perfect for adults and family-friendly. Our favorites? Turn your standard orange squash into a pressed flower pumpkin with Modge Podge and pressed leaves that can last all year long, make your own fall-scented candles, and craft your own homemade pumpkin spice soap to keep your shower smelling like autumn all season long. At the end of the month, you can store most of these decorations away to reuse the following year.

When fall turns into winter, you’ll need to find space in your home for all your summer and fall clothes, as well as items like your bike, patio furniture and fall decorations. Instead of cluttering your valuable space, you can make room in your home by storing all your unneeded items with SmartStop Self-Storage. We have affordable storage options around the U.S. and Canada to meet your storage needs, without fine print or strings attached. Visit our blog to learn more about tiny house ideas and the smarter way to store your household items!