Fall Fun On A Budget! [5 family fun fall activities]
Let me just start off by saying to all my fellow Canadians, HAPPY THANKSGIVING. This past weekend, my family and I celebrated Thanksgiving the way we typically do, we headed south to the United States. Ironic, right? Canadian Thanksgiving, so we leave Canada and head to the States? This has been a tradition new to me ever since I started dating my husband. His family owns a house in Ellocittville, NY. The time spent here is always exciting, adventurous and, to be honest a bit chaotic. But that's family, right! While down south, the family made our annual trip to Pumpkinville in Great Valley, NY. One of the things I love most about this event, is that it's FREE! Our 12 month old daughter, Addison was able to explore, engage with other children and be amused by talking puppet chickens who put on a comedy show.
Another activity that was fun and free was going up the Holimont Ski hill to enjoy live music. Depending on the age of your children, this may not peak your interest; however, our daughter is 12 months old and still was engaged and joyful.
Fall is my favorite time of the year, but let's be honest it can get expensive really fast. Here are a few of my own tips and tricks to enjoying the fall season, not feeling left out; yet, not breaking the bank either.
1. Go to a pumpkin patch (with free admission)
Pumpkin patches are fun for the whole family, no matter what your age. Many are engaging with games and rides, as well as having animals to see/feed and fresh fruit/vegetable tables to purchase from if you are interested.
2. Go watch live music in your community
This can range in interest depending on the age of your child/children. This is way to get outside, enjoy the fall weather and also support your local musicians/bands. A good tip for this is to also bring snacks with you so you aren't tempted to go and purchase food/drinks.
3. Go to your local Farmers Market Farmers markets SCREAM fall vibes to me. This paints a picture in my mind for me of warmth and comfort foods. Farmers markets in the fall tend to have baked goods, coffee and fun for the family to enjoy. This is also a great way for your little ones to explore different colors, foods and taste some yummy treats. Look up a local farmers market in your area! This is a great, affordable fun activity for your whole family to enjoy!
4. Family walks
My family and I love taking walks on Main Streets in little towns. Living in Canada, we have plenty of small towns with beautiful main streets. The great thing about this is that most of the time these towns invest time and money into decorating the streets to look beautiful for fall. My husband and I packed up our daughter in the car a few weeks ago and went to different different towns and walked their main streets, enjoying the scenery and little shops. We like to find small coffee shops that we can enjoy pastries and coffee at in these towns. Main street Stouffville has the cutest little coffee house called "Main Street Bake House". The best feature about this little shop is their variety of gluten free and allergen free treats! (This gluten free mama was happy!!)
5. Have a picnic
Most of the time the fall season has much cooler temperatures than we have be en experiencing. Take advantage of the beautiful weather! Pack a lunch for your family, grab a cute plaid fall blanket and head over to a park nearby.
