People often talk about spring fever, but what about fall fever?

Autumn has a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy—but they can be costly. Instead of going shopping for expensive decor or purchasing pricey tickets to haunted attractions, try these fun budget-friendly alternatives.

Food

The first thing most people think of when it comes to fall is the flavors. Pumpkin and apple are unmatched in their popularity, so here’s what you can do with these seasonal staples on a budget.

Go pumpkin and apple picking

Visit a local orchard or farm that has apples and pumpkins for picking. This is a great activity for both children and adults. Most places charge a flat fee for all the apples you can fit in a bag or by weight of the pumpkin you pick. So be sure to choose reasonably sized pumpkins to avoid overspending.

Make pies

Whether you just picked your apples and pumpkins yourself or purchased them from a store, make time for afternoon or evening pie-making. Gather with your loved ones and work together to slice, roll, spice, and bake. If you’re looking for a healthy pie alternative, check out this delicious vegan pumpkin pie trifle.

Brew apple cider

If you’re a fan of apple cider, why not make your own? Use fresh apples (which you may have extra of after apple-picking) and find a recipe you can make easily at home. You can reduce the amount of sugar and spices to your taste, which can eliminate excess calories found in store-bought ciders. You’ll have delicious apple cider you can enjoy for up to two weeks!

Nature

Colorful leaves and cool temperatures open a host of fun activities you and your loved ones can do for free or at a low cost. Here are a few suggestions to help you get some much-needed fresh air.

Hike and picnic

Walk on a local trail or through a state park with friends and family. When you reach a good spot, have a fall picnic with your favorite foods and drinks. Be sure to stay hydrated—even if it’s not as warm, you still need plenty of fluids while hiking.

Camp

Most state parks have inexpensive nightly camping rates, so grab your tent and sleeping bag for a weekend getaway in nature. You can make s’mores over a bonfire and tell your favorite spooky stories.

Drive around and leaf peep

Drive through back roads and past any favorite fields to observe the changing leaves. A drive with the windows down while looking at the beautiful fall colors can be refreshing and help you destress. Bring a friend along or go solo, and make a playlist for the occasion!

Spooky season

While celebrating Halloween isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, you can adapt the holiday! From films to fun costumes, there’s something everyone can enjoy without paying scary prices.

Thrift for costumes

Head to a local thrift store to gather the makings for a Halloween costume. Get your friends in on the fun, and turn this activity into a competition of who can make the best thrifted costume. Set a theme or price limit to make it more challenging.

Host a murder mystery dinner

Write your own murder mystery dinner, and invite your loved ones over. Ask everyone to bring a dish for a potluck-style buffet of seasonal foods, which will eliminate the cost of buying takeout or catering.

Watch a monstrous movie marathon

There are many Halloween movies you can stream that are suitable for people of all ages. Host your own Halloween movie marathon—complete with candy, of course. Here is a list of Halloween movies available on various streaming services.

By trying these activities, you can get in the spirit of the season without overspending. Happy fall!