The air is buzzing and our senses are totally ready for it-Fall is nearly here, and it is time to enjoy beautiful autumn scenery once again. Before long, there will be fires crackling, cider poured, and cozy scarves welcoming the season of change. While it seems like families are out and about each weekend choosing pumpkins, going on hay rides, and enjoying festivals, many families have budgetary goals that they would like to maintain.
Let’s face it, there are only so many pumpkins and hay rides one can stand before it gets old. Racking your mind for interesting and fun things to do with the family is exhausting. But, sticking within your budget does not have to limit your enjoyment of autumn scenery and activities! Here are 3 unique ways to enjoy the beauty of autumn scenery, while staying on budget for your family’s goals, and perhaps, not even spending a dime.
Find Autumn Scenery With Apps: Go For A Drive
This may seem like a simple idea, but hear us out: There are so many apps available, many for free, on mobile devices that can guide families to the best local spots to enjoy scenery and take beautiful photos. These apps are great, not only because they are backed with plenty of funding, but also because some allow the public to comment or geo-tag them, giving personal opinions by people who have visited, and even the exact location of the best spots!
Other apps, intended for finding nature trails or hiking, are also an awesome way to get your family out to enjoy the season. Most hiking trails are rated, so if your family has small children, you will not have to worry about choosing a trail that may be too difficult. Bring along a packed lunch or some snacks, or bring some hot cocoa in a thermos and your favorite spooky story to make this trip an extra-memorable one.
Read More: 7 Health Boosting Fall Activities
Go On An Autumn Leaf-Walk
If you don’t have an afternoon to take a drive using an app or geo-location to find the perfect spot, then a leisurely stroll in your local park can definitely get you in the spirit-especially if you collect leaves along the way, and here is why.
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Collecting leaves with your children not only opens their eyes to the beauty of creation which unfolds each year through Autumn, but it is also a great learning tool that can teach your children about their local environment, and the plants that breathe the same air, and inhabit the same piece of earth that they do. Some local libraries may offer books about leaves, but if you want to know which leaves belong to which trees in a snap, the knowledge may be right in your pocket. There are many apps that can identify foliage, and they are improving every day. Not only will you have a new collection of fall foliage to decorate your home, but you’ll have knowledge about the plant life in your own backyard.
Eat Outside – But Don’t Go Shopping
Getting creative in the kitchen is an exciting way for families to enjoy each other’s company while spending valuable time together. Take that special time up a notch, and give yourselves limited ingredients! Have you ever opened the refrigerator to only see baking soda and a can of tuna? Okay, maybe it wasn’t that extreme, but you understand the creativity that has to come into play when options are limited, and tummies are hungry.
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If you have been standing in front of the refrigerator sighing over what to make for dinner, then fear not. There’s an app for that! Dozens of apps are able to take your ingredients, and create a recipe for you to follow in order to create a delicious meal. It’s almost like a game, and your entire family is invited to play.
By bringing the finished creations outside, your family can enjoy the crisp air and beautiful autumn scenery as an added bonus to the exciting game they just played in the kitchen.
When making plans to enjoy autumn scenery this year, especially for a family on a budget, options are not limited to free festivals at local churches or through your town’s parks and recreation department. Simply being outside in nature with the ones you love will certainly suffice, but technology has its uses, too, and there are so many options out there ready to help us get creative use them to enjoy this beautiful season.
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