Free and Cheap Ways to Have Fun This Autumn

With the heat of summer behind us, some folks can get bogged down by work and school, forgetting that October through December are some of the best, most beautiful months for enjoying yourself with loved ones. Outdoor events are in high gear, with lots of seasonal harvest (and Halloween) themes to go around. Better yet, there are countless fun ways to celebrate the season without having to spend a ton of dough!

Need a little inspiration to get out the door to soak up your surroundings? We get it. These are our top favorites:

Plan an Autumn Foliage Outing with Friends & Family

Perhaps the cheapest way to enjoy the fall season is by making an effort to get out in nature and view the changing colors with friends and family. Studies have shown that immersing yourself in nature, whether surrounded by crimson leaves or the sound of water, has significant health benefits on people of all ages. So pack up your picnic basket and head out to the nearest area that has maple-lined roads.

**Take Care of Simple Car Tasks Before Heading Out!

A few things to remember before heading out. In addition to the cost of gas, driving can have added costs if your driver’s license, title, registration and stickers aren’t all up to date. Failing to update your license plates alone can cost you if you’re stopped by law enforcement. Heading to the closest Currency Exchange is probably the easiest, fastest way to take care of these routine tasks. Just call or stop by in person and you can get many auto-related needs taken care of quickly and on the spot, without having to wait in long lines.

Attend an Oktoberfest Near You

It’s a stroke of autumnal luck that a celebration for the marriage of a king in Bavaria more than a century ago continues in various forms throughout the Midwest today. Each September and October, there are Oktoberfest celebrations at countless locations in Illinois cities, suburbs and elsewhere.

The great thing about today’s Oktoberfests is that they are typically outdoor, family-friendly events involving live (sometimes polka) music, with dancing, brats and beer, and of course other types of food and beverages. Originally it was celebrated with German feasts and horse racing, but the festival today has less to do with Germany. If you enjoy harvests festivals, hay rides, free and cheap outdoor events, and merriment you are sure to find all of those things. This one in Naperville, Illinois, will have a petting zoo, hayrides and, of course, large signature homemade pretzels that are best when dipped in mustard.

Illinois & Wisconsin Apple Picking, Harvest Fests, Haunted Houses and Pumpkin Patches

One of the best things about life in the Midwest is all the wide, open space, including a lot of farms and fields that are home to harvest celebrations each fall. Check out this list of apple orchards in Illinois for apple picking ideas. Do a little research on the kinds of activities taking place at farms in your area, and head to the one that seems the most fun and conveniently located. From pumpkin patches to haunted houses, the biggest challenge will be deciding where to go first.

Teach Kids About Finance & Auto Services at CCEA Currency Exchanges Throughout Illinois

CCEA Currency Exchanges love helping local communities throughout Illinois and the surrounding area stay on top of their finances so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor in all seasons. Check out our many financial and auto services that are available to anyone who walks through our doors.

Find a CCEA Currency Exchange near you and give us a call to learn more!