Frugal Family: Fall Fun

When I was a kid, I never minded going back to school in September. I missed the lazy, sun-drenched summer, but the thought of fall and all its glory filled me with happy anticipation. Cool, crisp nights, apple cider, Halloween…it was all good.

Now I’m a mom of three kids who love the trappings of autumn. (Well, maybe they don’t love raking leaves!) The goal at this time of year is to take advantage of the season before it goes the way of summer and bitter-cold winter takes over.

Here are some suggestions for low-cost fun that every member of the family will enjoy:

Apple Picking: I don’t know any kids who dislike apple picking. First, there’s climbing up a ladder. Where else are they allowed to do that?  Second, there’s the delight of finding the perfect apple, sneaking a bite and hearing that snap. 

Many local families head to Stow for their apples. This year, Carver Hill comes out on top in the frugal department. Keeping their prices steady out of respect for patrons affected by the recent economy, the folks at Carver are charging $12 per peck (10-pounds) and $20 per half bushel (approximately 20 pounds.)  Visitors can observe cider being pressed and take a free wagon ride. Kids who log onto the website and print out and color the apple receive a complimentary cup of hot or cold cider.

Other options include Shelburne Farm, currently charging $17 per peck and $25 per half bushel and Honey Pot Hill Orchards, charging $15 per peck and $23 per half bushel.

Consult each orchard’s website for details and prices for hay rides, visiting the farm animals, and other attractions.

Pumpkin Carving: It wouldn’t be October without jack-o-lanterns lighting up our front porches. Whether they’re big or small, scary or smiling, those carved pumpkins are a must for those of us with kids.

The frugal among us will head over to Cucurbit Farm for our pumpkins this year.  Any size costs 47 cents a pound, significantly lower than Idylwilde (59 cents per pound) and Roche Bros. (69 cents per pound and up. Cucurbit grows their pumpkins in several locations, including the field on School Street in Acton adjacent to Rt. 2 that many of us drive by. They’re likely to have a steady supply throughout October, but go early for the big ones.  Also available: cider donuts on the weekends ($1 each) and other seasonal items. Bonus: For a limited time, Cucurbit's own corn is available for 50 cents per ear. It's delicious.

Backyard Fires: I first heard about the local trend in suburban backyard fire pits from my daughter, now a college freshman.  As a high school senior, she spent several Friday nights sitting around a chiminea with friends at a local family’s home. Her goal:  burning “college spam,” university rejection letters, and notes about subjects she hopes never to study again.

Shortly after this practice came to light, the Boston Globe published an article about the popularity of backyard fires. In part, the author said this:

As warm days turn into cool nights, the hours we can spend outdoors are numbered. But that doesn't mean we have to bundle up or come inside. We can stay warm - by the fire pit. Suburbanites, in particular, have discovered the joys of lighting a fire, sharing stories, toasting marshmallows, or preparing something more ambitious, and re-creating the atmosphere of a summer campfire.

There is very little cost involved if a backyard is suitable for erecting a fire pit. It need not be a pricey store-bought version; bare ground and a ring of bricks or stones should suffice. (Please note: local fire officials require that permission be granted to burn recreational fires one one’s property; fires for cooking are exempt.)

Whatever you aim to do this fall...Enjoy!