Top 10 Fall Date Ideas — For Free Or Cheap!
Ahh, fall: the season of extra layers, a chill in the air, and the scent of pumpkin spice permanently wafting near your nostrils. It also happens to be a great time to get a little creative with your love life. In the summer, it’s easy enough to meet your Bumble date at a rooftop bar or share some wine at a outdoor cafe. Now? Well, you may think you have to take it inside, but we at Bumble are here to help you keep your options open, at least until it’s down-jacket-and-hot-chocolate season.
Here are our top 10 ideas for fall dates that are free or cheap!
Fall foliage peeping
Head to your nearest park or botanical garden and check out the reds and golden browns of the changing autumn leaves. If you’re feelin’ it on your fall stroll, suggest an afternoon hike at your nearest area of natural beauty for your next date!
Pumpkin carving
Take the traditional October activity up a notch and challenge each other to carve jack-o’-lanterns that reflect your favorite memes or pop culture references. Let’s see how Kombucha Girl looks in orange!
Beer brewing
You might’ve missed your nearest city’s Oktoberfest, but check the calendar, as there may be fall beer festivals near you. That failing, see whether any nearby breweries or distilleries offer tours. These — with tastings! — are often free.
Park picnicking
While it’s still just about warm enough to be outside, head to the supermarket, stock up on some inexpensive essentials, and make a picnic lunch for you and your date. We’re fans of an extra-seasonal touch: candy corn for dessert.
BOO! with your boo
It’s almost a guarantee there’ll be a haunted house or similar spooky Halloween attraction near you. If you’re feeling particularly brave, how about a corn maze around dusk? Don’t blame us if you have to sleep with the lights on!
Insta-friendly orchard visit
Ok, ok: it’s a cliche, but who can resist the Instagram-ready aesthetics of an afternoon of apple picking or a day at the pumpkin patch? Hayrides work too! Just make sure your phone is fully charged so you can snap away.
Netflix and scream
There’s a pretty good chance your local arthouse cinema is showing an old-school Halloween classic, but if you’re out of luck, you can stage your own horror film marathon. We’re partial to ’70s slasher flicks. All you need is a streaming platform and some microwave popcorn!
Market browsing
Grab a couple coffees and spend an afternoon browsing the stalls at your local farmers market. You’re sure to find some seasonal treats (apple cider donuts, please)! Veggies and flowers not your bag? See whether there are any antiques markets or arts festivals in your area.
Rock-n-rollerskating
Your local ice rink may have opened its doors for the season, but if you’re not one for winter sports or frozen, hard surfaces, try a roller skating rink — or even an afternoon riding bikes in your nearest park or on a trail.
Get competitive
Are you a Scrabble star, a master of Monopoly, or a Connect Four champ? Challenge your date to a little (friendly!) competition. Your favorite coffee shop or bar probably has a few board games stashed away, so be sure to check!