6 Free and Low-Cost Ways to Celebrate Halloween With Your Family

We're already more than halfway through October, but there's still plenty of time to celebrate all things fall, including Halloween. If you're on a tight budget this year, you may seek free and affordable ways to celebrate the season. You and your family can enjoy memorable fall activities and events without ignoring your financial goals. Ready to celebrate with your crew? Below I'll share some free and low-cost ways to celebrate Halloween with your family and friends.

1. Have a movie night at home

You don't have to spend much money to have an enjoyable evening with your family. An easy way to celebrate Halloween while on a budget is to have a movie night at home. Stream scary movies included in the streaming apps you already pay for and serve snacks and treats. This activity makes for a cozy evening at home, and it won't result in a costly credit card bill.

2. Take a spooky stroll through nearby neighborhoods

Another way to get into the holiday spirit is by strolling or taking a drive through local neighborhoods to admire their Halloween decorations. If you know of any impressive displays in your community, this could be an exciting and free way to spend an evening together.

3. Bake fall treats together

If you and your family enjoy baking, why not spend a weekend afternoon baking your favorite fall treats? Baking doesn't have to be expensive if you shop for ingredients at discount stores, stick to your shopping list, and take advantage of the best deals.

You can purchase ready-to-bake Halloween cookies from the grocery store if you prefer simplicity. Don't forget to use one of the best cash back apps when shopping for your baking essentials. Earning cash back is a great way to pad your wallet with extra cash.

4. Gather around the bonfire and share spooky stories

Fall is the perfect time for a bonfire night with your favorite people. Gather your friends and family around the fire and take turns sharing spooky stories. You can serve hot cocoa and hot apple cider and have blankets available to stay comfortable all evening. The best part is you won't have to drain your checking account to create an activity like this.

5. Plan a Halloween thrifted painting event

The spooky painting challenge is one fall activity that is all over social media. This is how it works: You buy a cheap painting from a thrift store and add your own scary touches with paint. This is an excellent activity for older kids and teens -- and as a bonus, it encourages creativity. I recently did this activity with friends. Our host picked up paint and paintbrushes from the dollar store, and we all brought our own paintings. My painting cost only $7 at my local thrift store. It was a great time!

6. Attend free community events

There are likely free fall-themed events happening in your community. Whether it's a fall festival, a trunk-or-treat evening, or a family-friendly Halloween movie night, these events can be a great way to have fun while spending time with other families in your area. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they're free. If you're looking for events like this, you may want to check local community groups on social media.

It's possible to celebrate Halloween and have a good time with your family without negatively impacting your personal finances. Take advantage of free and low-cost Halloween activities and events like the ones mentioned above so you don't spend beyond your means.