Low Cost & Free Fall Things to Do
Free Fall Activities in West Michigan
Fall is a great time to get outside with your family. There are so many fun fall activities going on throughout the entire season – and some are very budget-friendly.
*featured image is of Fallasburg Park
in this article
Free Fall Activities Around West Michigan
Take a hike, see the stars, visit fall farms or run a marathon. Fall is here, and whatever you choose, there are ways to enjoy this beautiful season affordably.
Driving through Michigan fall colors is always a great idea and will cost you a tank of gas.
Many family farms are bustling with fall activities, some of which are free. Maybe spring for a couple of donuts and cider and you have a winning autumn outing.
Traveling? Consider a stop at a Michigan fall festival. Many do not charge admission. Stroll a craft fair, check out classic cars, watch a parade and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
1 – Celebrate Pumpkins at Zeeland’s Pumpkinfest
Downtown Zeeland
Zeeland, MI 49464
Pumpkinfest is an event on October 2 – 4 that features a number of free and low-cost events that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Kidzfest- Join us for street-fair fun which includes face painting, barrel train rides, live shows, petting zoo, inflatables, & much more.
Plus a kids tractor pull, Music on Main, pumpkin drop, parade, cornhole tournament, pie eating contest, pumpkin roll, 5k, and more!
2 – Explore the Spectacular Night Sky at Veen Observatory
Veen Observatory
3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE, Lowell, MI 49331
View the splendors of the night sky at the Veen Observatory on September 13 & 27 from 8:30 – 11 PM or each Saturday in October from 7:30 – 10 PM (provided the sky is clear).
Admission is just $5 for adults, $3 for kids 5-17 and free for kids under 5 years old. Admission is FREE for GRPM members.
3 – Go for a Fall Hike
Take a hike before the weather takes a turn.
If you’re not sure where to go, check out some of our favorite family hiking spots. They also make amazing locations for picture places.
Great places to see fall color are Wittenbach Wege Center, Fallasburg Park, Rosy Mound and Fitzgerald Park for some spectacular fall colors!
4 – Get Inspired at ArtPrize
Downtown Grand Rapids
ArtPrize runs Sept 18 – Oct 4, 2025, and is a fantastic opportunity to see a wild array of art — for free.
Exhibits pop up everywhere in downtown Grand Rapids, both indoors and out. Find interactive displays, large-scale art pieces, pieces that will make you think, and pieces that might even make you cry.
5 – Celebrate Kid’s Day at Coopersville Farm Museum
Coopersville Farm Museum
375 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Visit the Coopersville Farm Museum for Kid’s Day, held the last Saturday of every month from 10 AM – 1 PM. If you attend the event in October be sure to wear your Halloween costumes!
Suggested admission is $2. Kids Day events include activities such as rope making, corn shelling and baby animal interaction.
6 – Attend a Fall Festival
Greater Grand Rapids is made up of several smaller communities, most of which throw their own fall festival! Most of these festivals are free to attend, but bring a couple extra dollars to satiate your cider and donut craving.
Head north to Sparta for their annual Michigan Apple Festival, or stay in downtown Grand Rapids for Oktoberfest. No matter where you find yourself in the area, you can almost guarantee a fall festival is around the corner.
7 – Visit Animals at Schwallier’s
Schwallier’s Country Basket
1185 9 Mile Rd, Sparta, MI 49345
Visit the kid’s play area and animal barn at Schwallier’s Country Basket for free! While you’re there you can opt to partake in other fall activities, like apple picking, at an additional cost.
There are many fall farms around West Michigan with various price points.
8 – Race the Kids Marathon
David D. Hunting YMCA
475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sign your kids up for the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon.
Your kids can log 25 miles at their leisure prior to the race and then run or walk the last 1.2 miles of the marathon distance on October 18, 2025.
Free Fall Activities Calendar
The fun doesn’t stop there! Our calendar below is jam-packed with more free fall activities and things to do around town.
Do You Have More Ideas?
Did we forget something?
Leave a comment and let us know what free or inexpensive fall activity your family loves to do around West Michigan!
More West Michigan Fall Fun
Tap the graphic below to learn more about West Michigan’s best fall farms for families.
Pumpkin Walk at Second Reform Church in Allendale. 100s of carved pumpkins along a short trail through the woods. Baked goods provided. They accept donations to cover cost of pumpkins. Wonderful artwork and Disney characters carved into the pumpkins. I’m not sure of the dates yet. Follow their Facebook for upcoming dates.
http://secondchurchallendale.org/
Grandville Fall Fest Oct 6th.
Scarecrow voting, wagon rides, store trick or treating, free lumberjack show at the library!! Some other activities for small fee.