(This article was originally published in the October 2019 issue of The Herald)

There’s no season like fall to get out of the house: cooler weather, bright colors, the undeniable appeal of not doing homework… But fall also brings concerns about money, from fretting over the cost of college to budgeting for gift-giving in the upcoming holiday season. Saving money, however, doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do. Next week’s Homecoming events are all budget-friendly, especially Wednesday’s free Powderpuff football game and fireworks show. If Homecoming’s not your thing, though, here are 11 free or cheap activities coming up in the next two weeks outside of Arapahoe.

October 26:

• Stapleton fall festival at the Conservatory Green (Free)
• Homestead hike at Roxborough State Park ($8)
• Spooky Streets of Southglenn (Free)
• Deck the Mall at Pearl Street Mall (Free)

November 2nd:

• Urban Holiday Market at Skyline Park (Free)
• Carnival and 5k at Colorado Springs Early Colleges ($10)
• Free day at Four Mile Historic Park

November 4th:

• Free day at the Denver Zoo
• Avon nature walk at Walking Mountains Science Center (Free)

November 10th:

• Yoga in Wash Park (Free)
• Athena Festival at the Ramada Plaza (Free)