Now, it’s really fall. ‘Tis the season for pumpkin patches, fall hikes and of course, HALLOWEEN.  If you’re wondering how I define “cheap” when looking for things in this guide, I typically look for events that will either cost the entire family less than $20.00 or no more than $5.00 per person (with some exceptions–some things are a great value and a worthwhile special event). The majority of this guide is date specific, so grab your calendar and plan your month! Also if you loved this list, share it with a friend! Send it to their Facebook or email them!

Cheap/Free Things To Do With Kids In Western MA This October

October 1: Check out butterflies at the Turners Falls Great Hall Kidleidoscope, Turners Falls, MA

October 2: Watch for hawks at J.A. Skinner State Park, Hadley, MA

October 3: Visit Stanley Park to check out the Colonial Village, the playscapes and the duck pond. Westfield, MA

October 4:  Find a library story time near you!

October 5:  Have you seen our 2017 guide to fall festivals? Plan a weekend of family fun!

October 6: Fright Fest is back at Six Flags. If you haven’t been yet, it runs every weekend until October 29th! Six Flags can get pricey but check out ways to save at the park.

October 7: It’s Inspiration Day at the Eric Carle Picture Book Museum! Ten children’s books authors and illustrators will be on hand for book signings, plus a special story time and a drawing lesson from Sandra Boynton! Free, with museum admission. See the schedule HERE.

October 8: Have you gotten your pumpkins yet? Check our list of pumpkin patches to see what’s open.

October 9:  Visit the Granville Harvest Fair, Granville, MA

October 10: Skate for free at Interskate 91 (South and North)! Visit KidsSkateFree.com to sign up kids aged 13 and younger for free skate passes. Wilbraham, MA and Hadley, MA

October 11:  Went to the patch? Bake a pumpkin pie!

October 12:   Visit the Candle-Making Museum at Yankee Candle. Live demos at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30. South Deerfield, MA

October 13: Did you know that the library is full of museum passes? Many offer FREE admission. Check out what yours has to offer and plan an adventure! Free.

October 14: The Children’s Literature Festival at The Springfield Museums opens today! From 10 AM to 5 PM, the museum will have character appearances and fun activities for the whole family. Visit the website for a schedule of the day’s events.  Springfield, MA

October 15:  It’s Kids Opening Day at The Springfield Thunderbirds! Get a Sundae Funday Pack for a family of 4 for just $44, plus open skate (bring your own!), face painters and balloon artist! Thunderbirds play the Toronto Marlies. Springfield, MA

October 16:  Got a little one at home? Take a fall walk on the Bridge of Flowers, while the big kids are at school. Shelburne Falls, MA

October 17:  Visit Mike’s Corn Maze before it closes! They’re open ‘til five, so head down after school.

October 18: Explore the public art installations of Art In The Orchard in Easthampton, MA. Free

October 19: Check out this list of 30 Things To Do With Kids In Holyoke MA! There is something for everyone in Holyoke!

October 20: Go for a hike at the Whiting Street Reservoir in Holyoke. Stroller friendly. Free.

October 21:  Check out the 8th Annual Great Falls Festival, Turners Falls

October 22: The Pig Roast and BBQ at the Outlook Farm Pumpkin Festival is a delicious time! Westhampton, MA

October 23: Visit the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Gardens. Springfield Museums. Free.

October 24: Craving comfort food? Try these recipes!

October 25: Get into the spirit with Mummy Pizza for dinner!

October 26:   Have you decided what you’re going to be for Halloween? Head to a second hand store like Savers and see if you can DIY your costume!

October 27: Take a pumpkin-lit walk at The Hitchcock Center for the Environment. This event replaces the Enchanted Forest this year.  Amherst, MA

October 28: Get tickets for the Little Roots Halloween Show at The Parlor Room! Northampton, MA

October 29: Celebrate Halloween at the Lupa Zoo! 11AM-4PM, 50% off admission for children in costume. Ludlow, MA

October 30:   Make a Halloween sensory bin to keep little ones occupied while waiting for trick or treaters at your door.

October 31:  Halloween! Where are you trick-or-treating? Looking for daytime, little kid-friendly events? Try BooFest in Greenfield, MA.