Seasons change, but some things never do. For example most high school students are poor, broke or attempting to save money. If these characteristics apply to you, do not fear-you can still enjoy unique and cheap fall- themed entertainment and activities around the Kansas City area. Kansas City offers everything from frightening haunted houses to warm, cozy coffee shops, both providing a taste of fall.

Here at East, students express some of their personal favorite fall activities. A few student favorites include attending haunted houses, having bonfires with friends, playing or watching football and going to the pumpkin patch. These activities are accessible in the KC area for little to no cost.

Vintage Market Days of Overland Park

Unique art, furniture, antiques and more come to Kansas City in the fall. Vintage Market days takes place on November 11, 12 and 13. This event will feature vintage-themed art, clothing, jewelry and antiques specific to Kansas City.  Five dollar one day passes provide a fun and cheap weekend in KC.

Downtown Haunted Houses

Looking for frightening entertainment? Kansas City West Bottoms puts on extraordinary haunted houses guaranteed to scare even the bravest. Fan favorites include: The Beast, The Edge of Hell, Macabre Cinema and The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe. Triple passes range from $65 to $85, getting you into three houses. Single house tickets range from $27 to $37.

KC Pumpkin Patch

Giant tic-tac-toe, hayrides, zip lines, slide mountain and a pumpkin patch all in one at the KC Pumpkin Patch! Famous for their kettle corn and caramel apples. All this experience for only $9.95. Located at 13875 S. Gardner Road in Olathe, KS 66061 fairly close!

Powell Gardens

A visit to Powell Gardens only $7 for parking and admission.  The gardens are located at 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50 Kingsville, MO 64061.With over ten different gardens, something will benefit everyone. Terrace Gardens, Island Garden, Heartland Harvest Garden and Byron Shutz Nature Trail all peak in the fall season.

World Series of Barbecue

Kansas City is famous for phenomenal barbecue and this fall season you can sample the best of the best. October 26-30 is the World Series Of Barbecue at the Kansas City Speedway.  Single day tickets to the event are only $20 and includes parking and live entertainment. If you have grown up loving barbecue (like most of us have), this event is your new favorite fall activity to sample, judge and pick new favorites.

Plaza Lighting Ceremony

Anyone who has lived in Kansas City during the winter season has definitely heard of or been to the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Unique to our city every year towards the end of fall and the start of winter, the Country Club Plaza lights up in extraordinary colors. This tradition usually marks the beginning of winter time in KC and is a fitting end to autumn. This year the lighting is on November 24 five P.M. to eight P.M. Nicholas Road and Pennsylvania. After attending the free ceremony, do some shopping or just grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the lights.

Kylie Graham // Staff Writer