Nothing says free fun like playing outside on a fall day. Plus, you can forgo that costly gym membership: Bundling up for a playground visit or to jump around in the leaves is good exercise.

On bitter days, going to the library and cuddling up on the couch with new book picks can warm a mom's heart. It sure beats running from dance class to soccer to karate, and all the stress (and expense) that comes with packing up the car and arguing with your child, who's likely cranky from activity overload anyway.

NEXT: DVR >>