Cheap and free stuff to do during fall break

There are tons of cheap, free and fun things to do. I've listed two events for each day the kids are off, including the weekends.

Friday: Nature stories at Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Regional Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Hear an outdoor story reading, then do an art activity. 10 a.m. Free. 615-7855.

Oktoberfest at Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road. This family friendly event includes live polka music, games, German food, amusement rides, stunt shows and breweries for the grown-ups. The event is free to attend, but you'll need to pay for rides, shows and beer tastings. A $12 wristband gets you unlimited access all of that. Oktoberfest takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. 296-4551, Ext. 1.

Saturday: Just For Kids at the Tucson Symphony Center, 2175 N. Sixth Ave. Tucson Symphony Brass Quintet performs Rubato the Rattlesnake. Other activities include balloon entertainment, magician, photos with Mickey Mouse and animals from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Two shows: 10 and 11:15 a.m. The event is free, but a $3 donation is suggested. 882-8585.

Teen movie and popcorn at Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive. Teens are invited to view a feature film and enjoy popcorn. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free. 594-5580.

Sunday: Art for Families: Gettin' Jazzy at the Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. Learn about the way music inspires art, then make your own musical instrument in the Education Center. For kids ages six to 12. This event takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Free. 624-2333.

The Pumpkin Fiesta at Sonoran Glass School, 633 W. 18th Street. Handblown glass pumpkins, live furnace glassblowing, arts and crafts table for kids, food trucks, cookies, beverages. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 884-7814.

Monday: Read to a Dog at Martha Cooper Library, 1377 N. Catalina Ave. A licensed therapy dog listens as children practice reading aloud. 3:30 p.m. Free. 594-5315.

Family day at Get Air Tucson, 330 S. Toole Ave. Groups of four or more can jump for $5 each per hour. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. 624-5867.

Tuesday: Roller skating at Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd Street. Prices vary between $4 and $8 depending on time. Click here for a full schedule. Skate rentals are $3. 298-4409.

Cheap movie day at Century Gateway 12, 770 N. Kolb Road. Admission is $1.50 for everybody all day. Call 886-1000 for movie times. 

Wednesday: Teen Expressions at Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W.Naranja Drive. Teens can explore and exercise their creativity by producing arts and crafts projects. Supplies and directions for weekly activity will be provided. 4-6 p.m. Free. 594-5580.

Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. Check out the animals, ride the zoo train and feed the giraffes. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $9 adults, $5 children age two to 14 and $7 seniors, additional cost for Giraffe Encounters and zoo train. Free for zoo members. 791-4022.

Thursday: Get out the paper, scissors and glue and do Halloween or fall themed crafts. Click here  or here for fun ideas. 

Fall planting. Plant lettuce, spinach or herbs in pots. Visit a local nursery for seeds, soil and pre-grown plants to transfer. As an added activity, let the kids decorate the pots before planting. 

Friday: Reptile Ramble at Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. Live animal demonstration with snakes, lizards, tortoises and turtles. 10 a.m. Free with park admission. 742-6455.

Visit the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave. Learn about Tucson's railroad heritage and look at cool train stuff. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free, donations appreciated. 623-2223.

Saturday: Star Wars reads day at Bookmans, 6230 E. Speedway. Story time with Chewbacca, followed by crafts with other members of the Rebel Legion. For kids ages 18 and under. 11 a.m. to noon. Free. 748-9555.

Living history at the Presidio, 196 N. Court Street. Interpreters in colonial dress show and tell about daily life. Soldiers will perform drills and the cannon fires hourly. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 837-8119.

Sunday: Fall festival at Agua Linda Farms, 2643 E. Frontage Road, Amado. Pick pumpkins, try out the hay bale maze, petting zoo, food and hay and pony rides. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5. 891-5532.

Heirloom Farmers Market at the Rillito Park Racetrack, 4502 N. First Ave. Get local foods, watch chef demos and listen to music. 8 a.m. to noon. Free. 882-2157.