Looking for fun things to do that don’t cost money on the weekend or throughout the week? Explore these 13 ideas that are both fun and free.
December 20, 2022
It’s no secret that attending the hottest concert in town, hitting the newest club, visiting the acclaimed hands-on STEM museum, or catching a movie at the nearest theater can be expensive.
If you’re looking to spend less money, one way to do it is to cut back on your entertainment costs. Reducing how often you dine out at restaurants, for example, is among several lifestyle changes that will save you money—and maybe even improve your health in the long run.
According to a survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spent an average of $2,912 on entertainment in 2020. So, if you have room to cut back, you’re not alone. Luckily, trimming your entertainment budget doesn’t mean saying goodbye to the good times. In fact, having a social life on a budget is completely possible. There are plenty of ways to have fun without spending money, and you don’t have to look much further than your own community.
“How many New Yorkers haven’t ridden the Staten Island Ferry or gone to a live concert in Central Park?” says Donna Freedman, the author of several books and founder of a blog that focuses on personal finance and frugality.
Maybe you’re facing a thin wallet this Friday night and you need to cut your entertainment expenses. Maybe you’re saving up for a down payment on a house. Or, maybe you just need some staycation ideas to fill the kids’ summer or winter school breaks. Whatever your situation, here are 13 fun things to do that don’t cost money with friends and family:
1. Go on a picnic
A picnic with family or friends is a way to have fun without spending money, and you can go to your favorite outdoor spot or use it as an opportunity to explore someplace new. Emma Healey, founder of a money-saving blog for moms, has a specific strategy. She’ll pull up her maps app on her phone and look for green patches around where she lives. Then, she’ll search the name of the area to see if it’s a place she can take her kids.
“Once we discovered a nature reserve hidden behind some farmland, with a trail through the woods and a rope swing for the kids at the end,” Healey says. “There was no one else there, so we enjoyed the forest all by ourselves and the kids thought it was the best thing ever.”
As you’re considering different fun things to do that don’t cost money with friends and family, picnicking is a great choice. It’s completely free, especially if you’re walking or biking to your destination (and not using a car) and packing your basket full of items already in your pantry or fridge.
2. Go to no-cost museum and zoo days
If you have museums or zoos in your area, check out their websites to see if they offer days when you can visit without paying admission. The downside is that these days can be relatively popular and crowded, but it’s worth it if you’re trying to find fun things to do without spending money with friends and family. Some companies also have deals with local museums that allow employees and their families to attend without cost on specific days, so check in with your employer to make sure you’re taking full advantage of any partnerships.
3. Give geocaching a try
As you’re searching for things to do that don’t cost money, consider geocaching. If you have a smartphone, chances are you already have all the equipment you need for this hobby. It’s based on a simple idea: People have hidden more than 3 million treasure stockpiles (known as geocaches) all around the world, and it’s your job to find them using only a GPS. Bonus: When it comes to staycation ideas, this activity is all about adventure and can open your eyes to local spots you’ve never visited.
4. Leverage your chamber of commerce
Many towns and cities offer no-cost festivals, music nights, and other events. If you’re wondering how to keep up with friends with money, taking advantage of free events is an easy way to enjoy your hometown, socialize with your friends, and mix up your activities on evenings out—all without opening your wallet. To scope out upcoming events, check out the website for your local chamber of commerce for a calendar of fun things to do without spending money.
5. Take a historical city tour
Although it’s possible to travel on a budget and visit free or low-cost historical sites around the country, you probably have some closer to home as well. Did you know that no-cost historical walking tours are available in many cities? For kids and adults alike, these tours are often put together by businesses, chambers of commerce, or governments and are terrific staycation ideas. To find out if one is available near you, search for “walking tour” on the website of your local historical society, city, or chamber of commerce. Keep in mind that sometimes these tours are led by volunteers, while others are offered as self-guided tours.
Source: discover.com