Whether you’re looking to reduce your spending, save for your future, or stay within a strict budget, there are plenty of fun things you can do without sacrificing your financial goals. Here, you’ll find 15 ideas that will keep you entertained that don’t require your wallet.
1. Go Outside
Going outside for a walk, hike, or bike ride is always an enjoyable way to pass the time. You could use it as an opportunity to explore trails near you or to check out your city. And after sunset, you can always go outside to stargaze. For the best view of the stars, though, you’ll want to drive away from cities or towns so that the light pollution doesn’t ruin your chances of seeing shooting stars or finding constellations.
2. Wander Markets
Farmer and craft markets usually deliver a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, even if you have no intention of buying a thing. Taking the time to wander around one can teach you about your local area, help you get to know people and businesses in your community, and even inspire you to try a new craft or skill.
3. Have a Game Night
A game night is always a fun, affordable way to catch up with friends and family. Board games, card games, and multiplayer video games are always a blast. You could even host a virtual casino night without spending a dime since social casinos online don’t require real money.
4. Have a Movie Night
Another great way to spend time, whether on your own or with your favorite people, is to spend a night watching movies. You can create a list of exciting new films to watch or cozy up with your old favorites.
5. Have a Photo Shoot
Thanks to our smartphones, most of us have become amateur photographers, so why not dedicate time to a photo shoot to hone your skills? Whether you want to improve how you capture portraits of people or approach landscape photos, practicing is the best way to improve. And don’t forget, you can find many smartphone photography tips online that will help you take (more) beautiful photos.
6. Pick Up an Old Hobby
If you have a guitar gathering dust or paint brushes tucked away at the back of a drawer somewhere, then you have a perfect activity to pick up when looking for a way to stay on budget and entertained. Pulling out one of these beloved hobbies is a fun way to spend time free of charge. Plus, hobbies have many benefits, making them well worth dedicating time to.
7. Take Up a New Hobby
If you’ve outgrown or lost interest in a hobby, you can always try learning a new one instead. There are many hobbies you can get started with at little to no cost, like writing, running, gardening, drawing, digital art, or cooking.
8. Take a Free Course
If you love to learn, the online world is filled with free courses on just about any subject you can think of. Major schools, like Harvard and Stanford, offer free online classes, and digital platforms like LinkedIn, Coursera, and Microsoft also have a vast selection of free courses.
9. Read a Book
Getting lost in another world through a book is a timeless way to enjoy yourself, no matter your interests. And if sitting with your head in a book doesn’t sound ideal, you could try audiobooks, which you can find for free through your local library or through music streaming services like Spotify.
10. Cook a New Recipe
In our busy everyday lives, it’s easy to get bogged down in creating the same recipes over and over again simply because it’s the most efficient way to get food on the table. But when you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, why not try mastering a new recipe or two? This will give you more options to turn to during the week while also exercising your cooking skills, which, for many, is a fun and satisfying endeavor.
11. Visit a Library
Libraries are a wealth of free resources and information far beyond books. At your local library, you can find free access to things like 3D printers, streaming services, or paid courses. You’ll often even find programs and events, like book clubs, workshops, and even movie nights.
12. Visit a Museum
Most places like museums and galleries have free days where visitors can walk through exhibits free of charge. This creates a perfect opportunity to avoid spending money while participating in something enjoyable, like looking at paintings by famous artists or learning about human or natural history.
13. Learn a New Language
With free websites and apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone, you can access lessons for hundreds of languages. These apps operate more like video games than the language classes you might have had in school, making them far more exciting and engaging.
14. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to keep busy while sticking to your budget. One of the best things about volunteering is that there is a wide variety of what you can do, which means you can find something that perfectly aligns with your interests. For instance, if you love gardening, many local parks or public gardens depend on volunteers to maintain their grounds. If you love reading, most libraries will welcome a helping hand to organize their catalog or help run their programs.
15. Have a Spa Day
Having an at-home spa day is a great way to relax and unwind without worrying about spending money. You can draw yourself a hot bath, put on a face mask, listen to soothing music, and generally pamper yourself with stress-reducing activities that will leave you feeling relaxed and reinvigorated.
There’s No Shortage of Fun to Be Found
There are so many things that we can do to bring us joy and entertainment without having to spend money, and these 15 ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Whatever you decide to do, rest assured that you can maintain your budget and reach your financial goals without sacrificing fun and entertainment.
