Looking for something fun to do that doesn’t cost a dime? Whether you’re saving money, bored on the weekend, or just want to make the most of your free time, there are plenty of ways to enjoy life without spending a cent. Grab some friends—or go solo—and start making memories that don’t come with a price tag.
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1. Have a Picnic in a Park
Visit a local park or nature reserve to enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch for free. You may even want to schedule a picnic every week and change your menu up each time.
Choose from sandwiches, wraps, sushi, salads and more. Bring fun snacks, fruits, veggies, and your favorite beverages.
2. Go for a Hike
Hiking is a great way to get exercise without having to pay for a gym membership. You can research nearby parks to find hiking trails that vary in difficulty.
Plan your hike based on your skill level or physical ability, changing things up as you see fit.
3. Attend a Free Outdoor Concert
Many cities and towns offer free outdoor concerts for residents and visitors. Attending a free concert is a wonderful way to connect with others while enjoying some great music.
Visit city or town websites, or check out local community pages on sites like Facebook and the Neighborhood app to find scheduled events.
4. Take Advantage of Free Admission Days
Nearly all museums, zoos, and aquariums have free admission days. They may occur yearly or monthly, depending on the venue.
Get information by visiting the venue website or your state’s tourism site.
5. Have a Garage Sale
A garage sale is a great way to declutter your house and connect with others as they take unwanted items off of your hands.
Bonus: Not only is it free to hold a garage sale, you’ll have a chance to make money in the process.
Increase your chances of success by advertising your garage sale on Craigslist and Facebook. Get rid of whatever you can’t sell at your garage sale by listing items on a buy and sell app.
6. Visit a State or National Park
Most state and national parks offer free admission days and weekends at least a couple of times per year.
Visit the state or national park you want to visit and search the website to find the free admission days the park offers.
7. Rearrange a Room
It might seem silly at first glance, but rearranging a room can really bring some extra joy to your home.
Choose a room or two and find a way to rearrange it that will make good use of the space and yet give the room a different feel.
8. Clean Up a Park
Is there a local park in your area that could use a good cleanup? City workers are tasked with this job, but it often becomes a bigger job than city workers have time for with all of the other tasks on their plates. Grab some friends and family members and beautify a park near you.
9. Declutter a Room
Clutter is stressful, yet getting rid of it always seems to be put on the back burner.
Choose a room – or an area in a room – and spend some time decluttering it.
10. Visit a New Town
Are there towns near where you live that you have yet to explore? If so, plan an afternoon or day trip and visit a nearby town.
Check out your state’s tourism page to learn more about neighboring towns and to help decide which one you should visit next.
11. Create a Goals Plan
Goals. Everyone knows they should have them. However, most people don’t put much effort into setting or achieving their goals.
Take an afternoon, by yourself or with your partner, and figure out what your goals are. Then, make a plan to reach those goals.
12. Spend Time With Family or Friends
Many of us have so much going on that spending time with extended family and friends may seem unattainable.
Set aside some time and get together with family members and friends you haven’t seen in a while. The gathering doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
13. Go Through Old Pictures or Videos
There’s nothing like going through old pictures or videos to warm the heart. Take a few hours one day to reminisce with old photo albums or boxes of pictures.
Or head for the TV and watch some old home videos. Both activities are sure to bring a smile to your face.
14. Visit the Library
Your local library is filled with ways to learn or enjoy the written word. Grab a book or two and learn about any subject that interests you.
You can also borrow fiction titles to help exercise your imagination. Read the books at the library for a change of scenery, or bring them home and curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of coffee.
15. Try a New Gym
Local gyms often give out free trials for those considering membership. It’s a great way to get a free workout in for a few days.
It’s also an opportunity to decide whether a gym membership or a specific gym is right for you.
16. Sing Karaoke
Did you know? Singing has a long list of health benefits. If you want to destress, and improve your speaking abilities or lung function, start singing!
Join karaoke night at a local pub, or get a karaoke machine for home. If all else fails, you can always sing in the shower!
17. Plan a Binge TV or Movie Night
How about planning a binge TV or movie night? Gather a list of your favorite DVD movies or choose from your streaming service.
Or, choose a new streaming series you’ve been wanting to watch or an old favorite you want to revisit. Don’t forget the popcorn!
18. Play Games
You can’t go wrong with a game night. Invite friends or family members over, or play with the people in your house!
Charades, Trivial Pursuit, Catan, Cards Against Humanity; the choices are endless! Depending on what you’ve got in your cupboard, of course.
19. Visit the Farmers' Market
Ashley BarnettSource