Having a good time doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do that don’t cost any money at all.
While it may take a little more research and imagination, it’s possible to find new and entertaining activities to do on your own or with your family and friends without busting your budget.
If you’re looking for some fun ways to save money, read on. We’ve got 27 ideas.
Key Points
• Enjoying free activities like hiking, picnics, and visiting local parks can be fun and budget-friendly.
• Decluttering the house can be a satisfying and stress-relieving activity.
• Starting a journal or visiting the library offers free, enriching experiences.
• Cooking something new with ingredients on hand can be a creative and cost-effective activity.
• Building a fort or camping in the backyard provides fun, indoor or outdoor adventures.
Fun Free Things To Do
If you find that you often spend your free time binge-watching shows or scrolling through social media on your phone, it may be time to work some new activities into your repertoire. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to mean breaking out your wallet.
Consider trying one (or a few) of these fun, free activities.
1. Going on a Hike
If the weather is nice outside, then it could be time to hit the great outdoors and take a hike. You can search for nearby hikes at AllTrails.com. You’ll also be able to check out the length and difficulty of the trail, as well how long it takes to hike.
2. Volunteering with a Local Organization
Volunteering can be a great cost-free activity because it allows you to give back, potentially meet some new people, and feel good about how you spent your day. To find local volunteering opportunities, you can check out VolunteerMatch.org which matches people with local organizations that need help.
3. Playing Board Games
When looking for fun things to do with the family on the cheap, consider busting out a game of Monopoly or Life and competing against one another. You might reward the winner with a few days or a week off from their everyday chores.
4. Decluttering the House
While this might not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking for a fun way to spend your free time, cleaning and being productive can actually be very satisfying, and can also help relieve stress. You can declutter alone or get your partner or the kids involved. Consider donating your discards to a local charity or thrift store.
Recommended: Is Hiring a Cleaning Person or Service Worth It?
5. Going to a Free Museum Day
Many museums will offer free admission once a week or once a month. You can spend an afternoon browsing through the beautiful works of art without spending a dime.
6. Having a Picnic in the Park
Dining al fresco doesn’t have to be pricey if you head for a local park. A picnic can be a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon with family and friends. All you need is a blanket, lunch, a ball or Frisbee, and a shady spot.
Recommended: 13 Cheap Ways to Live
7. Streaming an Exercise Video
Gym memberships, personal trainers, and exercise classes can be expensive. However, exercise videos on YouTube and Instagram are totally free. Consider breaking out the sweats and burning some calories for free.
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8. FaceTiming With Friends and Family
Just because you want to stop spending money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy spending time with friends. Whether you prefer an old-fashioned phone call or a video call, reconnecting with an old friend or a family member you haven’t spoken with in a while can be an enjoyable, no-cost way to spend some free time.
9. Trying Meditation
Meditating can be a relaxing solo activity that helps to clear your mind and reduce stress. You can find free meditations on YouTube, or you might want to check out Headspace, which has guided meditation for beginners and offers a free trial.
💡 Quick Tip: An emergency fund or rainy day fund is an important financial safety net. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses saved in case you get a major unexpected bill or lose income.
10. Playing Free Games Online
Playing games online can be a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon with the kids. You can find free educational games for kids on sites like Funbrain, PBS KIDS, and Khan Academy Kids.
11. Going to the Beach Off Hours
Hitting the beach in the late afternoon or early morning is often free. At these times you’re also likely to find fewer crowds, as well as beautiful light.
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12. Starting a Journal
Journaling can be a great way to get things off your mind, collect your thoughts, and even come up with solutions to nagging problems. All you need is a pen and an old notebook to get started.
13. Visiting Your Local Library
You can not only find great books to read at your local library, but also pick up DVDs, CDs, and audio books without spending a dime. You might also be able to attend a lecture, film screening, or other free community event.
14. Cooking Something New
Consider shopping your cupboard, fridge, and freezer, and then looking for something you can make with what you have on hand. You can find plenty of free recipes at sites like Allrecipes and Food Network.
15. Checking Out a Fire Station
Kids typically love fire trucks. Consider reaching out to your local fire station to see if they offer tours. This is not only a fun, free family activity, but allows kids to learn all about how the fire department works while meeting their local heroes.
16. Making a Movie
Whether you have a video camera or just a smartphone, you have what you need to make a short film. You can have everyone in the family pitch in to create a storyline, sets, costumes, and props. You can then edit the film and share it online.
17. Learning a New Skill
Whether you want to get better at applying makeup or have always wanted to learn how to juggle or knit a scarf, you can likely find a great tutorial on YouTube.
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18. Going to Local Historical Site
There are likely a number of places around town where you and your family can soak up some local history without busting your budget. Many towns also offer free walking tours.
19. Attending a Free Concert
During the summer, many cities and towns will put on free concerts for everyone to enjoy. You might even bring a blanket and dinner for a nice evening out.
💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more everyday? When you turn on Roundups, all of your debit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the next dollar and deposited into your online savings account.
20. Doing a Puzzle
Putting together a large puzzle can be a fun and challenging activity to do alone or with friends and family. If you are tired of the ones you own, consider trading puzzles with a friend or neighbor so you have something new to tackle.
21. Camping in the Backyard
In warmer weather, camping in the backyard offers an opportunity for fun, free adventure with the kids. If you don’t have a tent, consider borrowing one for the night. You can make a fire (or light up the grill) to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories before bed.
22. Starting a Book Club
While this can take a little planning, book clubs are relatively easy to set up. You can create a private book club on Facebook or another social media platform. Or, you can recruit a group of book-loving friends to meet once a month at each other’s homes.
23. Washing the Car
You can have fun and accomplish something at the same time by getting your kids involved in washing the car. You could even host a neighborhood car wash so the kiddos can earn some pocket money.
24. Heading to the Dog Park
This can obviously be a great idea if you have a dog, but can also be entertaining if you don’t. You can grab a bench and have fun watching cute dogs run around and play. Dog parks can also be fun for people watching.
Recommended: 19 Tips to Save Money on Pets
25. Trying a New Playground
Your kids probably know all the local playgrounds pretty well. For a change of pace, consider checking out a playground you’ve never been to in a town nearby. Pack a lunch to make it feel like a mini-vacation.
26. Writing a Letter
Writing letters may seem old-fashioned, but it can be a nice way to communicate with your loved ones. The letter can be handwritten and sent via snail mail, or you might just want to send an email updating a friend or family member about what’s going on in your life.
27. Building a Fort
Kids typically love building forts. On a cold or rainy day, you can have an indoor adventure by breaking out some chairs and blankets and letting the kids create their own little hideaway filled with their favorite books and toys. They may even wind up sleeping in the fort for the night.
The Takeaway
It can take thinking a little outside the box and a bit of planning, but it’s possible to entertain yourself and your family with fun new activities without putting a dent in your checking or savings account.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
What can you do for fun with no money?
Enjoy free activities like hiking, picnics, visiting local parks, and attending community events. Or you might read books from the library, play board games, start a DIY project, or connect with friends for game nights or potlucks. Also consider starting, or engaging in, a creative hobby like drawing, writing, or photography. There are plenty of enjoyable activities that don’t require spending much (or any) money.
How to enjoy without spending money?
Find joy in simple, free activities. You might spend time in nature, have a picnic in a local park, or explore a new neighborhood. Or you could read books from the library, watch free movies online, or attend community events. If you’re creative, consider engaging in a hobby like drawing, writing, or photography. Prefer to be social? Host a game night or potluck dinner with friends. Happiness doesn’t always come with a price tag.
What should you do with money you don’t spend?
Unspent money should be put to good use. Pay off high-interest debt, build an emergency fund, or contribute to a savings account for a specific purpose (such as a vacation or a new car). Or, you might use unspent funds to invest in long-term goals like retirement or your child’s future education.
About the author
Kylie Ora Lobell
Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa, and her work has been featured by MoneyGeek, Slickdeals, TaxAct, and LegalZoom. Read full bio.
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