If your entertainment expenses are nudging you past your budget limits, it’s time to rethink how you have fun.
With inflation nibbling away at our paychecks like a mouse at a cookie, we need alternatives that let us enjoy ourselves without ending up in the red.
Below is a curated list of free activities to stave off boredom while keeping your grocery and gas money intact. That’s right — free. Try some of these ideas and enjoy guilt-free leisure time.
Earn a Little Cash to Fund the Nonfree Stuff
Choosing free pastimes is a big win for your budget. But if you plan to splurge sometimes or want gas money for travel to free events, here are a few simple ways to pick up extra cash so your entertainment spending stays manageable.
Free Outdoor Activities
1. Visit a park. Get some fresh air and stroll through a nearby park. Bring your dog along if you have one.
2. Browse a farmers market. Farmers markets are great for affordable produce, but you don’t need to spend to enjoy them. Peruse local crafts, sample foods and listen to live performers.
3. Take a hike. Relish the mental and physical benefits of hiking while soaking in nature.
4. Go biking. Hop on your bike and explore a trail. In a city, pedal around to admire murals and notable sights.
5. Go camping. Choosing a campground over a hotel can massively reduce vacation costs. If free campsites aren’t nearby, set up in your backyard. Borrow a tent if you don’t own one.
6. Gather around a fire pit. Even without an overnight trip, you can enjoy campfire traditions. Toast marshmallows for s’mores or relax with a cold drink by the flames.
7. Plan a picnic. Pack a simple lunch and snacks and dine al fresco at a park — no restaurant bill required.
8. Fly a kite. Build a kite from paper, plastic straws and string using an online guide. On a windy day, take your homemade kite out and watch it fly.
9. Use outdoor fitness equipment. Work out at public fitness stations and bring a friend for motivation.
10. Play pickleball. Try the fast-growing sport — borrow gear from a friend or buy your own for many seasons of free play.
11. Visit a national park. Combine several outdoor activities in one trip and enjoy nature for all ages. Look for free entrance days and plan your visit accordingly.
Many municipalities offer free programming in parks during summer. Chris Zuppa/Savinly
Free Things to Do Around Town
12. Explore historic sites. Contact a local historical society for recommendations on notable spots to visit.
13. Visit the library. Libraries lend far more than books — some loan instruments, tools, baking pans, museum passes and other unusual items. Or relax with a novel. Your library card may also grant access to free streaming services for movies and music.
14. Tour a museum for free. Some museums rely on grants and accept donations rather than charging admission. Look for resident free days, free museum passes via your library, or nationwide Free Museum Day in September.
15. Window shop. If you can resist buying, window shopping is a pleasant pastime. Visit a shop you’ve never entered or browse your favorite store’s new arrivals.
16. Shop for free. With Buy Nothing group events, you can “shop” without paying a cent. Often you don’t even need to bring items to swap.
17. Do a photoshoot. Pick a scenic spot around town and take pictures.
18. Attend a local festival. Check your city’s event calendar for free festivals. Eventbrite also lists free happenings. If vendors tempt you, leave your wallet at home.
19. Watch a movie in the park. Many parks host outdoor film nights during warm months — a lovely way to see a classic film under the stars.
20. Go to a park concert. Municipal outdoor concerts are common in good weather. While they may not feature headline acts, they won’t charge stadium prices.
21. Attend community programs at houses of worship. Churches, synagogues and temples often host concerts, plays and lectures open to the public.
22. Attend events at a community college. Colleges offer public lectures, author visits and other free programming.
23. Explore a new neighborhood. Wander into a part of town you’ve never visited and you might uncover a new favorite spot.
24. Visit the visitor center. Pretend you’re a tourist and learn about local attractions you might’ve missed.
25. Check out grand openings. Find upcoming shop and restaurant openings via the chamber of commerce or local blogs. Expect free samples and giveaways.
26. Join a local meetup.Meetup.com connects you with groups sharing your interests; many gatherings are free.
Free Date Ideas
27. Try a penny date. Use coin flips to decide your route: start somewhere, flip a penny and turn right on heads, left on tails. Do a set number of flips and enjoy the adventure more than the destination.
28. Cook together at home. Show off culinary skills or cook as a team for an intimate, inexpensive date night.
29. Walk the beach or lakeshore. A classic romantic outing: scenic views and conversation with no spending necessary.
30. Stargaze. Find a quiet spot on a clear night to look for constellations and shooting stars. Nearby colleges sometimes offer free planetarium shows, too.
31. Catch a free comedy show. Some clubs host no-cover shows during the week featuring local talent.
32. Play pool. Find a bar or lounge with pool tables and challenge your date. Or try darts, cornhole or similar games.
33. Sample a new dance style. Look for free lessons in swing, salsa or line dancing offered by community groups.
34. Tour a brewery or winery. Many local producers offer complimentary samples and tours that are both educational and fun.
35. Go to open mic night. Support local performers or perform yourself. Just ensure there’s no cover charge.
36. Attend a poetry slam. Coffee shops, bars and bookstores often host spoken-word nights that spark conversation.
37. Visit an art gallery opening. Many galleries welcome the public for free during exhibit launches and artist talks.
38. Find a free movie screening. Want to see a film for free? Look for advance screenings you can attend without paying.
Chris Zuppa/Savinly
Free Solo Activities
39. Practice yoga. No studio fee needed — borrow a DVD from the library, watch a YouTube class or follow a remembered routine.
40. Learn online. YouTube and free tutorials can teach guitar songs, recipes, dances or any skill you want to try.
41. Create art. With basic supplies like pencil and paper you can unleash your creativity.
42. Volunteer. Help out at a theater, animal shelter or community event and reap the emotional rewards of giving back.
43. Catch up with people. Video-call an old friend or phone a family member — distance doesn’t stop quality time.
44. Browse a bookstore. Attend an author event or lose yourself in the stacks.
45. Work on a personal goal. Whether training for a race or planning a big trip, outlining ambitions can be rewarding even before the work begins.
46. Do a DIY spa night. With coconut oil, sugar and a few drops of essential oil you can make a relaxing scrub at home.
47. Get a free beauty session. Stores like Sephora, Ulta and department counters offer complimentary consultations and mini-makeovers.
48. Attend an Apple workshop.Apple hosts free in-store and online sessions on features for iPhone, Mac and more.
49. Take a Microsoft virtual class.Microsoft offers free workshops for learning their tools like Excel and Teams, and Community Days provides in-person options.
50. Try a new recipe. Ask a family member for a treasured dish or browse online for something you’ve always wanted to cook.
Free Activities to Do With Your Best Friend
51. Plan a day trip. Explore a nearby destination that feels like a getaway without the long drive. Pack snacks for the ride.
52. Drop in on an open house. No commitment to buy — open houses offer décor ideas and sometimes treats from the host.
53. Use conversation cards. Deepen your bond with fun prompts. You can easily make your own from online suggestions.
54. Try on outrageous outfits at the mall. Pick ridiculous looks for each other and snap photos to remember the laughs.
55. Tailgate. You don’t need event tickets to enjoy the game-day vibe — bring a cooler, grill and good company to a parking-lot pregame.
56. People-watch. Sit in a bustling spot and invent backstories for passersby — the funniest tales win bragging rights.
57. Swap houses for a weekend. If you live in different towns, trade homes for an inexpensive mini-vacation and see life from a fresh perspective.
Free Group Activities
58. Host a potluck. Skip dining out and invite friends to bring dishes. Pick a theme like international cuisine, vegetarian fare or family favorites.
59. Run a video game tournament. Keep score and crown a champion.
60. Hold a movie marathon. Each person picks a favorite film or binge-watch a TV series together.
61. Play team sports. Organize a pickup game of basketball, soccer, flag football or another sport at your local park.
62. Start a book club. Gather fellow readers and rotate hosting duties for monthly discussions.
63. Hit the dance floor with the girls. Many clubs offer free admission for women nights; you can dance the night away without a cover charge.
64. Throw a jam session. Call musically minded friends for an informal band rehearsal and name brainstorming session.
65. Organize a block party. Invite neighbors to contribute food and music and enjoy community time together.
Free Activities to Do With Kids
66. Visit the playground. Kids rarely tire of swings and slides. Try playgrounds in different neighborhoods to mix things up.
67. Visit indoor play areas. Inclement weather doesn’t have to ruin playtime — mall playplaces or retail play zones can save the day. Note that some fast-food play areas are intended for paying customers.
68. Do crafts. Online resources are full of kid-friendly projects. Household scraps like toilet paper rolls and sponges work great as craft materials.
69. Host a movie night at home. Pop popcorn and borrow DVDs from the library to avoid the cost of theater tickets and snacks.
70. Have a game night. Dig out board games and cards — borrow extra games from the library or create your own board game.
71. Sing karaoke or stage a lip-sync battle. Use instrumental tracks on YouTube and let the kids perform — no fancy equipment required.
72. Attend school performances. Support school concerts and plays; many elementary shows are free to attend.
73. Cheer for youth sports. Attend community little-league games for family-friendly fun without professional ticket prices.
74. Go to in-store kids’ events. Retailers host free workshops for kids — storytimes at Barnes & Noble, craft sessions at Michaels, and building events at The Home Depot.
75. Visit a splash pad. Swap a water park day for a splash pad, or set up sprinklers in the yard.
76. Make a scrapbook. Gather photos, stickers and mementos to create a keepsake together.
77. Put on a talent show. Let kids perform and invite friends and neighbors to watch.
78. Hold a backyard field day. Set up races and games using what you have at home — pillowcase races, jump rope contests and tug-of-war.
79. Take kids skating. Many rinks participate in Kids Skate Free events; you might only need to pay for skate rentals.
80. Spend time outdoors. Blow bubbles, draw with sidewalk chalk, play tag or hula-hoop — outdoor play is cheap and low-risk for your home.
81. Try simple science experiments. Turn learning into play with baking soda and vinegar eruptions or foil boat buoyancy tests.
82. Make a time capsule. Collect items that capture the present and bury them to open years later.
Free Seasonal Activities
No matter the time of year, there are free or low-cost things to do that entertain the whole family.
Summer
83. Go for a swim. Some municipal pools offer free swim hours, and YMCAs sometimes provide free lessons for youth. If no pool is available, find a local lake or beach.
84. Spend a day at the beach. Even if you don’t swim, beachcombing, sandcastle building and sun-soaked music make a relaxing day. Pack a cooler and sunscreen.
85. Throw a BBQ. Summer is perfect for grilling outdoors — an inexpensive alternative to dining out.
86. Watch fireworks. Firework displays are often visible from afar, so you can enjoy shows without buying event tickets.
87. Take the kids bowling. Register for the Kids Bowl Free program and enjoy free games at participating alleys (shoe rentals may apply).
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Fall
88. Collect autumn leaves. Walk through colorful foliage and save the prettiest leaves for seasonal crafts or décor.
89. Carve pumpkins. Invite friends for a pumpkin-carving party and roast the seeds for an inexpensive snack.
90. Go trick-or-treating. Enjoy free candy and neighborhood fun, or find trunk-or-treat events at community centers and churches.
91. Watch a Thanksgiving parade. See elaborate floats and performances without traveling to a big-city spectacle.
Winter
92. Go sledding. Borrow or buy a used sled and find a safe hill for endless fun.
93. Decorate your home. Bring out lights and ornaments, display a menorah or kinara, and enjoy holiday music while you decorate.
94. Make holiday crafts. Cold months are perfect for DIY decorations — from cardboard dreidels to paper snowflakes.
95. Try ice fishing. Ice fishing is a seasonal pastime that can also yield dinner — just be sure to follow safety guidelines.
96. Bake treats. Whip up cookies for a cookie exchange or just to enjoy at home.
97. Attend winter festivals. Many towns host light and winter festivals even without snow; gather friends for caroling or cozy indoor celebrations.
98. Tour light displays. Take an evening drive through neighborhoods to admire holiday decorations and vote on favorites.
99. Watch the Rose Parade. Tune in to the Tournament of Roses Parade, where floats made entirely of plant materials parade on New Year’s Day.
100. Play in the snow. Build snowmen, make snow angels or have snowball fights — then warm up with hot cocoa.
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Spring
101. Start a garden. Save seeds from produce or regrow vegetables from scraps. Some libraries or local groups even give away free seeds.
102. Watch trees bloom. Cherry blossoms, dogwoods, crape myrtles — spring is full of blooms to admire on a leisurely walk.
103. Visit a farm or orchard. Enjoy mild weather, wander among the trees and say hello to friendly animals.
