49 Free Or Astonishingly Cheap Ideas To Have Fun When You Need To Spend Less

You may need to cut back on spending for many reasons. For instance,

• • You’re saving for a financial goal, e.g., pay off $20K of student loan debt or save $30K for a down payment on a house.

• • You’re feeling the pinch from high inflation. In the US, inflation was 6.5% in 2022. If your monthly budget was $2000, it might have grown to $2130 just from inflation.

Whatever the reason, here are 49 ideas to have fun while you crush your financial goals.

 

Hang out with family or friends. 

You feel a sense of belonging and community when you spend time with people you care about. It’s also great for your health. The long-running Harvard study on happiness showed that people who nurtured deep relationships lived longer and were happier. 

Here are some ideas to enjoy time with friends and family without spending much money:

1. Host a potluck dinner

Invite your loved ones over for a potluck dinner. It is an excellent way to have a variety of food for cheap as everyone brings something. If you dislike cooking, you can pick up a dessert, wine, or salad at a grocery store. 

2. Organize a picnic in the park

If the weather is nice, invite friends to a picnic in a nearby park. I bring snacks, board games, blankets, and cushions for a comfortable, fun, cheap hangout. It’s a lovely way to catch up while you enjoy the beautiful weather.

3. Eat out at cheaper restaurants

If you like to eat out, find an affordable restaurant instead of the hot new restaurant. You can search for “restaurants” on Google Maps and filter the results. Look for restaurants rated over 4.5 stars and priced at $ or $$ instead of $$$ or $$$$. 

4. Host a game night

I love games! My favorites are Settlers of Catan, Apples to Apples, and Taboo. Invite some friends over for a game night. If your friends are like mine, it’ll be a night filled with laughter and friendly competition.

5. Host a wine and cocktails night

I live in Washington, DC. Drinks in restaurants and bars can range from $15 (if you’re lucky) to $25! Instead of a night out, invite friends over. You can create a party playlist, invent custom cocktails and enjoy a “night out in your living room.” 

6. Sign up for trivia night at a bar

Do you remember random facts about sports or pop culture? If so, trivia is right up your alley. Find a local bar hosting free or low-cost trivia nights and show your cleverness.  

7. Go for karaoke with friends

Karaoke can be fun even if you don’t sound like Adele. My singing is on the low end of passable, but I can’t resist belting out Bon Jovi or Lizzo at a karaoke bar. If you’re shy or only want to sing with friends, pick a karaoke spot with private rooms. These can vary from $30-$60/hour for up to 8 people. Enjoy a night out discovering your friend Emily knows all the words to every Beyonce song.

8. Host a movie night at your place

Take advantage of your streaming subscription and host a movie night. The popcorn will be cheaper and healthier. You can binge the latest TV show or watch a movie. 

9. Go for happy hour at a bar or restaurant

Search for restaurants or bars that offer happy hour deals in your city. You can get drinks and food at discounted prices. Take advantage of this to spend less hanging out with family or friends.

10. Organize a scavenger hunt

Let your creativity loose with a scavenger hunt. There are different types of scavenger hunts. For example, you can create a photo scavenger list. Your friends take pictures of the things on the list, and you decide on the winner. Your list can be “a favorite spot,” “an object you don’t need but can’t let go of,” or “a recreation of a historic moment.” Or you could organize a treasure-finding scavenger hunt. You ask friends to find objects you’ve hidden or fascinating locations in your city.   

11. Host an art and craft party

Do you like drawing, painting, or making crafts? Host an art and craft party. Invite friends to bring their favorite art or craft activity. I was amazed at the options at my friend’s art party. It ranged from still-life painting to calligraphy to a lipgloss-making kit.

 

Sightsee in your city

Cities are constantly changing. New tourist attractions spring up, or old favorites reinvent themselves. For example, I have lived in DC for over seven years and still love visiting the monuments. Each time I walk by the monuments or along the Tidal Basin, I am awestruck again by the beauty or ideals we aspire to. Try playing tourist in your city. You may appreciate your city more, discover new interests or make new friends. Here are my top suggestions:

12. Take a walking tour of your city

Design your route, look up suggestions online, or sign up for a walking tour.

13. Visit a nearby tourist attraction

Is there a historic site or local attraction that you’ve been meaning to visit but haven’t yet? Invite a few friends and make a day of it. Short on ideas? Search Google for travel guides or tourist attractions in your area.

14. Attend free or low-cost events in your area

You can use Eventbrite or Google to search for events. Eventbrite lets you search for free or paid events. You can filter events by categories like arts & entertainment, comedy, or family-friendly. For example, I went to a Shop Made In DC event last week that I found through Eventbrite. I enjoyed tasting wines from Virginia and Maryland and eating food from a local caterer. I chatted with the finalists for a micro-grant for female entrepreneurs. It was a delightful event that only cost $15.

15. Visit the library

Your local library is a treasure trove of information and a venue for events. My library hosts free coffee & conversation socials, movie nights, language classes, and more. Look at your library’s calendar of events; the variety might surprise you.

16. Visit a farmer’s market, local fair, or street festival 

Find local produce at a farmer’s market or stroll through a local fair or street festival. 

17. Go stargazing at a local observatory or planetarium

Seeing the stars or other cosmic curiosities might be challenging if you live in the city. Visit a local observatory or planetarium to marvel at our universe.

 

Travel nearby

I love traveling. I get a renewed appreciation for life and the human experience when I travel. I love seeing beautiful places, meeting new people, and trying new experiences. When I need to save, I travel nearby. Here are some ideas:

18. Camping 

Camping is a great way to spend time in nature without spending much money. If you already have camping equipment, you only need to spend on food and gas. If you don’t have camping equipment, borrow from friends to save costs.

19. Stay with family or friends while you explore another city

Accommodation and transportation are the most expensive parts of a trip. If you have family or friends living in another city, stay with them for a weekend getaway. For example, driving to Philadelphia or Virginia Beach from DC only takes half a tank of gas. Staying with family or friends saves costs.

20. Take a scenic drive

My favorite part of road trips is always the scenic drive. You gape at the mountains, lakes, and forests. I have visited over 40 states in the US and adore seeing the beautiful landscapes. If you need ideas for scenic drives, search “[a location]” and “top scenic drives” on Google. Some of my favorites are less-visited parks and lakes in states ranging from Idaho to Vermont.

21. Go on a day trip

Cut out the accommodation costs with a day trip. Visit a nearby beach, pretty town, or winery for a few hours and come home.

 

Explore the Arts

Creating art provides an outlet for personal expression and creativity. Engaging with the arts provides insight into different cultures and perspectives. 

Here are some ways to explore the arts or discover your creative side without breaking the bank:

22. Visit a museum

DC is museum central. Free museums cover broad topics, from space to the postal service. Visit a museum near you. Most cities have art, history, or local interest museums. 

23. Take a drawing or painting class

I have taken 1-hour drawing or painting classes for under $20. Some studios also have free programs. If there are no art studios near you, find free drawing or painting tutorials on YouTube. You can also find free or low-cost classes on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.

24. Take an improv comedy class or go to a comedy show

Did you know that some improv theatres offer free classes? For example, the Washington Improv Theatre hosts a 1-hour free “Improv For All” workshop. Only want to enjoy the show? You can buy a ticket for free or for a suggested donation of $5-$20. Look up comedy shows in your area.

25. Photograph scenes in your neighborhood

Smartphone cameras have come a long way. Walk around your city and take pictures of what interests you. You may impress yourself with what you capture.

26. Enjoy a free or low-cost show at your local theatre

Many theatres offer free or low-cost concerts, plays, dance performances, and exhibitions year-round. For example, the Kennedy Center in DC offers free shows through its REACH program.

27. Volunteer as an usher

You can see shows for free when you volunteer as an usher. Not all theatres allow volunteers. Check with your local theatre to see if they accept volunteer ushers.

28. Go for live music shows at a local bar or restaurant

Live music can make you feel things you can’t always express in words. I especially love live jazz, rock, or any genre with a good singer or band. Concert tickets can be costly. Visit local bars or restaurants with live music. One of my favorite spots in DC is a cafe with free jazz nights on Fridays. You can get one drink or no drink and still enjoy the music.

29. Volunteer at a music festival

Most festivals post volunteer information on their website. Fill out the interest form and follow up with the festival. 

30. Attend a free book reading or author talk

Bookstores host free author events to promote books. Check the event calendar for your local bookstore. See if you like any of the book readings, author talks, and other events.

 

Participate in your community.

We feel more connected when we take part in our community. You can make friends, develop business connections, or learn new skills.

31. Volunteer with a local non-profit

You can read to children, distribute food, pick up litter, or run with shelter dogs.

32. Go to a community event

There are many types of community events. Find some that match your interests. For example, you can attend a neighborhood block party, charity walk, or local league game.

33. Take a class at your community center

Attend a class or workshop at your community center. You can learn a new school while making friends with your neighbors.

34. Join a local non-profit board

Want to help a non-profit decide its future or improve its operations? Consider joining the board. You can deepen your relationship with the non-profit and help it achieve its mission.

 

Spend time in nature.

Nature has a calming effect on our minds and bodies. Spending time in nature reduces stress and relaxes us. The next time you have a hectic day at work, go for a 15 mins walk in a park and see how you feel. You may surprise yourself with how much calmer you feel after. 

Most cities have public parks or natural sites like lakes, forests, or mountains. Here are some ideas:

35. Walk in a local park or by the water

I find walking in green spaces or by water relaxing. You can walk with a friend, listen to music, or let your thoughts wander while you enjoy being outdoors. 

36. Visit a national park

There are 63 national parks in the US. You can hike, fish, rock climb, camp, swim or enjoy watching the wildlife in the park.

37. Enjoy seasonal activities

Each season offers free or low-cost ways to enjoy the outdoors. In the spring, you can hike, bird watch, or fish. You can swim in local lakes, surf, or kayak in the summer. In the fall, you can go pumpkin picking, admire the fall leaf colors or explore a corn maze. You can ice skate, visit hot tubs, or go sledding in the winter.

38. Go tubing on a river

One of my favorite activities is tubing on a river. You drift down the river while enjoying the scenery. Invite friends, bring drinks, and float on the water. You can usually find tubing options from late Spring to early Fall for under $30.

39. Watch the sunset

We do this on vacation and forget about it when we get home. Watching the sunset lets you appreciate the natural beauty of the sky at no cost. 

40. Visit a botanical garden, greenhouse, or conservatory

Escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and immerse yourself in a peaceful setting. Enjoy the beauty of colorful flowers, exotic plants, and lush greenery. Discover fun facts about plants and learn about environmental conservation.

 

Play sports

Sports are a fantastic way to stay healthy while having fun. There are many sports you can play without spending money on expensive equipment. Here are some suggestions.

41. Play flag football or soccer

Grab a couple of your friends and play flag football or soccer for free. You won’t need expensive equipment. You can join a local league or find folks to play with on Meetup. Most groups are free or charge $25-$100 for an annual membership (about $2 to $8 per month).

42. Run

About 50 million Americans run or jog. You can run year-round outdoors for free with suitable clothing. Design your running route or look up scenic running paths in your city. You can also join a running group to build community and motivate yourself.

43. Play basketball

I love basketball. You can play it on your own (practice your shots and layups) or with as few as 1-9 other people. Most cities have neighborhood courts you can use for free. Take advantage of these public resources to stay active.

44. Swim

Swimming is a low-impact, full-body exercise with many health benefits. It improves heart health, increases lung capacity, and lowers blood pressure. Most cities have indoor public pools open year-round. For example, DC has 12 indoor public pools open all year round and free for residents. 

45. Ride a bicycle

Explore your city on a bicycle. Before you buy a bike, rent one to see if you like riding. You can get day passes for as little as $8 or monthly passes for $16 to $32.

 

Indulge in self-care

46. Have a rejuvenating spa day at home

Create a calming mood with scented candles and soft music. Pamper your skin with nourishing face masks and soak away your stress in a luxurious bubble bath. I like to play smooth jazz, turn off the lights and soak in the tub.

47. Meditate or do yoga in your living room

Find your inner Zen and relax with yoga or guided meditation in the comfort of your living room. You can find free Yoga or meditation tutorials on YouTube.

48. Try a new recipe or make your favorite meal

Get creative in the kitchen and try a new recipe. Or bring on the nostalgia and make your favorite meal. Cooking lets you express your creativity and nourish your body with delicious food.

49. Have a Private Dance Party

This is one of my favorites. Get your body moving and release your inner dancer with a private dance party. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and let loose. Dancing is a great way to boost your mood, relieve stress, and get a fun workout at the same time.

 

Recap – spend less while you have fun

Which of the 49 ideas do you like the most?

Back in 2017, I realized that although I earned 4x more, I still enjoyed my lifestyle when I made $40K. The most important thing I did for my financial future was resist the urge to spend a lot more money because I made more money.

I spent a little more money (on things that brought me joy) and saved the rest. You can still have fun while spending less money. Whether it’s finding cheaper ways to have quality time with friends or family or letting your creative mind loose with the arts, there are many free or low-cost options.

Try a few of our 49 ideas and let us know how it goes. Did you spend less than you imagined? Did you still have fun?

If you have other ideas, let us know! We love finding more ways to have fun without spending much money.