Over the last few years, the increased prices and cost of living have meant less room in the budget. While it also affected how much we could save each month, reduced hours and unexpected expenses forced us to cut back even further. However, even the best savers need to blow off steam and have fun occasionally. But, you don’t need to sacrifice your leisure time with these free activities.
3 Free Activities to Save Your Entertainment Budget
1. Check out your local library.
Your local library is a cultural and community hub. They help sponsor a variety of events and free activities that are appropriate for all ages. In addition to the children’s story hours and family-friendly activities, many also display artwork and put on concerts for local artists.
However, I was ecstatic to learn that the library also offers free and discounted tickets to local attractions like museums, zoos, and other performances. It’s just one more reason why you should check out your local library.
2. Become a tourist in your city.
Another fun way to save money during your vacations is to become a tourist in your city. You can live somewhere for years, even your whole life, and never know the city you live in. Therefore, we have taken more time to appreciate the sights and sounds in our backyard.
We have found several free walking tours of historic districts and hit the local parks for urban exploration. And when we want to get back to nature, apps like AllTrails will help you find the best trails around. It’s also a lot of fun to attend the free art festivals, concerts, outdoor movies, and community-sponsored events throughout the summer. But the best part is that all the activities don’t cost a thing.
3. Take up a new sport.
Contrary to what some might think, you don’t need to spend a lot of money if you want to take up a new sport or hobby. Instead of purchasing expensive new equipment, I prefer to borrow until I know for certain that it is something I will stick with. Even then, I hunt local thrift shops for used equipment. You can also find high-quality equipment at great prices through online marketplaces.
But the most important thing that people pay for is the space. Luckily, there are many places where you can access open spaces, courts, and other sports facilities for free. It’s a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. But if you are looking for something more competitive, you can also check local message boards and forums if you are interested in joining an adult league or team.
Some Free Advice
It can be hard to adjust to new financial limits. Sometimes, I feel hopeless and defeated when I see how tight things get. But when this happens, finding fun ways to spend time together is even more important. And with some creative thinking, many free activities will help you enjoy life a little more without breaking the bank.
Read More
- How To Get Free Passes to Zoos and Museums
- 4 Simple Budgeting Tips for Hobbies and Interests
- How to Budget for a Dream Vacation
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.