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Living a frugal life doesn’t have to be boring. To keep yourself entertained and on budget, check out these free or cheap things to do.
Free or cheap activities
1. Go to a museum, aquarium or zoo
Many aquariums, museums and zoos waive admission fees on certain days. For example, Illinois residents can get free entry to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on select days with valid identification.
In Washington, D.C., most Smithsonian museums and the zoo offer free admission year round. Other places have “pay what you wish” policies — which let you set the price — and some have discounts for students, senior citizens or military members.
And if you’re a Bank of America customer, your credit or debit card could be your ticket. The bank’s “Museum on Us” program offers free general admission to over 200 participating locations nationwide on the first full weekend of every month.
2. Read a book
Dive into a new book or revisit an old favorite. If nothing on your bookshelf strikes your fancy, take a trip to the library, swap titles with a friend or check the used and sale sections at a local bookstore. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can choose from a collection of books, magazines and comics to download for free.
3. Catch a movie
Use your public library card to check out a DVD from your neighborhood branch or stream a free movie from a website like Hoopla. Or, browse the film selection on a reputable free streaming site or a streaming service you already subscribe to, such as Netflix.
It’s possible to go to the theater and keep costs in check, too. Join a loyalty program or attend a matinee to help save on movie tickets.
4. Play a game inside
Break out a board game, puzzle or deck of cards. If video games are more your speed, check an app store for free or cheap games, or head over to a free gaming site like Pogo. Public libraries sometimes offer games and video games for checkout. If you have Netflix, you should also have access to over 80 exclusive mobile games.
5. Play a game outside
Looking for an athletic endeavor? Play a pickup game of basketball at the park, join a recreational sports league in your community — some are free, others cost a team registration fee — or attend as a spectator.
6. Volunteer
Lending a helping hand can be rewarding. Bonus: It’s free. Pick a cause you care about, like the environment, animals or education. Then, contact local organizations or use a service like VolunteerMatch to find opportunities that suit your interests.
7. Visit the farmers market
Take in the sights, sounds, tastes and scents at your local farmers market. Despite the expensive reputation, you can sometimes find locally grown fruits and vegetables for less, or in larger quantities, than you would at the grocery store. Stroll through the stalls, talk with vendors and sample the offerings.
8. Go thrift shopping
Hunt for clothing bargains at thrift and consignment stores. Remember, you don’t have to buy anything. Sometimes it’s more fun to browse and try things on. Want more thrifty shopping tips? Learn how to get free clothes.
9. Go for a walk
Cell phones, podcasts and earbuds have transformed a walk around the neighborhood from mundane to entertaining. Even if you don’t have access to good audio, stepping outside for a stroll is a great way to pass the time and get your body moving. If you are into plants, consider downloading a plant identification app like iNaturalist or PlantNet to use during your walk. This way, you can discover new plants during the stroll.
10. Take a hike
Get out of the house and enjoy the sites and sounds of the natural world. Check your county’s or city’s website for a list of parks and trails. Then, pack a lunch and a water bottle, strap on some comfortable shoes and get outside. If you want to go hiking with a group, consider joining an app like Meetup. You can find location-based hiking events, which gives you the chance to meet other people. Facebook groups can also be a helpful resource.
11. Ride a bike
If you have a bike, a ride through your neighborhood or the trails you found on your local government website is a faster (and probably more fun) way to explore your surroundings. Don’t have one to ride? Check Facebook Marketplace for gently used models for sale near you. Platforms like The Recyclery also offer refurbished bikes to individuals who need them.
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12. Sleep in the woods
In the mood for more adventure, and have a tent and sleeping bag on hand? Grab a friend or the family and head out on a budget-friendly camping trip at a designated site.
13. Gaze at the stars
There are few things more majestic than the night sky on a dark, clear night. You won’t spend a dime, and you’ll remember just how small you are in the context of the massive Milky Way. Google “constellations” for free printouts of easy-to-find star patterns in the northern and southern skies, or download a free app for your phone. Local astronomy clubs may also host free events where members set up their telescopes and invite the public to have a look.
14. Listen to music
To get your music fix without forking over some money, scan the radio or try a free music service like Spotify or Freegal, which lets you use your library card to download songs. Live music can be affordable, too. Check event websites and venues for a list of upcoming shows and explore ways to save on concert tickets.
15. Make some music
Don’t have an instrument, but want to jam? That’s fine. Head over to your local music store, pick up that Martin acoustic guitar and (carefully) strum your heart out. Music store clerks are used to the noise and are likely to let you play. You could also search for free community singing events.
16. Make something
Tap into your creative side to save money. You can whip up something tasty in the kitchen, start a crafty DIY project, create a photo album or write a short story. You might have most, if not all, of the materials you need on hand already. If your creation turns out really good, turn it into a side business.
17. Learn a new skill
You can find free tutorials for just about anything online. Choose something new you would like to learn. For example, study a foreign language, take up knitting or learn to do minor home repairs yourself. The list is endless, and YouTube is a good place to start.
18. Exercise
Getting in shape doesn’t have to come with an expensive monthly gym bill. Going for a run, doing some squats and pushups or working out with a free video-based app at home are just a few exercise options besides a gym membership.
19. Have a potluck
Organize a casual get-together with friends or neighbors. Make it a potluck, where everyone brings a signature dish, snack or beverage. That’ll ease the financial burden on the host, whether that’s you or someone else.
20. Do something productive
Let’s get real: Most of us are putting something off. Set aside time to clean the house, finish a project or get your affairs in order. That could mean creating your will, finally building a budget, planning a vacation or polishing your resume.
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See the full picture: savings, debt, investments and more. Smarter money moves start in our app.21. Host a yard sale
This option won’t cost at all. In fact, you'll likely make money at your yard sale. Gather up unwanted clothes, furniture and other items from your home. Then, set up a few tables and invite the neighborhood to shop. You’ll get rid of clutter in an environmentally friendly way. Consider that a win-win.
22. Engage with your community
Search for local events in your city or town and you’ll likely turn up a calendar of free community gatherings. Many cities have free art studio tours on a specific day each month. In the warmer weather, it could be a concert in the park on the first Friday of the month. An outdoor movie on a patch of grass downtown is another way to spend a summer evening without spending money. Also, religious organizations often host free meals and community gatherings. All of these events make great opportunities for friendliness and fellowship.
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