Living a frugal life doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, these days everyone's doing it.
A NerdWallet study found that more than four in five of Americans (83%) say they're tracking spending more closely in 2026 in part because of rising prices and the cost of living.
To keep yourself entertained and on budget, we'll help you find 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 institutions nationwide on the first full weekend of every month. Libraries also often offer free or discounted museum passes, so just ask.
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.
If reading isn't your thing, listening to an audiobook may be more appealing.
"I've never been a bookworm, but have seriously ramped up my 'reading' list since Spotify added audiobooks," NerdWallet writer Tommy Tindall says. "And if you don't have Spotify, the Libby app lets you listen to books in your library's collection for actual free."
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3. Catch a movie
Use your public library card to stream a free movie from a website like Hoopla. Or, browse the film selection on a streaming service you already subscribe to.
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. NerdWallet writer Amanda Barroso says she buys her kids a board game for the holidays each year. The initial investment pays off.
"Over time, we've built up quite the collection, and they create a fun, cozy afternoon that sparks a little family competition," she says.
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 Roblox. Public libraries sometimes offer games and video games for checkout. If you have Netflix, you should also have access to over 120 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. NerdWallet editor Pamela de la Fuente volunteers with her children's school district.
"My mom was a teacher, and education, specifically special education, are important to me," she says. "Getting involved has been a good way to make change."
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. 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
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.
» 🎙️Here's a good podcast: Smart Money: Free tools to earn more rewards points
10. Take a hike
Get out of the house and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world. Check your county’s or city’s website for a list of parks and trails or try an urban hike.
Pack a lunch and a water bottle, strap on some comfortable shoes and get outside. If you want to go with a group, consider joining an app like Meetup for location-based hiking events. 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. Some cities have nonprofits that offer refurbished bikes for free or cheap.
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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. Google “constellations” for free printouts of easy-to-find star patterns in the northern and southern skies, or download a free app.
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.
For Tindall, playing guitar is his challenging, yet mindful, way to detach from the internet.
"I’m no virtuoso, but I still really enjoy it," he says.
You could also search for free community singing events.
16. Get creative at home
Tap into your creative side to save money. "Create a new recipe from items you already have in your pantry and fridge," says NerdWallet's resident personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer. You could also make a gift for someone else based on items you have at home, she says.
Start a crafty DIY project, create a photo album or write a short story.
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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. 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 your home or finish a project.
Instead of browsing her phone or shopping online at night, Barroso says she used that time to finish her children's baby books.
"It was a labor of love, for sure, but I'm so proud of how they came out, and we now have a family keepsake to look back on for years to come."
Doing something productive could also mean creating your will, finally building a budget, planning a vacation or polishing your resume.
21. Host a yard sale
This option won’t cost at all. In fact, you'll probably make money. Gather up unwanted clothes, furniture and other items from your home.
"We cleared out nearly every corner of our house — from the basement and playroom to the random closet under the stairs we’d been avoiding for months," Barroso says of her garage sale.
She set tables and invited the neighborhood to shop. What was left she sold on Facebook Marketplace or donated.
"We cleared out nearly every corner of our house — from the basement and playroom to the random closet under the stairs we’d been avoiding for months," Barroso says of her garage sale.
She set tables and invited the neighborhood to shop. What was left she sold on Facebook Marketplace or donated.
You’ll get rid of clutter in an environmentally friendly way. Consider that a win-win.
» Tips you can take to the bank: How I made $500 at my first garage sale
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. Religious organizations often host free meals and community gatherings.
All of these events make great opportunities for friendliness and fellowship.
Wildcard: Be OK with doing nothing
"With two kids and a full-time job outside of the home, life feels so busy all the time," de la Fuente says. "People have had to remind me it's OK to just sit and do nothing. Not cross something off a list, not run errands, not eat my weight in protein, not lift weights."
So if you're trying to live the frugal life, remember it's also fine to just sit on the couch and chill, or even sit at a park and watch the world go by.
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So much news. So little time. NerdWallet's new weekly newsletter makes sense of the headlines that affect your wallet.
