Heads up: This article was commissioned as a part of the Adam Rush Project. It was an experiment I did a few years ago to see if having books written by ghostwriters would be commercially viable. It wasn't. That said, the following article was written by someone else and not yet edited to my standards. I hope to find time to rewrite it myself in the future, but for now, read with caution.
Disclaimer: In this article, I discuss financial topics. These are my personal thoughts and opinions. I am not a financial advisor, and none of what you read here is financial advice.
How much fun you have has no relation with the amount of money you spend. Having fun often has no price tag. Here are a few ways you can have fun without lightening your wallet.
1. Host a pot luck
A pot luck is a meal you have with friends where each guest brings a dish to share. It’s a great way to get together with friends and socialize for free. While the food itself isn’t free, you likely won’t have to spend any more money than you normally would if you had a meal by yourself.
2. Watch a Movie
Movies don’t always have to cost you extra money anymore. Many of us have streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. You can also check with your local library. Many libraries have movies for patrons to check out free of charge.
3. Go to the park
Most residential areas have a park nearby. It may be a simple playground with a stand of trees nearby, or a sprawling network of trails. Take advantage of your local parks. Parks are also great places to have a picnic. You can pack a lunch and have a relaxing time with friends.
4. Video Gaming
Video gaming is a great family activity. There are lots of free games out there, and many video games can be played with others co-operatively or multiplayer.
5. Cycling
Sometimes you can be adventurous and ride your bike to work, to a restaurant, or even to your friends’ house for a party. Or you can just go for a ride around your neighborhood. It’s a great way to get some exercise and save on gas.
6. Explore your area
Let’s face it, most of us don’t get out of our neighborhood enough. Take a day to visit a local monument, museum, or city landmark. It’s a great way to discover the hidden gems of your area.
7. Read a book
If you love books, why not read one for fun? Reading is a great way to relax, and it’s something you can do without spending any money.
8. Have a scavenger hunt
One of the most fun things to do with a large group of people is to have everyone go out on a scavenger hunt. You can either come up with your own list of tasks to do, or use an existing scavenger hunt. Just make sure to divvy up the list and get your teams out and having fun.
9. Go fishing
If you have the equipment, why not go fishing? Fishing can be a relaxing way to spend a day and get some fresh air. Make sure to keep your eyes open for fish in case you get lucky!
10. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is like a treasure hunt around your town. Go out with your kids or friends and see who can find the most geocaches. There are geocaches everywhere, so it’s not difficult to find them. You can have so much fun doing this that you’ll forget it doesn’t cost anything.
11. Camping
Camping is an easy way to get out of the city and get some fresh air. If you have the equipment, you can even do it free of charge. All you need to do is find a place to camp. If you want to go completely free, you can always pitch a tent in your backyard.
12. Hiking
Hiking is a fun and relaxing way to get outside and enjoy nature. You don’t even need any fancy equipment. Just bring plenty of water, your favorite walking shoes, and a map if you want to avoid getting lost.
13. Stargazing
Take your telescope outside of your house and see what you can see. If you don’t have a telescope, you can still go stargazing with your friends. Look at the stars and talk about what you see. It’s a great way to relax with your friends.
14. Ghost hunting
Some people believe that there are spirits still roaming the Earth. These people will go out with equipment to try to catch evidence of spirits. This is a great way to have fun for the night without spending a dime.
15. Rock climbing
Rock climbing can be a wonderful date idea. It’s fun, and it will get your heart pumping. Just make sure to use safety equipment. The last thing you want is to get hurt.
16. Listen to music
Everyone has a favorite band or musician. Some people love classical music, while others prefer heavy metal. Whatever your taste is, why not enjoy it? Just sit back and listen to your favorite songs. It’s a great way to chill.
17. Go swimming
You can go swimming at a nearby pool or river for free. Even if you have to pay for it, it’s a great way to cool off from the summer heat.
18. Touch a truck
Some cities have a touch-a-truck events where you can go and touch different vehicles. If there is one in your area, go with your friends and enjoy it.
19. Attend a religious function
If you have religion, why not go to a religious function? It’s a great way to get together with like-minded people and socialize. Many religious groups are happy to have non-religious people at their functions.
20. Pick up trash
We all have to do it anyway, why not do it while enjoying yourself? Pick up a few pieces of trash while you’re on your way to work or while you’re out walking with friends. It’s a simple way to help out your community.
21. Photography
If you have a camera, you can get out and take some pictures. Look around your city—there are probably fun places to photograph. If you don’t have a camera, use your cellphone. It’s a great way to learn about art and get great photos.
22. Roller skating
You may not do it because you’re worried about looking foolish, but roller skating is a lot of fun.
23. Go to a museum
If you love museums, go visit one. Many museums are free. If you’re going to pay for one, you can also look for a free day. Many museums offer a day when they have no admission fee.
24. Play sports
Gather your friends and play a sport. You can play ultimate frisbee, rugby, or whatever you like. Perhaps a water gun fight in the summer, or a snowball fight in the winter? Or if you’re going solo, you can go shoot hoops at a local basketball court and perhaps join a pick-up game.
25. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking may sound old-fashioned, but it’s still a great hobby. It’s a fun activity you can do with a group of friends, or you can do it alone. And you can do it for free—all you need is a little scrapbook paper.
26. Karaoke
Karaoke is a lot of fun. You can sing your heart out while socializing with your friends. You can even try writing your own song and performing it.
27. Play board games
Board games have become more popular than ever. If you don’t have the money to buy the newest games, you can almost always find a free one to play. You can visit your local library to see what games they have on hand, or you can ask your friends.
28. Go to a Flea Market
Flea markets are a great way to find deals on old toys, appliances, and other knick knacks. You can also find some great deals on used clothing, that you can then sell on eBay or other sites like it. It’s free to browse, though it would cost some money if you find something you just have to buy.
29. Go to the Library
Libraries are free. They are a great place to hang out, read a good book, and have a quiet afternoon. Many libraries even have free events like story time for kids or lectures for adults.
30. Play with Pets
This can be as simple as tossing a ball around with your dog or as involved as taking your cat for a walk (good luck with that). Spending time with your pet is always fun.
31. Volunteer
While a cause like this may not be extremely fun, it’s a great way to meet people, have fun with friends, and do something worthwhile.
32. Attend a Local event
Many communities have free events, especially in the summer. They may include a parade, festival, or concert.
33. Work out at home
Turn on a movie, play your favorite music, and do some calisthenics or a home workout routine. It’s a great way to have fun and socialize with your friends and family.
34. Go to a beach
Even if you’re not a swimmer, a trip to a beach can be fun. Go at sunset, kick off your shoes, and feel the sand between your toes. Relax and watch the clouds go by. Or go early in the morning and search the ground for interesting shells and objects that washed ashore overnight.
35. Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill is another fun way to spend your time. Whether you enjoy woodworking or want to learn a new pastry recipe, a quick search online should yield many free lessons.
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