Everyone needs to have some fun in their life, but it seems like most activities cost a fortune. Just a simple afternoon at the movies can be $50 or more for many families. Sports events can be hundreds! Free fun is available, provided you know where to look.
1. Start at the library
Books, DVDs, and music are free for the taking (renew online to eliminate late fees). I enjoyed watching House of Cards and Under the Dome, courtesy of the library. There are adult book clubs and tons of activities for kids. Many libraries have lectures and book signings and art exhibits. Also, check into free museum passes. There are so many available at mine. Last Fall, Hungry Bear (my guy) and I went to an aquarium, a farm museum, and Castle in the Clouds. It didn’t cost us a cent!
2. Take a free class
Most communities around the country have free classes. Check your local city hall for a list of events and a bulletin board. Next week, I’m taking a 3-part Organic Gardening class. I’ve read many gardening books, but hands-on learning can’t be beat.
3. Commune with nature
Do you live by the mountains? Ocean? A National Park? Hiking Trails? If so, enjoy them! Being outside and experiencing trees, flowers, grass, birds, and other wildlife enriches the soul. There’s nothing I enjoy more than taking a walk on a warm summer evening. Start with a picnic and you have a perfect experience.
4. Shop for free
I love to shop, but I hate to spend money. I can shop as much as I want, without incurring any big bills, thanks to couponing. Every Saturday, I post my best deals of the week.
5. Low cost hobbies
Do you enjoy art projects? http://www.michaels.com/ always has coupons for cheap supplies. Buy in bulk, store properly, and they should go a long way. A pan of watercolors can be shared among many. Try Origami.
Do you like music? Instruments can be bought used or traded. If you like to perform, join a local band.
Want to learn a new language? Tons of web resources, from dictionaries, podcasts, and tutoring.
6. Play games
Like old-fashioned games? Try puzzles, Monopoly, cards, bridge, Mah Jong or chess. For the gamers, play online or at the console. Rent before you buy.
7. Volunteer
An equally good activity for the individual or families. There’s no shortage of good causes and needy people. I like any charity that promotes literacy, Judaism, or Women’s issues. Spend a night helping at a Soup Kitchen or Homeless shelter. Be grateful for every blessing and mindful of the less fortunate.
8. Politics
Go to the School Board meeting, see a candidate in person, join a committee, work on an election, fundraise. Vote!
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but should get the ball rolling (gosh, I do love puns).
Can you have fun for free?
Free is the best kind of fun, and quality fun at that. I do live in the mountains and love to play in the garden. There is this wonderful place not too far with streams and waterfalls to hike, and photograph (fun). I paint on scrap plywood with inexpensive acrylic paints. Once my yarn stash had reached a nice inventory(though not free, bought on sale), I pull out the hook and am entertained anywhere, anytime. Pressing flowers is another fun, free activity. The best things in life are free, really.
Free is a wonderful word! Growing up it was the only kind of fun we enjoyed and something I need to do more of as an adult. My favorite free thing is to spend the afternoon at the library curled up in one of their leather chairs enjoying a good book.
I love these activities.
I think these are great ideas! I love my local library for all the free events that they do! So awesome!