When my husband and I decided to pay off $127,000 of debt (mostly student loans) in three years, we knew we would have to drastically reduce our expenses.
One item we cut from our budget was outings with friends (and date nights). Does this mean that we NEVER hang out with friends? Nope!
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We’ve just found free things to do with them instead. Here are my ten favorite things to do on a no-spend weekend.
Board Game Night
We love to have game nights with friends. Even though we only have a few board games, when we have a game night, all of our friends bring a couple of games and then we have plenty of options to choose from.
Honestly, I have lot more fun staying in and having a game night than I would if we went out. As long as you pick some great games, you’ll be laughing all night.
My favorites are One Night Ultimate Werewolf and Catch Phrase; my hubby loves Cards Against Humanity and Telestrations.
Related Post: Top 10 Best Board Games for Adults
The perfect board game for pug lovers!
Yoga Class
Over the past few years, I’ve done yoga more times than I can count, and I’ve never paid for it. There are MANY ways to find free yoga classes.
Some studios offer free one week trials or occasional free days. Nonprofit groups, such as Holy Yoga, provide donation-based classes. These are just a couple of the many ways to find free yoga!
Related Post: 9 Ways to Find Free Yoga Classes
A free outdoor yoga event.
Get Outside
When the weather is nice, getting outside is a free way to have fun. Whether you’re walking, hiking, going on a free 5k, or taking your dog to the park, you’re getting exercise and having a great time!
At Minnehaha Falls after a 5k walk.
Cook Dinner & Watch Netflix
Instead of paying $20+ at a movie theater, stay in and watch Netflix with your friends or significant other.
It’s free, you can eat whatever you want (instead of paying $6 for popcorn), and you don’t have to deal with annoying people talking during the movie or kicking your seat.
Related Post: 40 Binge-Worthy Shows on Netflix
Photo Shoot
I’m a shutterbug, and I love taking too many pictures! Photography is one of my favorite free things to do. Obviously, I spent money on the camera, but walking around and taking pictures doesn’t cost a thing.
It’s also a good way to get some exercise, have fun, and be creative all at the same time.
Be a Tourist in Your Own City
How much of your city have you explored? You could try visiting local landmarks and taking cheesy pictures. It’s fun, gets you moving, and it’s free!
At the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (see the spoon & cherry in the background).
Go to the Pool
Do any of your friends live in an apartment with a pool or hot tub? Check it out! One of my close friends lives in a condo, and we go to her pool often during the summer.
If you don’t have this option, you may be able to find a community center in your area with a free pool, or you could go to the beach.
Go on a Day Trip
Check out an area near you that you haven’t been to before. My husband and I went to Taylors Falls, MN (about an hour from the Twin Cities) and it was absolutely gorgeous! We went in the fall which was the perfect time to go with all of the beautiful colors.
If you find a day trip spot that isn’t too far of a drive, the only cost to you will be a small amount of gas. You could pack lunches to bring along so do you don’t have to spend money going out to eat.
A day trip to Taylors Falls.
Related Post: A Frugal Day Trip: 3 Cheap Things to Do in Taylors Falls, MN
Museum
Many museums offer free admission all the time or on certain days. There is an enormous art museum in our area that’s free all the time, and there’s a smaller one that’s free one day a week.
Many museums that aren’t always free may offer free or discounted admission for students, children, or seniors.
Zoo
Some zoos have a cost, but others are completely free! This is a great kid-friendly option for those of you who have kiddos. A zoo in our area offers free admission to see the animals along with a free flower show in a conservatory.
No-Spend Weekend
A no-spend weekend doesn’t need to be boring. There are plenty of fun things that can be done for free! These are just a few of my favorites.
What do you like to do for fun on a no-spend weekend? Share in the comments!
Board games and a nice dinner while watching Netflix are my favorites! We usually make our Netflix nights our “cheat” nights and will buy a frozen pizza or make some burgers and fries. Super delish, easy, and cheap (especially when you already have the food in the freezer)!
Sounds perfect!