Having fun doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. When we asked SaverLife members, “How do you have fun without spending a lot of money?”, their answers were full of affordable activities and simple, creative ideas, from backyard movie nights and free concerts to fishing and family picnics.
Here are some of their favorite ways to make memories without stretching the budget:
🌳 Get outside
One of the most popular answers was also one of the simplest: head outdoors. Members mentioned walking, hiking, fishing, swimming, gardening, visiting the beach, and exploring local and state parks.
One member keeps it simple with “nature activities like hiking or walking, fishing, swimming,” while another told us, “We love fishing, beach days, and long walks.”
Even an ordinary afternoon can become an outing. Pack lunch for a picnic, find a new walking trail, take the kids to the playground, or bring a book to the park.
🎬 Make staying home an event
You don’t always have to go somewhere to have a good time. Movie nights, board games, backyard activities, and inviting people over were favorites among members.
One member suggested “picnics and my own backyard movie nights,” while another likes “yard games at home (horseshoes, lawn darts, badminton, volleyball).”
Another member shared a simple way to make entertaining more affordable: “I have friends over and tell everyone to bring a dish, and we play games.”
Try turning an ordinary night at home into an occasion. Pop some popcorn, pull out the cards, organize a potluck, or let everyone pick a favorite movie.
📚 See what your library offers
Your library may offer much more than free books. Depending on where you live, you may be able to borrow movies and games, attend free events, or even get passes to local attractions.
One SaverLife member specifically recommends “accessing free tickets to places through my library.”
Check your library’s website (or ask a librarian) about free passes, events, classes, activities for kids, and other benefits available with your library card.
🎶 Look for free events in your community
Several members find affordable activities happening nearby. Think free festivals, outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, movies in the park, and other community events.
As one member put it, “Free community events like outdoor concerts and farmers markets always brighten my weekends.”
Another shared: “I look to my current area for fun opportunities. As I research, I’ve found many free or low-cost options right where I live.”
Check your city or county website, parks and recreation department, library, community center, or local social media pages to find upcoming events.
🙋 Try volunteering your way in
Volunteering can be a rewarding activity by itself, and it may introduce you to experiences you otherwise wouldn’t have tried.
One member told us: “Volunteer! I’ve been to concerts, local events, and more for free by volunteering a few hours.”
Look for local festivals, nonprofits, arts organizations, and community events seeking volunteers.
🍿 Take advantage of discount days
Free isn’t the only way to have fun on a budget. If there’s something you really want to do, see whether there’s a less expensive time to do it.
One member said they “go to a movie on Senior day or Discount Tuesday for $7,” while another recommended movie discount days and happy hour meal specials.
Before paying full price, check for weekday specials, student or senior discounts, free admission days, happy hours, or other promotions.
❤️ Focus on who you’re with
One theme came through again and again: sometimes what makes an experience memorable isn’t what you spend, it’s who you spend it with.
One member described their ideal low-cost afternoon as:
“Sitting on the porch with friends – while our kids run around like nut jobs playing. It’s all about the environment. The folks you choose to have by you, the energy they bring, and the energy they bring out of you.”
Whether it’s a walk with a friend, a picnic with your kids, or cards around the kitchen table, some of the best ways to have fun cost very little.
As another member reminded us, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.”
💡Try one of these SaverLife member ideas the next time you’re looking for something to do, or challenge yourself to find a affordable activity you’ve never tried in your own community.
