19 fun things to do that cost next to nothing

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to do for fun. If you’ve already run through your usual options, you might find yourself out of ideas. The selection can also seem limited if you’re on a budget. Fear not! Here are 19 fun things to do that cost nothing—or next to nothing—to help you create lasting memories with your loved ones.



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Watch the sun set

First, choose a west-facing location with a good view. Second, pick an evening when the sky is clear. Bring drinks, snacks, and perhaps a wireless speaker, if you have one, to add your own soundtrack. Then sit back and marvel at the awe-inspiring spectacle that awaits!



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Watch the sun rise

There’s something thrilling about getting up just before dawn and bundling up in cozy clothes to admire the beautiful colours of a sunrise. It’s also a good opportunity to see your city from a different perspective, while it’s quiet and deserted before the morning rush begins. For a special touch, pack a hot beverage in a thermos and a simple breakfast like fruit or croissants.



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Host a film festival at home

Keen to share your favourite childhood flicks with your kids? Obsessed with horror movies? Have a best friend with a serious celebrity crush? Why not host your own film festival in your living room?! Simply pick a theme, create a program, and get popping!



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Volunteer

Nothing beats having a good time with a loved one while doing a good deed. Charitable organizations are always looking for volunteers. Whether it’s accompanying the elderly on activities, sorting food at a food bank, or helping organize a community event, there’s no shortage of options.



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Visit a museum

Almost all museums offer free admission on certain days. Just check their website to find out when and consult their schedule of exhibitions, tours, and activities. COVID-19 has made cultural outings more complicated, but some museums offer virtual tours, providing a safe experience.



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Make a friend’s favourite recipe

Does your best friend’s ramen soup recipe deserve three Michelin stars? Ask them to show it to you! Having people over for dinner is fun, but cooking with friends while learning a new recipe is even better and provides a great opportunity to bond.



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Build a blanket fort (adult sized)

Get in touch with your inner child by building a fort out of cushions and blankets where you can hide out and watch a movie or play a game. Use your imagination to decorate the interior: a string of lights, yoga mats, wireless speakers, headlamps—anything goes!



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Host a neighbourhood cleanup party

The great thing about a cleanup party is that you can do it, not only with your friends and family, but also your neighbours—making it a wonderful community-building activity. Bring rubber or gardening gloves, bins, and garbage or recycling bags, and wear old clothes in case you get dirty. You’ll be all set to help protect the environment and meet new people at the same time!



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Discover a new park

Do you know every corner of your local park by heart? Maybe it’s time to go on an adventure and explore a new park in your city! Municipal websites often provide a detailed list of parks and the activities each one offers, so you can choose your destination based on your preferences and interests. While you’re at it, why not explore a park in a nearby town, just to get an extra change in scenery?



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Learn a new language

Learning a new language is a stimulating activity that can be a great opportunity to discover a new culture. Plus there are so many different ways to go about it! Find a free app online or follow tutorials on YouTube. Perhaps someone you know is fluent in the language you want to learn and would be willing to give you some private lessons or let you practise conversing with them!



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Help a loved one

Helping and supporting a loved one makes a great free gift. Visit a friend who’s just become a new mom and cook her some food to stock up her freezer or take care of some household chores. Go grocery shopping for your grandfather who’s recovering from an illness. Help your cousin organize her garage sale or lend a hand to friends who are renovating their condo. Small acts of kindness like these are displays of love and affection that help strengthen bonds between you and your loved ones.



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Do a small renovation or interior decor project

No need to buy new furniture or undertake major renovations to change your decor. Sometimes all you need to do is find some new things to hang on your walls, rearrange the furniture, or spruce up an old piece of furniture. The internet is full of simple, inexpensive ideas that can add new life to your home.



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Host a tasting event with a special theme

You could, of course, host a traditional wine and cheese tasting—but why not think outside the box a little by choosing an original or unusual theme? Organize a tasting of different kombuchas, dumplings, homemade breads, teas, chips, sweets, colas, or spreads. The possibilities are virtually endless, and your guests are sure to be pleasantly surprised!



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Play tourist in a new neighbourhood

When you live in a big city, you can get stuck in a rut of frequenting only the streets near your home or work. To add some adventure and novelty to your next walk, explore a neighbourhood you’ve never been to before. Check out your city’s website (some neighbourhoods and boroughs even have their own websites) to learn more about what makes it special. Then, choose a destination that matches to your interests and objectives.



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Try a new board game

The board game industry has changed a lot in recent years. To the delight of gamers everywhere, more and more games, as varied as they are original, have appeared on the market. Such a large selection, though, can make it hard to find the perfect game, and you may not want to shell out for a game before knowing whether or not you’ll like it. Happily, some stores rent board games for a reasonable price and can provide advice and recommendations. They’ll ask you about your interests and preferences, the number of players, and how long you want to play—in return, you’ll get a bunch of suggestions just for you!



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Write a song or comedy skit

Here’s a creative activity that you can do on your own, as a couple, or with friends and family. Comedy fans can host a stand-up night during which everyone presents a short skit, while music lovers can challenge themselves to write and compose, alone or in a team, a song to share with everyone. You never know—you might discover a hidden talent!



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Be an extra on TV or in the movies

You don’t have to be a professional actor to be onscreen! Uncover the secrets of film or television production and experience a professional film set by becoming an extra. You might even rub shoulders with a few stars! There are many casting agencies that specialize in recruiting extras. Sometimes, all it takes is sending in a few headshots and your measurements to sign up.



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Attend a free concert

The performing arts are going through a rough time these days due to social distancing regulations. Fortunately, there are creative, original, and free initiatives offering concerts, both outdoors and virtually. What’s more, shows for smaller audiences offer a unique kind of intimacy and closeness to the artists that can’t be reproduced at large-scale concerts.



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Organize a wacky tournament

Paper plane throwing competition, improvised obstacle course, adult treasure hunt, best chocolate chip cookie recipe contest—these are just a few examples of fun and original ways to spend an afternoon with the family or among friends! Include a prize to get into the competitive spirit and spark creativity! Make your own trophy or give out a gift certificate (that all participants help purchase)—use your imagination and be silly. Plus, if everyone likes the activity, consider making it an annual tradition!



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