It seems like everywhere you go nowadays, you have to pay to be there. Yoga classes, movie theaters, clubs, art studios, even some hiking trails require a fee to hike them.
Sitting at home and watching Netflix is great every once in a while, but sometimes you just need to get out of the house and have fun with other people too. How can you have fun and stay active for free or cheap?
The Library
The library is one of the few places left that you can just be, for free. Of course, Libraries have books, but they often have so much more too:
- Thousands of books are available to borrow for free (duh) and most libraries book share with other libraries to offer even more selections
- DVDs and CDs (sometimes, for $1 rental)
- Language learning Apps
- Movie Nights
- Movie Apps
- eBooks to borrow
- Tax, medicare, technology, resume writing, and many other classes or professionals available to help you learn or get things done
- Community events (maybe not in all libraries yet, but we’ve been to some awesome Halloween and Easter parties at our local libraries in years past)
- Kids story time, great for pre-schoolers to learn about reading and parents can socialize too
- Computer and Internet access. Printing and copy making are also usually available for a small fee.
If there’s a book or program that you’d love access to and think others may too, talk to your local librarian to see if they can order the book or help organize the program. They are usually looking for community input as much as possible.
Parks and Recreation Programs
Many people don’t realize that there are some awesome Parks and Rec. classes in their communities for both kids and adults. These programs are usually free or have very small fees.
- Team sports or classes like
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Kickball
- Swimming
- Dancing
- and more
- Creative Arts classes like
- Arts and Crafts for kids
- Wreath making for adults during holidays
- Guitar
- Lei Making, here in Honolulu
- After School or Learning classes
- Homework Help
- Science Fun
- World Culture
There are so many different options and if you have a talent you’d like to share with your community, contact your Parks and Rec. Department to see if they’d be willing to set you up with space and a small budget to make it happen.
Volunteer or Teach at Your Favorite Gym
Classes like Gymnastics, Jiu-Jitsu, or Horseback Riding can become financially out of reach quickly for many families but many of these types of schools are often small businesses. While they have bills to pay and need the majority of their members to pay in order to keep their doors open, they can often offer discounts or free classes to those who need it and offer to help out.
- By offering to help in exchange for a discount, one lady had to empty the 3 building garbages every class, and got free yoga classes twice a week
- Mr. Bean has trained Jiu-jitsu for years and started teaching kids classes at a local gym in exchange for free classes for himself and our kids
- Both a local dance school and gymnastics gym let top teenaged students assistant teach smaller kids’ classes in exchange for free classes, and even offer some extra money on the side too
If you’re interested in a class or sport but the costs seem prohibitive, just ask. Some places have scholarships for those who need them and others can offer free classes in exchange for work. It becomes a win-win for both you and the business.
Local Bands or Sports Teams
Who doesn’t love the excitement of a live band or basketball game? But major concerts and sports events can become expensive fast!
If you just want to get out and enjoy the experience, look around your local community for live events:
High School or College Events
- High School or College Sports, drama, or symphony (sometimes they’re free, other times a few dollars, but always fun)
- My kids and I love Christmas music, so we will search local high school schedules to see when their Holiday Band performance will be and make a night of it. We have their favorite dinner, attend the show, and bring hot cocoa or candy canes to eat while driving around town on a Christmas light hunt.
Local Bands/ Performers
- Look for local bands playing in bars, park events, or local festivals. It might not have the fire and flash of major bands but who can complain about a fun night listening to music (even if they suck, you can think of it as a comedy show and make you’re own fun, just don’t be a jerk and let the band know)
Intramural Sports
- Join an Intramural Team
- Dodgeball
- Hockey
- Softball
- Basketball
- Etc.
- Attend and Intramural Sports Event
- We even found hockey games to attend. After my kids’ ice skating lessons, most families would leave right away but the adult hockey team would play their weekly game every Tuesday. We packed up dinner and cocoa and stayed to watch a free game after class each week. Being some of the only people in the stands, we became their favorite fans 🙂
- Company or group softball games
- Dodgeball leagues
- All sorts of groups get together to play all sorts of sports, contact local groups and either join them or have fun cheering them on
Seasonal Discounts
Many companies offer seasonal discounts to encourage people to patron their businesses.
- One of our favorite things to do every summer is attend the Regal Dollar Days. Twice a week, all summer long, Regal theaters shows old movies for just $1. We watch most of our movies at home now, so the opportunity for a big theatre experience for just $1 is super fun for the kids.
- Our local museum offers a free Family Day every month. They set up family oriented activities and let people come in for free to view the art and make their own. It’s usually a bit busy for this introvert mama but for those who love a crowd, it’s awesome.
Get Outside
Getting outside is good for your mind and body. And it’s usually free.
- Go play at the park (even jump in on a pick-up game of basketball or soccer)
- Find new trails to hike nearby
- Play at a nearby beach or lake
- Just take a walk or job around your block. You get some exercise and might even meet some fun new neighbors
Join Your Local Facebook Free Group
Almost every community has a Facebook Free group. If not, start one.
These people let others in the community know what they have to get rid of (Beat the Mess) or what they need and people match up and Up-cycle items.
In my local group, I’ve:
- Given away Costco size peanut butter jars for craft classes
- Gotten a new set of kitchen coffee mugs
- Gotten a set of Christmas tree decorations
- Given away tons of kids clothing and sports equipment
There are just so many people who have perfectly usable things to give away and just as many people who need those things. This might not exactly be an activity, but it can definitely help out a budget-conscious household and the environment.
Wrap-Up
These are just a few of some of the super fun and free or low-cost activities my family has found around our city.
Just remember, there are free activities out there or ways to make them work, no matter how small your budget is. And if you can’t find what you want, create your own!
Love these ideas. Never thought to talk with local businesses to exchange services.
Thank you. Yes, just simply asking and offering your services can make a difference for both you and small businesses.