Have you ever had a conversation that goes like this…?
“What do you want to do this weekend?”
“I don’t know, what do you want to do?”
“I don’t know; there’s nothing to do around here.”
I have had conversations like this many times in the past, but not anymore. I am learning to appreciate the little things in life and to enjoy more of the moment. Too often when we think of “fun” things, we think of the expensive options like playing a ball game, going on vacation, or going to a concert.
Here’s a list to help you get rid of boredom without emptying your wallet this weekend.
1. Go to the park
You can take your family or go with a friend. Swing on the swings like when you were a kid.
2. Watch the sunset
Find a great place in your community to watch the sunset. We have a lake next to our house that offers great views!
3. Pack a picnic lunch
Organize a picnic lunch together and find a shady spot to enjoy the day with your loved ones.
4. Play board games
Pull out old favorites like Monopoly or Scrabble, or find new board games to play.
5. Play card games
Invite some friends over and have a card night.
6. Do a road rally with friends
Gather some friends and go on a mobile treasure hunt. The first one back with all the things on the list wins! Losers have to buy dessert.
7. Go on a digital treasure hunt
Turn it into a digital treasure hunt. Think of some creative and hilarious photos you could take with people in the community.
8. Host a BYOE party
This is the Bring Your Own Everything booth. Guests are encouraged to bring food and drinks to share. Or, check out this post for more frugal party ideas.
9. Have a bonfire or campfire in your backyard.
Prepare marshmallows and play at the campfire.
10. Get ice cream
Visit your local ice cream shop and enjoy your favorite dish! Our local Dairy Queen sits right on the lake, which ties in perfectly with #2!
11. Prepare a romantic dinner
Plan a romantic candlelight dinner for your spouse or loved one. Romance doesn’t have to be expensive!
12. Grill something new
Try a new grilling recipe. I recently tried chicken breast stuffed with cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, basil, and tomatoes! MMM!
13. Go to the Museum or Zoo
Many times a local museum will have free or discounted days. Zoos are pretty cheap if you pack your own lunch and avoid unnecessary extras.
14. Scan your old photos
Take the weekend to go through your old photos and scan them into a digital file. You can even create digital scrapbooks!
15. Imagine that you are a tourist in your community
Most people rarely visit the tourist attractions in their own city. Take a weekend to be a tourist in your own city.
16. Host a neighborhood cleanup
Gather friends and neighbors to go clean up a city block. Here are six steps to organizing your own neighborhood cleanup.
17. Go to the Farmers Market
Communities will usually have farmers markets on the weekends where you can get locally grown produce. The food is fresh and delicious!
18. Pick strawberries or other fruits
Find a “U-Pick” spot to pick some fresh strawberries, blueberries, or other fruit and then…
19. Bake a cake
Use the freshly picked fruit to bake a homemade cake!
20. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter
Organizations like these are always looking for volunteers. This will be one of the most rewarding things you could do this weekend and could possibly make a difference to your resume!
21. Invite your neighbors
With today’s busy pace, it seems harder to meet our neighbors. Invite them over for dinner or dessert and work to find out more about them.
22. Go fishing
Grab the poles, find a pond, and cast those lines!
23. Go to the beach
Arrive at the sandy shores for some rest and relaxation. Don’t forget to protect your skin!
24. Go to the Library
There are many benefits that your local library has to offer other than just books. You can rent movies, browse magazines or surf the net.
25. Host a classic movie marathon
Invite your friends to a movie marathon with all the classics you remember from when you were little. Or host a money movie marathon!
26. Rearrange the furniture in your house
My wife and I did this last weekend. I love the new look and feel of our living room now! Rearranging furniture costs nothing and adds a new style to your place.
27. Write your wish list and choose one to do
Brainstorm all the things you want to do in life and pick one to do this weekend.
28. Put together a puzzle
When was the last time you put together a puzzle? Find one you like and get to work.
29. Volunteer to babysit someone who “needs a break”
I know many parents who would love someone to offer the opportunity to take a break from the busyness of life. Many single parents rarely get a chance to get out and relax.
30. Clean out your closet and donate to a thrift store
Go through your closets and order. Find items you can donate to your local Goodwill or other thrift store.
31. Watch for shooting stars
Embark on a stargazing adventure. Grab a blanket and head to a park to lie down and gaze at the stars. Here is a meteor shower calendar.
32. Take a bike ride
Bike somewhere you’ve never been before. Or, bring your bike to an unfamiliar town or city and create your own bike tour. Just be safe on your bike!
33. Take a free online class
There are many free online classes you can take to improve your skills in a certain area. Try your hand at investing classes if that interests you!
34. Write your life plan
This one will take some thought, but it will be worth it. Here’s a great resource from Michael Hyatt to help you think through your life plan.
35. Set three new goals for yourself
Related to the life plan is setting three new goals that you would like to accomplish in the new six to twelve months…and write them down!
36. Find a community play to attend
Many local communities offer low-cost theater productions.
37. Help someone in need
Lend a helping hand to a neighbor, co-worker or friend.
38. Buy food for the homeless and listen to their stories
It is not always wise to give money to a homeless person, but you can buy food. Listen to their stories and, if possible, direct them to an organization that can help.
39. Go bowling
Grab some friends and have some fun on the rails!
40. Visit garage sales and look for deals
Grab a friend or two, have breakfast, and then hit the local garage sales to look for bargains.
41. Tour the local fire or police station and thank them for their service
A simple gesture can really mean a lot to the men and women who serve us on a daily basis!
42. Visit a local nursing home and engage with the residents
Many older people have great stories to tell. Listen to their stories and see what you can learn from them.
43. Plant a garden
You can make a box garden or even an herb garden if you don’t have a lot of space.
44. Go dancing
Grab some friends, put on those dancing shoes, and hit the local club.
45. Walk through the craft store and start an art project
Take your spouse or loved one to a craft store and each buy a few crafts for a creative project. Or start a pine cone project!
46. Write a letter to a family member you haven’t spoken to in a long time
When was the last time you sat down and wrote a letter? There is something magical and nostalgic in the word written on paper. Send a letter to someone you haven’t talked to in a long time and tell them how much you love them.
Hopefully these ideas are enough to start a fun, cheap and rewarding weekend!
