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When it comes to saving money, finding free activities that are fun, interesting, and actually worth spending your time on are the holy grail. Especially when you’re bored and looking for things to do. Or at least, they were until this post! Today, I’ve got over 50 free activities packed with things to do when you’re bored and looking for something to keep you entertained without blowing your budget.
Many people find themselves sticking perfectly to budget throughout the week, but when the weekend begins, all hell breaks loose. Meals out, trips to the shopping centre, movies…sound familiar?
It’s a cycle that’s hard to break.
I stay frugal in my daily life by sticking to habits that I’ve created, like doing all my online shopping through eBates to earn cash back and keeping on top of my spending with a free money tracker like Personal Capital, but let’s admit it, even the best of habits can be broken at times – at the weekends can be a minefield for distractions!
If you find your budget consistently going out the window at the weekends, you may want to consider a “No Spend Weekend” to reign in your spending and actually start saving more money.
These are pretty popular challenges with budget bloggers, and I think they’re a great way to add some fun to not spending any money.
Aim for one No-Spend Weekend this month, packed with the free activities listed below. If you enjoy it (and with the number of activities I’m about to throw at you, how could you not?!), try for two low-cost weekends next month.
Soon, it will become a habit – and with no loss to the fun you have at the weekends either.
The best thing about these No-Spend challenges is that they don’t involve just sitting in your house whiling away the time. Jeez, no thank you.
It’s about finding free, frugal and fun ways to fill your time without emptying your wallet. Finding things to do when you’re bored, but not spending half your budget while you’re at it.
I’ve thought of 50 – yes 50! – no-spend, free activities to get your brain whirring. If you don’t find at least a few on this list that sounds like a good time to you, I don’t know what to do!
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50 Free Activities for a No Spend Weekend!
For Staying In
Some days, we all just want the comfort of our own homes to enjoy at the weekend. Even when travelling, I have days where we barely leave the hotel room and love having a bit of peace and quiet! For a no-spend weekend, your house can be your playground.
Whether you’re binge-watching TV shows and films (we’ve all been there – and it’s a great day!), or rustling up some goodies out of ingredients you find in your kitchen – check out these free activities for a no spend weekend in the home…
- Have a movie/Netflix day
- Host a board game night – Exploding Kittens, anyone? 😉
- Plan out your budget for the month
- Hang out with friends
- Clear out the clutter in your home
- Meditate
- Workout – no equipment needed!
- Yoga
- Read a book
- Get your Feng Shui on point
- Pin on Pinterest
- Bake
- Declutter your phone (delete unused apps, sort your contacts list out, create folders etc)
- Make lists
- Play video games
- Tie-dye clothes – check out this awesome tutorial that uses food colouring!
- Donate unwanted/needed items
- Re-organise your garage
- Wash your car
- Build a fort!
- Paint your nails
- Organise your paperwork
- Do some gardening
- Start a knitting project!
Read next: 20 Frugal Living Trips to Try in 2018!
For Going Out
Even on days of glorious sunshine, a frugal weekend is perfectly possible (although if you splurge on an ice cream from the ice-cream truck, I’m not going to judge you!).
I asked my readers what their favourite no-spend free activities were, and many of you included outdoors activities such as hiking, exploring and going for picnics as some of your favourite things to do when you’re bored, especially on a nice day!
Related: Why are So Many Outdoorsy People Aiming for Financial Independence?
For your no-spend weekend, take the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and the great outdoors with any of these low-cost activities:
- Go for a walk around your neighbourhood
- Hiking
- Open houses
- Visit the library
- Have a park picnic
- Volunteer
- Visit museums
- Go to the beach
- Go fishing
- Take yourself on a bike-ride
- Have a sightseeing adventure
- Explore your city
- Sunbathe
- Outdoors swimming
- Find a free music concert
- Visit your local woods
- Go star-gazing
Read next: 60 Side Hustle Ideas to Start Making Money from Home!
Get Creative!
Many of these projects can be done indoors or outdoors, but are great when you’re feeling a little creative. Try your hand at any of these ideas and you may even end up with a new hobby or side hustle!
- DIY project
- Take surveys
- Start a vegetable garden
- Create a blog!
- Cupboard dinner party
- Practice photography
- Write poetry
- Write a book
- Sing
- Practice an instrument
Also check out: 10 Awesome Hobby Ideas That Are Fun & Frugal!
Free Printable/Pin Image Here!
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Have you tried having a no-spend weekend before? Did it work?
Donna says
My husband and I play a constant game of, “spend no money” days but never thought to try it for a whole weekend because you are right, weekends are a whole other ball game but I love the idea and your ideas to make it happen. I am now going to encourage my honey to play the game to the next level! Thank you!
The Wallet Moth says
You’re so welcome, Donna! Let me know how you get on!
Harry Rosen says
Very informative, really appreciate the ton of work you’ve placed into putting this high-quality article. I have learned so much. I love it:). Thanks for sharing this post.