TGIF! The weekend is finally here, and you’re excited to make the most of it. But you’re also not keen on spending a lot of money. Here are 15 fun things to do on a “no spend” weekend.
Things to Do Around the House
You don’t always need to venture beyond your front door to find things to do! Here are some ideas of household activities.
#1. Deep clean.
While many of us are good about tidying and surface cleaning regularly, deep cleaning can often be put on the back burner. Think: mopping, wiping down baseboards, dusting fans, and tackling the rooms you don’t use often.
My post 10 of the Best Spring Cleaning Hacks for the Lazy Girl has some shortcuts to consider if you’re tight on time, or just not a big fan of cleaning.
#2. Declutter and reorganize.
A no-spend weekend is a great opportunity to make some serious change in your living space. Declutter even one room (or drawer!), tossing or donating what you don’t need and reorganizing what’s left.
Looking for more inspiration? My post How To Perform a Complete Wardrobe Audit in a Weekend goes through how to tackle your closet, step by step. And if you’re declutting clothes, check out my post How to Sell Your Clothes Online and Make Hundreds to turn your no-spend weekend into a money making weekend!
#3. Bake!
Baking is probably my all-time favourite hobby. Unlike cooking, baking rarely feels like a chore, and baked goods can make someone’s day. If you don’t have an occasion to bake for, find a freezer-friendly recipe. Loaves, for example, freeze well and they’re great to have on hand in case you have company. I’d recommend this banana bread recipe – it’s my favourite and I’ve made it at least 10 times!
To make baking more enjoyable, listen to a podcast, a playlist, or turn on the TV in the background. I find this always makes time go faster.
#4. Read.
Reading is a great way to pass time, and can be free if you already own the book or find it at your local library. My husband and I could probably read away an entire weekend if we let ourselves!
My page Reading Tools has some suggestions on getting books (and audiobooks!) for cheap or free. And if you sign up for my FREE resource library, you’ll get access to the first chapter of my book, The Confidence Toolkit, absolutely free!
#5. Do a jigsaw puzzle.
I have such fond memories of working on puzzles with my parents every winter break! We’ve worked up to 750 piece puzzles and they’re a great way to spend an afternoon, especially by the fireplace and with a cup of hot chocolate!
#6. Play cards.
Like a puzzle, card games are a fun (and cheap!) group activity. Some of my favourites are liverpool, gin, euchre, and golf.
#7. Have a movie night!
Pop some popcorn, put on your favourite pyjamas, and enjoy a flick from the comfort of your own home!
#8. Work out.
You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym to get moving. My post Lazy Girl Workout Hacks: How to Make Exercise More Bearable covers how to make fitness FUN and includes a bunch of ideas that you can do at home, without spending anything.
Things to do Outside the House
#9. Go for a walk or hike.
Throw on your running shoes, and hit the neighbourhood or a nearby trail! If you have a dog, take them for a walk. It’s a great cardio workout, gives you some fresh air, and can help you explore new areas.
#10. Play at a park or at the beach.
If you have kids, this is an especially good way to spend time!
#11. Check out free events in your community.
Most cities will have a local events calendar with a list of activities happening each month. You may be surprised at the types and number of events available, from free concerts in the park to art shows and more.
#12. Do something seasonal.
Take advantage of seasonal activities in your local area.
Winter? Go sledding. Fall? Visit a pumpkin patch. Spring? Have a picnic. Summer? Go to a farmer’s market.
#13. Volunteer.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to spend time, make a difference, and avoid spending money! My post Giving Back to Society: How to Make a Difference Now has some ideas.
#14. Visit a museum.
Many museums and galleries offer free admission, either one day of the week or more frequently.
#15. Go to the library.
Grab a new book (see #4!), browse, and get out of the house with this free activity.
So which of these activities are on your to do list for the weekend? And do you have any additional tips for a no spend weekend? Sound off in the comments – we’d love to hear them!
P.S. Looking for affordable date night ideas? Check out my post 22 of the Best Inexpensive Date Ideas to Try This Weekend.
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