January 31, 2025

Fun on a Budget: 17 Things To Do Without Spending Money

Imagine enjoying an amazing weekend without spending a single dollar. Sound impossible? Think again. From scavenger hunts to picnics in the park, there are countless free things to enjoy without touching your wallet.

Discover things to do without spending money so you can keep your cash where it should be: in your bank account.

Why you should embrace a no-spend mindset

No-spend challenges are a way to take control of your finances. They’re a growing trend where you take a set amount of time — a day, a weekend, or even longer — where you avoid spending money beyond the essentials. They can help you not only save more money but also develop smarter financial habits.

Entertainment expenses can add up fast: a movie marathon here, a spa day there, and suddenly your budget is stretched thin. Taking a step back from constant spending opens up a whole range of creative possibilities.

When you embrace a no-spend mindset, you start seeing opportunities for fun and connection everywhere. Those free museum days you never knew about? They could become your new favorite outing. Board games gathering dust in your closet? They might spark your next great game night tradition. The perfect geocaching spots nearby? They're just waiting to provide your next adventure without costing a dime.

A no-spend approach does more than help you build better budgeting habits. It pushes you to tap into your creativity and rediscover simple pleasures. Instead of falling back on activities that require spending money, you'll find yourself planning potlucks instead of restaurant outings, organizing scavenger hunts rather than buying tickets to events, and discovering that going camping can be more memorable than an expensive weekend getaway.

A no-spend challenge doesn’t last forever. When you do choose to spend money on entertainment, it becomes a conscious choice rather than a knee-jerk response to boredom. Focus on the paid activities you enjoy the most and you'll enjoy them even more.

17 fun things to do that don’t cost money

Wondering what to do when you have no money and are bored? From outdoor adventures to creative home projects, these activities prove you don’t need cash to have a good time. Here are some of the most fun things to do for free:

Smart things to do for free

These ideas are perfect for people who love to learn and explore.

1. Free museum days

Many people don't realize how many free things there are in their own city. Museums regularly offer free museum days, often once a month and in some cases, once a week.

Check museum websites or call ahead to plan your visits, since museums might coordinate their free events to avoid overlap. Some even stay open later than usual, making them a great choice for after-work get-togethers without spending money.

2. Geocaching adventures

Want to turn your neighborhood into a treasure hunt? Geocaching combines technology with outdoor exploration, and it doesn't cost a thing. With just your smartphone, you can discover hidden caches in places you pass by every day. It's like a real-world scavenger hunt where you find secret spots in your city you may never have known existed.

3. Learning new skills

The internet is full of free things to learn. From coding to cooking and everything in between, you can master new skills using free online courses, YouTube tutorials, and community workshops. Many local libraries also offer free events covering everything from language learning to computer skills.

4. Community events

Check local bulletin boards and community forums on websites like Facebook for free events nearby. You might be surprised at how many there are that don’t require spending money, like live music, art shows, and community celebrations.

5. Library adventures

Your local library probably offers a lot more than just books. Many libraries now function as complete entertainment centers, lending out DVDs, board games, and even special access to free museum days through partnership programs. Plus, libraries frequently host events and workshops — perfect for learning new skills without spending money.

Free things to do outside

Do you have a taste for fresh air? Here are some ideas for the outdoorsy.

6. Nature exploration

Going camping doesn't have to cost anything if you already have basic equipment. Take a hike on local trails or explore state parks that offer free camping areas. If you have Bureau of Land Management land nearby, you've hit the jackpot. It's a safe bet that there's free camping available.

7. Stargazing adventures

Learn about astronomy by stargazing. It's one of the most fascinating free things you can do. Find a dark spot away from city lights, bring a blanket, and download a free star-mapping app. You might also make some new friends at free events hosted by local astronomy clubs, where you can look through telescopes and learn from enthusiasts.

8. Scavenger hunts

Transform any ordinary day into an exciting quest by organizing scavenger hunts. Create themes based on natural habitats, local landmarks, or seasonal events. This activity works great for group get-togethers and can be adapted for any location.

9. Picnics

Pack some snacks and turn any meal into an outdoor experience with a picnic. Scout out scenic spots in local parks, along hiking trails, or even in your own backyard. Make it more interesting by trying different locations each time.

10. Window shopping excursions

Window shopping is about more than just wishful thinking. It can be a fun social activity. Explore new neighborhoods, browse local shops, and discover unique window displays. It's a great way to get exercise and spend time with friends without spending money.

Fun things to do at home without spending money

If you prefer to cozy up on the couch, here are some fun things to do.

11. Board game nights

Breaking out the board games is one of the easiest free things to do with friends. For a more competitive game, set up a tournament. You can even offer small prizes to up the ante.

If you’re looking for a more casual atmosphere, try different themes, like a murder mystery. Consider combining it with a potluck where everyone brings something to the table — both entertaining and budget-friendly (not to mention tasty).

12. Movie marathon events

Create the perfect movie marathon experience using streaming services you already have. Theme your marathons — classic films, your favorite genres, or director deep dives are all great options. Make it cozy with blankets and pillows, and lay out snacks you already have at home. If you want to go all out, a movie marathon is another great opportunity for a potluck.

13. DIY spa days

A spa day is a relaxing thing to do at home by yourself. Transform your bathroom into a relaxation retreat. Make face masks from kitchen ingredients, run a bubble bath, and play calming music. If you’re after a more social time, invite friends over for a spa day get-together without the price tag.

14. Creative projects

Start a crafty DIY project using materials you already own. Whether it's upcycling old furniture, creating art, or organizing photo albums, there are countless ways to express creativity without spending money.

Fun side hustles that don’t require spending money

You don't need to spend money to have fun, but it doesn't hurt to earn some cash while you're at it. Here are some ideas.

15. Taking surveys online

Turn your downtime into extra money by taking surveys. Many legitimate websites, like Make Money and Swagbucks, offer payment for sharing your opinions. While you won't get rich, it's an easy way to earn spending money in your free time.

16. Rideshare opportunities

If you already have a car, consider driving for extra money during your free time. This flexible option lets you choose your own hours, work as much or as little as you want, and maybe get to talk to some interesting characters.

17. Garage sales

Have a garage sale to clear out the things you haven't used in years while making money at the same time. It's a great way to recycle items you no longer need, and you might meet some neighbors in the process. Combine forces with friends for a bigger event that attracts more shoppers.

Take control with EarnIn’s financial tools

Have free time and not sure what to do with it? Start building your financial toolkit. Make a budget, track your spending, and download EarnIn to take more control of your finances.

EarnIn’s Credit Monitoring tool gives you instant access to your Vantage Score 3.0® by Experian¹, giving you a clear look at your full financial picture. You can even access your pay before payday to help budget and pay for unexpected expenses. With Cash Out, you can get up to $150/day with a max of $750 between pay periods — plus no credit checks and no interest.²

Download EarnIn to make any day payday.

Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.

Calculated on the VantageScore® 3.0 model. Your VantageScore 3.0 from Experian® indicates your credit risk level and is not used by all lenders, so don’t be surprised if your lender uses a score that’s different from your VantageScore 3.0. Learn more.

Your Pay Period Max is the maximum amount you can access between paychecks, typically ranging from $50 to $1,000, and your Daily Max is the maximum amount you can access in a single day, up to $150. Your specific Daily Max and Pay Period Max are determined by EarnIn based on your income and financial risk factors, as explained in the Cash Out Maxes section of our Cash Out User Agreement. These limits may vary and are subject to change at EarnIn’s discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your account before each Cash Out.

EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed is not available in all states. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.