As they say, money doesn't grow on trees, so what can you do if you don't have any money to spend? It's possible to have fun by spending money, though you might need to get creative in the ways you do.
From seeing the world-famous sites to enjoying some fine local cuisine and theatre, plenty of fun things won't break the bank. Here are eight fun things to do without money or cheaply.
1) Play hide and seek
Make sure you're in a well-lit, outdoor environment and use some sort of noise maker (e.g., air horn) for when you're about to be found.
This is an excellent opportunity for kids and adults alike! You may want an adult or older sibling with you for safety purposes.
2) Create a flower crown
Flower crowns have been in vogue for quite some time now. They are great for adding a feminine touch to any outfit and can be found in various colors.
The best part is that you only need flowers and a ribbon to create one! Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make one
3) Go stargazing
There's a lot of interest in the night sky, so if you want to do some stargazing, look for constellations, or learn about planets and stars, it might be worth bringing a telescope.
If you don't have one, try your local library; they can point you in the right direction on where you can go. You could also bring binoculars (or use your smartphone camera lens), but be sure that whatever you get is suitable for low-light conditions.
4) Picnic in the park
If you're in a big city or living in the suburbs, there's likely a park nearby that you can find and enjoy some time. Pack up a meal and some lawn chairs, bring your dog for company, and picnic in one of the beautiful green spaces.
Some people will even bring instruments so you can make your picnicking more memorable.
5) Meet up with your friends at an event instead of a restaurant
Instead of meeting at a restaurant, check out your city's weekly art walks. These often showcase local artists with their pieces on display, and if you go to one early in the day when most people are not around, you can get an up close and personal look at each artist's work.
What is the cost of this? It's free!
6) Board games night!
Since our family started playing board games as a pastime, it has become a weekly tradition. It's been great because even if one person can't show up, another person always can, and some games involve 2 players, so even if we all can't show up, someone still gets to have their game night. Plus, it doesn't cost any money!
All you need is a deck of cards or dice and some little magnets with letters on them for Scrabble, and everyone will have fun laughing and trying to figure out what words they're making. Board games don't just bring friends together either- when I was in college, I played this fantastic game, Stratego, that had me going up against my classmates from different majors in between classes.
7) Pick flowers
Flowers are a great decoration, can be given as a gift, and are an excellent way to bring color into your home. Find your nearest farmer's market and pick up some flowers for yourself or for friends.
Check out more flower markets in your area by looking on local blogs or sites like Yelp.
8) Cook dinner together at home
No matter who you are or your situation, cooking a meal at home will always be cheaper than eating out. There's something about knowing exactly where your food came from and how it was cooked that can't be replicated with takeout.
And if you're like most people and don't know how to cook, a quick Google search for a recipe is all you need! Nowadays, so many people have gone vegan or gluten-free, which makes it hard to find recipes that appeal to all dietary preferences in one go.
