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Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend but don’t want to spend a lot of money?
No problem!
There are plenty of cheap things you can do that are enjoyable.
In this post, I share with you 67 cheap fun things to do when bored on the weekend that won’t break your budget.
From exploring your city to playing games with friends, there is something for everyone.
So get ready to have a great time!
KEY POINTS
Table of Contents
67 Cheap Fun Things To Do When Bored On The Weekend
Things To Do On A Friday Night When Bored
After a long week, you might not have the energy or the desire to do much on a Friday night.
The good news is that there are a lot of low-key activities you can do alone, with family members, or with friends.
Just scroll through the list and pick the ones that interest you the most.
#1. Invite Friends Over For Dinner
A simple idea to try is having friends come over for dinner.
You don’t need to make an elaborate meal here, either.
You could order some pizzas or even grill some hot dogs and hamburgers.
And if you think you might make this a regular event, you can make the dinners a potluck affair.
Here everyone brings a different dish, like a main, a side, and a dessert.
This keeps costs low and allows anyone to attend, even if money is tight.
#2. Have A Game Night
Here is a great option that my friends and I always use.
We have game nights regularly.
We rotate between houses and pick board games that we each have.
The games bring a new element to us catching up and helps us to create new memories going forward.
You can even combine this with the idea above and have a dinner night and play a board game afterward.
#3. Find Live Music
Live music is an excellent option if you want to get out of the house but don’t want to spend too much money.
Plenty of bars and clubs have live music on the weekends.
Do a little research ahead of time and find out which ones will have bands playing that you like.
Then, all you have to do is show up, enjoy the music, and maybe buy a drink or two.
#4. Have A Dance Party
Instead of going to a bar or a club, re-create the experience in your own living room!
Put your favorite songs onto a playlist and turn the volume up.
You can be as crazy as you want to be since you are in your home.
#5. Play Card Games
Card games can be a great option if you want something low-key.
You can either play them with friends or family or play by yourself.
And there are many options, including solitaire, bridge, spades, and more.
So break out the deck of cards and have some fun!
#6. Redecorate A Room
This idea will likely take you longer than just Friday night, but I put it here as it allows you the entire weekend to complete it.
In some cases, you might rearrange the furniture.
Other times, you might want to paint the room another color.
By starting on Friday, you increase the odds of being done before the work week and add one more thing to your to-do list.
#7. Deep Clean Your Own Living Room
If you are bored at home on a Friday night, one of the most productive things you can do is pick a room in your house to deep clean.
It doesn’t sound exciting, but you will be thankful when you finish.
A clean and organized room will inspire you to pick another room the following week.
I suggested you start with the living room, but you can opt for any room in your house.
#8. Play Miniature Golf
Mini golf is an excellent option, whether by yourself or with friends.
It’s usually pretty cheap and can provide an hour of entertainment.
And if the weather isn’t cooperating, many places, including shopping malls, now have indoor courses.
#9. Take A Ghost Tour
Consider taking a ghost tour if you want something a little spooky.
These tours can be found in most cities and often give you a history of the city.
And if you’re courageous, some places also offer haunted house tours.
#10. Get Lost On Wikipedia
I love doing this.
I pick a topic that interests me and then visit Wikipedia to read about it.
Most times, there are plenty of links to other related topics in the article that I click through to learn more about.
And those articles have more links to click through.
I must warn you. You can get frustrated as sometimes you will have so many articles you want to read you lose track of some of them.
#11. Take A Virtual Tour
A twist to the idea above is to go on a virtual tour somewhere in the world.
Just get Google Earth, pick a place to visit, and zoom in on it.
In many cases, you can get down to street level and virtually walk around.
If you find an interesting place, go online and learn more about it.
Bonus points if you have a virtual reality headset.
In this case, get the Wander app and be amazed!
#12. Go To Bed Early
I know this doesn’t sound fun, but hear me out.
Most of us don’t get nearly enough sleep.
So by calling it a night early, you can get extra sleep to help your body relax and heal.
Now I’m not saying you need to go to bed by 8 pm, but going to bed by 10 pm isn’t the worst.
#13. Learn A New Skill
Have you always wanted to learn how to knit, play the guitar, or other musical instruments?
Now is your chance!
Look for local classes that you can take.
Many community centers offer affordable classes on all sorts of things.
You might even find colleges offering online courses or a YouTube channel with online tutorials that will teach you new skills for free.
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And who knows, maybe your new skill will become a new hobby.
You could learn calligraphy or how to paint.
Maybe learn a new meal to cook or even learn a new language, there is likely something for everyone.
#14. Test Your IQ
Ever wonder how smart you are?
Online tests allow you to answer questions and give you a rough idea of your IQ.
Granted, these are true IQ tests, but they are very similar.
You might want to invite other friends to take the same test and see who is the most intelligent person in your group.
#15. Play Pool
Pool is a great thing to do with friends.
It’s usually cheap to get in, and the games can last for hours.
Plus, it’s a sport everyone can participate in, regardless of their skill level.
So gather some friends, head to the pool hall, and have fun!
#16. Break A Guinness World Record
This one is a bit more difficult, but if you have the time and resources, why not try to break a Guinness World Record?
You can look up records and see if there’s one you think you can beat.
Or, you can create your own record to attempt to set.
Either way, it’s an enjoyable way to spend your time.
#17. Play Charades
Charades is another excellent game to play with family or friends.
It’s a classic for a reason, and you can play it with any number of people.
So break out the charades cards and have fun guessing what your friends are acting out!
#18. Make A Photo Album
Do you have a lot of pictures on your phone?
Maybe some unorganized print photos in a box?
Why not make them into a photo album?
You can head to a craft store and buy a traditional album and place the photos in them, or you can jump online and create photo albums using your digital photos and send them to you.
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If a friend or a family member has an upcoming birthday, you can make an album for them as a gift.
#19. Stay In And Take A Bubble Bath
With most of us living busy lives, we have little free time to take a break and relax.
A quiet Friday night could be the perfect time for this.
Fill a bath with hot water, dim the lights, and relax.
You can even put on some calming music and light candles as well.
And if you want a true spa-like experience, add a few drops of lavender to the water, as this scent will help you to calm down.
#20. Start Journaling
If a bubble bath isn’t your thing, consider getting a notebook and starting to write a journal.
Writing in a journal is great for your mental health as it allows you to get things out of your mind and onto paper.
Plus, many times, when you journal, the process of writing things down will help you solve issues, which is a form of personal growth.
It might be challenging to write a lot when you start, but be patient and take your time.
#21. Create A Gratitude List
One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself is to list what you are thankful for.
Too often, we get so caught up in the day-to-day we never stop to appreciate the people and the things in our lives.
Writing down what you are thankful for is great if you are stuck inside on a Friday night.
#22. Write A Short Story
If you enjoy writing, consider spending some time writing a short story.
Not only will this be an enjoyable way to spend your time, but you will strengthen your mind at the same time.
Things To Do On A Saturday When Bored
Saturdays can be a very boring day.
You have the entire day and evening filled with things to do.
This can overwhelm some people and lead them to refrain from taking action.
The result is boredom.
Here are some low-cost things you can do to make your Saturday more lively.
#23. Organize Your House
Is there a pile of clutter around your house?
Maybe your clothing is out of control, your kitchen is messy, or you have toys scattered around your living room.
Now is an excellent time to organize.
If your whole house is a mess, don’t feel overwhelmed, as you can choose one room to focus on.
Find a new podcast, an old favorite, or a music playlist, and listen to it as you organize.
I’ve found that when I start organizing, it motivates me to keep wanting to organize other areas of my house.
#24. Learn About Personal Finances
If organizing isn’t your thing, maybe you can take the time to learn more about personal finances.
Pick one thing that interests you or an area where you need help the most.
For example, maybe you are in debt and need a plan to pay it off.
Or maybe you know you should be investing your money, but you never get around to it.
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Take this time to read about and educate yourself on this topic so you can start improving your finances.
While you won’t see massive changes overnight, know that by starting to work on your financial situation, you are moving in the right direction.
#25. Read About Taxes
I know taxes aren’t exciting, and I’m not asking you to become a CPA.
But understanding the basics can help potentially save you thousands of dollars.
We all hate paying them, so why not know some simple things you can do to lower your tax bill and possibly get an even larger refund?
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#26. Find A Meetup Group
If you are new in town or all of your friends are busy, you can find new friends using MeetUp.com.
This site lists small group events in towns around you where people with like-minded interests get together.
You can find groups for mountain biking, board games, cooking, and more.
If you don’t see a group that interests you, you can always create your own.
#27. Look For Community Events
Often, free community events are happening in your town that you may not even be aware of.
Do a quick search online or look through your local newspaper for the local listings to find out what’s going on this weekend.
These are typically free events or have a very low entrance fee.
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#28. Have A Movie Night
Renting a movie from Redbox or streaming one on Netflix is always an option when you’re bored.
And if you want to get out of the house, many movie theaters offer matinee showings for a discounted price.
You could invite friends over and watch a movie marathon where you watch all your favorite films back-to-back.
#29. Start A Side Hustle
Have you considered bringing in extra income?
Whether it is to help you pay off debt, save for a house or a vacation, or establish an emergency fund, there is never a bad reason to make more money.
And having additional sources of income lowers your risk if you lose your job.
So take this time to think about the things you enjoy doing and see if there is a way to earn money.
You may be surprised by how many things people are willing to pay for.
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#30. Go Bowling
Bowling is a great activity to do by yourself or with friends.
And most bowling alleys have specials on the weekends where you can bowl for a discounted price.
Some even have events called glow bowls that start at midnight.
They turn the bowling alley into a fun atmosphere with great music and let you bowl for a low price.
Bonus points if the alley has a restaurant attached, so you can have some appetizers and drinks while you bowl.
So put on your bowling shoes and see how many strikes you can get!
#31. Visit A Brewery
If you like trying new beers, visit a brewery in your town.
With the popularity of craft brews, more and more small breweries are popping up all over the place.
Many offer tours where you can learn about brewing and sample some of their products.
Some breweries also have restaurants attached to them, so you can get something to eat.
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#32. Have A Bonfire
One of the most fun free activities is to have a bonfire.
Gather up some wood, build a fire, and roast some marshmallows.
This is a great activity to do regardless of the time of year.
And it’s also a fun activity to do with friends or family.
If you don’t have a fire pit, you can usually find one at a local park.
Just be sure to check the fire danger level in your area before you go.
#33. Pick Fruit
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to pick fruit.
There are a lot of farms that have areas where you can pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and more.
Some even have peach or cherry trees.
It’s a great way to spend an afternoon outside, and you can take home a bunch of delicious fruit too.
They will often also have other things, like crafts and locally grown vegetables, for you to buy.
#34. Create A Bucket List
A bucket list is a wish list of things you want to do before you die.
It could be anything from visiting every country to skydiving to eating at a five-star restaurant.
The sky is the limit.
So get creative and start brainstorming everything you want to do.
You may be surprised by how many things you come up with.
And once you have your list, start working on crossing items off of it.
#35. Set Goals
While a bucket list is a great wish list to have, consider taking the time to set some goals for yourself.
If you want more out of life, having goals to attain is a great first step.
When thinking of goals, make sure you dream big.
Instead of saying you want to have $1,00 in savings, say you want to have $50,000 in savings.
It might feel impossible, but you can do it.
Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and you will be on your way to making them a reality.
#36. Go To A Festival Or Fair
Fairs and festivals are a great way to spend a day or weekend.
There is usually something for everyone at these types of events.
And they usually have food vendors with all sorts of delicious food.
Just jump online and search your surrounding area for them.
If you live somewhere that is relatively suburban, you should be able to find them most every weekend.
#37. Look For Shooting Stars
One of the best things about living in the country is seeing so many stars at night.
If you’re lucky, you may even see a shooting star.
So grab a blanket, lay down in your backyard, and look up at the sky.
See how many constellations you can find.
If you’ve never done this before, you can download an app to make looking at the stars easier.
Just point your phone to the sky, and it will tell you what stars you are looking at.
And as you move your phone across the sky, you can see other stars and constellations.
You may even see the International Space Station and other satellites.
#38. Take A Nap
Sometimes the best thing to do when you’re bored is to take a nap.
After all, we can’t be productive all of the time.
And sometimes, we need to relax and recharge our batteries.
So if you’re feeling bored and sleepy, take a nap.
You may be surprised by how refreshed you feel when you wake up.
#39. Cook A New Recipe
One of the best things about weekends is that you usually have more time to cook.
So if you’re looking for something to do, why not try cooking a new recipe or baking cookies?
You can either find one online or in a cookbook.
Or you can get creative and make up your own recipe.
Either way, it’s a great way to spend some time in the kitchen, and you may even end up with a delicious meal.
#40. Read A Book
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a relaxing way to spend some time, why not curl up with a good book?
You can either read something you’ve been meaning to read or find a new book that looks interesting.
There are so many great books out there, and it’s a great way to escape reality for a little while.
Plus, you may even learn something new.
#41. Exercise
Getting up on a Saturday morning and doing a workout is a great idea.
The endorphins you get from a great workout class will carry you through your day.
If it’s last minute and you aren’t sure what to do, jump onto YouTube and search for an online class.
With a little bit of searching, you can find the perfect online workout for you.
#42. Geocache
Have you ever heard of geocaching?
It’s a scavenger hunt outside, where you explore your area and find hidden treasures.
All you need is a GPS device and an app, and you can start looking for geocaches.
There are usually websites or apps that you can use to help you find them.
And it’s a great way to get out and explore your area.
You may be surprised by what you find.
#43. Try Something New
Is there something you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time for?
Maybe it is learning a new language or making homemade ice cream.
Now that you are bored, it’s the perfect time to try it.
And since it’s the weekend, you can do something that will take longer to do or even get to since you have two days.
So take advantage of the weekend, step out of your comfort zone, and try something new.
#44. Have An At Home Spa Day
Invite some friends over for self-care in the form of a spa day at home.
You can put each other’s hair in French braids or give each other scalp or back massages.
If you have makeup brushes, you can also do one another makeup.
#45. Create Your Family Tree
Are you curious about where your family originated from?
You may want to know if any long-lost relatives live near you.
Creating your family tree is a great way to find the answers to these questions.
And since you won’t get this done in one weekend, you will have something enjoyable to do for many weeks to come.
#46. Send A Care Package
Do you have a loved one that is going through a difficult time?
Why not spend one afternoon putting together a care package for them?
Think of the things they love, put them in a basket or box, and deliver the gift to them.
Not only will it make their day, but you will also get a lot of the experience.
If you don’t have anyone in mind, plenty of people in shelters would love a gift like this.
#47. Learn Magic Tricks
Learning magic tricks is simple and fun.
And when you do go out with friends or are at a party, you can use them as an icebreaker or entertain others.
As a bonus, if you have nieces or nephews, they will love seeing the magic tricks too.
Want to learn some simple magic tricks to easily earn extra cash? Here are 25 foolproof ways you can make money with ease.
Things To Do On A Sunday When Bored
Finding things to do on Sunday is more challenging than on Saturday because you know you have work or school the next day.
Because of this, some people might not want to do things that take up most of their day.
Others see Sunday as a way to be lazy and recharge for the long work week ahead.
However, you see your Sundays, here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the day and not break the bank.
#48. Watch The Sunrise
One of the best free things you can do is watch the sunrise.
It’s a beautiful sight and a great way to start the day.
So wake up early, grab some coffee, and head outside to watch the sun come up.
You may even want to take some photos or videos.
#49. Go For A Walk
Another great thing to do on a Sunday is to go for a walk.
You can go for a long walk or just a quick one around your neighborhood.
It’s a great way to clear your head and enjoy the fresh air.
Plus, it’s good exercise.
And if walking is too low-key for you, consider a bike ride instead.
#50. Go To The Farmers Market
If you’re looking for something to do on a Sunday morning, why not go to the farmer’s market?
You can find fresh produce, meat, and eggs.
Plus, there are usually a lot of stands with different types of food.
It’s a great way to try new things and support local farmers.
#51. Work On A Puzzle
Puzzles are a great way to spend a few hours of your day.
You can find them in all shapes and sizes.
Plus, there are puzzles for all levels of difficulty.
What I enjoy most about doing a puzzle is the mental break it gives me.
I never finish a puzzle in one sitting, so it’s there for me for a week or so.
I work on it when I am bored or even when I am stressed.
I love coming home from work and just taking 15 minutes to put a few pieces together as it helps me to forget about my day.
Consider a crossword puzzle or word search if a jigsaw puzzle isn’t for you.
#52. Start A Book Club
If you love to read and have avid friends, consider starting a book club.
You could meet in person once a week when it makes sense for everyone and discuss the book you are reading.
When you complete a book, you can all agree on the next book to read.
If you don’t have friends interested in reading, look on social media to find other locals you might be able to start a group with.
#53. Go For A Drive
One of the best things to do on a Sunday when bored is to go for a drive.
It’s a great way to see new things and explore your area.
Plus, it’s usually cheaper than going out to eat or to the movies.
I like to try to get lost in my local area.
I take roads I’ve never driven before to see the sights and to see where it brings me too.
Doing this helps me to learn new, shorter ways to get to the places I visit often.
#54. Create A Sundae Bar
No one is ever against eating ice cream.
Head to the store to get some ice cream sprinkles, hot fudge, and whipped cream, and make your own tasty sundae.
If you have kids, be prepared for them to ask for this treat many more times.
#55. Meal Prep For The Week
When you meal plan for the week not only gives you something to do but can also help you save a lot of money and time.
First, you will have meals for the week, so you won’t be tempted to order takeout and spend the money.
Second, you can have the meals ready in a few minutes as you only need to reheat them, not make them from scratch.
After a stressful day at work, not having to cook is a dream come true.
#56. Take Pictures
If you enjoy taking pictures, spend time outside snapping pics.
You could walk around your town and take some unique images or find a park to take scenic shots.
You could also go on a photo scavenger hunt where you have a list of things to take pictures of.
#57. Plan A Vacation
Do you have a vacation in mind you want to take?
Maybe you have no idea at all?
Spend an afternoon trying to figure out your next trip or the details that will help make it memorable.
You don’t have to book anything now if you don’t want to, but you can at least have an idea of what you want to do.
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And this can help you to start saving for it now, so you can afford it when the time comes.
#58. Go To The Library
Another thing to do is visit your local library or even a bookstore.
There you can walk around and find books on topics you enjoy.
You can even sit down and read a few pages to help pass the time.
And if you think you might enjoy reading the book, you can always borrow the library book or buy it to read at home, in the park, or in a coffee shop.
#59. Play Video Games
Playing video games is a great option if you’re looking for a way to have some fun and relax.
You can find games for all types of people and interests.
Plus, there are different levels of difficulty so that you can find the perfect game for you.
I like to play video games when I want to take a break from the world.
I can zone out and focus on the game.
It’s a great way to relax.
And you have plenty of options.
You can download some games on your phone or buy a new video game console.
Or you can buy a retro gaming console that has the games from when you were younger.
#60. Volunteer
Volunteering is the perfect option if you’re looking for a way to give back and do something good.
Many places need help, like soup kitchens or homeless shelters. Take a few minutes to find one close to you.
Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and learn about different organizations.
And it feels good to know that I am doing something helpful for my community.
#61. Create An Outdoor Space
If you have a backyard, put together some chairs and maybe a fire pit.
Depending on your space, you can make your oasis as grand as you want.
Then take a few minutes to enjoy being outside.
#62. Call A Family Member
Is there a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a long time?
If you have nothing else going on, why not pick up the phone and give them a call?
They would love to hear from you and catch up.
You might even want to set plans to get together in the future.
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#63. Visit A Local Museum
Museums are a great way to spend an afternoon.
And many of them have free admission days or discounted rates for students.
So if you’re looking for something to do, why not visit a local museum?
You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
#64. Make Tie-Dye T-Shirts
It’s always entertaining making tie-dye t-shirts.
If you have white shirts already, great. Otherwise, pick up a cheap pack of shirts and get some dye.
Rubber band off sections of the shirt.
Don’t be scared to section off too much.
The more, the better.
Then dye your shirt and let them dry to see your creation.
#65. People Watch
Head to your local park or shopping mall, take a seat, and just people watch.
It doesn’t cost any money, and you can get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing others.
You can even make up stories about the people you see and where they’re going.
It’s a great way to pass the time.
#66. Have A Picnic
If it is a nice day, pack some sandwiches and a blanket and head outside for a picnic.
If it is raining outside, have an indoor picnic.
We have indoor picnics in the winter when it is too cold to go outside.
#67. Relax
Lastly, if you’re just not feeling up to doing anything, that’s okay.
You can veg out on the couch, stare off into space, and zone out.
You could even lie down and take a short nap.
There is nothing wrong with being bored and just being in the moment.
Final Thoughts
There are 67 cheap fun things to do when bored on the weekend.
You will surely find something on the list that will make your weekend enjoyable.
And don’t think you are stuck with doing the Friday night activities on that specific day.
I organized them based on how most people spend their time.
But if you want to play mini golf on Sunday, go for it.
The key thing to remember is no matter what you choose, make sure to have a good time and relax.
And the next time you are bored, you will have a list of activities to overcome your boredom.
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.