15 Fun Low Spend Activities That Will Save Your Budget

You used to be able to have fun with $20! What happened to all the free or low-cost activities? Now it seems to go anywhere or do anything, it’s a minimum $100 or more. It’s crazy! How are you supposed to get out there and enjoy yourself (especially in your 20s and 30s) when nothing is cheap anymore? Everyone is looking for a way to make money and no shade! Do what you have to do. However, it’s made it really hard to find accessible activities to do with your friends and family. The good news is that there are still some low spend options out there if you are willing to get creative. Here are 15 fun, low spend activities that are easy to enjoy, without blowing your budget.

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Outdoor and nature-based low spend activities!

Here are some ways to fresh air without spending a dime! 

1- Go for a nature stroll 

I recently came across a park local to me that had a story walk. I’ve never experienced this before and it was definitely made for children but I loved it! 

All throughout the trial, there were stops where you could read part of a story. It was all about the life of salmon (I’m from BC and salmon are kinda a big deal here).

See if you can find a story walk around you! 

2- Plan a simple picnic 

Food prices are going up. However, you can still plan a picnic in the park for free. Shop your fridge and pantry and put together some snacks for your picnic. 

Grab a blanket you already own and a bag from the closet, and BAM, you have yourself a free picnic. 

Low spend option: If you are open to spending a little bit of money, go grab some sliced meat, cheese, and crackers. It will cost you maybe $15 and you can make a little charcuterie board! 

3- Visit a community garden or farmers market 

I love walking around gardens and farmers markets. 9 times out of 10 I don’t even buy anything. Im just there to browse and soak in the vibes. 

Find a local farmers market near you and go for a wander with a friend. 

4- Stargazing 

This would be a great no-spend date (how romantic), but it could also be fun with friends or just by yourself.

➡ Check out all these solo date ideas if you need more ideas!

If you have a truck, you could make the bed of the truck into the coziest stargazing spot, or if you don’t have a truck, you could pack some blankets and make the ground cozy! 

Low spend option: grab yourself this telescope for your stargazing adventure. It is only $35 and will really spice up your nighttime outing. 

5- Explore a nearby neighbourhood like a tourist

Is there anything better than wandering around a town you are a guest in? Checking out little shops, grabbing a coffee from a new cafe, and taking all the cute photos? You don’t need to be on vacation to do that! 

Drive, bus, or take the train to a city over, or go a couple of hours away for a day trip. Keep the spending minimal and just enjoy being present. 

At home cozy low spend activities

Have fun without even leaving the house. 

6- DIY spa night 

You could do this for free by using the face masks, bubble bath, and nail polish you already have. Light some candles, put on cozy ambiance, and treat yourself. 

Low spend option: grab a few spa essentials for your DIY spa night. You could try this spa kit that has a little bit of everything that you need. 

7- Host a book swap 

Have your friends over for a night of reading without spending a penny. Everyone brings a book they already own and you swap them. 

You could spend the evening together reading the books or sharing what you thought about them. 

8- Movie night with a theme 

Get cozy on the couch and watch a couple movies. Pick a theme like rom-com, childhood favourites, spooky vibes, or anything you want. Then spend the evening watching them. 

You could make popcorn, have some drinks, and relax without spending any money.

9- Try a new recipe using only what you have 

This is a bit of a challenge! Do an inventory of what ingredients you already have a figure out what recipe you can make. 

If you are struggling to figure it out, head over to ChatGPT and share the ingredients you have and ask what you can make. ChatGPT will come up with a few ideas! 

Low spend option: trying new recipes is always a fun way to get out of your comfort zone and learn something new. If you want some cookbooks to follow, try these ones: Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals (Dolly Patron), From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen (Snoop Dog), Half Baked Harvest Every Day (Tieghan Gerard), Date Night Cookbook and Activities for Couples (Crystal Schwanke).

10- Make a vision board 

I like to make vision boards online these days. I just feel like it’s easier and you can be so much more specific and creative! This is definitely a fun solo or group option for low spend activities.

Hop on Canva and start creating a vision board for the year, the month, a specific goal, the summer, a vacation, whatever you want! 

You could set the vibe with a good playlist, watch a movie in the background, eat some food… You get the idea! 

➡ Everything you need to include on your vision board!

Low spend activities to be creative and social

Use your imagination and maybe invite a friend!

11- Make a joy jar 

In a jar, box, mug, anything you already own, start adding little pieces of paper that you’ve written “joys” on. Think of little things that make you happy.

You can use different coloured paper, gel pens, stickers, or anything that makes your joy jar fun! 

When you are feeling down or need a reminder of all those little joys in your life, you can go back to your jar and pull some out. 

12- Learn something new on YouTube 

Grab your friends and learn a new skill with free videos on YouTube. 

You could learn things like:

• Dancing 
• Crafts
• Caligarphy 
• Drawing 
• History 
• Graphic design 

Find something you all enjoy or want to do together and watch a few videos. 

13- Board game night 

Everyone has games lying around their houses. Crack those games out and play with your friends and family. 

See who can win the most games, make them into drinking games, give out honorary awards! Make it fun! 

14- Colouring 

I love colouring! It’s a great way to relax and unwind. It’s also super creative and allows you to unlock your inner child. 

If you have any colouring books, then you can dive into those. However, you don’t need them! Grab some paper and a pen. Start drawing lines and shapes until the page is covered. Now, you can colour in the shapes! It’s easy to do and can be as simple or intricate as you want. 

Low spend option: buy a few colouring books! There are so many adult ones nowadays. I love these ones: Silly Crimes , Little Corners , Little Spooky.

5-  Host a tea party 

I recently did this with my friends and it was a blast! Low spend activities can be really fun.

Ask everyone to bring one thing (small snacks, treats, tea, etc.) and then put it all together when they get there. Everyone can wear a cute outfit, share tea and snacks, and take pictures!

It’s an easy way to get people together and can be done in any theme. 

Final thoughts 

Having fun does not mean you need to spend a lot of money. While it is kind of unavoidable having to spend some money, there is still a lot you can do for free or low cost. 

By taking the time to come up with free or low spend activities, you are really being more intentional about your time. The focus turns into the people you are with, the memories made, and being present. If you ask me, that sounds pretty rewarding. 

Try one of these low spend activities this week! Tell me how it goes in the comments or on social media.

Until next time, 

Deanna