16 Fun and Frugal Activities To Do This Weekend When You’re Bored

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Is it just me, or do you often hear your partner and friends ask, “What do you wanna do this weekend?”

Your usual response: “I dunno. What do you wanna do?”

With a shrug, they say, “I dunno. Everything’s too expensive, girl!”

I get it. I truly do.

You’re bored and don’t want to spend a lot of money this weekend.

Maybe you’re searching for affordable yet fun activities for the weekend because your budget is tight. Or maybe you’re not exactly strapped for cash; you just want to have a good time without emptying your wallet.

Let’s face it, it’s challenging to think of frugal fun ideas when there’s so much peer pressure to hit that trendy club or bar. We often fall into the trap of believing that spending money is synonymous with happiness. As if YOLO means burning cash!

“No way, buddy!”

 

Frugal Activities To Do This Weekend When You’re Bored

Having fun on the weekends doesn’t always mean splashing out cash.

Since embracing certain frugal living tips, my weekends have become even more enjoyable — and my savings substantial. Rather than spending on the fleeting, I now reserve my splurges for what I genuinely cherish.

For more savvy savings, take a peek at my favorite list of ways to save money today.

So, let’s dive in! Here are some frugal and cost-effective yet entertaining activities for your weekend. I hope you enjoy!

 

 

1. Have a Starbucks on the patio.

Yes, you read that right. I’m telling you to go enjoy your favorite latte at your favorite coffee shop.

You’ll often hear financial experts telling you to cut your coffee and lattes to save money but I’m not gonna go there. I know y’all enjoy your small indulgences, so splurge away and enjoy your time chit-chatting with friends!

Plus, there are days when I just don’t feel like spending money on lunch, so I would make a quick delicious meal at home before seeing my friends. To save money, we would go to Starbucks or a specialty coffee shop to catch up. If you think about it, drinks are much cheaper than meals. At the same time, you don’t have to give up the social setting to save money.

 

Redeem free Starbucks gift cards! 

Speaking of Starbucks, we have this awesome Starbucks hack that you must try! I know you’ll love it!

My fiance and I are signed up for Swagbucks so that we can drink Starbucks for free! Yes, you too can earn FREE gift cards with Swagbucks by doing surveys, watching videos, and surfing the web. They have other gift card options for you such as Amazon, Sephora, Macy’s, PayPal, and many more. We often redeem the $50 and $100 Starbucks gift cards because it’s our go-to coffee shop.

You can sign up for Swagbucks and get a FREE $5 bonus here.

 

You can also dive into my other posts and learn how you can earn free gift cards this weekend:

• How I use Swagbucks to earn free gift cards
• How to earn free Amazon gift cards today
• The best ways to get free gift cards online

 

2. Visit a local park for a nature walk or hike.

Exploring the great outdoors remains one of the top frugal fun ideas for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

A visit to a local park for a nature walk or hike doesn’t just promise fresh air and scenic views, but it also offers a welcome break from the digital world. Plus, did you know that you could also get paid to walk?

It’s a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature, appreciate local biodiversity, and get some exercise.

From spotting wildlife to identifying various plants, the experience can be as educational as it is therapeutic. Best of all, parks often have no entry fees, making them perfect for frugal activities. So, lace up those shoes and immerse yourself in nature’s bounty without denting your wallet.

 

3. Cook a new recipe using pantry ingredients.

Among the many frugal things to do when you’re bored, trying out a new recipe using pantry ingredients stands out as both rewarding and resourceful. It’s an activity that not only stirs your culinary creativity but also brings forth delicious results.

Looking for items at the back of your pantry can lead to delightful food combinations you might have never thought of. It becomes an adventure in stirring up unique flavors while using ingredients that might have otherwise been forgotten.

On top of that, by efficiently using up what you already have, you’re practicing how to save money on groceries. You’re not only cut costs but also reduce food waste, making it a winning choice on multiple fronts.

 

4. Start a money savings challenge.

Engaging in a money-saving challenge is not only a smart frugal activity but also a fun way to cultivate disciplined spending habits.

If you’re ambitious and on the hunt for ways to save $10,000 a year, setting incremental weekly targets can make the goal more attainable.

For those starting on a smaller scale, the 26-week and 52-week $1,000 savings challenge before Christmas arrives is an excellent approach. It breaks down the savings process into manageable chunks, allowing you to steadily build your savings. By the end, the satisfaction of having a lump sum set aside is unparalleled, combining thrift with festive cheer.

 

5. Find fun ways to earn extra money.

Not only are you being frugal, but you’re finding ways to boost your income so you can achieve your financial goals faster and enjoy greater financial freedom.

Finding fun ways to earn extra money can shift your perspective on side hustles. Instead of viewing them just as work, they become exciting opportunities.

Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, tutoring on a subject you’re passionate about, or pet-sitting for neighbors, such activities could help you make an extra $500 a month. These methods not only increase your income but also offer fulfilling experiences without significant costs.

As a frugal activity, turning hobbies or skills into income ensures you’re maximizing both your time and talents, blending frugality with creativity and entrepreneurship.

I also recommend turning to my other posts about ways to earn more money:

• How to make $1,000 fast when you need cash now
• One day a week jobs that are fun
• Jobs that pay $500 a day

 

6. Visit a library to borrow books, movies, or music.

Visiting a library is more than just borrowing books; it’s an immersion into a world of knowledge and creativity.

Libraries today offer movies, music, workshops, and digital resources. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking frugal entertainment and learning opportunities. This hidden gem filled with abundant information is often freely accessible, making it a budget-friendly haven.

 

7. Inline skate in the city.

What’s another super fun and frugal activity?

Rollerblading!!

Not only is it free, but it’s also an intense workout where you’ll burn A LOT of calories without even realizing it! The beach is one of the most relaxing places to inline skate by yourself, with a partner, or with friends.

To get started, invest in a good pair of rollerblades. Believe me, the couple hundred dollars you invest upfront is going to be well-worth it in the long run! Not only do you enjoy a no-spend weekend outdoors, you also stay fit for every summer season. I personally use these amazing and comfortable rollerblades! They are probably the best ones I’ve had since they still work really well after 5 years! That’s when you know you got the best bang for your buck. 🙂

 

8. Splurge on an ice cream.

While you’re at it, treat yourself to a mouth-watering ice cream. It’s a nice treat to have with your friends especially after blading around the park, beach or city. If you’re at the beach, have it while the sun sets. It’s quite relaxing and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. You can afford an ice cream, right? 🙂

 

9. Ice skate in the winter.

Similar to inline skating, another frugal and fun activity you can do this weekend is going ice skating. If it’s not winter, you can still ice skate for free indoors at a local arena.

My friends and I go outdoor skating every winter and we save a lot of money without realizing it. Seriously, we never had the thought of doing it just to save money. We do it because we truly enjoy it. For the most part, you won’t be distracted from any sales at the mall. Having that said, ice skating makes the perfect frugal activity where you don’t need to spend a dime (as long as you own a pair of good skates). If you don’t, I highly recommend buying a good pair when it’s on sale!

 

10. Other no-spend outdoor activities you must try:

In addition to rollerblading and ice skating, there are other fun and frugal activities that you need to try with your partner, friends, and family this weekend.

• Biking
• Hiking
• Running
• Swimming
• Playing sports (e.g. tennis, softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, etc.)

 

11. Running or jogging at the beach.

Of all those outdoor activities, I enjoy running the most because it’s my go-to stress reliever!

Science shows that running can immediately reduce your stress and increase happiness. So, your mood can quickly change from being sad and tired to becoming happy and filled with energy!

The pleasure I get from running is way higher than spending money on things that I don’t need. Not to mention, it doesn’t cost anything! What’s better than staying healthy and fit for free?

So, what are you waiting for? Running is one of the best frugal activities to do when you’re feeling bored, tired, sad, or lonely. Just do it and you’ll know what I mean. No pun intended here. 😉

 

12. Have a picnic at the beach.

I’m not a huge fan of having a picnic at the park, but if it’s at the beach, then I’m all up for it! I love everything about the beach because of the scenery and the overall atmosphere. You can play, exercise, and watch the sunset. Remember how I said you can indulge in an ice cream while the sun sets?

To spend less and save money without sacrificing quality, I use these FERE cash-back money-saving apps to buy groceries and prep our food for the beach.

 

13. Try a new restaurant without paying full price.

I know, I know…

You’re probably wondering how dining out can be considered frugal or how you can save money by going out to eat. Let me assure you, you do deserve to treat yourself to a nice lunch or dinner over the weekend. After all, you’re already saving a significant amount by packing your lunch for work, right?

To get the best deals and save money at restaurants in your city, consider visiting during special offers they have on weekdays or during Happy Hours

 

14. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa.

Who says frugality means skipping self-care?

This weekend, consider indulging in a spa day without the hefty price tag.

Create a serene ambiance at home with dim lights, soothing music, and a few drops of essential oils. Fill your bathtub with warm water, sprinkle some Epsom salt, and dive into relaxation. Make DIY face masks from pantry staples, and give your skin some love.

Coupled with a good book or soft tunes, it’s the perfect way to recharge. You’ll emerge feeling rejuvenated and pampered, all without breaking the bank.

 

15. Host a party in your backyard patio.

Similar to enjoying a picnic at the beach, you can host a small party in your backyard.

What’s better than turning up the music and sharing an intimate gathering with your closest friends right at home? Spend a frugal weekend hosting a barbecue, potluck, or any event of your choice. Consider suggesting that guests B.Y.O.B. Serve drinks, play games, and create a night to remember!

 

16. Start a blog.

I never expected this to happen, but ever since I started a blog, I naturally became more frugal and saw my savings skyrocket! I honestly didn’t plan for that to happen but it did. To put things into perspective, I was able to save ~70% to 80% of my paycheck without realizing it.

This helped me control my spending because I never found the time to go shopping or spend any money. In fact, I’m at Starbucks as I’m typing this right now. Thank you, Swagbucks, for the FREE gift cards — I didn’t have to pay for my Grande Java Chip Frappuccino! 🙂

Yes, I go to Starbucks once a week to work on my blog and it keeps me occupied. I genuinely enjoy writing about personal finance and helping others manage their money.

Though starting a profitable blog isn’t a walk in the park, I don’t feel deprived of fun because I see every aspect of this as a new learning opportunity.

With that said, if there’s a topic that you’re passionate about (and you’re looking to make extra money on the side), consider starting your own blog too!

If you’re serious about making money, I recommend starting a self-hosted blog with Bluehost for less than a cup of latte /month. The original price of hosting a blog is $7.99 per month, but if you sign up through my tutorial on how to start a profitable blog, you will receive a low price of only $3.95 per month. In addition, you’ll receive a FREE domain ($15 value) by signing up. It’s an extremely affordable and frugal hobby for you to do over the weekend. Not to mention, it’s a very low investment cost!

For more info, head on over to my free step-by-step tutorial on how to start your blog here.

 

Over to you.

I hope you found some frugal and fun inspiration for this weekend. What are your plans? 😉

 

Enjoyed this post? Don’t forget to pin and share it! 🙂

 

Resources that will help you in your financial journey

Below are my top recommendations for saving money, making money, building wealth, achieving financial independence, and more!

 

$5 Meal Plan: This is a weekly meal plan service that aims to make your life easy by helping you save time and money. For only $5 a month, you will receive a delicious meal plan that costs less than $2 per meal. On top of that, they offer special meal plans such as the Paleo diet and vegetarian option. Not sure if this is right for you? To make sure you’re fully satisfied, they offer a free 14-day trial absolutely risk-free. If you decide that this isn’t for you, simply cancel it with no questions asked.

 

Swagbucks: This 100% free resource allows you to earn FREE gift cards by simply completing surveys, shopping online, watching videos, playing games, and surfing the web. Here are some of the gift cards they offer: Starbucks (my favorite), Amazon, Indigo, Groupon, Bath & Body Works, Cineplex, and many more! My fiance and I have redeemed many $50 to $100 Starbucks gift cards without having to pay for our favorite lattes. Sign up for Swagbucks and receive your $5 welcome bonus here.