100 Cheap Fun Things to Do on Weekends

For Anyone

1. Explore a Museum

Many museums offer discounts or free admission on specific days. Snatch that opportunity to marvel at paintings, statues, artifacts, fossils, and other collections that tickle your fancy.

2. Redesign Your Outdoor Space

Sprucing up your outdoor space can be an exciting adventure, whether you do it solo or summon a partner or friends. Create a plan, play some music, and awaken your inner landscaper.

3. Visit an Aquarium

Visiting an aquarium fills you with excitement and wonder, regardless of age. It can be fun, relaxing, and educational, perfect for a date or family bonding.

4. Walk a Shelter Dog

Walking shelter dogs will fill your weekends with immense joy and reduce stress while improving those four-legged cuties’ health and well-being. You’ll also meet new friends, and they are likely to be caring volunteers like you.

5. Refresh Your Walls

Refreshing your walls with a new coat of paint isn’t something to do every weekend. Still, it’s an excellent activity for couples, families, or individuals eager to bring new colors to a home.

6. Plan a Weekend Getaway

Explore a new place every weekend, whether it’s a lake, countryside, national park, beach, or anything else nearby. It doesn’t need to cost a small fortune to be super fun.

7. Play Video Games

Video games are entertaining, by definition. Grab your game console, pick your favorite title, and enjoy a gripping experience, whether playing solo or showing off your skills with friends

8. Solve Mechanical Puzzles

Rubik’s Cube fans, anyone? This 3D mechanical puzzle — which is straightforward to learn — and its many cousins offer hours of fun and make for excellent party tricks.

9. Play Sports

Want to get your beach body ready for the summer? Take up a sport you’ve always loved, or try a new one. It’s fun and will do wonders for your health and fitness.

10. Rearrange the Furniture

Rearranging the furniture will spice up your home with a new atmosphere. Besides being fun and creative, it will uplift your mood and declutter your mind and your home.

11. Start a Workout Routine

Whether you hit the gym or work out at home, you’ll fill your weekends with excitement while enjoying health benefits. Assemble a team of friends for a more enjoyable experience.

12. Invite Your Neighbors Over for a BBQ

Casual BBQ get-togethers are ideal for getting to know your neighbors better. You never know; some of them might become your new best friends. Keep it cheap by going potluck.

Cheap Fun Things to Do on Weekends For Families

These family-friendly activities are fantastic for endless fun on weekends, regardless of everyone’s age.

13. Play Board Games

Besides introducing healthy competition and improving strategic thinking, some board games — like Monopoly and CASHFLOW — provide financial education for teenagers. Pick your favorites and make playing them a family tradition.

14. Cook Your Favorite Dishes Together

Cooking together is excellent for family bonding. It creates lifelong memories and helps you spend quality time as a family. It’s also a learning opportunity for children.

15. Create a New Recipe

Instead of always preparing familiar dishes, spice them up with a unique twist or create something new from scratch. It’ll take trial and error, but you might invent something delicious.

16. Visit a Theme Park

Theme parks welcome people of all ages, requiring only an adventurous spirit. If there isn’t one nearby, find an alternative offering the same excitement, like a carnival or entertainment center.

17. Enjoy a Family Movie Marathon

Family movie marathons are ideal for laughing together, strengthening relationships, making memories, and learning about family values like respect, honesty, sharing, kindness, empathy, responsibility, forgiveness, and love.

18. Go Camping

Camping is brilliant for unplugging and reconnecting with nature. You don’t have to go far and spend gallons of gas: you can camp in your backyard or somewhere nearby.

19. Make Your Family Tree

Creating your family tree helps you learn your roots and connect to your heritage. Exploring your family history might help you discover new information about your ancestors!

20. Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts aren’t only for kids. Anyone can enjoy decoding messages to find hidden treasure. Planning this activity requires time and effort but guarantees hours of fun.

21. Make Family Music Videos

Music creates family bonds across generations. Family music videos can take fun — and humor — to the next level and make everlasting memories that will always bring a smile to your face.

22. Visit a Local Farm

Visiting a local farm is perfect if you love animals, as you can pet and feed them and reconnect with nature while learning about animal life, plants, and agriculture.

23. Make Care Packages

Are your loved ones away for extended periods? Let them know you’re thinking about them with care packages. Make them as a family to instill — or remind yourself of — family values.

24. Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Blast-from-the-past weekends can be just as fun. Take out your family albums, reminisce about the good old times, and share life stories with your family members.

Cheap Fun Things to Do on Weekends For Couples

Whether in a new or long-term relationship, you can have a fantastic time with your partner without emptying your wallet. After all, money isn’t necessary for fun.

25. Go to a Drive-In Movie Theater

Besides being more affordable, drive-in movie theaters are incredibly romantic. They remind you of simpler times and offer an authentic moviegoing experience, especially when playing the classics.

26. Binge-Watch a New TV Show

If you and your partner love TV shows, binge-watch a new one together. Watching together anything of a shared interest will deepen your connection and provide many topics for discussion.

27. Go to an Amusement Park

Amusement parks are ideal for creating or strengthening a bond with your partner. All the laughs, thrilling — and sometimes scary — rides, and opportunities to hold hands are perfect for dates.

28. Make a Delicious Dessert for Two

Couples who cook together learn to communicate better, have a stronger relationship, and have more fun. Start with delectable desserts — the sugar will release serotonin, boosting your mood and happiness.

29. Have a Romantic Picnic

A romantic picnic in the park doesn’t have to be boring. You can play card games, take funny or IG-worthy photos, stargaze, or do anything else amusing.

30. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour

Some winery tours are free, but many are pretty affordable, often offering complimentary wine tastings. These trips are excellent for first dates, breaking the ice and boosting your confidence.

31. Watch a Game

Are you and your partner sports fans? Visit a local sports bar to catch the latest game or — better yet — get event tickets to cheer for your favorite team properly. Pro games aren’t the only options: check out a minor league or school team in your area.

32. Visit an Animal Shelter

Petting and feeding animals in need boosts your “love hormones,” making this activity perfect for couples. Fair warning: you might fall in love with and adopt a new four-legged friend.

33. Go to a Live Music Show

Enjoying live music together is excellent for bonding. The energy and excitement will create lifelong memories, so hit your favorite bar or club or get tickets to a concert.

34. Catch a Play

The theater isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, so ask your partner if they’d like to catch a play — or musical — before getting the tickets. Remember: open-air theaters can be incredibly romantic.

35. Visit Thrift or Antique Shops

Even if you swear by everything modern and new, you might discover something brilliant in antique and thrift shops. Visiting them with your partner means more fun and laughs.

36. Go to a Stand-Up Comedy Show

A stand-up comedy show guarantees a fun date. You’ll laugh to tears, enjoying a unique experience that brings you closer to your partner.

37. Start a Two-Person Book Club

Reading books as a couple helps you bond over literature and builds a base for conversations that bring you closer together. Read on weekends, discuss your thoughts as you go, and watch your relationship blossom.

38. Make Something Together

Creative DIY projects will strengthen your connection and provide a sense of accomplishment, whether you create handmade picture frames, candle holders, clay pots, bookshelves, or coffee tables.

39. Be Tourists in Your Hometown

Playing tourists in your hometown can be incredibly fun. Go sightseeing, explore the spots you haven’t visited in a white, try something new, and don’t forget your selfie stick.

40. Try Go-Kart Racing

When did you last enjoy go-kart racing? A long time ago? Never? Try this adrenaline-pumping activity with your partner for an exhilarating experience.

41. Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding adventures are as romantic as they come. If you love horses (who doesn’t?), incorporate them into your date and throw in a picnic for good measure.

42. Visit the Nearest Town

Everyone needs a change of scenery once in a while. Don’t let your wallet stand in the way. The next town down the road can be ideal for your next budget-friendly weekend getaway.

43. Go on a Double or Triple Date

Double or triple dates are perfect for maintaining friendships with other couples, especially if you don’t often hang out due to busy work schedules, kids, or other responsibilities.

Cheap Fun Things to Do on Weekends With Kids

If you have kids, fill your weekends with these entertaining activities — everyone will have a blast.

44. Visit a Zoo

Regular field trips to the zoo will help your kids learn about various animals, including wildlife and habitat preservation, and develop a compassion for those lovely beings.

45. Go to a Waterpark

Water slides, swimming pools, splash pads: waterparks have it all. Fun? Check. Family competition? Check. Deck chairs for relaxation and sunbathing? Check. Pure happiness? Check.

46. Solve Jigsaw Puzzles

Kids and grown-ups both love jigsaw puzzles. Find a 2,000-piece (or bigger) puzzle and assemble it over the weekend. Hours will go by without anyone noticing.

47. Play Musical Chairs

Remember playing musical chairs in kindergarten and at birthday parties? Try it at home to teach your kids to deal with disappointment, lose gracefully, and practice patience while having fun at the same time.

48. Plant a Garden

Children adore playing in the dirt. They’ll love planting a garden with you while learning to care for plants and developing fine motor skills.

49. Plan Arts and Crafts Activities

Awaken your children’s creativity with leaf painting, collage making, sculpture building, paper folding (e.g., origami and airplanes), T-shirt dyeing, and other arts and crafts activities.

50. Channel Your Inner Painters

Is your easel collecting dust in the attic? Get your art supplies and stimulate your kids’ imagination and creativity, helping them express emotion and ideas.

51. Play Card Games

Like board games, card games activate healthy competition and hours of entertainment. UNO, Memory, Go Fish, War, Old Maid, Rummy, and Slapjack are only some kid-friendly examples.

52. Make a Tower of Cards

Cards aren’t only for playing games. You can use them to build towers, helping your kids improve hand-eye coordination and develop motor skills.

53. Find LEGO Building Projects

LEGO building projects are even more exciting than card towers, providing more benefits while allowing your children to be creative and adventurous.

54. Build a Cozy Pillow Fort

Kids love building pillow forts, perfect for unwinding after an energy-filled day. Get your pillows, sheets, and blankets, and sit down to play cards or tell stories.

55. Organize a Playdate

Playdates help kids develop social skills. Invite your children’s friends — and their parents — over so everyone can have fun.

56. Build a Sand Castle

You don’t need a beach to build a sand castle. You can do it in a backyard corner or playground. You only need some sand, water, and buckets.

57. Play Hopscotch

If you grew up without technology, you probably played hopscotch all the time. Take your kids back in time with a perfect game for developing gross motor skills.

58. Teach Your Kids a New Skill

Money management, meal preparation, first aid, digital literacy, and doing laundry are among the most vital skills kids should learn. It doesn’t have to be boring.

59. Go Ice or Roller Skating

Ice and roller skating are ideal for fun weekends while helping your children improve coordination, balance, and agility.

60. Play Hide-and-Seek

This one’s a classic. You can play it at home and bring the action outside whenever the weather allows.

61. Do Science Experiments

Kid-friendly science experiments are perfect for helping children understand the physical world and engaging their senses. Just remember to carry them out safely.

62. Fly a Kite

Kite flying is another fun, educational, and motor-skill-building activity. Craft colorful kites, wait for the perfect weather to launch them, and watch astonishment wash over your kids.

63. Play Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is an excellent team game for a playdate or birthday party, helping children build social skills and strategic thinking.

64. Teach Your Kids Magic Tricks

Magic tricks — like the disappearing coin and the spoon-bending illusion — leave kids awestruck and often baffle grown-ups. Have fun with them on weekends to foster creativity and critical thinking.

65. Make a Comic Book

Most kids love comic books, so why not make one together? Get their creative juices flowing and help them think outside the box.

66. Put on a Puppet Show

Puppets offer role-playing, helping kids develop imagination, communication, and social skills. Make them together and invent stories as you go, blurring the line between learning and playing.

Cheap Fun Things to Do on Weekends With Friends

These cheap activities are ideal for groups of friends looking for weekend entertainment.

67. Plan a Game Night

Make game nights with your BFFs a weekend tradition. Pictionary, Charades, Cards Against Humanity, Twister, and Jenga are only some thrilling games to include. 

68. Go Hiking

This one’s a no-brainer for outdoorsy personalities. Gather your best pals, pick a hiking trail, and turn your adventure knob to the maximum.

69. Organize a Karaoke Party

Uncomfortable singing in public? Don’t worry. Karaoke bars have an inclusive culture and welcome off-key singing. You can unapologetically sing Taylor Swift and get thunderous applause.

70. Host a Potluck

A potluck lunch or dinner is excellent for spending quality time with friends while saving money. Everyone brings a different home-cooked dish. Yummy!

71. Go to an Escape Room

Escape rooms are fantastic for friends who love mysteries and puzzles. Racing against the clock to decipher clues, solve mental challenges, and unlock the exit gives an incredible adrenaline rush.

72. Go Bowling

Are you feeling competitive? Hit the nearest bowling alley with your buddies and show off your mad skills and strategy.

73. Dance the Night Away

Hitting your favorite club is always an excellent idea and doesn’t need to be expensive. After all, you don’t need drinks to have fun.

74. Play Pool or Darts

Darts and a game of pool provide mental exercise and trigger friendly competition. They’re ideal for spending quality time with friends.

75. Host a Bonfire Party

Invite friends to a backyard bonfire party, with s’mores, of course. You don’t need a full-blown fire pit. Some bricks or stones in a circle will do the trick.

76. Go Paintballing

Teamwork, strategy, competition, adrenaline, and adventure — paintball is a perfect recipe for fun. Let’s not forget it’s also a fantastic exercise opportunity.

77. Play Laser Tag

A less aggressive paintball alternative, laser tag is another brilliant activity to test your tactical combat skills and treat yourself to a full-body workout. That’s a win-win.

78. Organize a Bake-Off

Whether learning your way around the kitchen or having impressive culinary skills, organize a weekly bake-off with friends to have fun and enjoy a feast.

79. Go to a Concert

You don’t need to spend a chunk of money on a concert. Find a free local event where musicians perform live, like a college campus or a pub.

80. Bury a Time Capsule

Fill a metal box with various items, bury it in your backyard, and vow to unearth it in 10–15 years. You’ll likely laugh to tears after opening your time capsule.

81. Go to an Arcade

You’re never too old for arcade games. They reconnect you with your inner child, evoke nostalgic feelings, and offer endless fun.

82. Play Pub Quizzes

Many bars and pubs organize trivia nights (sometimes free), but you can also play pub quizzes at home. Download pub quiz apps and challenge your friends to a fun, competitive evening.

Cheap Fun Things to Do on Weekends On Your Own

Spending a weekend alone doesn’t mean excluding fun. Here’s how to bring it into the spotlight.

83. Curl up With a Good Book

Immerse yourself in a fantasy world, find a page-turning mystery, read a gripping thriller or explore new ideas, history, or self-improvement.

84. Roam Around a Bookstore

Are you itching for a new fascinating read? Lose yourself in a bookstore and pick a story from its captivating treasure trove.

85. Learn a Musical Instrument

Have you always wanted to play the guitar or another musical instrument? Learn it in your free time.

86. Learn a New Language

Enrich your vocabulary with a new foreign language, perfect if you travel frequently or live in a multicultural neighborhood. Many free mobile apps can help you along.

87. Check Items Off Your Bucket List

Life’s too short to postpone your dreams. Cross items off your bucket list so it doesn’t become a list of regrets.

88. Volunteer to Help Someone in Need

Helping people in need is rewarding. Find volunteering work at a homeless shelter, nursing home, soup kitchen, or another facility where you can give back to the community.

89. Embrace DIY projects

Paint your wooden fence or terracotta pots, make floating shelves or macrame plant hangers, or craft mason-jar candles and dreamcatchers. The DIY options are infinite.

90. Flip Furniture

You don’t need significant money for this hobby but can make $1,000/month furniture-flipping if you turn it into a side hustle.

91. Run a Marathon

Ok, you won’t start with a marathon, but whether it’s a 5K, 10K, half, or full marathon, this cardio training is excellent for getting in shape. You can also run for charity to raise awareness about a social cause.

92. Redecorate Your Room

When did you last change something in your room? Refresh it with extra cushions, framed prints, wallpapers, potted plants, woven baskets, and anything else for a new look.

93. Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts can be inspiring, empowering, entertaining, and educational, like finance podcasts that can help you make better financial decisions.

Cheap Fun Things to Do on Weekends With Pets

Having a pet is already fun, but here’s what you can do together to take it up a notch and strengthen your bond.

94. Jog, Hike, or Swim Together

Jogging, hiking, and swimming with your dog is excellent exercise. You get fresh air, explore nature, and let your canine spend excessive energy.

95. Go to a Dog Park

Take your four-legged friends to an enclosed dog park where they can run and play with other canines off-leash. You’ll both make new friends.

96. Make Homemade Treats

While your cat or dog won’t bake with you, they’ll love their delicious homemade treats. Make your pup fetch its favorite toys to get the reward.

97. Play Fetch With Your Dog

What dog doesn’t love playing fetch? Get a tennis ball, Frisbee, or a plush toy and take the fun outside.

98. Organize a Puppy Party

If your friends are fellow dog owners, invite them to a puppy party. It’s an excellent opportunity for IG-worthy photos and fun.

99. Take Your Pet to the Groomer

Professional grooming will help your cat or dog look — and feel — magnificent.

100. Treat Your Pet to a Spa Day at Home

Be your pet’s groomer and plan a spa day with bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, and a relaxing massage. Top it off with treats, of course!

Ready for Fun-Filled Weekends?

The world is an endless well of inspiration, and these 100 fun activities are only the tip of the iceberg. Start at the top, work your way down, and remember: if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong!