All of us enjoy having a good time on the weekends, but prices for weekend activities can really add up – which is especially stressful if you’re trying to save money. The good news is that you don’t actually have to spend any money to have a memorable weekend, since there are plenty of free things to do right in your area!

Many communities, even small towns, offer a variety of weekend activities that don’t cost a dime. On top of that, finding free things to do on the weekend is easier than you might think, especially if you live in a bigger city.

The trick is to know how to find these free weekend activities. Thankfully, there are a ton of avenues: checking the local paper, doing a quick online search, or even just taking a walk around are simple ways to scout things going on locally this weekend.

But, to make your life a little easier, we’ve compiled a go-to list that covers 28 awesome ideas for free things to do this weekend.

Whether you’re staying home or heading out on the town, this list has a ton of helpful suggestions that will make sure your weekend goes off without a hitch – and without depleting your bank account either!

Free Things To Do Indoors

1. Get crafty.

Unleash your creative side by upcycling some of the junk hanging around your house. Make a birdhouse out of an egg carton, turn your old flannel shirt into a handbag, or break out the paint.

The only thing limiting you is your own imagination. Try to avoid saying things like “I’m not crafty” or “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.” Give it a try – you might be surprised at what you can create. It won’t cost you a penny, as this is one of the easiest free things to do on the list.

2. Try a new recipe.

Do you love to cook? If so, this is an excellent way to spend a few hours. Assess the ingredients in your kitchen and challenge yourself to make a meal using only what’s available. No additional shopping allowed!

You’ll expand your culinary expertise without spending any money, making this one of our most rewarding free weekend activities.

This is also a great suggestion for people who don’t necessarily love to cook, but wish they were better cooks. You’ll only get better when you practice, so open your cupboard, throw some ingredients together, and see what happens.

3. Learn a new skill.

If you’re reading this, the amazing learning tool of YouTube is just a click away. It’s incredibly handy, and it’s one of the most popular totally free things to do that enables you to learn anything you want. Pick something that interests you, find a how-to video on the topic, and master that skill.

This can be anything – from knitting to learning a new language. Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a great woodworker, or to learn calligraphy. Perhaps you dream of writing a book but you struggle to put together an outline. All of these things are out there, and they’re all free.

4. Spend quality time with your partner.

Cuddling up on the couch and watching a movie won’t cost you a dime. Neither will the other stuff you can do with your partner. Wink wink.

Seriously though – when was the last time you spent more than five minutes of quality time with your partner? If you’re like most people, work, and life probably get in the way on a regular basis, so use this chance to reconnect. It’s a meaningful way to spend your time, as well as one of the more fulfilling free things to do on the weekend.

5. Catch up with an old friend.

Everyone is busy, and life often gets in the way of what’s important. A frugal weekend is a perfect time to give your best friend a call.

If you talk to your best friend all the time, ask yourself who else you could call. Perhaps your aunt would love to hear from you, or your sister. It doesn’t matter who you call…just do it and make someone’s day!

6. Have a yard sale.

What’s even better than free weekend activities? Free things to do on the weekend that also help you earn money. Holding a yard sale is a great chance to clear out your house while making a few extra bucks. You’ll also get to chat with everyone who comes to your sale, which is always fun.

If you don’t think you have anything to sell, you’re probably wrong. Take a look around your house, your garage, your basement, and your attic. You probably have tons of stuff sitting around collecting dust.

Plus, any funds you generate during your sale can help pay your rent or mortgage!

7. Challenge your mind.

Do some crossword or sudoku puzzles online. You can find them for free – and you don’t even have to print them out. Just enter the letters and numbers digitally.

This is also a great way to spend time with someone else, if you enjoy working as part of a team. You can’t go wrong here – it’s an entirely free thing to do this weekend and you’ll get to hang out with someone who shares one of your interests.

8. Plan your next vacation.

Maybe the entire reason you’re looking for free things to do this weekend is that you have a big trip coming up. Use this time to plan an itinerary. This will not only help you be more prepared, but it will also get you pumped for your upcoming travel!

If you don’t have the cash to go on a big trip, that’s fine! Why not plan a weekend away, or even a day trip? There are probably a lot of places in your state that you haven’t visited, which are just a short distance away by car. Vacations aren’t always about the destination, but about who you spend them with.

9. Relax.

When was the last time you took a relaxing hot bath and let your stress melt away? Probably too long ago. Do it – it’s a great free weekend activity!

You can also do anything else that you find relaxing. Read a book, meditate, paint your nails, or binge watch your favorite Netflix show. These are all free things to do, and they can all give you a much-needed break from your busy life while helping you save money.

10. Rearrange your furniture.

If you believe in feng shui, take time to rearrange your furniture to create better harmony within the walls of your home.

This could be as simple as moving a few paintings around, or rearranging the entire setup of your bedroom. You can choose how far you want to go. Of all the free things to do this weekend, this particular activity has the most potential to improve the vibe of your living space!

11. Take a stroll down memory lane.

Open up those dusty photo albums sitting under your bed. Give them a good clean, and then reminisce about the good old days.

Taking time to enjoy happy memories is a great way to improve your mood and remember some of the best times of your life. And who doesn’t want to relive their most enjoyable moments?

12. Host a game night.

Grab a few board games and invite some people over for a game night. It’s one of the most classic free things to do on the weekend, and it’s a great way to spend quality time with friends and family.

This can be as simple as playing Monopoly, or playing a team game such as Pictionary or Charades. It doesn’t really matter what game you play, as long as everyone is having fun and spending time with one another!

13. …Or a potluck dinner.

If you love playing host but don’t want to spend a lot of money feeding a bunch of people, then arrange a potluck dinner. Everyone can bring their favorite dish and share it with the rest of the group.

This is a great way to try a new cuisine or dish that you wouldn’t normally try – and it’s better than doing it in a restaurant, because throwing a potluck dinner is a totally free thing to do.

14. Do some gardening.

Gardening can be extremely therapeutic, and the end result is always beautiful (or delicious, if you choose to plant vegetables). Why not give it a try?

Getting your hands dirty is a great option when it comes to free things to do this weekend, as it gets you outside and in touch with nature. It’s also great to see your hard work rewarded when spring rolls around and those bulbs finally start to bloom.

15. Prep your meals for the week.

Be prepared for the week ahead by making all of your meals in advance. You’ll thank yourself when Monday night rolls around and all you have to do is stick your pre-made dinner in the microwave!

Not only is this one of the most efficient free things to do, but it’s also a nutritious activity that can help your overall well-being. Those who prep their food each week generally put more thought into what they put into their bodies. You’re less likely to eat a spontaneous hamburger if you have a healthy stir-fry in your lunchbox!

Free Things To Do Outdoors

16. Go on a hike.

No matter where you live, you definitely have public walking trails, state parks, or national parks nearby. Call your friends, lace up your shoes, and spend some time in nature. You’ll even burn some calories along the way!

This is one of the healthiest free things to do out there – for both your body and your mind. Challenge yourself to hike longer than you thought you could, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes from it!

17. Check out your community calendar.

You’d be amazed at how many free weekend activities are probably happening in your community, from concerts to movie nights in the park.

Even if you live in a small community, there are probably some free things to do this weekend. Have a look online and in your local paper, and talk to fellow residents to get an idea of what’s going on in your area.

18. Volunteer.

Volunteering isn’t just “working for free.” It’s a great activity that be extremely enjoyable, especially when you do it with friends. Provide an extra set of hands at the local animal shelter, play piano at a retirement home, or serve food at a soup kitchen.

This is a great way to do something meaningful for your local community. You can’t go wrong by helping others!

19. Go to a museum.

Not all museum visits are free things to do, but some are – especially small, local museums. If you live in an area where all of the museums cost money, you might find that they offer a free day once a month (this often takes place on Sundays).

If you find a museum that’s free, make it a point to visit – even if you wouldn’t normally be interested in it. This is a great way to expand your knowledge base.

20. Visit the library.

If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t visited the library very much since graduating college. However, libraries are amazing resources, as well as free things to do on the weekend. Browse the aisles and find a great book. Then go home, curl up with a hot mug of tea, and allow yourself to get lost in the story.

You’ll probably be reminded of how great libraries really are when you finally take the time to visit one. These public resources need all the support they can get, as many people have forgotten about them in the era of Kindles.

Plus, you’ll save a ton of money by opting to only read free books!

21. Take part in community sports.

Head to your local park and watch a soccer game or baseball scrimmage. If you’re athletic, ask if you can join the game!

This is a great way to make new friends, stay fit, and utilize a space that you already pay for with your tax dollars. Best of all, it’s an entirely free weekend activity!

22. Go for a run (or do another kind of exercise).

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body and your mind. You might find that it’s hard to get motivated at first, but you’ll be extremely proud of yourself once you’re done.

If you’re hesitant about starting a new exercise regime, start out small and build up from there. You can begin with a jog around the block and increase your distance every time you go out for a run. No matter the intensity, exercise is always a free thing to do!

23. Go geocaching.

This modern method of treasure hunting allows you to use your smartphone to track down a ‘cache’ located at specified coordinates. You never know what might have been left for you to enjoy! Getting started is easy, as there are plenty of geocaching websites online.

This is an exciting free thing to do for anyone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt. The surprise at the end of the journey may be better than you expect!

24. Use your gift cards.

If people have given you gift cards, use them! This still falls under the “free things to do” category, as long as you don’t pitch in any of your own money.

This is a great way to still enjoy restaurants, movie theaters, and shops during a frugal weekend. Just be sure to thank whoever gave you the gift certificates!

25. Go on a picnic.

Heading to your nearest park with a blanket and a packed lunch is one of the best weekend activities when there’s good weather. Food always tastes better when enjoyed in the sunshine!

If the idea of cold sandwiches bores you, think outside the box. Make some pasta and throw it in a thermos, or enjoy a meat and cheese plate. Your picnic is what you make of it – just be sure to only use food you already have at home!

26. Go fishing.

Grab your fishing rods and a few worms, and head to the nearest public lake or stream.

If you’re a seasoned fisherman, you’ll love this suggestion. If you’ve never gone fishing, why not save some money and borrow a rod from a neighbor and see what all the fuss is about? It’s a totally free thing to do, so you have nothing to lose!

27. Take your camera on a walk.

Head outside with your camera and take photos of anything that catches your eye. This is a great way to practice your photography skills and to appreciate the beauty around you.

Some things to look out for on your photographic journey include unique architecture, natural beauty, people, and animals. Beauty can be found (and captured) everywhere if you open your eyes to it.

28. Get your religion on.

Of all the free things to do this weekend, this suggestion isn’t for everyone. If you happen to be someone who always says they “should” go to church/synagogue/another place of worship, however, this could be a great chance to finally do so.

If you fit in this category, you’ll almost certainly feel better once you’ve attended a service. Give this free weekend activity a shot and see what happens!