Free things to do

[Autumnal 25]

I've been reading quite a few financial books, lately, and one thing I've noticed is that while they often suggest a plethora of ways to trim bits of your budget, they really don't provide any suggestions for keeping yourself and your loved one(s) entertained. Sure, I can lower my bills by going without cable and the like, but what sorts of activities can we be pursuing that don't cost much?

This thread is also inspired by the fact spring is valiantly peeking around the corner though I'm certain a giant frost monster is waiting to pounce it the minute it breaks out of hiding!

So, here's the question: what are free or low-priced things you do to keep entertained? Whether it's making sure to walk along the beach or replacing movie watching at the theatres with something more entertaining (like going to free high school productions).

[Fuzzness 2]

need you ask?

[KarenCee 3]

I've been reading quite a few financial books, lately, and one thing I've noticed is that while they often suggest a plethora of ways to trim bits of your budget, they really don't provide any suggestions for keeping yourself and your loved one(s) entertained. Sure, I can lower my bills by going without cable and the like, but what sorts of activities can we be pursuing that don't cost much?

This thread is also inspired by the fact spring is valiantly peeking around the corner though I'm certain a giant frost monster is waiting to pounce it the minute it breaks out of hiding!

So, here's the question: what are free or low-priced things you do to keep entertained? Whether it's making sure to walk along the beach or replacing movie watching at the theatres with something more entertaining (like going to free high school productions).

depends on the area you live in...Joel and I will be living in a high tourist area, lots of things to do. hiking is free, sightseeing is free, the parks are free (well, except for the parking fee, $2). maybe do a google search for a list of free things to do for entertainment.

[Autumnal 25]

Put it this way: almost everything around here is, unfortunately, pretty expensive to do. A lot of it is high priced/touristy, unless you want to wander around the mall or wander around a park. Parks are nice, but not the best options.

I realized after chatting with two friends that we couldn't actually think of anything to do that wasn't going to cost us $10.

[babybunny 2]

where are you at?

[Marilyn. 340]

I am assuming you are from the chicago area... I found this site.... it lists a bunch of places to go taht have free admission in the Chicago Area...

http://www.free-attractions.com/chicago.htm

or search here for a different city in Illinois...

http://www.free-attractions.com/state_pages/illinois.htm

just a side note but you can use this site to find free things to do all over the United States

http://www.free-attractions.com/

Edited March 11, 2006 by MarilynP

[Autumnal 25]

Chicago.

[babybunny 2]

you can go see jerry springer free and that ..

you dont like jerry? I know there be some really nasty people on that show. but, you said FREE...

[ladybird216 2]

We go ATVing in the mountains in Colorado....totally free except for the fuel! We also love to fish and if we catch anything (usually trout) we slap 'em on the BBQ, so we get a free supper too...YUM!!!

I know this isn't much use if you're in a city, but it's what we do

[kerewin21 2]

Book signings and poetry readings are usually free. Since you're in Chicago, you can check out the university campus for free talks and lectures, plus they often have some kind of movie club that offers cheap movies. I like folk music and lots of universities have some kind of "coffee house" that has very inexpensive admission.

Most museums have one night a week, or one day a month or something like that that's free.

In the spring and summer lots of cities have free outdoor theater, movie, and music events. There may be street festivals as well. I don't know about Chicago, but both Boston and New York have free weekly papers that have a calendar section with highlights of the week's events, and that's where I always find those kinds of festivals.

When I lived in New York I always checked out "Time Out New York," a magazine that had lots of free events in it (you can read it for free at Barnes and Noble, and I checked: there's a Time Out Chicago too)

Speaking of Barnes and Noble, sometimes I'll just go there and read magazines or books on whatever I want.

Most libraries let you take out movies and DVDs either for free or for a nominal fee. You can also get lots of CDs there, that's a great way to save money if you tend to spend on music.

Lots of places have "second run" movie theaters where they show older movies that are no longer playing at the main theaters for less money.

Enjoy! There really are a lot of things you can do free or cheap, you just have to plan a little better and explore your options.

[dollface41601 0]

Go walk around Navy Pier....walk down lake michigan....go fishing....Window Shop down Michigan Avenue...Pick up a frisbee and play on the beach (or a football, baseball etc) Walk around Water Tower place....go see the Sears Tower...Take the dog for a walk thru Lincoln Park ( if u have one) .....Go to Lincoln Park Zoo...(yes its free) Like someone else said...they have some days where admission to the Museums are free (or half price) Find a free play or concert at Depaul or Loyola University....There is so much to do!

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

doing laundry.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Fischkoepfin 1]

For movies, subscribe to this rental service; Netflix I think is what it is called and it's somewhere around $20 for as many movie as you can watch per month, including free shipping. Most people I know like it (I prefer to support the local store, so no personal experience) and claim it saves them lots of money given the price of going to the movies or renting at one of the big chains.

Another good, and less expensive, way to entertain yourself is to have small dinners (nothing fancy) with friends in your home (it's even cheaper when you take turns) or cook a nice dinner for you and your spouse instead of going out. Going out is a big expense even when you just eat a sandwich and drink domestic beer, and it's not even worthwhile given that the only difference if you're staying in with your friends is the lack of service. If that sounds to boring, play board games or card games with your friends after dinner.

Picknicks are also cheap and easy to do if you get some friends to join...

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

ok, other stuff besides laundry...

emmmm... lemmeee think....

ok, all kidding aside....

library for books.

farmers markets are good. cheap and wonderful food items(veggies, fruits, etc). then make a wonderful meal out of them.

drive to some small town outside the city and just walk aorund, drink some coffee.

if you have a digital camera, take it along everywhere you go. take pictures. load'em into the compute. play around with the photos. email 'em to friends. post 'em on vj.

volunteer at the local food closet. (or any other kind of service)

find an affordable dance lesson place. it can be cheap, fun, and good for yer health.

exercise. (walk, jog, etccc)

just be creative and have an open mind about what is 'fun'.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Autumnal 25]

Hee! I guess I'm doing your laundry, huh?

And yes, I realize it's silly to be at a loss for what to do living in Chicago (in the 'burbs, actually) but does it help if I say I lived in a small town most of my life? All these options are unfamiliar!