Because fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune
Life gets expensive—and when money is tight, it’s easy to feel like fun is off the table. But here at The Thrifty Nest, I’ve learned that joy, creativity, and connection don’t require a big budget. Whether you’re flying solo or looking for family fun, there are tons of fulfilling (and often free) activities to enjoy.
Below are budget-friendly ideas for adults and families alike—plus a few handy products (via underlined links) that can make these experiences even better without breaking the bank.
🧍♀️For Adults: Low-Cost Ways to Recharge and Have Fun
1. Host a Game Night
Invite a few friends over and dust off those old board games or play card games. No fancy setup needed—just snacks and laughs.
Our Pick: Budget-Friendly Board Game Set – Enhance your game nights with this versatile board game set, perfect for adults seeking affordable entertainment.
- Tell Me More: The brand-new 2025 version of the viral guess-the-word party game features new cards, plus NSFW adult cont…
- Fast Card Game: There are 3 ways to “tell” what your card says: act out with Show Don’t Tell, say little with One Syllab…
- Party Game: With 400 subject cards spanning categories like People, Traits, Movies & TV & more, get on the same waveleng…
2. Try a New Recipe
Dig into your pantry and experiment with what you already have. Challenge yourself to make a “pantry meal.”
Our Picks: Spice Sampler Set – Explore new culinary horizons with this spice sampler, ideal for experimenting with pantry meals.
- ✅SPICE UP SPECIAL MOMENTS: With our spices and seasonings sets! Perfect spice collection for mens gifts or gifts for dad…
- ✅DISCOVER YOUR FLAVOR CHAMPIONS: This spice kit brings together world flavors ideal for small gifts, cooking gifts, kitc…
- ✅ELEGANT & MINIMALIST PACKAGING: This seasoning gift set features eco-friendly packaging, making it a unique gifts for m…
3. Start a Free Online Course
Sites like Coursera and edX offer free versions of college-level classes. Grow your skills or start a new hobby.
4. Go for a Photo Walk
Head to your nearest park or downtown area and take artsy photos on your phone.
Our Pick: Phone Tripod with Remote – Capture stunning photos during your photo walks with this adjustable phone tripod.
- Versatile 62” Phone Tripod: Sensyne’s updated tripod combines the function of phone stand with a selfie stick. Perfect …
- Adjustable Height and Perfect Angle: With the maximum height of 62inches, it can meet the demands for varied photography…
- Wide Compatibility: The universal phone holder is compatible with all cellphone between 2.8″ to 5.7″. With a universal 1…
5. Host a Clothing Swap
Invite friends to bring gently used clothes and swap for “new-to-you” outfits—it’s fun and sustainable.
6. Start a Journal or Gratitude Log
Reflecting on what you do have is more powerful than you think.
Our Pick: Guided Journal – Reflect and grow with this guided journal, designed to inspire daily gratitude.
- Guided Daily Journal: 180 thoughtful prompts for intention, healing, and growth. Get to know yourself on a deeper level …
- Undated Pages: Start your journal on any day and go at your own pace. This self care journal for women and men will help…
- 6 Journaling Themes: Including intention, healing, gratitude, presence, purpose, and growth. Easily prioritize self-care…
7. DIY Spa Night
Use kitchen ingredients like sugar and coconut oil for scrubs. Light a candle and relax.
Our Pick: At-Home Spa Kit – Indulge in relaxation with this spa kit, bringing the luxury of a spa to your home.
- ✔ THE ULTIMATE MOM SPA KIT – Give her a well deserved escape with this spa gift set. Featuring soothing scents and self …
- ✔ 6 FULL-SIZED PAMPERING ESSENTIALS – Treat her to a complete spa experience at home with an eye mask, body butter, bath…
- ✔ PERFECT FOR EVERY OCCASION – Treat her to a spa gift basket, the ultimate gift for birthdays, baby showers, new moms, …
8. Explore Local Events
Check your city’s website for free concerts, outdoor movies, or community classes.
9. Declutter for a “Home Reset”
Clear a drawer, organize your closet, and feel instantly lighter.
Our Pick: Budget Drawer Organizer – Declutter your space efficiently with these affordable drawer organizers.
- Premium Material：The drawer organizer is made of non-toxic plastic which may be safely used. The transparent design make…
- 4 Combinations of Different Sizes: A set of cabinet organizer includes 25 storage bins of 4 different sizes. Includes: 9…
- Long Lasting and Non-Slip: The plastic is robust and long lasting. The bottom of the storage organizers has a non-slip d…
10. Volunteer Your Time
Local shelters, pantries, or libraries often need help—plus, it’s a great way to meet new people.
👨👩👧👦 For Families: Affordable Fun With Kids
1. Backyard Campout
Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows (or microwave s’mores), and tell stories by flashlight.
Our Pick: Affordable Pop-Up Tent – Transform your backyard into a camping adventure with this easy-to-set-up pop-up tent.
- 185T 68D Fire and water resistant polyester fly
- Imported
- FAST SETUP: 10-second setup with pre-assembled poles
2. DIY Obstacle Course
Use household items to set up a fun physical challenge in your yard or living room.
3. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to find (like a pinecone or heart-shaped rock) and go on a nature walk.
Our Pick: Printable Scavenger Hunt Kit – Keep kids engaged with this fun and educational scavenger hunt kit.
4. Library Adventure
Local libraries offer storytimes, crafts, and free events—plus, FREE books and movies!
5. Create an “At-Home Theater”
Let kids put on a play or puppet show with costumes made from old clothes or towels.
Our Pick: Kids Dress-Up Trunk – Spark imagination with this dress-up trunk, filled with costumes for endless play.
6. Bake Together
Even simple cookies or pancakes become magical when kids help out.
Our Pick: Kid-Safe Baking Tools – Introduce children to baking with these safe and easy-to-use tools.
- REAL TOOLS FOR REAL BAKING – This 31-piece kids’ baking set includes a whisk, rolling pin, cookie scoop, spatulas, measu…
- SAFE & KID-FRIENDLY DESIGN – BPA-free, food-grade materials with smooth edges and easy-grip handles. The included nylon …
- BUILT TO LAST – Sturdy, reusable utensils that hold up to everyday kitchen use. Dishwasher-safe tools mean easier cleanu…
7. Free Museum or Zoo Days
Many museums offer free admission days—check local listings or community calendars.
8. Water Play Day
Sprinklers, water balloons, and even a bucket of soapy water can become hours of fun.
Our Pick: Reusable Water Balloons – Enjoy outdoor fun with these eco-friendly water balloons, perfect for summer days.
- Safe and Worry-free: Our reusable water balloons awarded “Toy Insider Top Summer Toy 2023”. The product has also passed …
- Reusable 1000+ Times: Our reusable water balloons are crafted from soft silicone, which is odorless, safe and environmen…
- Quick Fill & No Leak: Refills in just 1 second! Just simply open the magnetic water balloon and submerge it in water for…
9. Art Time With Recyclables
Make robots, rockets, or castles out of cardboard boxes, paper tubes, and old magazines.
10. Have a Dance Party
Turn on music, turn down the lights, and let everyone pick a song!
Our Pick: Bluetooth Disco Light Speaker – Turn any space into a dance party with this vibrant disco light speaker.
- [Genuine, Authorized by Patentee] RGB LED lights, rotating colorful lights from disco crystal bulb . Take one, the prett…
- [Sound control party lights]: connected, RGB LED magic stage effect disco rotating light will be changed following your …
- [Disco ball party lights bluetooth speaker]: Please turn on LED button when you play music. If you only want to listen m…
11. Visit a Local Farmer’s Market
Some markets have petting zoos, free samples, and entertainment—even if you don’t buy much.
12. Build a Blanket Fort
The ultimate rainy-day win. Add fairy lights or glow sticks for extra magic.
Our Pick: Fairy Light Set – Add a magical touch to any room or fort with these enchanting fairy lights.
- 【Enchanting Decorations】 Elevate your décor with LEDIKON firefly lights. Crafted with 3.3FT of flexible silver wire and …
- 【Long Lasting Batteries】Our battery-operated fairy string lights come pre-installed with long-lasting batteries, ensurin…
- 【Effortless Operation】Experience simplicity with a battery compartment measuring only 2*0.87 inches, each equipped with …
13. Free Online Drawing or Craft Tutorials
YouTube is packed with kid-friendly craft lessons that use everyday materials.
💡 Final Thoughts
Being short on cash doesn’t mean sacrificing joy, memories, or personal growth. These activities are about experiences—laughing, connecting, getting creative, and making the most of what we already have.
If you’re ready to try something fun and budget-friendly, pick an idea from above and go for it! And if you want to add a little flair to the experience, check out my curated finds (linked throughout)—each one is under $30 and makes thrifty living even more fun.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
