50 Ways to Entertain Yourself for Free
How entertaining yourself at free of cost is fun. Life can be pretty expensive these days. Between work, rent, bills, and other necessary expenses, it’s hard to find extra money for things like entertainment.
But what if I tell you can entertain yourself at complete no cost and feel fresh and rejuvenated?
We all need free time to relax ourselves and set free our mind. That’s why we have weekend for. Two days when we can have fun, enjoy, be ourself and spend quality time with our loved ones.
I am not suggesting to lock yourself at home and devoid of every fun thing that costs you money. With the inflation in mind, we have to think of innovative ideas to entertain ourselves. Things we can do to keep ourselves away from the boredom.
So, here in this blog post I shall be sharing 50 such amazing fun things to do that won’t require you to reach for your wallet.
Ways to entertain yourself for free –
Watch YouTube videos
No matter what mood you’re in, there’s always a YouTube video to match. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a tear, or just a bit of distraction, YouTube has something for everyone. And, the best thing about YouTube is, it’s free.
You are traveling, resting, having a break time, you can always find entertaining or valuable videos on YouTube as per your taste without paying a dime for it.
Watch TED talks
TED talks are interesting to listen to about a person’s journey, their struggle and achievement. They are quite encouraging. TED Talks can give you a new perspective and angle to think about certain things about life. Listening to professional experts can help you grow in your field.
TED Talks events are recorded, and you can watch them on YouTube for free. You can kill at least an hour of your time, but it will be a productive hour.
Listen to Podcast
We have videos, content that we love to consume on the internet. For the last couple of years, people are showing interest in podcasting. Few know what a podcast is.
Podcasts are like 21st century radio shows, that you can listen on different podcast apps whenever you want. There are Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Hobhopper, Podbean and so on. There are podcasts on almost every topic, starting from health, business, entertainment, money, stories and many more.
Mostly are free to use but if you want to listen to more content, you may have to switch to their premium account. You can install any podcast app on your phone and listen to them with your headphone on.
Grow your own garden
Gardening is a complete transforming hobby to do at your leisure time. Yes, there is a bit of an investment in the initial phase like buying the sapling, tools, soil, but once you go with the gardening process, it cost you nothing.
You can start growing your herbs and vegetables in your backyard space or even on your small balcony.
While you play with all the soil and dirt, it feels so earthy and grounded. Gardening is also a great way to bond with your kid. Not only so, it keeps you away from the gadgets.
Declutter your home
The pile of clothes on the chair, the stack of magazines on the coffee table, the mountain of toys in the corner. It can be frustrating sometimes. But do you know that when you declutter your home, it feels overwhelming. You organize and clean every corner of the home, give your home a positive vibe.
Decluttering actually helps you declutter your mind too. It gives a sense of inner peace. Thus, being a mother decluttering my home often has become a thing now for me. And every time I do so, it feels quite exhilarating in a weirdly good way.
Play an instrument or sing
If you know to play any musical instrument, you can play them to entertain yourself. Or, if you can sing well, you can cover a song. Music helps unite your body, mind, and soul. Along with entertaining you, it will help you ease off your cluttered mind.
Watch old DVDs
In the 21st century, it’s hard to get a DVD player. Kids who were born in the 80s’ and 90s’, they know all about the DVDs. If you have time, revisiting old DVDs can be a great source of entertainment.
However, it is hard to get anywhere now. But at some music player store, you may get it if you ask for it. Watching an old movie on a DVD player is a complete nostalgia.
Write a journal
Many people choose to write in a journal as a way to entertain themselves without spending any money. You necessarily don’t have to buy a journal notebook. You can record your personal events, stories and thoughts on a piece of paper, too. It doesn’t always have to be written, though. You can follow any art form too. Anything sort of journaling that entertains you is good.
It is a great way to unwind yourself and relax without spending a penny.
Try a new recipe
If you are a cooking enthusiast, you can try doing so many new things with cooking. You can try out a new recipe that you have recently watched on YouTube. You could try an entirely new cuisine that your family has never tried and surprise them.
You can watch cook documentaries on Netflix, get inspired and try a dish yourself at home.
It’s possible to arrange a surprise date at home by cooking something exclusive for the dinner. This could be a very interesting way to enjoy yourself.
Yoga
Yoga has proven to be extremely beneficial for health and mind. Not only can it help in de-stressing but also boosts energy levels, increase flexibility and helps sleeping better.
The best thing about yoga is, you don’t need to spend any money to enjoy the benefits of yoga. All you need is a yoga mat and a towel. You can follow the rest at your home at peace.
Do a newspaper crossword puzzle
In the digital world, people might have forgotten about the use of newspaper. There were days when I used to enjoy doing a newspaper crossword puzzle with my grandfather. People do the same online now.
But I feel it is strange doing it online. While I agree the time was different then, but you could try out someday, just to feel the magic of pure old day’s entertainment.
Reread old favourite novel
There is something undeniably pleasurable about rereading a favourite novel. It is like slipping on a comfortable pair of shoes after a long day. You know exactly what to expect, and yet the experience is still feels new.
My favourite novel is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and I have probably read the book 7-8 times. Every time I reread, every time it gives me a new perspective to imagine and understand the characters.
You are enjoying the book all over again. Exploring the depths of your favourite story. It’s enjoyable. You aren’t spending anything. You have the book and you are simply rereading.
Organize your study table
I love organizing my study table ever since I was a kid. It was my Sunday duty that my mother used to assign me. I had to clean and organize my study table. I used to love doing that and I still do.
It feels great when you have a clean and an organized table. It feels you have done something productive.
Organize your kitchen
Do you enjoy organizing your kitchen? If so, then it could be a great source of entertainment where you won’t need any money to spend.
This is although a time-consuming and a tedious job. But it is a quite resourceful work to do. It will keep you engaged enough, let you feel all worked up and save you money.
Well, the kitchen is an integral part of a home and you should organize it once in a while. It is a very productive thing to do. You can make space for other things to fit. You can get rid of anything that you don’t use.
Wiping down surfaces and appliances that you use. Keeping your kitchen clean to avoid any insects that may cause an issue.
Organizing your kitchen will make it more inviting.
Take photographs
If you don’t want to spend money on your entertainment, and photography is something that you enjoy. This profession or hobby of yours can make your day fun-filled.
All you need is a DSLR camera or a phone having a good camera. You can take a day off from all your work and explore your city while enjoy taking photographs.
Try a new outfit from your wardrobe
This is something that I love doing when you have to kill time and laziness has got a hold on me. I always keep 3-4 new outfits in my wardrobe which I think of wearing on a special occasion. Well, sometimes that occasion never comes and these outfits remain as it is in the wardrobe.
I try them, stand in front of the mirror and just embrace myself.
This is something weirdly amazing thing to do at free of cost.
Learn a free language
Learning a new language is always fun and rewarding experience, and it doesn’t have to cost you a cent. There are many resources available online that can help you learn a new language for free. One of the best example, you can use the language app ‘Duolingo.’ I have tried the basic of French from here and so far I can say it’s the best for free language learning.
Or, you can find a native speaker through online language exchange websites or forums. Once you reach the intermediate level, you can add them to your professional resume, it will enhance your resume to a next level.
Watch free movies online
How about watching movies online for free? There are many movie websites where you can watch movies and series free and safely. You won’t have to pay anything to watch movies. However, there are many movie watching websites that are illegal and not safe, so you must research first to avoid any trouble.
Watch a sport
As we are talking about entertainment ideas where you won’t have to spend any money. So, certainly watching a sport event won’t be the ideal option as it will cost you dollars for a ticket.
Thus, one way to watch a sport and get entertained is at home on a television. You can make some dip and snacks that will go perfectly with the sport evening.
Another way to watch a sport without spending money is to attend a high school game. They are usually free to attend. If you have any cousin who is in the high school, you can accompany them to watch the sport.
Paint
I can explain how fun and exciting painting can be. To enjoy painting, you don’t have to be a pro. Grab a canvas and colors, let your imagination run and let yourself free.
Painting or any form of art liberates you. Even if you don’t have the painting tools, you can sketch anything with a pencil on a paper.
I used to sketch all the time during my college days. It helped me keep me content.
Bake a cake
Baking a cake is an entertaining thing to do. If you’re new to baking, there are plenty of easy recipes that beginners can follow. Use the ingredients you have in your kitchen. It is a unique way to keep yourself motivated and entertain.
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee
A cup of tea or coffee always feels refreshing. If you are looking for the one thing to do that makes you happy, pour a cup of tea/coffee and relax at home at peace.
Take online quizzes
Buzzfeed often post quizzes on their website and it’s fun thing to do. Online quizzes are fun and it’s a great way to kill time without spending anything. Quizzes can be of different topic, choose whatever interest you.
Explore an old family album
Looking through old family albums is a great way to pass some time. You may even find some old photos that you’ve never seen before. A glimpse into the family history and into the lives of that era feels different.
It is a great way to connect with your family. There is always a story behind each photo. You can listen to stories that you have never heard of before.
Create an art to decorate your home wall
If you are an art enthusiast and you are looking to add some vibrancy to your home. Decorating your home wall with some paintings, DIY art or photograph is a great way to bring a newness in your home.
Create an art that you love and want to hang on the wall to add some life into it.
Spend time in a library
Community library are usually free to use. If you have free time and you want to do something productive, reading books is ideal to utilise your time correctly. If you have a library nearby your home, you can walk over, find a corner and read your book at peace.
Visit a botanical garden nearby
A botanical garden is a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for something entertaining to do. They are filled with beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. Walking in the garden feels so heart-warming and relaxing.
I used to go to the botanical garden for an evening walk when I used to stay in Seattle. The entry was free and people who enjoy greenery and love spending some time amidst the nature feel rejuvenating.
You can find a botanical garden in most major cities. So next time you’re looking for something to do, consider exploring a botanical garden near you.
Learn a new skill online for free
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people learning new skills online for free. There are websites that offer free online courses on the subjects that interest you.
For example, Google provides a free Digital Marketing course. If you want to learn how digital marketing works, you can invest your time in learning something new at free of cost.
It is a great way to improve your resume, enhance your skill and make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Choose to learn whatever you want, without being restricted by what is offered in your area.
Explore your city/town
Even if you have been living in your city for years, you never can cover everything that your city offers. If you have free time and you love traveling around. Exploring your town at no cost could be a thing.
Research and explore the places where you haven’t been to. Explore the historical significance of your town. You could document them as well.
Enjoy taking a long shower
Though we take a shower every day, but taking a long shower can actually be quite enjoyable. Take your time. There’s no rush. Enjoy the moment and let your mind wander while you take a long shower.
Ever since I am a mom to a 13-month-old baby, I forgot when I last took a long shower.
Why not give taking a long shower a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. Also, the best thing is you can enjoy this without spending any extra money.
Reconnect with a childhood friend
As we get older, it’s easy to lose touch with our childhood friends. Life gets busy and we all move in different directions.
But what if you could reconnect with a childhood friend? It’d be a great way to catch up and re-live some old memories.
It won’t cost you any money. You can face time with your childhood friend, chat with them and invite them to your place.
This can be a very rewarding experience, as you can reminisce about old times and catch up on what’s been happening in each other’s lives.
Go on a bike ride
During my teenage years, I remember. I had a beautiful violet bicycle that I used to love riding. I loved keeping it clean. It had no scratch on its body, even though my bicycle was quite an old one.
You can roam free on a bike with no destination in mind. Embrace the sunlight and the breeze. The happiness is on the next level that no money can buy.
Take a walk in the park
Walking in the park act as a forum of recreation and entertainment. It is a great way to spend some time outdoors. The sound of nature, the sight, fresh air together, everything can work to balance your body and soul.
You don’t need money to unwind your mind. You don’t need to go to a gym and spend money there to get fit. Just enjoy walking in a park.
Fly a kite
Have you ever flown a kite?
I have grown flying a kite at every kite festival. Back then, I, along with my friends, used to make our own kite of different shapes and sizes. It practically needs no investment. If you build from the scratch, you will need a little money to purchase the raw material.
Flying a kite feels amazing. You will need an open space or park to fly your kite. It works as an exercise too.
Watch a comedy show on TV
When you are looking for some ideas to entertain yourself, watching a comedy show on TV could work. You don’t have to go out of your home. You can stay inside and watch comedy shows or roasting program.
Go for a swim
Swimming is an excellent exercise to shape your body and mind. If you love swimming, you will know how it is fun enough and engaging activity to do.
Any swimming club will obviously ask you for money to register your name. So, you can enjoy swimming in a lake as long as you want. No one will ever ask you to pay for enjoying swimming.
BBQ night at home
Organizing a BBQ night at home can be a great way to entertain without spending a lot of money. All you need is some good food, some fresh air, and good company to entertain yourself.
Grilling can be a very affordable. You can save money by grilling your own food rather than going out to eat.
Do some DIY project
Entertaining yourself doesn’t have to be costly. There are plenty of ways to have fun without spending a lot of money. DIY projects are one of them. If you like being productive, you can start working on things like building furniture, gardening, or any other DIY project for your home.
Watch the sunrise and sunset from your window
Who doesn’t enjoy watching sunrise and sunset? This is one of the most free thing to do where you feel relaxed.
Create a playlist of your favorite songs
Listening to music is a great way to get entertained. You can listen to music on any platform, Spotify, Amazon music, Caravan and so on. Music helps people relax and de-stress. You can create a playlist of your favourite songs and share it with your friends.
So if you’re looking for a fun and easy way to entertain yourself, try playlist-making.
Plan your next trip
Traveling could be fun and adventurous. But it also requires money to be spent. Why not plan your next trip? This can be a great way to entertain yourself and get excited for your upcoming travel plans.
Choose the destination where you want to go, choose what attire you want to carry, where to stay and which all places you want to cover.
You can read travel blogs, watch travel videos and start planning your itinerary. Check out how can you travel on a tight budget. Figure out the logistics of your trip.
You can do the whole travel research work at free of cost.
Check out Pinterest
Pinterest is a visually appealing social media platform where you can find tons of images on almost every topic. You will find attractive images and ideas on things that interest you. For example, you will find tons of food images and when you click on them, a specific website will get open on a tab.
Pinterest is quite an interesting thing to explore on a free time.
Give yourself a homemade facial pack
Giving yourself a homemade facial pack is a great way to relax and pamper yourself. You can make your own facial pack with natural fruit or vegetable ingredient. Apply them on yourself, rinse and clean it after 20-30 minutes.
Homemade facial packs are cheaper and completely natural, devoid of any chemical mix. Thus, it is always good for your skin.
Read the latest movie reviews
You can enjoy reading the latest released movie reviews on entertainment websites like Collider, CNET, NewYorkTimes and so on. You can also check out websites like Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb.
You can find out about the latest movies and see what other people think of them. Plus, it’s a great way to kill some time if you’re bored.
Watch latest tech reviews
Likewise, almost every week there are news about tech updates and new product launches. When you watch or read tech news and reviews, you get to know about the latest gadgets without having to spend a dime. If you are a tech enthusiast, you will enjoy tech reviews.
Watch a Hallmark movie on YouTube
I enjoy watching Hallmark romantic movies on YouTube. They are fun to watch. You can easily enjoy an hour or two by watching any good Hallmark movie. You will get them free on YouTube.
Edit your photos
Almost everyone has a digital camera, and many people enjoy taking photographs as a hobby. However, once you have taken a digital photo, you may want to edit it to make it look better.
There are many photo editing apps and softwares that allow you to edit your photos and transform them into something amazing.
If you are a novice, you can take help with YouTube tutorial videos to guide you on how to edit them.
One thing I can be certain of is that editing photos are a lot fun.
Watch travel documentaries
Travel documentaries can be enjoyable and educational. They are a great way to learn about different cultures, tradition and countries.
Netflix has many good travel documentaries to watch. But if you want to go free, watching on YouTube is good because you will find travel documentaries of various countries.
Spend time in accessing your finances
When you have enough time, you can access your finances and find ways to save money. You can find new and creative ways to cut down your cost, track your spending, and start exploring the aspects of money. You can invest your time in reading finance books, blogs and ebooks.
These won’t cost you any money but will help you save more money.
Iron your clothes and organize them into wadrobe
Ironing clothes and organizing them into a wardrobe can be a very entertaining thing to do. You iron your clothes, fold them and organize them into your wardrobe. It feels nice to do little such things at home.
Last words –
There could be more entertaining things you could do that cost you no money at all. But these 50 are the simple ways to get yourself entertained.
