Things to Do for Free

With the recession lagging on much longer than anyone hoped it would, budgets continue to get tighter and the activities that are available to enjoy seem to narrow.  For many, it has suddenly become too expensive to go to dinner and a movie or hit the clubs for drinks.  Vacations have been put on hold, and visits with out of town family and friends are as likely to be held via web cam as they are to be gatherings in some far off place.

 Fortunately, there are many things to do for free most anywhere.  It might take some hunting around if you live in a small town, but once you start looking for free opportunities you will be surprised at how many free activities abound. 

Here are just some things to do for free in your neck of the woods:

• Get a library card. Head down to your local library and sign up for a library card.  Not only will this open an entire world of free literature, but most libraries also carry movies and DVD as free rentals as well.  Beyond books and movies though, your library card will open you up to free seminars, book readings, classes and workshops.  Check your library event calendar to see what is available to do for free in and around your local library. 

• Find a Cause. Contact your city, county or state government offices and see what events are going on that you could contribute to for free.  Sit in on an open board meeting, enroll in a free class, or go to one of the many rallies and events held for local causes.  Not only is this a great way to get out and find things to do for free, but it will also help you to learn more about the community around you. 

• Go Outside. Get out of the house and enjoy some of the nature walks, hikes and open spaces for free in your city or town.  A great place to start looking for mapped trails and free day-use parks is to contact your local department of Parks and Recreation.   

• Do a Deep Clean. Although most of us don’t really like to clean, it does have its benefits.  Get organized, and get rid of items that you haven’t used in the last 6-12 months.  Generally speaking, if you haven’t used something in the last 12 months, you will never use it again.  Not only will this free clean-up leave you feeling accomplished, but cleaning is also great exercise.  Plus, you may find you have enough knick-knacks to have a yard sale, so not only will your cleaning be a free activity – but you may actually make a little money off of it.

• Make a Difference. Volunteer your time at your local soup kitchen, animal shelter, boys and girls club, or any other organization in your town or city.  Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, form long-lasting relationships, learn about your community and help those in need.  Not only is this a great thing to do for free, but it also helps to build self-esteem and confidence in both volunteers and program participants.

If you’ve been struggling to find things to do for free where you are, this list should help to get you going.  You will find that the more free things you become involved in, the more they will seem to pop up and become available to you.  When looking for things to do for free, keep an open mind and dare to try something different.

Want to read more about Things To Do by Denise Kawaii?  Click the links below:

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