15 (Cheap) Places to Go When You’re Bored

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If you got nothing to do over the weekend, here are some of the best places to go when you’re bored.

No, I’m not talking about taking a vacation or going to a concert or watching a ballgame live. While these activities are super fun, they can get expensive.

There’s no denying travel and parties are magical. But with the costs involved, they can add a bit of stress to you and a dent in your bank account. And let’s be honest, you don’t want that.

On the other hand, there’s boredom.

Seems like a first-world problem. But it can get unbearable when you got nothing else to do.

You’ve waited these five days for the weekend to arrive, and now that it’s here, you’re just sitting at home and alone.

Can’t blame you if you feel bored out of your mind.

But guess what! Entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive.

In my previous post, I talked about household budget percentages.

I mentioned the budget for recreation and entertainment is around 5 to 10 percent. This covers hobbies, movies, eating out, and other activities that you and your family might enjoy.

There are plenty of cheap places to go when you’re bored.

You can check out the museum. Or do a game night with family and friends. Perhaps catch the latest movie feature on Netflix. Or just take a hike on a nearby trail.

Boring weekend? Not a problem.

In this article, I’m going to share my ideas on what to do over the weekend.

“I am bored. What should I do?”

As a kid, this is the exact line I used to say when I got nothing to do or nowhere to go over the weekend.

I also learned it’s a bad idea to say this line anywhere within an earshot of my mom or dad. Because if they hear me say that, I’d be having my fill of household chores.

That’s a weekend of household chores, which is just about any kids worst nightmare.

For starters, I’d be sweeping the floor and dusting the shelves. After that, it’s kitchen duty, helping out with the cooking and washing the dishes afterward.

When the indoor work is done, I’m off to the yard. I’d be raking leaves and picking up rotten fruit off the ground.

And just when everything’s done, it’s Monday all over again. My weekend’s shot.

Growing up, I learned never to get sucked into boredom.

If I wanted to enjoy my weekend, boredom became a puzzle for me to solve. To escape it, I had to decide what to do for me to enjoy the two-day off.

It didn’t take long for me to find where to go when bored.

I eventually became good at it.

What are the places to go when you’re bored?

Boredom can be a treacherous thing.

One minute you’re sitting alone in your house; the next thing you know, you’re shelling out big bucks at the mall.

After a long and hectic work week, it’s easy to justify dropping hundreds of dollars on dinner and drinks. Or splurging on a shopping spree.

When you’re bored, you don’t have to fork over a ton of cash or rack up your bills.

Here are fun and cheap things to do when bored. With these suggestions, you won’t need to spend a fortune for your entertainment.

1. Invite family and friends for a meal.

Eating is one of the best bonding experiences. It’s an ideal time to connect with family and friends.

However, going to restaurants can put a huge dent on your budget.

So why not skip eating out and just invite your guests over instead?

For the price of dining at a restaurant, you could enjoy a feast with a sizable group.

It’s a good idea to invite your guests over. May I suggest also making your get-together a potluck event? That way, there’s plenty of food for everyone without the high cost.

2. Have a picnic at a nearby park.

When was the last time you had some sun?

Perhaps schedule your get-together with family and friends during a sunny day. And what better way to experience the beautiful weather than spending it in the park.

Steer clear of “cabin fever” and enjoy the wonderful surroundings. Grab a blanket and lay it out on the grass. Or you could also open pavilion.

Have a bite, throw some pigskin, or just watch people. A picnic in the park is one of the best inexpensive places to go when you’re bored.

3. Read a book at a local cafe.

Don’t you love the smell of freshly brewed coffee?

With a good book to keep you company, spending a weekend morning or afternoon at your local coffee shop can be fodder for the soul.

Conscious about spending money on both your coffee and snacks?

Keep your costs to a minimum by bringing your own snacks.

Pack a sandwich or some cookies for your bites. But of course, don’t forget to support the local business by buying something while you’re in the coffee shop.

Purchase a cup of brew while you’re in there.

And if you’re looking to finish some work, you can bring your laptop too. Take advantage of the shop’s free WiFi.

To make it even better try these tips to get free Starbucks!

4. Go out and grab some dessert.

Does your cheat day fall on a weekend?

Live a little. Treat yourself to a bite and indulge in your favorite sweet treats.

Whether it’s a dollar ice cream or a gourmet item from your favorite pastry shop, enjoy a little. Grab your favorite dessert and savor the delectable indulgence.

It’s cheaper to give yourself this tiny break off your hectic schedule (and diet) than splurge on a more expensive weekend escape.

So satisfy yourself on something sweet or salty in the name of saving money.

5. Do you prepare your own meals?

It’s easy to stick to your budget (and diet) if you make your own meals for the week. Not just the workweek but also including the weekend.

Eating out is one of the easiest ways to ruin your budget plan. So as a solution, you can keep your food budget in check by preparing it days ahead.

So if you have time to spare on the weekend, head to the kitchen. Test out a few recipes and sample what you make. If it’s good, pack up ready-to-eat meals for the next couple of days.

6. Here’s something for the kids.

Are you looking to dine out with your family?

Yes, eating out can get pretty expensive. It’s especially true when you bring the kids.

Luckily, there are many restaurants that let kids eat for free. Even if it’s just a free dessert or 50-percent off, that’s big savings for you.

7. Check out the latest outdoor attractions near you.

You don’t have to drive far to enjoy the beautiful scenery. There could be one nearby.

Whether it’s a picturesque outdoor landscape or your local park, enjoy the gorgeous view. Grab a breath of fresh air and have a change of scenery that’s different from what you have during your 9-to-5 workweek.

For those lucky enough to live near the beach, lounge on the sand. And don’t forget to put on sunscreen.

Even if you’re not particularly the “outdoorsy” type, the bright sun and the beautiful sky will perk you up. There’s always something for everyone.

8. Don’t stay up too late on a Friday night.

Got no plans for a Friday night out?

Not to worry. It’s better that way. You get to sleep early and catch the early sunrise.

It’s also better that you stick to your normal waking hours even on non-working days like the weekend. That way, you don’t break your routine.

Plus, there’s something unique about catching the day’s first ray of sunlight.

Slip into your running shoes and make your way to the outdoor trail, if you have one near you. If not, go to your local park and bust out a good sweat.

If I may add, it’s a good idea to put in a good amount of exercise time in the morning so you can scratch that off your to-do list for the day.

A morning stroll or run isn’t your thing?

Do it in the afternoon instead. Make your way to the trail and find yourself a beautiful spot to watch the gorgeous sunset.

9. Roast marshmallows and exchange stories by the fire.

When was the last time you gathered around the fire and roasted marshmallows?

This used to be a thing with my family and friends when I was younger. We would sit around the fire, sharing spooky stories and just plain old bonding.

What I also remember most about that is there were no iPhones during that time. If we were able to enjoy our time together without pulling out a phone or device, then we should be able to do it as well today.

So if you’re looking to disconnect from the digital world, drop your devices, gather around the bonfire, and just enjoy the scenic environment.

But before lighting up the bonfire, check with the local authorities regarding fire restrictions in the area.

10. Play ball with family and friends.

Are you into sports?

If you’re wondering where to go when you’re bored on weekends, play ball with your family and friends.

Whether it’s basketball or football, it’s a great workout that’s fun and enjoyable.

Not into these games?

Try throwing frisbees. You’ll find others at the park who might enjoy a good sweat and a little competition.

11. Or you can head to the gym and lift weights.

Have you already paid your gym membership?

Put it to use and sweat the calories off by doing cardio and lifting weights at the gym.

In addition to boosting your energy, did you know exercise is great at fighting fatigue and stress?

So if you had a busy and stressful week, let loose by finishing a good workout. You’ll feel energized and ready for the upcoming week at work.

12. Go for a walk.

Let your shoes take you anywhere it goes.

Walking is one of the best boredom busters. It lets you wander around and see beautiful scenery, taking your mind off things that cause you anxiety or stress.

Pick a random route to follow then step out of your door. Don’t forget to pack water and other essentials before walking to the streets.

Even if you’ve seen this route before, it’s a different experience when you’re walking down the roads than when you’re driving in your car.

To kill two birds with one stone, use some of these apps that pay you to walk to make your relaxing walk profitable too!

13. Or do you prefer driving around instead of walking?

It’s a great cure for an uneventful weekend. Plus, it can bring you faster to places to go when you’re bored.

Hop in the car, and bring the family and friends on a joyride. Go to neighboring cities you don’t usually visit. Pass by scenic spots and admire the interesting surroundings.

Make sure you follow the road regulations, especially the speed limit. Those traffic violation tickets aren’t cheap.

14. Check out your local library or museum.

One of the best places to go when you’re bored is the library.

Personally, I find it a very nice place for solitude; it’s a magical place.

If you need to study or get work done, the library is the place to be. Plus, you get a wide array of books within your reach.

Enjoy all the perks and experience a little bit of seclusion and withdrawal from the digital world when you step inside a library,

Museums can also the same escape that you can have when you’re in the library. Witness works of art and be amazed at the facts and tidbits you might discover about your favorite artist or painting.

15. Help out at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

Looking for fun things to do on a boring weekend?

Give back to the community and help out the needy. You can volunteer at your nearby homeless shelter or soup kitchen.

It’s fun, and you’re doing a beautiful thing, helping out people get back up. Plus, you get to meet other sympathetic people who are helping out as well. It’s a great way to find your tribe among these kind folks.

You might also want to check out your local community events calendar for similar activities in your area. Or you can organize one with your friends and family. Then publish a notice, inviting others to join your cause.

Looking for fun places to go when you’re bored?

Don’t let boredom put a huge dent on your budget.

If you’re wondering what fun things to do on a boring weekend, there’s really to no need to break the bank.

With these simple tips, you can have all the fun without the hefty price tag.

Where are your favorite places to go when you’re bored?