The best things in life are free, but everything else costs a fortune. Friends and family can make you laugh, but it costs money to see them. Money for food, gas, fees and coffee can all add up when maintaining friendships as an adult. That’s why you need to know the best free things to do with friends. Here are a few ideas:
Host a potluck
Get-togethers and parties can be expensive. Drinks and snacks don’t come cheap, especially when you have a long guest list. Instead, try having an organized potluck. That way, everyone brings their own food and drinks, leaving you to worry solely about the other logistics, like plates and chairs. If you already have those, then having a potluck is one of the best free things to do with friends.
Volunteering
Volunteering at your local orphanage or animal shelter can be a great way to give back to the community. Many of these institutions will be more than happy to welcome you and your friends!
Cloud gazing
The world is beautiful, and you might have forgotten that in the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Cloud gazing with friends is one of the best free things to do because you can do it anytime, anywhere. Except at night, of course. That’s why we have…
Stargazing
Even if you’re not into astrology, having a night under the stars is a great way to unwind. To get the best views of the stars, you’ll want a spot away from the city to avoid light pollution.
Neighborhood walks
Looking for an easy way to exercise together? Try going for a neighborhood walk as friends at least once a week. They’re also a great way to get sunlight and add extra steps to your day!
Snowball fights
Winter means coats, cocoa, and, unless you live in the South, it means snow. So why not enjoy the weather and have a fun little snowball fight? They’re fun and easy and can be a great way to get moving during the season.
Pool days
Public pools are a great place to cool off and get your feet wet without taking a road trip. They’re also great for meeting new faces since they’re so open, and most people can visit them. Some pools will charge a fee for using them. If they don’t, an afternoon at the pool is one of the best free things to do with friends.
City crawl
How well do you really know the city you live in? Grab some friends and adventure to the places you don’t normally hit up. It’s an easy and fun way to explore a city you thought you knew like the back of your hand. You could even discover a new “hole-in-the-wall” type of place.
Windowshopping
It’s free to dream, right? Head to an upper-crust place and check out the fancy stores. It’s mindblowing seeing what the 1% spend their money on sometimes.
You have to see the life you want before manifesting it. Check out my article on building your money mindset. The right mindset will help you make your dreams into reality!
Join/start a hobby club
A neighborhood gardening club, running club, or book club could be a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts. If you don’t have one nearby to join, you can always try starting one yourself. Even if it just ends up being a WhatsApp group chat, it’s still free to talk about your passions.
Drop by a free event
There could be a free event happening nearby, like open mic nights at your local bar. Watch out for posters around your city, as they could advertise a great place to drop by with friends.
Take a free class together
Want to learn something new? Why not enroll in a free class, like dancing or cooking? Some establishments have a free first session for people to try and see if they like it. It costs nothing, so you lose nothing just for giving it a shot. You could learn something new about yourselves!
Or host a class yourself
If taking a class isn’t your thing, becoming the instructor for a change might be. If you’ve got a skill you can teach your friends, you can hold a day-long workshop. For example, if you’re good at painting, you could host a paint-and-sip!
Hosting a workshop for your friends could even be the start of a side hustle. Having more money can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to be a financially independent woman. Here’s an article of mine with a few extra tips.
Powerpoint party
Everyone’s an expert at something, and a PowerPoint party is the best way to let your friends share their passions. It’s a kind of get-together where your friends can make a presentation about anything they love. It’s a great way to get to know your loved ones and their favorite things just a little bit more.
Have a cookout
Good food is what gets people together. Having a cookout in your backyard or simply inviting friends over to try your cooking can be loads of fun.
It helps to know a few good recipes if you’re trying this. Here’s a list of my favorite low-cost recipes you can try. You might even have all the ingredients in your fridge!
Have a picnic
Eating outside and under the sun sounds like a ton of fun. Sandwiches, cheese, and wine all taste better when you’re in good company. Bringing a homemade picnic lunch to a free park doesn’t cost much, so it’s one of the best free things to do with friends.
Game night
Itching to bust out your Monopoly board? Or maybe you want to give Dungeons and Dragons a try? Hosting a game night with your friends is a fantastic way to try a new activity and bond with your loved ones.
Here’s an article with a few fun game-night ideas for you to try.
Host a listening party
Everybody loves music, and sometimes people just want to share their tastes. Grab your speaker (or ask someone to bring theirs) and host a listening party. You can even make a collaborative playlist for your guests to add their favorite tracks.
Trivia night
Think you know your friends well? Have a trivia night where everyone can ask questions about themselves. It’s always fun to know who doesn’t know everyone’s birthday in your friend group.
Free museum days
Many museums have free days where you don’t have to pay an entrance fee. Find out when these are ahead of time and plan a museum trip! They’re also great for learning a bit more about history.
Shoot a video
Grab that phone camera and make a video with your friends! It can be anything from the hottest Tiktok dance or a vlog to show your other friends. Taking videos (and photos) can also help immortalize your best moments.
Group closet cleanup
You and your friends might have some clothes just sitting in your wardrobe. If you’re all similar sizes, why not have a closet cleanup? You’re all getting new clothes and clearing up wardrobe space by exchanging clothes with your friends. Everybody wins!
Host a sale
If you’ve done a closet cleanup but still have leftover clothes, it’s time to have a garage/yard sale. They’re a great way for everyone to earn a bit of money from the things they don’t need anymore. You could even sell them online for more chances of making a sale.
Get lost in a different city
Need a break from the day-to-day routine? Head to a different city and just get lost together. It’s a fun way to travel and explore a new place on a budget. Thankfully, it doesn’t cost anything besides gas, a bus, or a train ticket.
Make a time capsule
Where will you be 20, 30, or even 40 years from now? Nobody knows, but you can make your memories today last forever with a time capsule. Take some photos with your friends and save them somewhere for your future self to rediscover. You’ll be thankful you did.
Like how you’ll be thankful for all the free financial advice you’ll receive upon joining my money squad! It only takes a few seconds, and as a member, you’ll receive potentially life-changing financial tips every week. Sign up today!
