We’re living in a time where everything costs so much money. A casual brunch means a $38 meal, concert tickets sell out in seconds, and even just “hanging out” somehow involves Venmo requests by the end of the night. After a while, my friends and I realized something: if we didn’t find cheaper ways to have fun, we’d either be broke or incredibly bored.
So, we got to thinking. Over time, some of my favorite weekend memories began to form around activities that cost almost nothing but still felt fun and meaningful. Here are a few go-to weekend ideas that have actually worked for my friends and me.
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One weekend, my friend and I planned to “just go on a short walk.” Two hours later, we were still walking, talking about school, family, future plans, and everything in between. Nothing overpriced, no distractions, just walking and having a nice conversation. Now, going on walks has become one of my favorite ways to hang out with friends.
Image Credit: Artur Kornakov from Unsplash
Cost: Free
Why it works: You’re doing something fun and staying active.
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Movie Nights
My friends and I noticed something funny: when we’re together, half the time spent is just us in silence, scrolling separately on our phones. So, we started planning movie nights. Someone picks the movie based on the vibes (Halloween = horror; winter break = Christmas movie; Valentine’s Day = rom com), someone brings snacks, and we sit and watch together.
We also made a rule: phones must be in a pile, face down. Some of my favorite memories are from laughing at terrible movies or arguing about the ending afterward.
Image Credit: Joao Macedo from Unsplash
Cost: Free–$5
Why it works: low effort, high bonding.
Thrift Store Trips With a Budget Challenge
Instead of going to the mall, my friends and I started thrifting together downtown. Sometimes we set challenges: find the funniest shirt, build an outfit under $10, or just browse and judge questionable fashion choices. Even when no one buys anything, we still have fun. It's cute and aesthetic too!
Image Credit: cottonbro studio from Pexels
Cost: $0–$15
Why it works: It feels like an activity, not just shopping.
Baking or Cooking
One summer day, my friend and I were bored, and it was too hot to go outside. So, we decided to bake at home instead. We tweaked my mom’s brownie recipe to make “brownie cupcakes” using whatever ingredients we could get our hands on.
Yes, we messed up and made a huge mess, but somehow still ended up with a decent dessert! It wasn’t perfect, but that’s what made it fun. Now we rotate whose house we bake at and try new recipes together.
Image Credit: Hannah Busing from Unsplash
Cost: $5–$15
Why it works: It’s collaborative, chaotic, and cheaper than eating out. Also, you get a nice treat/meal for free!
Picnic-Style Hangouts at a Park
Instead of eating out, my friends and I started meeting at a park with whatever snacks we already had at home. Someone brings fruit, someone brings sandwiches, and someone brings a blanket. We’ll sit, talk, listen to music, and sometimes just people-watch.
It sounds simple, but it always ends up lasting way longer than planned.
Cost: Free–$10
Why it works: It feels social and relaxed without the pressure to spend money.
Sunrise or Sunset Watching
One time, a few of us decided to wake up early and watch the sunrise together. We were tired, but sitting there quietly as the sky changed colors felt unexpectedly meaningful.
The sunset works just as well! This is our go-to when we want to do something memorable but simple. And if possible, during the summer, we try going down to the beach too, and the pictures we take are beautiful.
Image Credit: Wolf Art from Pexels
Cost: Free
Why it works: It turns an ordinary moment into something special.
Takeaways
It’s easy to think that fun has to be expensive, but my experience has shown the opposite. Some of the best weekends I’ve had didn’t involve fancy plans, just time, creativity, and the right people.
You don’t need $100 to make memories. You just need to be there, with an open mind!
