Entertaining on a budget: Seven fun, affordable activities for all ages
Finding fun, engaging, and affordable activities for all ages can be challenging, especially when catering to a wide range of interests and ages. From beachside adventures to cultural experiences and nature walks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best affordable activities.
1. Explore local parks and gardens
Exploring local parks and gardens is a simple and enjoyable activity for people of all ages. These spaces provide open areas for children to play, picnic spots for families, and peaceful settings for leisurely walks. Many cities and towns also feature beautiful botanical gardens, which are easily accessible and often free to enter. These areas are ideal for enjoying nature—and they're perfect for photography enthusiasts, too!
2. Beach days and coastal adventures
If you're lucky enough to live near the coast, a day at the beach is perfect for people of all ages. Beaches offer hours of free entertainment and are great for spending time outdoors. Many coastal areas also have walking trails that provide stunning ocean views. These trails can vary in difficulty, from short, easy pathways to more challenging hikes - and they won't cost you a cent!
3. DIY arts and crafts
Taking up some arts and crafts can be a fun and creative way for people of all ages to spend time together without spending much money. Crafting is a great way to express creativity, encourages problem-solving, and can be a fun, educational activity for children. An added bonus is that you don’t need fancy materials or expensive kits – many household items can be repurposed into crafting supplies. For example:
- Make some DIY birthday or Christmas cards using old magazines, coloured cards, and markers to create unique, handmade greeting cards for your friends and family. The kids will love getting stuck into the cutting and glueing, while the adults can let their creative juices flow with the design aspects
- Collect some smooth stones from your garden or local park and paint them with colourful designs. You can turn these into garden decorations or paperweights
- Upcycle by taking an old item from around the house, such as a jar or cardboard box, and transform it into something new and useful. You could decorate the jar with ribbon and paint to make a pencil holder or turn the box into a toy storage bin
4. Head to the museum or art gallery
Many museums and art galleries offer free admission, making them a great choice for a fun and educational trip. Exhibits on history, science, art, and culture can be fascinating for visitors of all ages. These cultural institutions often host family-friendly events and workshops, so make sure to visit their websites for upcoming activities. If you have a Natural History Museum nearby, you can expect to see displays of dinosaurs, ancient artefacts, and wildlife, which can be especially exciting for kids. At your local art gallery, you can explore works of art from different periods and cultures, or participate in a workshop or tour to enhance the experience.
5. Check out your local markets and community festivals
Community festivals and markets are wonderful places to experience local culture, sample new foods, and enjoy entertainment, all without spending a lot of money. No matter where you live, you likely have regular markets nearby where you can explore stalls selling handmade goods, fresh produce, and unique gifts. These events are often free to attend and offer a fantastic opportunity to spend time outdoors while supporting local businesses and artisans.
6. Outdoor movie night
Outdoor movie nights are becoming increasingly popular, and best of all, they’re often free or very low-cost. Many communities host free movie screenings in parks or public spaces during the warmer months. Grab a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars. And if you prefer to stay at home, create your own DIY outdoor movie night by setting up a projector in your backyard. You can even invite friends and family over for a cosy evening watching a favourite movie together.
7. Board games and puzzle nights
If you’re looking for an affordable and fun way to spend an evening indoors, organising a board game or puzzle night is an excellent choice. Board games are suitable for people of all ages, from kids to grandparents, and provide hours of entertainment. Some great games to play include Monopoly, Pictionary, Jenga, Twister, card games and jigsaw puzzles.
The last word
From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to home-based creativity and family game nights, these fun and affordable activities offer something for everyone. With a little planning, you can enjoy engaging, budget-friendly outings and activities that bring people together and make lasting memories.
Or, if you're looking to treat the family to an unforgettable adventure at one of Australia’s iconic destinations but need some extra money to make it happen, we can help. Check out our cash loans up to $5,000 to learn how quickly and easily you can access additional funds. Once a loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours - so you can start planning that amazing holiday this week!