The best free or low-cost weekend activities in Australia
It's summertime, the weather is fantastic, and many of us want to spend more time with our families. If you're looking for some affordable activity ideas to do on the weekend (or during the week), check out the following options that won't put too much pressure on your budget.
Hit the outdoors
Getting outside in the fresh air is an excellent way to stay healthy - and it's free. Here are some outdoor activities you can enjoy without spending a cent, other than getting there and bringing some food.
- Discover your local area's nature walks or hiking trails and start exploring. It's a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones while keeping fit. While you're investigating, make a list of all the walks you'd like to do and add them to your calendar
- Go for a bike ride. There are plenty of mountain bike tracks that offer a range of difficulty levels. Even if you're a beginner, you'll find plenty of suitable tracks that aren't too challenging for you or your bike
- Head to the park and fire up your competitive spirit by playing frisbee, cricket, boules or other fun games. While you're at it, pack a picnic lunch for everyone to enjoy – and don't forget to get the kids to lend a hand
- Pack your beach towels and head to the beach for a lazy day of sun, sand and surf!
Explore your local markets
How often have you told yourself you must check out all the market action happening around you, but there never seems to be the time? The summer break is a perfect time to explore them all – from farmers markets to craft markets and everything in between; you'll find lots of exciting items and some bargains, too!
Check out last-minute deals
Several websites offer last-minute deals to fill vacant rooms or seats. Some good sites to check regularly include Last Minute, Jetstar, Wotif and Luxury Escapes.
Go camping
Camping is a great way to have fun and it can be an affordable weekend getaway too. Check the availability of camping grounds that aren't too far away from home, and you'll save on travel costs while still enjoying all their new surroundings. Don't forget - it's sale season right now, so if you don't already have a tent, you might be able to find one at a bargain price!
Get the family involved in a photography challenge
Here's a fun activity you can do whenever you head outdoors (or indoors on a rainy day). It's also an excellent opportunity to discover hidden gems in your local community that you may not have seen before. Challenge your family to head out and take photos of different things each day. For example, take a photo of something red on day one, a unique staircase on the second day, and a close-up of an insect on day three. You get the picture (pardon the pun) - the possibilities are endless!
Do some volunteer work
If you're looking to make a positive impact in your local community, consider volunteering your time. There are various ways to help, such as cleaning, feeding or walking dogs at your local animal shelter, weeding communal gardens, visiting a local retirement village, or helping with home repairs. #Helping Hands is an excellent resource for exploring volunteering opportunities and giving back to your community.
Check out what's on at your local library
The local library is an incredibly valuable resource many of us overlook. It's not just a place where books are kept but a facility that hosts numerous free community events. If you visit your local library, you'll likely find various craft workshops, interest groups, reading clubs, toddler groups and children's story-time events that happen regularly.
Learn something new
Learning is a lifelong process that benefits people of all ages. It can be fun, particularly when someone else chooses what to learn. It doesn't have to be anything complicated. You and your family can have a few giggles while Dad tries his hand at baking a cake and Mum learns to play marbles. It's also an excellent opportunity to set learning tasks for the kids. They'll feel proud once they have completed them and have gained a new experience, too!
Enjoy some quality time with the family
Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time together with your loved ones, and there are many activities you can enjoy without having to spend a lot of money. However, if you need extra cash for a last-minute getaway or to purchase a new mountain bike, we're here to help you. Just take a look at our cash loans up to $5,000 to find out how easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once your loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours - so you can plan your summer activities with your family without worrying about the finances.