Just because you are on a tight budget does not mean you cannot have an amazing weekend. Whether you are a tourist or a local wanting to have fun without breaking the bank, there are plenty of ways to spend your time and keep you entertained in the city or in the country, without spending a fortune.

No-spend weekends can be full of great family fun activities. Quality time that memories are built on. Whether you plan a walk around the lake and a picnic in the park. Or how about camping in the backyard with a BBQ, roasting marshmallows and star gazing? The options really are endless. You just need to put your mind to it.

There are acres of beautiful coastline to visit, and no matter where you stay, there are often stunning public parks near you. Visit a free museum or a zoo, find out when you might be able to get in for free, as particular events often offer a free entrance. Are there any art galleries in your area? Look online and see if they have free passes available or if they offer free admittance on certain days, and by doing this, you will never be forced to pay more than you can afford.

Plan your next day trip, whether you are with family or friends or just want to do something alone. You will find activities to suit any taste and lifestyle. By planning, you know where you’re going, how much it will cost (if anything) and at least there will be no unexpected surprises.

Visit your community’s website and see what free events are happening during the weekend. Similarly, check other websites that advertise online or in-person events near you to find many more events run by independent groups and businesses.

If you fancy a day at home, why not attempt your hand at baking, and make a loaf of homemade bread. You probably have everything you need on hand to bake a loaf of delicious homemade bread. It’s a surprisingly simple project that produces a wonderful end product. You may even find a new hobby you never knew you enjoyed.

Hold a “cupboard potluck.” Go through your cupboards and figure out what recipes you can make from what you have on hand. Invite your friends to do the same and then have a potluck dinner together, where everyone brings a “cupboard” dish that they made from what they had on hand.

Play board games. Pull a board game out of your cupboard and play it with your family or friends. Things can get very heated and make for rowdy and lively fun.

Open-air markets are a dime a dozen. Farmers markets and other open-air markets are great places to wander around, smell the smells, and see the sights. Often, they’re great places for ideas for things to do yourself. And the great thing is, you don’t have to purchase a thing. Take inspiration from what you see and begin a garden at home, or start a craft based on something you found at the market.

People-watching can also be good for you. Find a spot near where people are likely to go, then sit and watch the people walk by. You will soon learn how diversified your area is. Take note of all the different nationalities there are. Different languages people are using to communicate with each other, the different styles people have and if you’re brave enough, strike up a conversation with a stranger. You never know – you may even become friends.

You need never be bored, stuck at home. Make the best of every day. Use just a little imagination. Come Monday, start looking at ways to entertain yourself or friends for the next weekend.

Be brave, live a little, live a lot.  What do you have to lose?