Discover a new definition for entertainment. Become less passive and more active in your leisure and do it for less.
There are plenty of opportunities for low cost activities but it takes planning and a shift in your habits. Saving money means first of all, that you don’t rely on the quick fix: that $50 family movie night or the day trip to a popular but expensive vacation mecca.
Since planning is essential, you will need a personal calendar to track events. Your computer contains an internal calendar to set-up reminders for upcoming activities. Or use a paper version if that's more to your liking.
MeetUp is an online social networking tool that allows its members to suggest local activities, create affinity groups, plan events and collect new members. You will find everything from book clubs to bird watchers to wine tasters at MeetUp. If you don't find a group to your liking, then suggest one and watch its membership grow.
Take advantage of your local paper's entertainment and activities calendar. Look for events that are free or that ask for small donations. Local non profits hold regular fund raising events, often underwritten by corporations. They ask for minimal donations or entry fees that more than cover the costs of well-planned events. Look for other activities that occur regularly and fill in your personal calendar.
The activities departments of local colleges and universities plan events year-round. Check out their offerings and insert one or two into your calendar. Become exposed to international speakers, attend a college choir performance, go to a debate, an art opening or sports competition - the choices are wide and usually inexpensive.
Local government agencies often sponsor free or low cost celebratory events to encourage community participation. These might range from yearly jazz festivals to monthly pops concerts to annual fishing tournaments and weekly open air markets.
If your budget allows for the cost of travel, then plan a day trip to a local historic city or a regional festival. Spend a weekend at a national park, where entry fees are nominal. Sleep in a rustic cabin, equipped with a kitchenette and bunk beds for the kids. Explore a natural wonder, play in a lake or go for an exhilarating hike.
And don't forget that your home can be an entertainment spot. Plan game nights, neighborhood potlucks or outdoor barbeques. Set up a monthly video night for foreign films and include a few friends. Combine fun with function and invite friends to a Paint Party or a Weed and Feed. For their labor, provide refreshments and cook up some burgers on the back yard grill.
Explore what is available nearby. You will quickly realize that entertainment opportunities are abundant and all around you. Fill up your calendar. Enjoy the benefits of leisure without taking a chunk out of your pocketbook.