Many people lately are looking to save cash in every way they can. It seems that leisure activities are usually the first to get cut, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun. Here is a list of things you can do for fun for free or on a small budget.

1. Pot-Luck-Party. Have all the people you enjoy stop by for a party, but have them all bring some food and whatever beverage they want to drink. This is a great alternative to a night out on the town for those on a budget, and most people today will appreciate the break.

2. Plan FREE seasonal activities with your friends or family. Sledding is often free in the winter, as are many beaches and state parks. Go hiking together in the fall or spring, go tubing (small fee) down a river in the summer, or head to the beach. Bring with you whatever you want to eat or drink and bring the party wherever you go.

3. Movie night. Have your friends over and ask everyone to bring their favorite movie and a snack. This way you’ll have plenty of movies to choose from and loads of junk food you can all enjoy while watching. For a truly interesting night, have them choose the absolute WORST movie from their collection and find the strangest snack they can to bring with.

4. Slip and slide. Yes, I said slip and slide. If anyone still has one from their youth, that would make for a truly interesting back yard party. This works well with super-soakers… and water balloons. Can’t go wrong with those. Or just head out to a park near your house with a group of people and play some sort of sport. Whether it is football, soccer or something else doesn’t matter. You don’t even need to be good at it… this is for FUN remember?

5. In lieu of a regular vacation, there is the good old fashioned ROAD TRIP! This is equally as fun whether you are going as a family or with a group of your friends. It is especially fun if you go somewhere totally pointless… like to see that big ball of twine, wherever it is. The destination isn’t what is important, but the journey and all of the craziness that goes along with it.

Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.