
How to have fun for less this month
All of us want to make the most out of our lives, but that usually means spending a lot of money! Planning days out with friends and family can often come with a hefty price tag and just stepping outside your door seems to cost these days. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways you can have fun and save money at the same time, and with our ideas for cheap days out you’ll find yourself living your best life without spending the cash.
Free Things to Do
The best way to save money and have fun at the same time is by looking for free things to do in the area you’re visiting. Usually, for example, you can find local museums that don’t cost a thing to get into – although you might want to bring a couple of pounds for a donation. London is full of free museums, from the National Gallery to the Science Museum, so you can fill your day with culture without spending the cash.
Sometimes, a simple activity like a trip to the beach or the park can be a great day out too – and it doesn’t cost a thing, which is definitely a perk. Keep an eye out for local, free events too, from bands playing at pubs to shows in public spaces. Once you start paying attention, you can find free things to do wherever you go.
Look Out For Offers
There are tons of sites online that offer great deals on days out, giving you plenty to do at discounted prices. Sign up to get email alerts and be the first to know! Groupon and Wowcher are two sites that are both popular for this purpose and have a lot of great deals. If you sign up for event spaces you can often be notified of deals, too, such as at local theatres or cinemas. These offers can save you tons of money in the long run, so keep you eyes out for them!
Escape Rooms
If you’re looking for a fun, unique activity that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, escape rooms are a great option. Fun for teens and adults alike, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser! Get a group together and enter a mysterious room filled with realistic props and hint for clues to get out before time runs out. Being an indoor activity, it’s also great for any weather which is ideal when you’re living with English weather. If you’re in London, check out Omescape Escape Rooms – we have lots of different storylines that you can pick from. We also have a range of VR escape rooms and VR shooting experiences with top of the range technology.
Go Swimming
If you’re trying to have more fun on a budget with kids, swimming can be a super cheap activity without a time limit. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, you can splash around for as long as you want! It’s also a great source of exercise for your family and will tire any little ones out, ensuring a great nights sleep when you get home. Check your local swimming pool to see if they have any cheaper times too, or buy a pass to save money if you go regularly.
Have a Picnic
Eating out is lovely, but it can also be incredibly expensive. Even a simple sandwich and water can be close to £10 in local cafes! If you’re guilty of eating out too often, this could be where a lot of your monthly budget is going. To save money, next time you fancy eating out why not do a picnic instead? You can make food from home which is always a lot cheaper than at restaurants and enjoy it out in the open air. For a group day out, get your friends together and all bring one dish; before you know it, you’ll have a feast!
Money-Saving Tips
If you want to cut back on how much you’re spending but still have fun, there are lots of little money-saving tips you can follow that’ll help a lot. Some of them may be small, but the money quickly adds up! Here are a few of our favourite ideas:
Always bring a bottle of water – This can be £1 in shops and is so unnecessary to buy on your day out. It’s also better for the environment to bring your own bottle, so it’s a win-win!
Bring snacks – Avoid spending a lot on food by bringing snacks with you. Even if you still need to buy lunch, you can buy something smaller as you won’t be so hungry!
Stop using transport – Look for local things to do and walk or take a bicycle to avoid petrol money or train fees.
Sign up for loyalty cards – If you visit places frequently, always ask if they have a loyalty card! It’s a great way to get freebies and save some cash.
Days out don’t have to be expensive; in fact, sometimes the simplest of days can create the best memories. Once you start thinking more about the money you spend every month, saving money will quickly become a habit and you’ll be living more for less.