Entertainment is an important part of most people’s lives. All work and no play makes Jack and Jill very dull people, so it is important that you spend at least some of your leisure time having fun, as opposed to vacuuming the house and scrubbing the bath.
The problem is that entertainment can be costly. A family ticket for the cinema can be around £40, which for some families is a lot of money. So how can you reduce the amount of money you spend on entertainment?
Free Online Entertainment
The online world offers a wealth of entertainment options, from amusing cat videos on YouTube to online slot machines where you can play for free. There is so much you can do for free; it is pointless spending money on entertainment.
Look for free online games and spend a bit of time on social media websites, chatting to friends and catching up on news. You can also stream free movies or read free e-books.
Make Your Own Entertainment at Home
There are lots of ways to make your own entertainment. Invite friends over and play some old-fashioned board games.
Or, sit down with your partner and embark on a philosophical discussion about the meaning of life. Good conversation is vastly underrated, so put your smartphones down and have a proper conversation.
Free Outdoor Entertainment
There is a lot to do outdoors, and much of it won’t cost you a penny. Instead of taking the kids to the cinema or bowling alley, both of which will cost you money, take them for a kick about in the local park. You can all run-around and enjoy a bit of fresh air and family bonding.
Visit Free Local Attractions
Check out what’s available in your local area. There are bound to be some free attractions you can take the kids to see.
Museums and art galleries are more often than not completely free, with the exception of special exhibitions. Museums and art galleries are educational and interesting, especially for older kids.
Volunteer in the Local Community
Instead of wasting time watching movies or killing zombies on your favourite games console, sign up to help support a local community group or charity. Spending a few hours dishing up soup in a homeless shelter will improve your karma no end.
Take Part in Amateur Sports
Weekend football leagues are a popular way of playing a sport and meeting new people. You don’t need to be a fantastically talented player to play for a local team, although it can be a useful stepping stone into the professional leagues if you do have talent. Amateur sports, whether its football or running clubs, are fun and inclusive.
So why not give it a go? It’s surely a better way of spending your free time than heading to the local pub for some overpriced drinks.
Free doesn’t have to be boring if you follow the above tips. After all, why spend money when you don’t have to.
Image courtesy of Channel 4 via YouTube, with thanks.
