Are you looking for free and fun things to do at home? Perhaps you are stuck home due to a storm, illness in your family, emergency or maybe you are purposely trying to stay home to save money to pay off your debt. Currently, many of us are at home as we are faced with the coronavirus pandemic. Are you looking for something to do? Regardless of the reason you are at home, you can save money and become debt-free. We can help you with some unique ideas of avoiding boredom in your home at little or no cost.
Movies/TV/Video Games
Watch a movie, binge watch a series, try a new video game or phone app. If you have opted not to pay for Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, you can opt to see if your library has free programs and movies you’d like. Explore your phone or tablet’s app store for free apps. There are lots of low or no-cost options.
Play Games
This is fun and cheap for all-ages. Play charades, put together puzzles, or enjoy the numerous board games that you probably have lying around. It’s no cost and super fun.
Virtual Museum Tours
This one we didn’t even know existed but a great option if you are stuck at home is to do a virtual museum tour. Google has put together a list of hundreds of participating museums. Here are a couple examples:
MoMA: Museum of Modern Art, New York
Musee D’Orsay, Paris
Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Santa Fe
National Parks Virtual Tours
If you live in the city where it might be hard to get outdoors, you should explore a national park. Google has provided a few participating parks.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Home Improvement & Chores
Now might be a good time to roll up your sleeves and paint a room or fix your leaky sink. Do things around the house that you’ve been wanting to do to improve your home. Home improvements don’t have to cost a lot.
Online Cooking Classes
Check out some free online classes to learn some new recipes and techniques. Your favorite food channel may also inspire you to make your meals more fun and delicious. Food is vital and by learning to cook, you will use this skill for a lifetime. And it doesn’t need to cost anything to learn.
Exercise
Go for a walk around your neighborhood or do an online exercise video. Exercise is a wonderful way to de-stress and get healthy. You don’t need to invest in any clothing or equipment to get in shape. Play your favorite music and start dancing. It’s a great free and fun thing to do at home.
Bake/Cook Meals to Stock Fridge
Try out new recipes, make meals to stock your pantry, cook in your crockpot, or even create your own recipe. By preparing food ahead, you’ll stick to your budget. Plus, it’s fun and will pass the time.
Look at Photos
Reminisce by enjoying old photos and share with others. Now might be a great time for a slideshow and some photo organization as well. It’s a project that many of us don’t get to very often. Being at home is an opportunity to dive in. It’s fun and it doesn’t cost a thing!
Organization & Cleaning
Speaking of organization, go through your closet and put aside clothes for donation, clean out your fridge, organize kitchen cabinets or your junk drawers. While you are at it, see if you have unwanted items that perhaps you could sell. It’s also a good time to update your phone and computers and organize files and folders.
Get Reading
A good book or catching up on news can get you inspired. Reading is a wonderfully inexpensive way to pass the time while at home. You can read books that you already own, borrow from neighbors, download from your library or if you’ve planned ahead, a neighborhood book repository.
Better Yourself With Online Courses
Learn something new by reading instructional articles, watch a documentary, or take an online course. Either for your personal pleasure or to advance your career, learning new skills is worthwhile. This should cost little to nothing.
Goal and Budget Setting
Put a list together of things you want to accomplish. These lists can be for to-dos when things return to normal or lists while you are cooped up. Now is a great time to update your budget and set debt goals.
Get Crafty and Artistic
Did you know that doing something creative will lower your stress-level? When trapped inside, we naturally can become overwhelmed. Doing something artistic, whether it’s an adult coloring book, or playing music can make the time pass and make you feel better. There are many options including downloading a free app to learn an instrument.
Fun and Free Board Games
This is great to do with the family or your roommates. Gather for a game of hide-n-seek, a scavenger Hunt, or indoor hopscotch. There are tons of board games and puzzles that would pass the time that we are sure you have laying around. Not to mention, it is lighthearted and fun!
Work From Home
There are numerous jobs, part-time and temporary, that you can do from home. This is a great way to make money. Working from home will provide you a way to get out of debt faster and keep you sane while you are spending time in your home.
Pamper Time
Take a moment to treat yourself right. Enjoy a bubble bath, manicure/pedicure, facial, nap, or yoga and meditation. Give your mind and body a much-needed break. While it’s best to give yourself individual moments to escape, incorporate family members to encourage them to take care of themselves too.
Shop Online
This one you’ll want to be thoughtful about as you don’t want to spend money carelessly. Keep in mind, it is fun and free to window shop online! If you do buy, do it thoughtfully and only for things you truly need. Consult with your budget to stay on track.
Gardening and Yard Work
If weather permits, get outside and rake, weed, and plant some flowers. Getting outdoors can help you feel less bored. It is an inexpensive activity that is good for you! And your home will look better too!
Connect With Others
Even if you are stuck at home, you still need to keep socially connected. Use technology, like Skype or Face Time, to connect with someone you don’t normally see. Pick up the phone and call your friends and family. Write some old-fashioned letters. This is no cost and is sure to lift spirits.
Final Word
We hope our list of things to do that are fun and free has inspired you. When you are stuck at home, it’s normal to become bored. But you’ll want to stay busy and not spend too much money. Living a debt-free life is wonderful. Get creative and you’ll find that staying at home can be enjoyable and get you on your way to financial success.