You want save money, but you can’t possibly stay home and do nothing every single night. Movies, concerts, and dinners can be expensive but there are ways to save on entertainment and still have a great time.
Instead of being bored at home, you can stay in and watch a DVD. You can watch something you own, that maybe you have not seen in a long while, or you can rent one. Many libraries have a selection of DVDs that you can rent for a lot less than other rental places. You can also rent from Netflix, which is also inexpensive, and you have the option of watching them online.
If you do want to have the experience of going to the theatre to watch a movie, go in the afternoon and catch a matinee. Matinees are usually much cheaper than an evening showing, and less crowded as well. There are also many dollar theatres located in the United States that show fairly new movies.
If it is a concert or a show that you enjoy, you can try waiting until the last minute to purchase your tickets. Often times, theatres will offer unsold tickets are bargain prices because they would rather sell the seat for some money rather than allowing them to remain open. You can try calling your local theatre to inquire about discounts right before the show. Of course, this also means that there is a chance that the show could already be sold out. Some theatres will also let you attend the final dress rehearsal for free. Be sure to call and ask what discounts they offer.
If your idea of fun is a good meal, then consider staying in and cooking rather than going to an expensive restaurant. You could make a date night out of it: preparing dinner together, eating together, and watching a DVD at home on the couch. If you prefer more company, you could host a potluck party at home. This provides an opportunity to eat good food, spend time with family or friends, but not cost you a fortune to host it.
If you must eat out at a restaurant, opt for lunch instead. Lunch prices are usually much cheaper than dinner prices.
Other than movies, shows, and meals, there are also different ways to entertain yourself that can be fairly cheap. You can host game night. Get together some old fashioned board games and play them. Ask friends and family to bring over some if they have any of their own. You will have a blast at home with good company, and it will not cost you anything.
You can also get together a group and go bowling. Usually there is a discount if you have a larger group, but check with your local bowling alley first. Either way, bowling is still an inexpensive way to have fun with friends.
Visiting a museum can also save money. Most have regularly scheduled free days or evenings on their calendar. Some will also host special events at the museum where admission is free or very cheap.
Check your community’s bulletin for festivals throughout the year. Many have both indoor and outdoor festivals, maybe held at community parks for free. If you pack your own lunch, or eat before heading out, you can save money on food while you check out entertainment.
Also check local publications, any magazines or newspapers that your community puts out. They usually post calendars for either free or low cost events. Parenting magazines are great for looking for family friendly events and activities.
For a fun, free family event, take the kids to a craft fair. Several retailers such as JoAnn’s Fabric, Home Depot, and Michaels offer activities for kids. This is a great way for the kids to do some arts and crafts for free, and the mess stays at the store, not in your home.
No matter what you want to do for entertainment, there are some general tips that can help you save money. If you frequent the movies, theatre, or sports venue, consider getting a part time job or volunteer there. You might not have to do much, just tearing some tickets, or emptying out some trash cans, but it will entitle you to either a discount or a free show.
Check out the websites to the places you frequent. Sometimes zoos, parks, and museums offer discount days, or free admission on certain days. They may also have yearly memberships that can save you money if you are planning on going there often.
Lastly, if you are going somewhere, go with a group. In most cases, the more equals merrier, but it also equals cheaper. Buying tickets in bulk can get you a discount on many different types of events. Even if you do not attend the event with all the people, you can still team up with friends, family, or co-workers to buy in bulk.
Spending time with friends and family once in awhile can be fun, as long as you are not breaking the bank to do so. Stay in and cook dinner and rent a DVD. Or have your friends come over with food and games. If you do go out, be sure to check our free events and look for discount days. You do not have to stay home all the time to save money.
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Yes… renting DVDs.
I know a few libraries online that let you “rent” all the movies you want for free. They don’t have any return dates either!