26 no-spend weekend activities - save money and have fun!

Sometimes, it feels as though there's an expectation to cram-pack weekends with productivity and often-expensive activities.

In this fast-paced world, it's good to take the time to slow down and remember that making memories doesn't have to come at a cost. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend without spending any money at all. In fact, this movement has become a popular trend and is often referred to as a 'no-spend weekend' on social media.

Wondering what to do on a weekend without spending money? Looking for no-spend weekend ideas?

If you want to try a no-spend weekend, the Little Loans guide to free activities might inspire you.

1. No-spend weekend ideas: Get out in nature

There's nothing more invigorating and refreshing for the soul than getting out and about in nature. Find your local walking routes or bike trails and make a day of it with a picnic in the summer, and a flask of soup in the winter.

2. How to work out without a gym membership

You don't need to fork out for a gym membership to work out. Lots of activities can be done in your own time for free. Swap the Stairmaster for your own staircase, or the treadmill for the open road.

3. Become a Pilates princess or prince!

Practising yoga or Pilates helps build strength and harmony in both mind and body. Not only do these activities offer physical benefits, such as increased flexibility and muscle strength, but they're also great for relieving stress and resetting your mind. Again, you don't need to spend money on an organised class to reap the rewards; you can find plenty of free tutorials online.

4. What to do on a no-spend weekend: you'll never get bored with board games

Whether it's Mouse Trap, Tumbling Monkeys, or Monopoly, dig out those old faithful board games and get a family championship running.

5. Get your readers on

Set your imagination free and pick up those books lying around your home.

Are you a member of your local library? If not, join for free and get access to hundreds of books.

It's also worth noting that many libraries offer free activities for children, including reading challenges or rhyme-time sessions.

You can find your nearest library on the Gov.uk website.

6. For the film fanatics

If it's raining cats and dogs out there, create a cosy set-up in front of the TV and work your way through your favourite films. Add snacks and a blanket and enjoy the simplicity of doing absolutely nothing.

7. Enjoy local events

Take a look at your local supermarket or library noticeboard or search on social media for free local events. During the warmer months in particular, you may be able to find charity events, parades, and festivals to enjoy as a family.

8. Visit free museums and art galleries in the UK

Many museums and art galleries offer free entry, though please note that some special or temporary exhibitions may charge.

9. Learn about the world

Whether through printed media, television, or online, news is always at our fingertips. We're often bombarded with the scary stuff – but we can change that by switching up the media we consume.

Take the time to seek out positive news or learn something new about the world.

10. Learn a new language

Many of us dream of being able to speak another language, even if just at a conversational level on our next holiday overseas.

Turn your goals into reality with a free app such as Duolingo, which offers the opportunity to learn a range of languages, including Spanish, Finnish, and Japanese.

11. How to have a no-spend weekend: Show some love for your pets

If you have a pet, why not get them involved with your no-spend weekend? From a long walk to an hour or so playing fetch at the local park, many of the activities most-loved by pets are completely free.

You know your pet better than anyone; does your cat like nothing more than curling up on the sofa with you? Does your hamster go wild for a full cage clean? Does your old dog adore having his fur brushed?

Dedicate a few hours of your no-spend weekend to the wonderful animals in your life.

12. Start a local outdoor free activity

When it comes to community events and spreading new ideas, social media can be a useful tool.

Why not organise a free sports day at your nearest green space? Or, for something longer-lasting, why not collect rocks to paint and hide around your local area? Add a little note on the underside of the rocks saying something along the lines of, 'if you find me, please hide me for others'.

Watch the hype build up on local social media groups as others get involved!

13. Camp out in the garden

If the weather is fair, dust off your tent and pitch it in your back garden. Spend the evening toasting marshmallows and swapping stories for the ultimate at-home camping experience.

Fancy something a little more boujee? Add fairy lights and relaxing music for a makeshift glamping event!

The best part about camping at home? The luxury on-site toilets!

14. What are some no-spend ideas? Enjoy the great outdoors

From building dens to playing Pooh Sticks, there are many no-spend adventures to be had in the great outdoors.

The National Trust guide to '50 Things to do Before You're 11 1/3' is a great place to start when putting together a free, family-friendly outdoorsy bucket list.

15. Feed the ducks and birds

Wild birds, including ducks, are fascinating to watch - and they will always welcome food!

You can feed birds using staples from your store cupboard, including uncooked oats, sunflower seeds, and plain cooked pasta.

The Woodland Trust have put together a useful guide on what to feed wild birds.

16. Visit family and friends

Spend time, not money, and pencil in that long-overdue catch-up with family or friends. Life is busy, and aligning our schedules with those of our loved ones can be no mean feat! Make it happen this weekend. A wander in the park, or just a good old-fashioned cuppa and catch-up at home, are costless ways to give the gift of time.

17. Crack open the art supplies

Whether you have kids or you're a big kid at heart, there is something really therapeutic about getting creative with art. Check out this blog of over 50 at-home crafting ideas for inspiration to get you started.

You don't have to be the next Picasso to enjoy art; simply allowing your mind to declutter while you doodle Bugs Bunny is good for the brain!

18. Get your bake on!

Do you fancy yourself as the next Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood? Put your skills to the test with a no-spend weekend of baking!

Rummage through your kitchen cupboard to see which ingredients you have in and rustle up a masterpiece.

19. Get out in the garden

There are always jobs to be done in the garden! Don your gardening gloves and spend a couple of hours weeding and pruning.

From bug hotels to fairy doors, there are also plenty of things for the kids to get involved with out in the garden.

20. Indoor jobs done and dusted

Have you been painstakingly putting off cleaning out the 'messy drawer' in the kitchen?

Is the attic crying out for a declutter?

Has that picture frame been waiting to be put up on the wall for months?

We all have a list of little jobs around the house that need addressing, and a no-spend weekend is the perfect time to finally tick them off.

21. Deep clean your home

A spring clean in any season is a satisfying task.

Empty the cupboards, dust them down, and give your house a fresh lease of life.

Blast your favourite songs as you clean, and the time will fly by!

22. Declutter your space

While deep cleaning, set aside a pile of things you no longer need. You could either bag them up and take them to the charity shop, or list them for sale on a second-hand site, such as eBay or Vinted.

23. Pamper yourself

Spa days can often feel like an expensive luxury.

What to do on a weekend without spending money? Have a spa day at home!

All you need to indulge in a costless pamper afternoon is an hour or two set aside for a nice, long bath, a couple of cucumber slices for your eyes, and your favourite beauty products. Whale sound playlist optional!

24. Volunteer your time

Thinking of things to do without spending money this weekend? Give something back to your local community by volunteering your time. You could pick litter, offer to bake a cake for an upcoming community event, or see whether a nearby animal shelter or charity shop could use some support.

25. Review your finances

Okay, we know this may sound like a tedious task, but it's certainly an activity worth doing, and could actually turn your no-spend weekend into a money-maker in the long run!

Take a look at your recent bank statement and write down all your monthly outgoings.

Separate them into essential and non-essential costs. For example, household bills and groceries are essentials, while streaming services and your daily takeaway coffee are not.

See where you could make cuts in your outgoings to free up some of your monthly budget.

26. Finally, plan for the future with the money you've saved!

Congratulations - you've aced your no-spend weekend! With 25 free activity ideas under your belt, we hope you've managed to make the most of your no-spend weekend.

Maybe you're thinking of making it a regular thing?

You might choose to set aside the money you would have spent on pricey days out and start a savings pot.

Will you save the money as a buffer for a future financial emergency, or will you keep adding to it toward a special goal, such as your dream holiday?

Worried about money?

Please consider reaching out to any of the following charities and organisations: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and National Debtline.