If you live anywhere cold like me, or are stuck in an office all year and can’t wait to have some free and priceless fun, this list is for you.
Why do I say priceless?
I have learned that life’s truly happy and beautiful moments don’t come with a price tag.
At times, even all the money in the world wouldn’t buy you that feeling or moment.
Let’s stop philosophizing and get to the list, unless philosophy is one of your guilty pleasures.
1. Watch a sunset or a sunrise
No words are needed to describe this majestic moment.
2. Suntanning
In moderation and with proper sunscreen, with a much-needed vitamin D and a healthy glow, everything looks and feels better.
3. A walk or run in the park
The exercise will release endorphins, you will get good fresh air, some vitamin D from the sun, the exposure to green will increase serotonin, and if you do it with a person you love, you get a bonus of oxytocin.
All feel-good hormones that will leave you feeling like a million bucks.
4. A walk near water
This is one of my favourite things to do. Being near water helps you soothe, relax, focus, and sleep better at night. Water’s sight, smell, and sound will keep you grounded in the moment.
If you live in a city with no natural sources of water nearby, man-made canals, fountains, pools, fish tanks, and bathtubs are also beneficial.
Water is so powerful that even viewing it digitally will positively impact you.
5. A delicious bath
On the topic of water, a cozy, bubbly, candle-lit bath will make you feel luxurious and serene, like very few things in life can.
6. Go to a public pool or a friend’s pool
The benefits of physical activity, sun, water and friendships, all in one fun that can’t be beat.
7. Walk barefoot on the grass or sand
Aside from making you feel amazing, the health benefits of walking barefoot are incredible. It’s known to help with pain and inflammation, improve eyesight ( according to reflexology), relieve stress, keep your feet strong and healthy, increase vitamin D absorption, induce restful sleep, and neutralize the energies in your body.
8. Go to a lookout
The walk or hike, combined with the view of your city and the company of one of your favourite ( little) people, makes for precious moments.
9. A good workout session
The benefits of exercise cannot be overstated.
Do it at home for free ( lots of YouTube channels offer any exercise you like) or outside in a green space for the added benefits of the sun and fresh air. Put on some good music, have a friend join the fun, and have a delicious protein shake afterwards, and you have won the wellness lottery.
10. Dance like no one is watching
Whether you’re having a fun dancing workout, playing music and dancing at home, or hitting the dance floor at parties, dancing is pure fun.
11. Window shopping
Walk around appreciating beauty, fashion, and exquisite craftsmanship; no need to take out the credit card.
12. A night walk
A summer night walk is breezy and intimate. If there is moonlight and a loved one, even better.
13. Stargazing
Put down a blanket in the backyard and look at the stars.
14. A Google night
This is one of my son’s favourite summer evening activities. While cuddling on a chair outside, we Google everything we want to learn more about.
15. Visit a free garden or a flower festival
I’m obsessed with tulips. What’s your favourite flower?
16. Pick wildflowers (where permitted)
17. Take photos of nature
Combine your love for nature with photography and walk around snapping pictures. There is beauty everywhere.
18. Be a tourist in your own city
This is fun. Sometimes we don’t know our city. Go to all the tourist places and experience your city anew.
19. Have a picnic
I wanted to make this list completely free, but the food will cost you money unless someone gives it to you. But the trick here is that you could pack up picnic-friendly foods you have at home anyway, bring them to a park or somewhere else nice, and everything will taste better.
20. Cuddle up with a good book
If reading is divine, reading on a hammock is heaven on earth.
21. Visit a library
If you love books, the library is like a candy store where you can try every candy for free.
22. Browse a bookstore
If the library is like a candy store, then a bookstore is like Candy Land. The smell of new books, fresh coffee, cozy chairs, and fluffy blankets is just too good. No spending is necessary; enjoy the sensory and intellectual stimulation.
23. Sit on your porch, relax, and people-watch
24. Listen to music
Music can inspire, empower, uplift, move, and bring you joy. Everything is better when music is playing.
25. Write a poem or a love letter
If you like writing, write a poem and share it on social media or with your friends, or revive the long-lost art of writing letters, it can be incredibly romantic, rewarding and create memories for life.
26. Start a journal
27. Write a short story
The act of creating something from nothing is highly fulfilling. Share it with your friends and family, it may be the boost you need to delve into a new hobby or even a career.
28. Write a letter to your future self
29. Have a mini—photoshoot
Dress up, make up and glam up. Just for the fun of it. Then go somewhere nice and take lots of pictures.
30. Make handmade cards
31. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time
True story. I reconnected with a friend I haven’t seen in 21 years, and it was so awesome. I should do it more often.
32. Do a video call with extended family
33. Family movie night or girls’ movie night
34. Watch a good comedy and laugh like nobody’s business
35. Host a game night with games you already have
36. Attend a local free event or fair
37. Offer to help a neighbour or a friend
Being kind to others will make you feel good, lift your spirits, and make the world better. One small act at a time.
38. Volunteer
You will feel good afterwards. Guaranteed.
39. Babysit a baby
Baby fever? Babysit a baby for a couple of hours and enjoy the heavenly baby smell and a delicious dose of oxytocin.
40. Dog sit for a day
41. Go to a pet shop where you can pet animals
42. Join a free community class or club
43. Do sidewalk chalk art for your neighbourhood
44. Teach someone something you know
45. Rearrange a room for a new vibe
46. Declutter and donate
47. Make a cozy tent in the backyard
48. Go camping
49. Try a new recipe using what you have at home
50. Watch a documentary
51. Meditate
52. Create a DIY spa night with items you already have
Coffee grounds and coconut oil are awesome for cellulite; just saying.
53. Practice yoga or stretching
54. Create a vision board
55. Try a new hairstyle
56. Look at old photos or read old diaries
57. Learn a new language
58. Watch free online courses (like Khan Academy)
59. Try a science experiment at home with your kids
60. Explore a new culture through videos or by attending free cultural events
61. Listen to a podcast
62. Research your family tree
63. Visit a free museum
Some museums offer the last hour of the day for free. Don’t be shy to inquire about it.
64. Walk around a farmer’s or flea market
65. Practice gratitude journaling
66. Sit in silence for 10 minutes
67. Pray
68. Do a digital detox
69. Give genuine compliments
70. Start conversations with strangers
It is so much fun!
71. Wear a fancy outfit just because
72. Watch your favourite childhood cartoon or movie
73. A guilt-free nap
74. Fix something that’s broken
75. Go to free movies at the park
76. Play any game of ball
Once again, fresh air, sun, exercise, friends, and nature will make you feel like life is good any day of the week.
77. Have a water fight on a super hot day
78. Watch a fireworks show
79. Family slumber party
Everyone sleeps in the living room, comfy pjs and lots of snuggles.
80. Go on a date
Hopefully, your date will take you somewhere nice and won’t make you pay half.
81. Go on a hike
82. Ride a bike
83. Skip stones on a lake or collect cool stones
84. Draw or paint with leftover supplies
85. Visit an old-age home and sit with a lonely elder
86. Choreograph a dance
87. Make up a tune or song
88. Make a playlist with your favourite songs
89. Try to beat your own record at something
90. Binge-watch a good show on Netflix
91. Sing your heart out
92. Check out houses for sale
I did this a couple of times; it was so fun.
93. Bake something from scratch
94. Make homemade popsicles or ice cream
95. Make a bucket list
96. Plan something exciting
It will boost your feel-good hormones and make you feel happy.
97. Stimulate your mind
You can find plenty of Sudoku, word searches, and crossword puzzles for free in newspapers and magazines.
98. Flip through magazines
Borrow old magazines from friends and neighbours.
99. Say I love you
Say I love you to someone you never said it to before, or to someone you don’t say enough, or just say it for the gazillionth time. Your heart will expand with goodness.
100. Kiss or hug a loved one
You will enjoy the oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine hit, lower your stress hormones, tone your facial muscles and even burn calories.
101. Do absolutely nothing
Sit with yourself and enjoy your own company. Breathe. Marvel at the idea that you are alive and well and can enjoy this beautiful life.
It is a gift. Be present to receive it.
