International Frugal Fun Day was started by the folks at FrugalFun.com. The point is to find something free (preferable) or at most $5 to do and to spend time with people you care about. While the first Saturday in October is the official Frugal Fun Day, these ideas can be used anytime to save a few dollars and have a memorable outing.
International Frugal Fun Day is the brainchild of Shel Horowitz, author of The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How to Live Like Royalty with a Peasant's Pocketbook. This 280-page book lists thousands of ways to cut the costs of almost everything..
Horowitz explains his way of thinking, "Frugality doesn't mean deprivation. Once people realize they can still have a fabulous time without spending very much money, it opens up enormous possibilities for living more lightly while enjoying a better quality of life." Horowitz sees a dozen or more free concerts a year, stays in private homes all over the world for free during his frequent vacations, and bartered for his beautiful Persian rug.
Frugal Things to do Outside
- Spend a few hours at your local library. Check and see if there are any programs going on that day as they are usually free for cardholders.
- Many bookstores have free story times for youngsters. Call the ones near you and see what they have to offer.
- Take advantage of your city's park system. Go for a leisurely walk, a rigorous hike, or dust off those roller-blades.
- Go fly a kite.
- Head to a nearby airport, find an ideal parking spot, and watch the planes come in.
- Pack a picnic lunch and head out to one of the many amazing green spots around your area.
- Many home renovation stores offer free classes that teach people how to build or fix things. Contact your local hardware store and see what classes for children and/or adults are available.
- Many cities offer free outdoor events such as an art show, play, or concert. Call the Chamber of Commerce to get listings for your area.
- Load up the family and drive to a nearby park or a country road for an afternoon bike ride. Or take a long walk together.
- Round up all the magazines around your house that you know you'll never get around to reading and take them to a senior's lodge.
- Check your local community centre to see if they have any free classes.
Frugal Things to Do at Home
- Bake a batch of cookies and deliver them to your neighbours.
- Round up some neighbours and get a game of softball or soccer going.
- Even if you can't get away for the day, you can still go camping. Set up a tent in the backyard and roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the barbeque.
- Cook with the kids. With supervision, children can safely use a stove and have fun making simple recipes.
- Help your children build something they can play with. Work on a project together -- maybe a kite or model airplane -- and then take it outside and use it.
- Start a nature collection. Have the children find items outside that they love and make a display for them in your home.
- Give the kids a few sticks of sidewalk chalk and let them write messages or play hopscotch on the driveway.
Frugal Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
- Take the C-Train downtown and walk the Plus 15 circuit. The system is over 16 kilometres long and is the largest of its kind in the world. Go to the City of Calgary web site and click on the “City Transportation” link and then "Get Around Calgary" and then “Walking” for a printable map of the Plus 15 system.
- The Devonian Gardens are a relaxing way to spend the day. Let the children play in the indoor playground while you catch up on some reading or enjoy the amazing surroundings including over 20,000 plants. Devonian Gardens, which is one of the world’s largest indoor parks, is located downtown in TD Square.
Hopefully you have been inspired to have a great International Frugal Fun Day!
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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