Last updated: 24 January 2026
Having fun in the UK without spending money is becoming increasingly more difficult. There is always a reason to get your wallet out, whether you cannot resist a takeaway coffee or you just want an easy solution to keep the kids happy.
We are so used to spending money on activities that we can often forget about all the opportunities to have fun on the weekend that don’t cost a penny. If you want to enjoy your weekends without spending, these seven activities are definitely worth considering.
Do not write museums off as a boring waste of time! They can be a fascinating way to learn about your hometown and many of them have free entry, making them ideal for a no-spend weekend.
Some museums ask for optional donations, while others profit from gift shops and cafes. But if you want to avoid falling into the invisible spending trap, steer clear of the gift shop and eat your lunch before you visit.
If you want to bring the family together with a free alternative to a group activity, like bowling or mini golf, host a board games party at your house.
This is a great opportunity to get competitive and have fun with the games you already own. Once everyone becomes invested in winning, the time will fly by and you won’t have to spend a penny.
There is nothing better than a bike ride or a long walk on a Sunday morning. You could walk to your nearest field or lake, or take a short drive to a nearby scenic spot.
In the UK, we are lucky to have access to green spaces and nature on our doorstep. Getting out in nature is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and has proven mental health benefits. Even better, it doesn’t have to cost anything.
A quick Google search of "free events near me" should bring up all the events that are happening in your area that come without an entry fee.
Your local library is a great place start. Charity events are also often free, with the option to donate if you can. Markets and music events are typically free and you can avoid spending when you are there by planning ahead.
You do not need to go to the cinema to enjoy an evening of movie entertainment. The free alternative – hosting a movie night at home – can be just as enjoyable.
Just choose what you want to watch from a streaming service you already pay for or, for a truly old-school option, browse your DVD collection for a favourite. Fill a share bowl with snacks from your cupboard, get your living room feeling cosy and enjoy the cinema experience from home.
If you have kids, you do not need to spend money on tickets to your local indoor play area to keep them happy.
Visiting the local park is just as exciting and achieves the same goals (burning energy and having fun). This one is weather-dependent, but it is something that can be enjoyed year-round and can be a lifesaver on a boring Saturday afternoon.
Finally, if you are a keen learner but don’t want to spend money on classes, learning a new skill from home is a great idea.
Always wanted to be fluent in Spanish? You can use apps like Duolingo to help you get there. Want to start knitting or designing your own clothes? If you already have the basic tools, head to YouTube for free tutorials galore. You will get the satisfaction of broadening your knowledge without spending any money on it.
Want to do something productive with the money you have saved with your no-spend weekends? Follow our tips for better money management here.
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For more helpful information about how to manage your money, different financial products or what we do at Polar Credit, take a look at our Info Hub.