How to Have a No-Spend Weekend

The cost of living crisis has been the main character in many of our lives lately. With prices soaring on everything from groceries to utilities and all the other essentials, it’s no wonder we’re all looking for ways to save a bit of cash. But cutting back doesn’t have to mean cutting out fun. Enter the no-spend weekend—a genius way to enjoy your free time without parting with a single penny.

Whether you’re tightening the purse strings, saving for something big, or simply looking to reduce your spending, a no-spend weekend can be surprisingly satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to break out of the “spend money, feel better, repeat” cycle many of us fall into.

What to Do on a No-Spend Weekend

Here are some ideas to inspire your next no-spend weekend. Spoiler alert: you’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have for free.

1. Reclaim the Great Outdoors

Starting off with the obvious – but hear me out: there’s no admission fee for nature, and it’s always open. A weekend walk can be as adventurous or relaxed as you like. Head to a local park, take a woodland stroll, or challenge yourself with a nearby hiking trail. If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast, why not go for a bracing beach walk? (In Scotland, we head to the beach in all weathers…or we’d never go, lol.) Just don’t forget your flask of tea and some sturdy shoes.

Pro tip: Turn it into a scavenger hunt with friends or family. Collect pinecones, spot wildlife, or take photos of interesting things you see.

2. Declutter Your Space

It might not sound glamorous, but decluttering is weirdly therapeutic. Go through your wardrobe, your bookshelves, or that dreaded drawer full of mystery cables. You might find treasures you forgot you had or things you can sell later (hello, extra cash!). Even if you’re not selling anything, you’ll feel better for having a tidy space.

And if you need motivation, stick on a playlist or your favourite podcast to keep you entertained while you sort.

3. Host a DIY Movie Night

Skip the cinema prices on your no-spend weekend and create a film festival vibe at home. Gather some snacks you already have in the cupboard (popcorn kernels hiding somewhere?), pick a theme, and line up your movies. Classics, rom-coms, or that guilty pleasure you’ve been meaning to re-watch—it’s all fair game.

Bonus points if you build a blanket fort for the occasion. Yes, adults can still make forts. No, you don’t need to explain yourself.

4. Get Creative in the Kitchen

Speaking of snacks, challenge yourself to whip up something delicious with whatever you have in the fridge or pantry. Think of it as your own personal Ready Steady Cook. Fancy baking? Many cakes only need the basics: flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. If you’re short on ingredients, a simple flatbread or homemade soup is a great shout.

It’s a fun way to experiment, and you’ll probably save some food from going to waste too.

5. Embrace the Art of Being Lazy

Sometimes, the best weekends are the ones where you don’t do much at all. Stay in your pyjamas, read that book you’ve been meaning to start, or binge-watch a series guilt-free. Light some candles, make a cup of something warm, and enjoy the slower pace.

This is by far the easiest item on the list. You don’t need to spend money to recharge your batteries.

6. Explore Local History

Check out free museums, historical landmarks, or heritage sites near you. Many towns have fascinating hidden gems that don’t charge an entry fee. If you’re lucky, you might even find a free walking tour.

Even a wander around your own neighbourhood can be interesting if you pay attention to the details—those quirky old buildings, unusual street names, or that plaque you’ve walked past a hundred times but never stopped to read.

7. Have a Digital Detox

Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and take a break from screens. Use the time to journal, sketch, read, tackle a puzzle, or just take a guilt-free nap. This can be especially rewarding if you’re always glued to technology during the week. You’ll be surprised at how much you can do (and how much calmer you’ll feel) when you’re not endlessly scrolling.

8. Play Tourist at Home

How well do you really know your own town or city? Pretend you’re a visitor and go explore. Walk down streets you usually bypass, check out local art or architecture, or pack a lunch and head to a nearby green space for a picnic. No travel costs, no tickets—just a new perspective.

9. Borrow, Don’t Buy

Pop down to your local library for a treasure trove of books, films, and sometimes even free classes or activities. Libraries are massively underrated for free entertainment. You could spend an afternoon exploring new genres or finally reading that book you’ve been curious about.

10. Host a “Swap Party”

Invite a few friends round and ask them to bring things they no longer want—clothes, books, or even plants. It’s like shopping, but free. Plus, you get to hang out with your mates, which is always a win.

11. Get Crafty

Dig out any forgotten art supplies and see what you can create. From painting to knitting, scrapbooking to upcycling old jars into vases, the possibilities are endless. No supplies? Look up tutorials for crafts that use materials you already have—like making paper decorations or pressed flower bookmarks.

12. Exercise for Free

No need for a gym membership. Go for a run, follow a yoga video on YouTube, or do a bodyweight workout at home. And if the idea of “exercise” sounds too formal or like the last thing you feel like doing, just dance around your living room to your favourite tunes. You know you’re going to feel better afterwards.

You might also like:

How to Have a Hygge Weekend

How to Stop the Sunday Night Blues

How to Use Your Weekends to Improve Your Life

13. Tackle That “Someday” Project

You know that thing you’ve been meaning to do forever? The photo album you wanted to make, the blog you wanted to start, or the garden bed you promised yourself you’d tidy? That wall that needs painted is crying out to you. Now’s the time to do it.

14. Stargaze

If you’re lucky enough to have a clear and cloudless night, grab a blanket and head outside for some stargazing. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you’re looking at – there are plenty of free apps to help you identify constellations. There’s something magical about the night sky that doesn’t cost a penny.

15. Plan Future Fun

Spend some time planning other no-spend weekends or putting together a bucket list of free activities. You could even start planning your next big (budget-friendly) holiday. Daydreaming costs nothing!

Why Try a No-Spend Weekend?

Aside from saving money, a no-spend weekend can help you rediscover the joy of simple pleasures. It encourages creativity, reduces stress about finances, and gives you a chance to focus on what really matters—whether that’s spending time with loved ones, connecting with nature, or just taking a well-earned break.

So, next weekend, why not leave your wallet on the kitchen counter and see how much fun you can have without spending a thing? You might just find it’s your most rewarding weekend yet.

Pin this post for later: