• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Happy Simple Mom Logo

Happy Simple Mom

Simple, Clutter-Free Living

  • Start Here
  • Decluttering
    • How to Declutter
    • Areas to Declutter
    • Cleaning
    • Organization
  • Simple Living
    • The Simple Life
    • Minimalism with Kids
    • Minimalist Lifestyle
    • Simple Gifts
  • SHOP

20 Free Activities to Do (That Don’t Involve More Clutter)  

April 22

Sharing is caring!

471 shares
  • Share174

There is nothing like walking aimlessly through Target with a Starbucks in hand and no time schedule other than finding that one item (or cart-full) you are sure you cannot live without. 

My brain: “There are so many cute things I must own now!”

This is the mentality that got me into trouble with spending and unnecessary clutter.  It took breaking bad habits to learn how to find free activities to do instead of shopping.

When we started cutting the clutter and stopped spending money unnecessarily, we all of a sudden had more time on our hands. 

The problem, we did not know how to use this time! Spending money on experiences is fun, but sometimes, you need free activities to do.

These ideas will allow you to spend more time with those you love without spending a dime and without adding clutter to your home.

Related Post: 15 Easy Steps to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed

Send my FREE Decluttering Checklist!

20 Free Activities to do Instead of Shopping:

1 – Go on a hike.

Hiking is an activity you can enjoy no matter where you live.  There is always a park or trail nearby. 

If you are unsure, check out the AllTrails app or website.  It has so many great ideas. 

If you have kids, getting them out into nature can be a blast.  It is also good for their little bodies and brains. 

2 – Find a new playground.

My kids LOVE finding new playgrounds, and there are some pretty amazing ones out there. 

If you are stuck in the rut of going to the same local playground, go out and explore.  Find a new favorite. 

You can even pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it.  Besides, this is one of those free activities to do instead of shopping that your kids will absolutely love.

3 – Put together a puzzle.

I have several puzzles in my game storage area I have been wanting to put together for years. 

However, I rarely have the time to sit down and be so “unproductive”.  Take a time-out.  Get your kids involved. 

I was amazed when I taught my four-year-old how to do complex adult puzzles.  She caught on very fast and enjoys the satisfaction when we finally finish one.

4 – Go to the library.

The library can provide hours of entertainment.  Did you know many libraries now let you check out games, puzzles, music, and videos?

If you have little ones, the library often does story-time or craft-time, even on the weekends and especially during the summer.

If your local library is small or not that active, head over to the closest large city’s library.  You don’t have to be a member to enjoy their activities.

5 – Repurpose something in storage.

There was a day I got in the car to head to Target so I could buy a basket for storing some item or another. 

After a second thought, I headed back inside and rummaged through my closet.  I found the cutest basket that was not really being used for any good purpose. 

I saved myself at least $15 and the time!

6 – Clean out five items from your closet.

A clutter-free closet can be incredibly calming. 

However, we don’t always have the time to take on a major re-haul of our fashion overload tendencies. 

Head to your closet and pick out just five items you know you can live without.  Put them in a giveaway bag and make your way to your local donation center.

Related Post: How to Get Rid of Stuff After Decluttering

Declutter Your Closet | More Family Time | Free Activities to do Instead of Shopping | Shopping Addiction | Save Money

7 – Do a craft.

You know all those Pinterest craft ideas you are hoarding on your craft board? Go do one. 

Look for one that uses up supplies you already have on hand. 

I’m guilty of picking that one project that requires a trip to the store.  Don’t do this! You are trying to not spend money today.

If you have kids, break out the coloring books and crayons.  Nothing says mindfulness like spending time coloring, in the moment, with your children.

8 – Read a book.

How many books are on your bookshelf or hoarded onto your Kindle you have never read?

You bought them for a reason. Go read one. 

If you don’t have a book, check out your local library or download one for free to your Kindle from their online offerings.

You can even download your library’s app and “borrow” the books from your library that way.

9 – Invite a friend over.

Out of all the free activities to do instead of shopping, this is my favorite. 

You ever get a call from a friend right when you need it? Be that friend today. 

Call someone you have been meaning to catch up with and have a tea or coffee.  Let the kids play. 

Relax and enjoy the companionship.  This is way better than a Starbucks drink by yourself, and it is cheaper!

Related Post: Why Moms Need to Spend More Time With Friends

More Time With Friends | Free Activities to do Instead of Shopping | Shopping Addiction | Save Money

10 – Watch a movie with the whole family.

Chances are you have Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and/or cable.  Pick out a movie the whole family can enjoy. 

Make some popcorn and put away all of your devices. 

In fact, put your devices on silent.  Disconnect for a couple of hours and enjoy the company of your family. 

Listen to sweet belly laughs as they watch something funny.

11 – Ride a bike.

How long has it been since you took your bike out of the garage? I think my bike sat for years unused. 

In fact, we once discussed giving it away during our big garage clean-out.  Thankfully, we held on to it. 

Now that we are not spending money on things, we have time to ride bikes with our kids.  Ride around the neighborhood or at a local park.

12 – Find something free to do in your town.

So many towns and cities have free events, especially on the weekends and especially in the summer months. 

Check out your local Macaroni Kid website.  They usually have great ideas for activities to do instead of shopping to fill the boredom gap.

Related Post: Kid’s “I’m BORED!” Checklist (+Free Printable!)

13 – Go on a picnic.

Going on a picnic is one of our family’s favorite free activities to do. 

Grab a blanket and stuff a reusable grocery bag or soft cooler with some goodies.  

You don’t have to be fancy.  A peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chips will do. 

Your kids will have a blast! Your mental sanity will enjoy the sun and break.

14 – Play a board game.

I love board games, and so do my children!

However, if you have young kids, playing board games can sometimes feel like a lot of work.  “That’s not fair!” “I wanted to win!” 

Board games with your kids are fun.  They are also an excellent time to sit with your kids and teach them about life.

15 – Use up items in your pantry to make a recipe.

Let your kids help. It can be painful sometimes, I know.  The mess that will ensue will be memories though.

If you need ideas, check out this website that helps you find recipes based on the ingredients you have on hand.  Using up ingredients also helps you declutter your kitchen pantry.

More Family Time | Free Activities to do Instead of Shopping | Shopping Addiction | Save Money

16 – Facetime or Skype someone by surprise.

Technology today is great. 

We live two time-zones away from our family, but the kids still keep in touch regularly via Facetime. 

It always makes my heart happy to see my mom smile when she gets a surprise phone call from the kiddos.

17 – Write a letter. And then mail it.

Email, texting, and social media make it so easy to be connected today. 

However, there is something special about receiving a letter in the mail. 

Break out some old stationary.  Have your kids draw pictures or write a letter too.  Then head over to the post office or to the mailbox before you forget to send it!

18 – Check out free culture passes from your library.

This is my favorite little secret on how we enjoy our local city for free. 

Most libraries have a culture pass.  They may have different names, but the purpose is generally the same. 

These passes usually let you check out local museums and attractions for free! Our local library even offers a free State Park pass you can use for one to two weeks! How cool is that?!

More Family Time | Free Activities to do Instead of Shopping | Shopping Addiction | Save Money

19 – Visit a nearby park.

Most areas have an abundance of parks.  Pack a picnic and go check out one today.

You can go to the beach, on a hike, go fishing, or play on a playground at many parks.

20 – Start planning your next vacation!

Nothing is more motivating for remembering why you don’t want to spend money than starting the planning process for your next vacation. 

Get the whole family involved.  Look at a map.  Check out airline fares. 

Is there a new city you have always wanted to explore?

Start putting together your plan today, even if it will be a while before you can take the next trip.

You will have something to look forward to as you continue your efforts to save.

Plan a Vacation | Free Activities to do Instead of Shopping | Shopping Addiction | Save Money

Free activities instead of shopping

I love finding creative, new and free activities to do instead of shopping. 

In fact, it has reached a point where I dread shopping because I know it takes away from the time I could be using on experiences and it will prevent me from having a happy, clutter-free home.

What are your favorite free activities to do instead of shopping? Please share your comments below. 

Related Posts:

Try a No Shopping Challenge

The Benefits of Being a Minimalist Family

Are You or Your Partner Clutter Blind?

Free activities to do instead of shopping.

Less stuff, more adventures!

Sharing is caring!

471 shares
  • Share174
Category: Minimalist Lifestyle, Simple Living
Previous Post:mom slowing down in life to cook with her sonEasy Strategies to Declutter, Simplify Your Life, and Find Joy Again
Next Post:Want to Quit Your Job Mama?!Find joy

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

Join the Happy Simple Mom community:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Happy Simple Mom profile image - welcome to the page!

Hello, I’m Brooke! My goal is to share lessons I’ve learned to live simply and clutter-free with a family. Don’t let excess stuff and too many obligations weigh you down. Reduce your stress, and live a happy life!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent Posts

mom cleaning her floors with a vacuum

Dear Sweet Friend… Don’t Clean Your House For Me

Blue front door with a package in front of it

7 Easy Practices to Stop Clutter from Ever Entering Your Home

Mom meditating while kids play with toys around her

9 Easy Ways to Get Your Kids Interested in a More Minimalist Lifestyle

A minimalist family hiking and sitting on a mountain side.

Minimalism May be the Secret Ingredient Your Family NEEDS

  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 · Happy Simple Mom™ · All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Home

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...