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23 Budget-Friendly Activities for High School Students
September 12, 2024 · 17 minute read
Looking for exciting things to do without spending a fortune? High school doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable! We've rounded up 23 budget-friendly activities that will keep you entertained and help you save money while creating lasting memories with friends
In this post, you'll learn:
How to have fun without breaking the bank.
Creative ways to bond with friends and family.
Activities that nurture skills and hobbies.
Low-cost experiences you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors.
Practical ideas for spending time productively while developing new skills.
How to engage in eco-friendly and community activities for mutual benefit.
1. Host a Budget-Friendly Movie Marathon
Why spend on theater tickets when you can have a movie night at home? Gather your friends, pick a theme (e.g., superhero movies or classic comedies), and binge-watch your favorite films.
Plan ahead: Choose a lineup of movies and create a mini-schedule so you can maximize your time and enjoyment.
Bring snacks: Everyone can bring their favorite snack, making it feel like a potluck movie night while keeping costs low.
Set up a cozy space: Use blankets, pillows, and dim lighting to create the perfect movie theater vibe at home.
Pro Tip: Use free streaming platforms or check if your local library has DVDs available for borrowing!
2. Organize a Free Potluck Picnic for Outdoor Fun
Get outside and enjoy nature with a potluck picnic at a local park. Each person brings a homemade dish, so the cost is spread out among the group.
Select a free location: Find a park that doesn’t charge entrance fees and offers amenities like picnic tables and playgrounds.
Plan the menu together: Coordinate with friends to avoid duplicate dishes and ensure there’s a good variety of food.
Bring outdoor games: Frisbees, soccer balls, or badminton, which can add some excitement to this budget-friendly activity.
Pro Tip: Bring reusable utensils, plates, and cups to cut down on costs and be eco-friendly!
3. Volunteer Locally for Free Social and Community Fun
Volunteering is a great way to give back while having fun. Check out local shelters, food banks, or community centers for opportunities to volunteer with your friends. Not only is it free, but it also gives you a chance to make a real impact.
Look for meaningful causes: Choose organizations you’re passionate about, like animal shelters, food banks, or environmental projects, for a fulfilling experience.
Join as a group: Volunteering with friends makes the experience more enjoyable and gives you the opportunity to work as a team.
Build your resume: Volunteering can help develop skills, add to your college applications, and give you leadership experience.
Pro Tip: Many organizations offer volunteer appreciation events, giving you the chance to meet new people and enjoy free perks!
4. DIY Craft Day: A Cheap and Creative Activity
Crafting doesn’t have to be expensive, making it a perfect option for budget-friendly activities. Hit up a dollar store or gather leftover supplies from home and host a DIY craft day. From friendship bracelets to custom t-shirts, the options are endless. You’ll make something memorable, and it’s a great way to unwind and tap into your creative side.
Choose low-cost crafts: Opt for projects like paper crafts, recycled material creations, or friendship bracelets that require minimal supplies.
Look for online tutorials: Websites like YouTube or Pinterest are great for finding step-by-step guides for new budget-friendly activities.
Share supplies: Bring your leftover materials and swap them with friends to save on buying new ones.
| DIY Craft Ideas | Estimated Cost |
| Friendship Bracelets | $5 for supplies |
| Custom T-Shirts | $10 for plain shirts and paint |
| Scrapbooking | $8 for paper and stickers |
Pro Tip: Turn it into a crafting competition with prizes like homemade cookies or artwork to make it more exciting!
5. Host a Cheap Game Night for Endless Fun
Dust off some old board games or play classic card games like Uno or Go Fish. No board games? No problem! You can play charades, Pictionary, or other free games. Add some popcorn, and you’ve got hours of entertainment without spending a dime.
Play online games: If board games are limited, free apps like Houseparty or Psych! offer fun multiplayer games.
Rotate hosting: Make game nights regular events and rotate houses to share the responsibility of hosting.
Create themed game nights: Add a twist by theming your game nights around a specific game genre, like trivia, strategy, or party games.
Pro Tip: Add a small entry fee, like a dollar or two, to create a prize fund for the night’s winner!
6. Enjoy Free Hiking Adventures in Nature
Getting outdoors is a fantastic, low-cost way to spend the day. Check out nearby hiking or biking trails, and go exploring with friends. Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen!
Bring a friend or group: Hiking in a group is safer and more fun, plus you can take turns carrying essentials like water and snacks.
Pack light but smart: Take snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit to stay safe and hydrated.
Pick different difficulty levels: Choose easy trails for a relaxing stroll or challenge yourself with a more strenuous hike for variety.
Pro Tip: Take photos during your hike to capture the beautiful scenery and make memories!
7. Cook Together: A Low-Cost, Social Activity
Turn your kitchen into a fun space by organizing a cooking night with friends. Pick a simple, budget-friendly recipe, shop for ingredients together, and get cooking. Whether it’s homemade pizza or baking cookies, cooking together is not only fun but also cheaper than eating out.
Pick budget-friendly recipes: Focus on recipes that use staple ingredients like pasta, rice, or beans to keep costs low.
Divide responsibilities: Assign each friend a specific task (e.g., chopping, mixing) so everyone contributes.
Experiment with themes: Have an international night where everyone makes a dish from a different country for a fun culinary adventure.
Pro Tip: Use apps like SuperCook to find recipes based on ingredients you already have, reducing food waste and costs!
8. Visit Free Museums or Exhibits for Culture on a Budget
Many museums and galleries offer free admission or student discounts. Explore the culture and history of your town without spending much (if anything at all!). Check online for free days or discounts for high school students.
Check for free days: Some museums have free admission days or reduced prices for students. Keep an eye out for these!
Look for local art shows: Smaller, local galleries or art shows often don’t charge admission, providing a budget-friendly cultural experience.
Plan a group trip: Going with friends can make it more enjoyable and you can discuss the exhibits afterward.
Pro Tip: Some museums offer free guided tours, adding educational value to your visit!
9. Start a Free Book Club and Share Your Love of Reading
If you love reading, gather a few friends and start a book club. Pick a book that’s available at your local library or online for free. Discussing the book afterward adds an extra layer of enjoyment, and it’s a great way to bond over shared interests.
Choose affordable or free books: Use your library or free eBook platforms like Project Gutenberg to get books without spending money.
Set a reading schedule: Agree on deadlines to keep everyone on track, and meet regularly to discuss the book.
Add fun extras: Host your book club at a coffee shop or park for a change of scenery.
Pro Tip: Take turns hosting, and providing light snacks or beverages related to the theme of the book for added fun!
10. Have a Photography Scavenger Hunt
With just your phone camera, you can turn your town into a fun adventure. Create a list of items or landmarks to photograph and see who can check off the most. It’s a creative and interactive way to explore your area, and it won’t cost a cent.
Create a photo checklist: Include items like unique landmarks, colorful flowers, or interesting people to capture.
Make it competitive: Turn it into a timed challenge where the first person to snap all the photos wins.
Explore new areas: Use the scavenger hunt as an opportunity to visit parts of town you’ve never explored before.
Pro Tip: Award a small prize or recognition for the most creative or artistic photo!
11. Throw a Free Karaoke Night for Singing Fun
Love to sing? Host a karaoke night! Whether you have a machine or just use YouTube for backing tracks, you and your friends can belt out your favorite tunes without spending a lot. Make it a contest for added fun!
Use free karaoke apps: There are plenty of free apps or YouTube videos with karaoke versions of popular songs.
Make it a competition: Turn it into a contest with different categories like best performance, funniest song, or most original rendition.
Create a stage atmosphere: Add decorations, lights, or props to make the performances feel more exciting.
Pro Tip: Record the performances and create a fun highlight reel to look back on later!
12. Host a Clothing Swap for a Free Wardrobe Refresh
Looking to refresh your wardrobe without spending money? A clothing swap is an excellent way to trade clothes you no longer wear for something new to you. Gather friends, bring gently used clothes, and swap items. It’s eco-friendly, too!
Set guidelines: Make sure everyone brings clean, gently used clothes and accessories to keep the event organized and fun.
Encourage variety: Include shoes, bags, and accessories to give participants more options.
Organize by category: Arrange items by type (e.g., pants, tops, dresses) to make it easier for participants to browse.
Pro Tip: Display clothes like in a boutique—use hangers, and racks, or fold items neatly for a more fun shopping experience!
13. Attend Free School and Community Events
Check out your school’s calendar for free or low-cost events like sporting games, talent shows, or school dances. These events are a great way to support your community and have fun with friends for little to no cost.
Get involved in organizing: If you join a school club or organization, you may be able to help plan these events and have an even bigger role in the fun.
Invite a group: Attend these events with friends to make the experience more enjoyable and social.
Support your community: Many local businesses sponsor free community events, such as outdoor concerts or farmer’s markets.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on social media or local bulletin boards for free events happening around town—you might discover something new!
14. Plan a Budget-Friendly Themed Costume Party
Invite your friends over and have everyone dress up according to a theme. It could be a specific decade (e.g., the 80s), characters from a movie, or a favorite color.
DIY costumes: Encourage everyone to make their costumes from items they already own to keep it budget-friendly.
Plan themed games or activities: Match the party activities to the theme, such as 80s music trivia or a costume contest.
Decorate on a budget: Use items you already have at home or make simple decorations to match the theme.
Pro Tip: Set up a DIY photo booth with props related to the theme for some fun party pictures!
15. Create a YouTube Channel or Podcast
Have something you’re passionate about? Start a YouTube channel or podcast with your friends as one of the many budget-friendly activities. Whether it’s talking about video games, reviewing books, or sharing DIY tips, creating content can be a fun, collaborative project that costs little to nothing.
Pick a niche: Focus on something you and your friends are excited about to make the project more enjoyable.
Use free editing tools: Platforms like Audacity (for podcasts) and iMovie (for videos) offer free, beginner-friendly editing software.
Be consistent: Plan a schedule for recording and uploading content to keep your audience engaged while sticking to budget-friendly activities.
Pro Tip: Use social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok to promote your content and build an audience!
16. Go on a Budget-Friendly Bike Ride Adventure
Grab your bike (or borrow one) and set out on a biking adventure. Plan a route through town or explore scenic trails.
Pack a snack: Bring along a packed lunch or snacks to enjoy during a rest stop.
Explore new areas: Use apps like Google Maps to find bike-friendly routes or scenic trails in your area.
Bring a friend: Biking with a friend makes the adventure more fun and allows you to discover new places together.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to wear a helmet and bring water to stay safe and hydrated!
17. Host a Low-Cost Talent Show
Showcase your talents by organizing a talent show with your friends. Whether it's singing, playing an instrument, or stand-up comedy, everyone gets a chance to shine. You can even make it competitive and offer fun prizes for winners!
Keep it casual: Host the talent show in someone’s living room or backyard to keep costs low.
Offer different categories: Create categories like “Best Singer” or “Most Creative Performance” to encourage a variety of talents.
Record the event: Film the performances to create a fun video you can watch later.
Pro Tip: Use inexpensive items like snacks or homemade certificates as prizes for the winners!
18. Build a Vision Board for Goal Setting
Collect old magazines, printouts, or photos, and spend an afternoon creating a vision board that represents your goals, dreams, and aspirations.
Gather free materials: Use old magazines, newspapers, or print pictures from free resources online.
Host a vision board party: Invite friends to join in, share supplies, and discuss your goals and dreams together.
Use your vision board for motivation: Hang it somewhere you’ll see every day as a reminder of your goals.
Pro Tip: Set themes for your vision board, such as "travel," "career," or "personal growth" to focus on specific areas of your life.
19. Start a Budget-Friendly Garden
If you're looking for budget-friendly activities, gardening is a fantastic, low-cost way to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you have access to a yard or just a few pots, you can plant vegetables, herbs, or flowers without breaking the bank.
Start small: Choose easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, basil, or sunflowers if you’re new to gardening.
Use recycled materials: Plant seeds in containers like old cans or bottles to save money.
Learn from free resources: Watch YouTube videos or read gardening blogs to learn how to care for your plants.
Pro Tip: Growing your own herbs or vegetables can save money on groceries in the long run!
20. Build a Blanket Fort for Free Indoor Fun
Remember the fun of building forts as a kid? Grab some blankets, pillows, and chairs to create a cozy hideaway with your friends.
Get creative: Use fairy lights, cardboard boxes, or blankets to build an awesome fort.
Share stories: Inside the fort, take turns telling stories or reading books aloud to create a fun, relaxing atmosphere.
Turn it into a sleepover: Bring snacks, play games, and make it an overnight adventure.
Pro Tip: Bring a portable speaker to play music or ambient sounds inside the fort for extra cozy vibes!
21. Learn a New Skill Using Free YouTube Tutorials
Whether it’s cooking, painting, or learning a new instrument, YouTube is full of free tutorials. Pick something you’ve always wanted to try and spend some time honing a new skill—right from the comfort of home.
Follow a series: Find a tutorial series that matches your interests, such as beginner guitar lessons or drawing tutorials.
Practice regularly: Set aside time each week to practice your new skill and track your progress.
Invite friends: Turn it into a group activity by learning new skills with friends and challenging each other.
Pro Tip: Many creators offer free resources or downloadable guides in the video description, so check for additional learning materials!
22. Chalk the Sidewalk for Free Creative Fun
Get creative by using chalk to decorate sidewalks or driveways. You can create giant murals, play hopscotch, or leave inspiring messages for passersby.
Create large-scale art: Use sidewalk chalk to draw large pictures or murals for the neighborhood to enjoy.
Organize a neighborhood competition: Get friends or neighbors to join in on these budget-friendly activities and see who can create the most impressive chalk artwork.
Use chalk to play games: Draw a hopscotch grid, tic-tac-toe, or create your own fun outdoor games using chalk.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling extra creative, plan a chalk art day with a specific theme like nature, space, or famous landmarks!
23. Embark on a Free Geocaching Treasure Hunt
Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt. Download a free geocaching app, and head out with your friends to find hidden treasures in your area. It’s a thrilling, free way to explore your surroundings!
Research geocaches near you: Use free apps like Geocaching.com or Google Maps to find nearby geocache locations—making geocaching one of the top budget-friendly activities.
Pack small treasures: Bring small, inexpensive items to leave behind for future geocachers.
Explore new places: Geocaching often leads you to interesting locations you’ve never been to before, so it’s a great way to explore.
Pro Tip: Always bring a pen to sign the logbooks inside the geocaches to prove your discovery!
Conclusion
In summary, high school fun doesn't need to come with a hefty price tag. These budget activities offer endless ways to connect with friends, discover new interests, and enjoy your time without overspending. Whether you're crafting, exploring the outdoors, or hosting a game night, these ideas help you create memorable experiences while sticking to a budget. Enjoy more, spend less!
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FAQ
What are some free activities for high school students?
Students can enjoy movie marathons, DIY crafts, hiking, game nights, and volunteering, all for free or very little cost.
How can I have fun without spending money?
Explore free options like visiting local parks, starting a book club, volunteering, or attending community events.
What are some cheap ways to hang out with friends?
Host a potluck picnic, organize a game night, or plan a themed costume party. These activities are affordable and fun.
How do I plan a low-cost event?
Choose a simple theme, have guests bring snacks, and use DIY decorations. A movie marathon or karaoke night can be planned at little to no cost.
What indoor activities can I do on a budget?
Try cooking together, building a blanket fort, or having a DIY craft day. These indoor options are inexpensive and enjoyable.
How can I find free local events?
Check school calendars, community boards, and social media for free concerts, art shows, or school games.
How can I be creative without spending too much?
Use recycled materials for crafts, chalk the sidewalk, or start a YouTube channel. Creativity can be affordable.
What’s the best way to host a cheap game night?
Ask friends to bring their favorite games and snacks. You can also play free online games or classics like charades.
What are some budget-friendly outdoor activities?
Biking, hiking, and geocaching are fun outdoor activities that don’t require much money.
How can I save money on entertainment?
Use free streaming services, visit museums on free days, and enjoy at-home karaoke or talent shows with friends.
