Entertainment on the Cheap

My friend Katie recently shared with me a list of entertainment ideas that she and her husband have been doing to save money. I think it's a great list -- thanks, Katie! 

Do you have any ideas not listed here? Let us know!

• Break out the board games! Scrabble, Monopoly -- even Pictionary -- can provide hours of entertainment and together time. Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition, either. 
• Plan for year-round fun. Katie bought the Austin Calendar at Book People ($16). It lists all the fun things happening in Austin each month (festivals, marathons, special events, etc.) A lot of those activities are free. If you're not in Austin, I bet there's something similar in your area -- check with your local book store. 
• Dust off that library card. Katie and her husband are avid readers, and by utilizing the local library they can save money, be green and feed their need to read! Don't forget the library as a source of FREE DVD "rentals" as well (just get 'em back on time). 
• Keep fit -- for free. Check for free classes that might be offered at your gym. Katie and her friends like to hit her gym's free yoga class as a way to socialize and maintain good health. And I've recently discovered Exercise TV on Demand -- channel 1431 on Time Warner Cable. They have great workouts -- Pilates, yoga, fat burning, "Biggest Loser", 10-minute, 20-minute -- you name it. All for free (I am paying the cost of cable, but it's nothing additional). Tip: Check out the yoga classes at Ruta Maya coffee shop -- free with a purchase from the cafe. I just checked the calendar and there is a free class 6 days a week! 
• Spice up your dinners at home. Rather than eating out, try some new recipes (millions available for free on the Internet) from your own kitchen. Turn off the TV, sit at a nicely set table and enjoy a meal with your loved one. 
• Eat local. Katie plans to attend the Farmer's Market held on-site at a local area farm. It's a great way to eat fresh, in-season fruits and veggies, while supporting local businesses. Not to mention a nice way to spend an afternoon. 
• Take your kid on a date. This is my suggestion, but Ruta Maya coffee shop hosts FREE kids' shows on Sunday mornings at 10:30. They feature musicians, puppeteers, magicians, etc., that kids love. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can get out of the house for a couple of hours and your kids can enjoy some entertainment and the company of dozens of people their size. Tip: Get there early to get a seat -- these shows are popular! 

[See also the restaurant deals post.] 

Have fun out there!