By Linda Selle


Even on a budget, no one wants to renounce having fun. Unfortunately, entertainment is one of the expenditures most people cut back on when trying to save money. Entertainment need not cost a bundle, however, and there are many ways to have frugal fun and still enjoy yourself. Thinking of how to save money on entertainment but still want to enjoy yourself to the maximum? Here are a few tips to try to help trim your entertainment expenditures but still preserve your social life.

Rent movies from the local library. The local library is full of fun resources such as books, magazines, cds and dvds, so borrow them instead of buying them or renting them.

Trade stuff with friends. If you have a movie a friend wants and he or she has a book you're dying to read, just swap it. Ask your friends if they have what you are looking for before you fork out the cash to buy it. Trading films can also translate to fun movie nights, where you can watch and see films with your friends without paying an admission fee and ridiculous concession stand prices.

Look for cheaper show tickets. Inevitably no one can be expected to give up live entertainment, so if you do want to see theater, performance, musicals, operas, or movies, look for cheap ticket options in the form of matinee, preview show and dress rehearsal rates.

Host dinner parties and potlucks. If you're used to going out for dinner with friends, host dinner parties at your place and have everyone bring something or cook together as a group. Not only will you improve your cooking skills and learn excellent homemade recipes, but you can still mingle and sample various foods for a fraction of the cost. The ambiance is potentially far more informal and fun than a restaurant.

Explore arts and crafts. Arts and crafts are great, low-priced activities that can be quite fun and turn into very rewarding hobbies. If you have children, invite them to explore their artistic side with you.

Play sports and enjoy the great outdoors. Parks, beaches and campgrounds are still admission free territory and guarantee hours of entertainment and are a great way to spend a relaxing weekend.

Check out free cultural events or special festivals in your town. In both summer and winter, municipalities often offer free shows or special events of some sort. Your next ticket to free concerts, fairs and workshops and exhibits could be free and just around the corner.

Play board games. Love playing games but reluctant to drop so much cash at arcades? Rediscover classic board games instead! Board games guarantee hours of fun and can be a great nightly entertainment option at someone's place after a hearty dinner or round of drinks.

Order either dinner, drinks or dessert but never all three. If you must maintain your pricey restaurant social event habit, try to shave some dollars off the bill by eating at home and then going for a drink, or treating yourself to just a crepe but not dinner. Choose to dine during the afternoon or weekdays to save a few extra dollars.

Sign up for loyalty cards or discount programs for different amusement parks. Many amusement parks offer various discount or loyalty cards that can be redeemed for free admission tickets. Use your points for free admission. Take advantage of group rates when going somewhere and go out with a big gang.

Opt in for email notifications about entertainment specials and source out coupons online. The internet is a great way to find online coupons for bowling alleys, bars, restaurants, pool halls, arcades, tours and films. Sign up for email notifications and have special discount nights and vouchers delivered straight to your inbox.




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