52 Fun Things To Do For Under 20 Dollars (or Pounds)
by OTL Team
When we're not looking for something to do, hundreds of ideas swirl around our heads, so we thought it would be handy to present 52 fun things to do for under 20 dollars (or pounds). Now you've got a pocket guide for things to do inspiration that doesn't drain your resources.
We've designated 20 dollars/pounds as a cap, but many of our suggestions are free. So, dedicate this year to shaking things up without shaking coins out of the jar!
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Food & Drink
Go Coffee or Tea Date
Have a cozy conversation at a local café with affordable beverages.
Cost: $5–10 per person
Visit a Local Brewery or Winery (Tasting Specials)
Some breweries and wineries offer affordable tasting options.
Cost: $5–15 per person
Farmer’s Market Stroll
Sample local goods, listen to live music, and pick up a treat or two.
Cost: $0–15
Happy‑Hour Appetizer Crawl
Visit a few places and only order happy‑hour specials to keep it cheap and fun.
Cost: $15–20
Try a New Cuisine on a Budget
Visit an affordable restaurant with dishes under $15 and share plates.
Cost: $15–20
Food‑Truck Sampling
Visit a food‑truck park and share a few small items from different vendors.
Cost: $15–20
Food‑Truck vs. Home‑Cooked Showdown
Buy one dish from a food truck, then try to recreate it at home and compare.
Cost: $15–20
Arts & Entertainment
Join OTL Seat Fillers
Low membership dues give you the opportunity to claim free pairs of show tickets when available.
Cost: $3.65 to $15.99 / £3.65 to £15.99 per month
Visit a Museum with Free or Discounted Days
Many museums have specific days or hours when admission is free or reduced.
Cost: $0–15
Visit a Local Library
Browse the shelves, attend a free workshop, or enjoy a cozy reading session.
Cost: $0
People Watch
Find a bustling spot and enjoy observing the local activity and people like you’re casting extras for a show.
Cost: $0
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt in the city to explore and discover new places and quirky landmarks.
Cost: $0
Take a Photography Walk
Explore the city and capture interesting moments with your cameras—instant artsy content.
Cost: $0
Visit a Local Sports Game
Catch an affordable outdoor sports game (high school, college, or minor league).
Cost: $5–15 per person
Attend a Local Event or Festival
Check out community calendars for free events, concerts, or festivals—great warm‑up for full seat‑filler nights out.
Cost: $0
Attend a Comedy Show (Open Mic Nights)
Laugh together at local open mic comedy nights; you might discover the next big name.
Cost: $0–20
Local Art Gallery Hop
Visit free or low‑cost galleries and pick a favorite piece in each one.
Cost: $0
Public Lecture or Book Talk
Look for free or low‑cost talks and author events at libraries, universities, or bookstores.
Cost: $0–5
Free or Cheap Live Music
Check out bar gigs or open mics with little or no cover; perfect for music‑loving seat‑fillers.
Cost: $0–15
Planetarium or Astronomy Night
Find a low‑cost show at a planetarium or astronomy club for an immersive night‑sky experience.
Cost: $5–20
Discount‑Day Aquarium Visit
Use off‑peak, local, or student discounts to visit an aquarium without blowing the budget.
Cost: $10–20
Lovin' Life in the UK
Explore a Free London or UK Museum
Take advantage of free‑entry institutions like the British Museum and many local museums across the UK.
Cost: £0
Walk Along London’s South Bank
Stroll beside the Thames, enjoy street performers, and stop for a budget‑friendly coffee.
Cost: £0–10
Visit a UK Botanical Garden or Park
Spend a day wandering through botanical gardens or grand parks; many are free or low‑cost.
Cost: £0–20
Trampoline Park Session
Book an hour at a trampoline park (such as Flip Out) for an energetic afternoon.
Cost: £10–15 per person
Canal‑Side Walk and Pub Stop
Walk along canals in cities like Birmingham or Manchester and end with a drink in a cozy pub.
Cost: £5–20
Budget River or Harbor Cruise (UK)
Look for short, affordable river trips such as Thames cruises that come in under £20.
Cost: £10–20
>> GREAT RESOURCE! Free Museums in London
Things To Do Outside
Explore a Park or Garden
Stroll through beautiful landscapes, have a picnic, and enjoy the fresh air.
Cost: $0–10 for food
Take a Walking Tour
Join a free walking tour to learn about the city’s history and architecture.
Cost: $0
Go Ice Skating (Seasonal)
Visit an outdoor ice skating rink during the winter months.
Cost: $5–15 for skate rental
Movie Night at the Park
Check for local park screenings during the summer or indie theatres with matinee or discount pricing.
Cost: $0–10
Go for a Bike Ride
Rent bikes or use your own to explore the city’s streets and trails.
Cost: $5–15 for bike rental
Stargazing in Dark Locations
Find dark spots away from city lights and admire the night sky; join stargazing clubs for a social twist.
Cost: $0
Explore a Village or Two
Take a scenic drive to nearby towns or attractions and enjoy cozy dining and unique one‑off shopping experiences.
Cost: $5–15 for gas
Local Hiking Adventure
Find a nearby trail, pack water and snacks, and enjoy the views.
Cost: $0–10
River, Lake, or Beach Day
Relax by the water, skim stones, or bring a book and snacks.
Cost: $0–15
Street‑Art or Mural Tour
Search for murals in your area, map them out, and take photos at each stop.
Cost: $0–10 for transport
Picnic with Frisbee or Ball Games
Pack simple snacks and play frisbee or catch in a park.
Cost: $5–15
Bird‑Watching in a Park or Nature Reserve
Bring binoculars if you have them and see how many species you can spot.
Cost: $0
Budget River or Harbor Cruise
In some cities, short river or harbor cruises are available for under $20/£20.
Cost: $10–20 / £10–20
Shake Things Up with Things To Do at Home
DIY Crafts
Engage in creative DIY crafts using inexpensive materials at home or from local craft stores.
Cost: $5–20
At‑Home Cook‑Off Challenge
Pick a theme and see who can make the best dish with a small grocery budget.
Cost: $10–20 for groceries
DIY Pizza Night
Buy simple ingredients and create your own custom pizzas at home.
Cost: $10–15
Board‑Game or Card‑Game Night
Play classic board games or card games and battle for bragging rights.
Cost: $0–15
At‑Home Spa Night
Face masks, foot soaks, and DIY treatments turn your place into a mini spa.
Cost: $5–15
Learn a New Dance from Videos
Use free online lessons, move the furniture, and try salsa, hip‑hop, or ballroom.
Cost: $0
DIY Home Photo Booth
Use a sheet as a backdrop, grab some props, and take fun photos with your phone.
Cost: $0–10
Puzzle or Building‑Set Night
Work together on a jigsaw puzzle or small building set while you chat.
Cost: $10–20
Themed Movie Marathon at Home
Pick a theme (rom‑coms, horror, 90s classics) and binge with homemade snacks.
Cost: $5–15
DIY Trivia Night
Use online trivia questions, form teams, and compete for silly prizes.
Cost: $0–10
Volunteer Together (Planning at Home, Doing Anywhere)
Sign up to help at a community event, garden, or shelter for a feel‑good, no‑cost activity.
Cost: $0
Library Movie or Game Borrowing Night
Borrow DVDs, games, or other media from the library and have a stay‑at‑home entertainment night.
Cost: $0
OTL Seat Fillers Pricing & Locations
US & UK Event Calendars (no seat filler status required)
Streaming's Great, But There Are Plenty More Things To Do!
Living a rich life doesn’t have to mean having deep pockets. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of London, finding a hidden trail in your local park, or turning your living room into a DIY pizza parlor, these 52 ideas prove that a little creativity goes a long way.
The best memories usually come from the experiences we share, not the amount we spend. So, grab your twenty bucks (or quid!), pick an idea from this list, and make something happen this week!
>> For more inspiration, visit our US & UK Event Calendars - they update in real-time!
