9 Things to Do Instead of Dining Out

Feb 4

Having a delicious meal is just the icing on the cake — the real treat is spending time with friends, family or going on an exciting date. Social outings keep us connected by growing relationships, but there are so many things to do with friends and others in your inner circle than spending money at a restaurant.

Here are some ways to have fun without dining out.

Things to do with friends

Be the one to make plans with your friends and get inspired by trying something new like these ideas.

1. Take a workout class

Take a class at a local gym or workout studio. Depending on your location, daily rates to use a gym can range from $12 to $30 per session for classes like yoga, spin or high-intensity interval training.

Trying to save money? Alternatively, you can find routines online which involve mainly bodyweight training that requires no added costs to your workout. You might be surprised by how quickly you bond with friends during a motivating, but challenging workout session.

2. Spend time outside

Explore different neighborhoods in your city that you’ve never thought of visiting. Some examples include visiting a scenic park or walking trail for some fresh air. If you’re tired of being cooped up inside, getting outside with a friend is a great way to broaden your view and, best of all, it can be entirely free!

Not sure how to make the most of the outdoors? Here’s are a few ideas:

Have a picnic and bring lawn games, like bocce, frisbee or croquet.
Split the price of a national park pass which is about $35 for a daily pass.
Do an urban stair climb
Go on a group dog walk or coordinate a dog park meet-up

Many towns also offer a walking tour of its historic districts. Find one that’s available where you live. If that’s not an option, collaborate with friends and create your own walking tour based on everyone’s shared interests!

3. Learn a new skill

There is no time like the present to try your hand at learning a new skill than with friends. Added to the fun of challenging yourself to do something new is the excitement of achieving a goal together.

Take a look at what is offered by your municipality and businesses or nonprofits in your area. For example, you could elevate your cooking skills with a class that teaches you culinary basics on how to prepare a five-course meal. Expect to pay around $45 an hour or $25 to $100 for a deep-dive class.

Impress your mother by graduating from microwave macaroni (as delicious as this is!) to making meals that bring your crew together.

Meaningful family activities

Bring the family together with some family activities that are fun and exciting, and challenge those sibling rivalries to new levels.

4. Volunteer together

Find a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, and hand out clothing or food, to people desperately in need. Doing this as a family is a profound bonding moment while helping you feel a stronger connection to your community. Volunteering typically doesn’t have a large cost associated with it unless you need to pay for a background check or uniforms.

5. Start a hobby

Get active as a family by finding an activity that you all enjoy. Developing a hobby as a family can be rewarding for many years and gives you a common basis of enjoyment as you go through different life stages.

Not sure what hobby to try? If you’re financially constrained, look for one that doesn’t require high upfront expenses. Many community organizations offer free activity days or family sports days. Look in your area to find an activity you can take on as your family hobby.

6. Try an escape room

Challenge your problem-solving skills and work together in an escape room instead of just going out for dinner. Escape rooms are themed, real-life puzzles where you need to work as a unit to solve clues and accomplish timed tasks to “escape” the game.

The average cost for a group of four to eight people costs about $25 to $30 per person. People love escape rooms because it’s an engaging environment where you’re forced to put the cell phone down for an hour and be completely immersed in the game.

Fun date ideas

Ditch the status quo dinner and a movie or coffee date and try one of these fun date ideas to get to know each other better or spice up your love life.

7. Do a photoshoot

If the only pictures of you and your partner are selfies, self-timed photos on your cell phone, or taken by the waiter at your last dinner date, plan a unique photoshoot date.

PhotoSesh is one way to help you organize a shoot, and easily find photographers in your area on-demand. The platform operates on your schedule and can connect you with a photographer at an affordable price. Generally, prices fall between $30 to $75 an hour. You can also search for photography services on Groupon or Instagram for deals in your area.

8. Go to a museum or gallery

Get cultured by learning about the new exhibits in an art gallery or museum. Many large galleries and museums are free to walk through, although some smaller galleries may charge up to $20 per adult.

Some paid galleries do offer free days or special shows so be sure to look out for these, too. It’s fun to see, interact and take photos with the exhibits while getting to know each other and enjoying the company of a romantic interest.

9. Get massages

Go into deep relaxation with a couples massage night. A couple’s massage can be expensive — normally the hourly rate is around $120 per person, or $220 total, not including tip.

You might be able to find deals online, or see if there are masseuse training schools in your city that offer services at discounted rates. A couple’s massage is a great way to connect with your partner while also taking time for deep self-care.

The Financial Gym Team