Girls' Night Out: 10 Ideas For Fun That Won't Break The Bank

One can have fun out with the girls and not break the bank. Years ago, an acquaintance of mine was going broke in NYC because her pals only met up for dinner at pricey restaurants. They split the bill evenly so Mandy was funding filet mignon for others when she was ordering salad. This got me thinking about how to have an active social life while having plenty of cash left over for my passion in life, travel.

Ditch the expensive restaurants or go there occasionally for lunch. Tally up your share and add 25% which includes tax and tip when presented with one bill for the group. I just put my money in and do not participate when someone tries to make all pay the same price. It is not advanced math to do this simple calculation which is fairer. Some upscale grocery stores have a nice buffet with plenty of tables both inside and out. I occasionally meet friends there.
Meet your friends at a coffee shop for lattes instead of lunch. One orders at the counter and pays individually which is simpler. Those that want delectable food can get it. Another alternative is to meet pals in a Starbucks that seem to pop up in many grocery and discount stores and do your shopping together.
Go to a reasonable nail salon for pedicures. The owners can often accommodate around six people for pedicures and charge a great price. We like the coffee shop a few doors down and sometimes combine these two indulgences.
There are some free lectures in town and great plays at a nearby college. Nice that the student center has a coffee shop which serves lattes. Check with the chamber of commerce for free community events from concerts, craft fairs to the annual tree lighting on the green. I’ve gone to a few high school plays that have been outstanding.
Watch DVDs and have a potluck at someone’s house. One friend has a small art studio which is perfect for these movie nights. This group of friends was so nurturing to my sons during my divorce and beyond. Sometimes we do quick meditations before the movie which gets me back on track.
Go to a class together. My Zumba one only charges $5.00 and my Qigong one is close in price. I took a few non-credit cooking classes with a friend on Saturdays at our community college for not much in cost. We had a lot of laughs at our lack of cooking skills.
Go on evening walks with a neighbor or join a hiking group. Getting out in nature lowers your stress hormone cortisol and you become more fit for free. One friend meets others to go snowshoeing when it snows. Some neighbors with dogs plan their walks at the same time and enjoy the company.
Go gallery hopping when they are all open on designated nights. Often there are nibbles and wine in a festive atmosphere. I walk around downtown with friends and enjoy the quirky shops. Stroll around the Farmers’ Market or craft shows. They are free, and it is fun to do a little shopping there too.
Volunteer with friends. One MeetUp.com group has weekly volunteer opportunities and people have some fun while helping others. Some folks I know have felt fulfilled working with others building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Select an area of interest and see if some buddies will join you.
Go to a movie which is only $10.00 if you do not pig out on popcorn, drinks, etc. We have a locally owned cinema which is a gem with low ticket prices. They have a latte machine and low cost bakery treats. My24 year-old son enjoys a beer with the movie and is amenable to accompanying me if my friends are busy.

Be creative and you can have a blast with friends for little cash. There are ethnic fairs with lively music, great food with the added bonus of feeling like you are on vacation.

Bon voyage!

How do you have fun with your friends?

photo credit: Salon via photopin (license)