Pennsylvania is known for the big cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but did you know that the vast majority of the commonwealth is made up of smaller towns? There are 959 boroughs and 1,546 townships in PA, and many of them have a population of 5,000 or under.
There are plenty of fun things to do in a small town. If you live in one of these places, here are ten imaginative and engaging activities you can take part in.
1. Grow a Garden
Those who live in small towns often have some land on their property. Start a garden to improve your family’s produce consumption, save money on food, get physical activity, and enjoy seeing the results of your labor as plants grow. Consider trying some of these foods to get a good return on investment of your time.
2. Gaze at the Stars
Stepping outside at night affords you an amazing sight in a small town, where city lights don’t get in the way of your view of the sky. Invest in an astronomy book to help you find the constellations and learn more about what you’re seeing. Keep an eye out for dates of meteor showers and other special events to take advantage of your uninterrupted view.
3. Build With Your Children
If you have kids, you know how much they like to build things. Put those instincts to work and focus on a family project you can all contribute to in your backyard. Ideas for building might include:
- Dirt track for remote-control cars
- Tree fort
- Fairy garden
4. Start a Neighborhood Game Night
You know all those games you have sitting in a closet gathering dust? Put them to good use. Contact a few neighbors and begin a neighborhood game night.
You could have one set of games for the adults and one for the kids, so everyone is included. Ask people to bring snacks and get those competitive juices flowing.
5. Plan a Tea Time for Close Pals
Tea time used to be a chance for people to catch up and unwind. They would sip their tea and indulge in a few sweets while discussing the events of the day. Reinstate this tradition by asking a few friends over on a weekend afternoon. Tea should be served in the afternoon, midway between lunch and dinner, accompanied by a few light refreshments such as:
- Scones
- Shortbread cookies
- Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches
6. Raise a Pet
A new pet will require investments such as a new cage, food, and toys. Be sure to schedule an initial veterinarian checkup to start your pet off on the right paw, health-wise.
While the upfront and ongoing costs of a pet aren’t always cheap, pets can encourage you to get outside by going for walks, get active by playing games, and help teach children responsibility by introducing chores related to pet care.
If you’re not ready to make a long-term commitment to a pet, some rescues and animal shelters look for short-term foster homes while pets wait to be adopted.
7. Find a Farmers Market
Not all small towns are in the country, but most are within easy driving distance of a farm or farmers market. You can often find delicious produce when you visit one of these places. Perhaps it’s a roadside stand a few miles from home, or maybe your town square hosts farmers every weekend during the summer and fall. Ask friends where they go to find the best farmers market. Other benefits of buying from farmers markets include:
- Lower prices than a grocery store on in-season produce
- Decreasing your carbon footprint by buying local
- Exceptional taste and flavor from produce plucked out of the ground within the past few days
8. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Small towns are known for being homey and friendly, but the people who live in them are just as busy as those who live in big cities. Because of this, you may not have taken the time to get to know your neighbors other than giving them a friendly “hello” when you check your mail.
Why not invite them over for dinner and some real conversation? Then put some effort into making a nice feast — perhaps with some of the ingredients you picked up at the farmers market.
9. Head Downtown
When you’ve lived somewhere for a while, sometimes you begin to take for granted all the neat things at your fingertips. When was the last time you walked down Main Street? Have any shops opened since then?
Take a stroll through your town and open yourself up to a new experience. Head into a business you’ve never been to or check out the new coffee shop. You may just strike up an interesting conversation with a merchant, too.
10. Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors
Small, rural towns create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor activities! Create a family scavenger hunt by setting up hidden clues or treasures throughout nature for your kids to find.
If you live near a river or lake, go fishing or boating. Buy binoculars and explore a nearby forest to observe birds or animals.
Enjoy These Moments of Small-Town Living
Now you know what to do in a small town when you want to liven up your weekend or connect with more people. Add your own ideas based on your particular town’s geography or offerings. You can enjoy most of these ideas without spending a lot of money. Remember, you can find more money management tips and resources on our WalletWorks page.