Updated on July 28, 2021
We get it – not everyone is a fan of crowds or setting off on faraway adventures. So, if you’re looking for something to do without being in a large group or venturing far from home, check out the budget-friendly options below.
If you live in Pennsylvania, you may know that outside trails are abundant across the state. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania is home to over 12,000 miles of trails. On DCNR’s website, you can search for trails near you and even sort by specific purpose, such as hiking or biking.
To get some quiet time to yourself, head to a local state park or forest close to home. There are both physical and mental health benefits to getting outside. Plus, there’s no cost associated with exploring a new trail and enjoying the great outdoors.
Make meal prep and dinnertime more fun by stepping out of your comfort zone and choosing new recipes to tackle.
When testing out a new recipe, customize it to fit your budget and preferences.
For instance, if you’re on a tight budget, you can challenge yourself to make a new creation out of the food you already have in your pantry. If you have a little money to spare, you can look up existing recipes online and add the ingredients to your grocery list. And if you have even more room in your budget, you can take advantage of local restaurants offering prepared do-it-yourself kits. Look into local businesses that have this option available, such as a pizza making kit from a pizzeria or a live-streamed cooking class from your favorite date night spot.
For even more fun, pair up with family and friends and do a group cooking class over your preferred video conferencing app so that you can prepare your meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. There are sure to be many laughs shared and memories made as you all work to independently master the recipe.
If you have kids at home, finding hands-on activities they can engage in is a helpful way to keep them entertained. But, if you’re like many parents, you may be frustrated by art projects and craft ideas that require very specific or hard-to-find supplies.
To keep activities light and enjoyable for everyone, look for ideas that can be made out of common household products. Consider making your own ice cream or bubbles. You can find out how in our Summer DIY Ideas for Families post. The ice cream requires a few common ingredients, such as sugar and salt, while the bubbles involve only water and dish soap.
As a bonus, if you’re looking for educational activities, you can check out our free downloadable youth worksheets, many of which include a “craft corner” or hands-on activity for your child to complete.
Having a group to analyze the latest page-turner with can help you stay on track with reading and exercise your mind. Plus, with all the video conferencing apps available, a book club can help you connect with others outside your household without having to leave home.
A book club can provide socialization in addition to an opportunity to discuss a book. In fact, you may end up talking about your lives and checking in with each other just as much as you talk about what you read!
If you prefer the comforts of home over going out, you may want access to manage your money the same way. If so, make sure you choose a financial institution like PSECU that allows you to access your account remotely. Our free digital tools, like mobile deposit, bill payer, and our mobile app, offer you control of your finances from home. Get started today.