Whether you’re waiting for payday, cutting expenses, or just looking to enjoy life without spending a dime, this list has you covered. There have been so many times in life when I have been homeless and broke, but there are still ways to make the most out of the life you have today.

You can choose to improve yourself. I have learned so many new skills and reinvented myself multiple times, even while broke.

🧠 Self-Improvement & Learning

1. Read free eBooks on Project Gutenberg, Libby, or your local library app
2. Learn a new skill with YouTube tutorials
3. Start a journal or blog (like this one!. There are several ways you can get a blog up for free.
4. Explore free courses on Coursera, Khan Academy, or edX. I have taken 2 certificates from Harvard University using edX.
5. Practice meditation or mindfulness. There are several YouTube videos to show you the way.
6. Create a vision board with what you already own. Grab those old magazines.
7. Organize your digital files and photos
8. Try Duolingo to learn a new language
9. Write poetry, short stories, or songs
10. Set personal goals and plan your dream life. All it takes is a piece of paper.

For me the next bunch on the list is my happy place. Getting out in nature settles the heart and mind and is great for your soul.

🌿 Outdoors & Nature

11. Go for a walk in a new neighborhood. If you live in a city like Toronto, there is always a new place to explore.
12. Hike a local trail. I am blessed and have a trail just a few blocks from home.
13. Visit a botanical garden like Allan Gardens here in Toronto. It’s free.
14. Watch the sunset or sunrise
15. Go bird-watching. Grab a book from the library to teach you the basics.
16. Try urban foraging (check local laws!)
17. Picnic in a park with homemade snacks
18. Collect rocks, leaves, or flowers for DIY crafts
19. Stargaze with a free sky app. My favourite is Stellarium.
20. Volunteer for a community cleanup

Over the years, I have had many hobbies; right now, I love taking photos of flowers as I walk. I am also learning how to do watercolour.

🎨 Creativity & DIY

21. Sketch, paint, or color
22. Make a collage from old magazines
23. Rearrange your room or furniture
24. Repurpose old clothes into something new
25. Make homemade gifts or cards
26. Try origami
27. Decorate jars or containers
28. Create memes just for fun
29. Build a playlist of your all-time favorite songs. I have several lists on Spotify.
30. Record a podcast episode with your thoughts

Time with others is always a good thing.

👯‍♀️ Social & Fun

31. Host a potluck with friends
32. Swap books, clothes, or skills
33. Play board games or cards
34. Start a neighborhood scavenger hunt
35. Have a themed movie night
36. Try a TikTok trend or challenge
37. Learn a dance routine together
38. Plan a “fakecation” with travel videos and themed food
39. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
40. Start a group challenge (fitness, reading, kindness, etc.)

You can always find something to do right at home. When was the last time that closet or junk drawer was cleaned?

🏡 Around the House

41. Deep clean one area of your home. When was the last time you did your closet?
42. Upcycle old items
43. Fix something that’s been broken for ages
44. Cook something new from pantry ingredients
45. Make your cleaning supplies
46. Plant seeds in recycled containers
47. Try out different fashion combos from your closet
48. Take inventory of what you have
49. Create your spa night with DIY masks
50. Host a free movie marathon

Recently, I attended a free festival in Toronto and 2 pop-ups. Here in Toronto, you can always find something free to do.

🎧 Entertainment

51. Watch documentaries on YouTube
52. Discover free podcasts
53. Listen to free audiobooks
54. Watch free concerts or virtual tours online. During the pandemic, I did so many free online tours and watched at least 20 concerts.
55. Join a fan group online
56. Binge a public domain film
57. Find free games in app stores
58. Read webcomics
59. Stream shows using free trials
60. Attend local free events.

I am currently eight weeks post-bariatric surgery, so movement is a priority for me. You will find me walking most days and I also do breathing exercises daily.

🧘 Wellness & Movement

61. Do a home workout or yoga
62. Dance like nobody’s watching
63. Take mental health breaks
64. Try breathing exercises. There are some great videos on YouTube.
65. Stretch regularly
66. Make your own workout plan
67. Go on a walk while listening to a podcast
68. Try free fitness apps. My favourite the Nike Training App.
69. Take a nap—seriously underrated
70. Walk someone’s dog for free exercise and cuddles

Other things I do that are free include contesting. I have been blessed to win some great prizes over the years. I also am a freebie lover, and there are several sites here in Canada where you sign up and they will send you freebies or coupons.

🛍️ Frugal Hacks

71. Join freebie sites
72. Enter giveaways. Some make a real hobby of this and win big!
73. Use coupons for essentials
74. Download cash-back apps. Enter your receipts.
75. Browse free Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace listings
76. Sign up for birthday rewards from stores
77. Try barter apps or online swap groups
78. Take surveys for gift cards
79. Visit sample tables at events
80. Hunt for unclaimed money on government sites

Here in Toronto, there is much you can do and explore for free. Most of our museums have free hours. As well, Toronto is full of outdoor art, murals, and graffiti.

🔍 Discover & Explore

81. Visit local historical markers
82. Explore a museum on free-admission days
83. Go window shopping with zero intent to buy
84. Join free walking tours
85. Explore street art or murals
86. Wander through farmers’ markets
87. Check out university public lectures
88. Look for hidden gems in your town
89. Participate in community festivals
90. Find free networking events

Now, below are just some great things to do as a human, and they always leave you feeling better about yourself.

🌈 Feel-Good Freebies

91. Write kind notes and leave them around
92. Compliment strangers
93. Volunteer your time
94. Start a gratitude list
95. Feed birds or squirrels (safely!)
96. Leave positive reviews for places you love
97. Share your talents online
98. Help someone with a chore or errand
99. Donate unused items
100. Do nothing, and be okay with that

What are your favourite things to do that are free?