While we might be shaking off the winter blues, shaking off the pinch of inflation, higher costs of living and all-around tightened purse strings may not be so easy – but that’s no reason to stay in your winter cocoon. There are plenty of opportunities for low-cost fun to be had both in your own backyard and in the local community. It’s sometimes just a matter of shifting your perspective, playing tourist in your town or city, or simply making the most of opportunities you might usually overlook. We’re proving that budget restrictions and fun restrictions don’t need to go hand in hand with 10 of the best ways to enjoy this spring on a shoestring.

1. Step out into the sunshine and get moving

Heading outdoors and exploring by foot or bike will boost your happiness hormones and give you the added benefits of rebooting sluggish winter digestive systems and regulating your oh-so-valuable sleep. And it doesn’t need to cost you a cent! Either dig out some sturdy walking shoes and hit some of Australia’s top walking or hiking spots with a friend, or dust off your wheels and helmet (or borrow some from a friend) and cruise a local bike path. If you’re feeling a little more flush with funds, explore more of your city renting an electric bike or scooter. These motorised bad boys are one of the best ways to explore a city efficiently whilst also moving your body (if you opt for the bike version).

2. Sow the seeds for a bountiful summer

This may seem like a typical spring suggestion; however, beyond the optimal timing of getting your garden in order ahead of the peak growing season, you’ll reap much more than just the relatively affordable seeds you sow. Getting in the garden and establishing a small vegetable patch gives you an often much-needed chance to regularly reconnect with nature, a quiet and mindful space to slow down, and, after winter, a dose of the sunshine – vitamin D – essential for optimal health. And, of course, you’ll benefit from the significant cost savings of having delicious organic produce just a few steps from your kitchen.

3. Support and enjoy your local markets

Supporting your local growers and makers can make a real difference in people’s lives and the local economy, so instead of dreading your weekly supermarket shop, switch things up and make this mostly mundane chore an event you look forward to! Visiting local farmer’s markets for fresh produce and homemade goodies often comes with cost savings, and you’ll also usually be served up a side of good banter. This idle chat is great for strengthening your connections with your community, and you’ll benefit from the release of mood-boosting and stress-reducing endorphins.

4. Add local events and festivals to your diary

A great way to enjoy a fun day without spending a fortune is to seek out and attend local (or nearby) community events and festivals. Many of these are free to attend (but you’ll pay for the irresistible food options), making them a fantastically frugal way to spend your day. It’s always interesting to try new things, too, so challenge yourself to head to something that’s not your typical cup of tea and see what unfolds! Like markets, these events are an excellent opportunity to connect with your local community. If you’re feeling altruistic, you can even volunteer your time at a local event – which is both fulfilling and fun.

5. Ramp up your chef skills

Dining out may have taken a back seat, but saving money and serving up a treat for your tastebuds is still possible – it just takes a bit of good old-fashioned DIY. Learning to cook delectable meals from scratch is a satisfying process and also allows you to inject healthier, more nutrient-dense ingredients into your meals. If you’re a takeaway lover, try recreating Aussie chef Rob Nixon’s take on an iconic Hungry Jack Whopper burger, or crack KFC’s 11 secret herbs and spices and make original fried chicken at home. If the joy of eating your creations isn’t enough, studies have shown that learning a new skill like cooking can benefit your mental health, too.

6. Indulge in the arts
The arts offer us the space to let our minds wander and imagine, and some of the best places to see great art are in museums and galleries. Most (but not all) museums and galleries are free to enter, while bespoke exhibitions often come ticketed. Outside of exploring your local museums and galleries, there are some particular exhibits worth noting on your calendar across October. At MONA in Hobart, check out the thought-provoking Namedropping exhibition, the landmark Pharoah exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, Brent Harris’ Surrender & Catch exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia, or The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) at the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art.

 7. Challenge yourself to try something new
Spring is a time of rebirth and growth, so snap out of those old routines and get ‘unstuck.’ Whether you’re the culprit of placing the same takeaway order every Friday night, doing your groceries at the same supermarket every Sunday or taking the same route on your weekly walk, challenge yourself to switch things up a little, and you’ll feel the fresh energy flow. While this doesn’t have to be anything major (you could just swap your usual chicken fried rice for tofu fried rice), it’s a fun way to inject interest and new joy into your regular routines without costing an extra cent.

8. Satisfy your inner child

There’s nothing quite like the pure joy that kids discover daily – and often, it’s found in a simple activity that has them claiming it’s “the best day ever.” Cast your mind back, reconnect with what regularly brought you happiness as a kid, and give it a go. It might be a trip to the milk bar to pick up a mixed bag of lollies, swinging on the monkey bars, swimming in the sea, crafting with some clay, or kicking a ball around at the park with friends. Whatever it may be, it’s unlikely it costs the earth or involves a lot of commitment, but it will likely bring you a day of child-like joy!

9. Organise a backyard potluck or picnic
Embrace the spring weather with a backyard dinner or picnic in the park with friends – minus the hosting burden. A potluck arrangement means everyone brings their favourite dish to share (or you can allocate them a category like salad or dessert), so there’s plenty of food to go around, but organising or hosting it won’t break the bank. Pair your soiree with uncomplicated, cost-effective entertainment like charades, a friendly football tournament, a quiz or some of YouTube’s finest karaoke.

10. Local wanderlust

Travelling and exploring the world is a memorable, life-altering experience, but with flights, insurance and accommodation in the mix, the costs can really stack up. An often overlooked but fantastic (and affordable) alternative is to pack up the car, get your road trip tunes sorted and wander the roads less travelled on a great Australian road trip this spring. We’re lucky to have some of the best road trip routes in the world on our doorstep – there’s guaranteed to be sights, wonders and swooning aplenty!

Find that spring in your step

This spring, instead of seeking out the latest and greatest, focus on injecting fresh fun into the sometimes ordinary. Try something new, explore somewhere new, do what your heart desires, and enjoy the little things in life. And maybe then, not only will the days be brighter, but you will be, too. If your key to happiness requires a bigger household change, speak to First National Real Estate. Your local property expert will provide guidance and support towards finding a property that will surely put a spring in your step.

DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.