Harry Potter The Moives

Even on a budget, no one wants to renounce having fun. Unfortunately, entertainment is one of the expenditures most people cut back on when trying to save money. Entertainment need not cost a bundle, however, and there are many ways to have frugal fun and still enjoy yourself. Thinking of how to save money on entertainment but still want to enjoy yourself to the maximum? Here are a few tips to try to help trim your entertainment expenditures but still preserve your social life.

Rent movies from the local library. The local library is full of fun resources such as books, magazines, cds and dvds, so borrow them instead of buying them or renting them.

Trade stuff with friends. If you have a movie a friend wants and he or she has a book you're dying to read, just swap it. Ask your friends if they have what you are looking for before you fork out the cash to buy it. Trading films can also translate to fun movie nights, where you can watch and see films with your friends without paying an admission fee and ridiculous concession stand prices.

Buy movie or show tickets to preview shows, matinees, and dress rehearsals instead of opening night or weekends spectacles. If you can't resist seeing a live play, show or film, then purchase these cheaper option tickets and view the same performance for less.

Host dinner parties and potlucks. If you're used to going out for dinner with friends, host dinner parties at your place and have everyone bring something or cook together as a group. Not only will you improve your cooking skills and learn excellent homemade recipes, but you can still mingle and sample various foods for a fraction of the cost. The ambiance is potentially far more informal and fun than a restaurant.

Get craftsy. Arts and crafts are excellent entertaining options to explore, and many local community centres offer free crafts shows or lessons. If you have children, take up a craft or form of art together and make it a bonding experience.

Take advantage of local, natural scenery. Thankfully parks, beaches, conservation areas and campgrounds are still admission-free ground. The perfect place to play sports, nothing makes an afternoon more relaxing or entertaining than the great outdoors.

Check out free cultural events or special festivals in your town. In both summer and winter, municipalities often offer free shows or special events of some sort. Your next ticket to free concerts, fairs and workshops and exhibits could be free and just around the corner.

Play board games. Love playing games but reluctant to drop so much cash at arcades? Rediscover classic board games instead! Board games guarantee hours of fun and can be a great nightly entertainment option at someone's place after a hearty dinner or round of drinks.

Order either dinner, drinks or dessert but never all three. If you must maintain your pricey restaurant social event habit, try to shave some dollars off the bill by eating at home and then going for a drink, or treating yourself to just a crepe but not dinner. Choose to dine during the afternoon or weekdays to save a few extra dollars.

Register for discount programs or loyalty cards. Many amusement parks and entertainment chains offer loyalty or discount cards so you can redeem points for a free admission or discount.

Sign up for email notifications and look for coupons on line. Your local bowling alley, bars, restaurants, tours, arcades, cinemas and amusement parks may offer special coupons online or email alerts about bonus savings night, so have savings emailed right to your inbox for cheap fun.