If weekdays are made for hustling, then weekends bring the chillwaves. But as Simply Red sings, “Money’s too tight to mention.”
Cash, or the lack thereof, shouldn’t stop you from seeing the world beyond your doorstep. Mother Nature, for one, doesn’t charge an entrance fee to experience her beauty and wonder.
And we’re not talking about training for your next ultra-marathon. No, we’re all about activities that bring the zen. So, let’s get cracking.
The Secret Ingredient: Bring on the Chill
Weekends should be less doing and more feeling.
Fire up the grill with the kids or stare at the ceiling while questioning life choices. Setting the mood makes all the difference between a dud weekend and one worth replicating.
Chilling out is an art form. Treat it as such, especially when paired with good food, music, and your favorite strain of cannabis products. Vibe Dispensary explains that premium weed can enhance whatever downtime you’ve carved out.
Be sure to purchase from a reputable dispensary, and always shop around for the best deals. Think of it as a shortcut to weekend serenity without the hangover or buyer’s remorse.
Even if you’re not indulging, the principle still applies: snacks + entertainment = happiness.
Dad-Friendly Activities That Don’t Cost a Fortune
Turns out you don’t need to be a cruise director to entertain yourself or your kids on the weekend.
The team at Country Living has a whole list of fun Father’s Day activities, but you don’t have to wait for June to steal a few ideas.
- Go fishing at a nearby pond. It’s basically free therapy with worms.
- Take a long walk or hike and let the kids “lead.” (Prepare for many detours and rock collections.)
- Have a backyard BBQ. Because nothing says “dad weekend” like standing over a grill, spatula in hand, pretending you’re Gordon Ramsay.
Bro Bonding Without the Bar Tab
Single guys, listen up: hanging out with your buddies doesn’t always have to mean overpriced IPAs and bar food that tastes suspiciously like cardboard.
PureWow suggests plenty of father-son trip ideas that double as solid “dude trips.” Think camping weekends, road trips to quirky towns, or a quick day trip to a state park.
Choose a nearby camping spot or national park. Draw up a fun itinerary that doesn’t require a trek up a mountain top that has you doubting your existence.
Pro tip: carpool, split costs, and suddenly you’ve got a weekend getaway without needing to sell a kidney on Craigslist.
Kick Back With a Backyard ‘Micro-Adventure’
Who says adventure has to be plane tickets and overpriced gas station snacks?
Sometimes the best trip is the 20-foot walk to your backyard or balcony. Grab a camping chair, your favorite beverage, and a speaker. Instant retreat!
Let the kids roast marshmallows over the grill (bonus: you get to eat the “burned” ones). String up fairy lights, tell ghost stories around the fire, and enrapture them with a PG version of your childhood without the R-rated backstories.
Rolling solo? Lean back and stargaze while contemplating life’s greatest mysteries, like why the “remain seated” sign is always on during your flight.
Couple Time That’s Fun for Both of You
Look, we’re not about Don Juan DeMarco vibes; put your shirt back on. Still, partners need special time alone, and weekends are a prime time to reconnect.
Forget the expensive steakhouse dinner or elaborate date night. Verywell Mind has ideas that are fun, budget-friendly, and sexy without trying too hard.
- Cook a meal together and see who can make the better playlist.
- Play a board game (yes, adults can still trash-talk over Monopoly).
- Go for a walk without kids in tow. Remember what that feels like?
A Taste of Vegas Without Losing Your Shirt
You’re an adult now, and besides, doing Vegas like a baddie is old bag. And unless you enjoy explaining to your bank account why you thought “roulette was a good investment,” Vegas weekends can get pricey fast.
Luckily, you can steal some of the more relaxing ideas from Cosmopolitan’s Vegas itinerary.
- Create your own spa night at home. Yes, a hot shower counts if you dim the lights and play spa music.
- Try a DIY cocktail (or mocktail) session.
- Put on a poker night with friends using spare change or candy as chips. Nobody loses, everybody wins.
Solo Missions
Not every weekend has to be a social escapade. Sometimes, going solo is the best gift you can give yourself.
Good Housekeeping points out that solo trips are on the rise. There’s no need to go full vacay mode. Plan a few staycations or a day trip a few hours outside the city.
Tap into your artistic side and visit a museum or art gallery. These spaces have changed in the last few decades and are more inclusive and alternative.
Go for a scenic drive, or explore that trail you keep saying you’ll try. You know what the best part is? There’s nobody to argue about directions or nagging to stop for potty breaks.
Cassia Rowley is the mastermind behind advertising at The Bad Pod. She blends creativity with strategy to make sure ads on our site do more than just show up—they spark interest and make connections. Cassia turns simple ad placements into engaging experiences that mesh seamlessly with our content, truly capturing the attention of our audience.