Shadow Puppets

Here’s an activity that doesn’t require any money, just your hands, a light source and a little creativity. The light source could be the sun, a window, flashlight, lamp or projector. Hands are fine, or you could get creative by using props around the house, or paper cutouts on sticks. Take it to another level and challenge others to a “best of” contest, or create an entire play around the characters and objects you make. Project them on a blank wall or ceiling inside the house, or a hanging sheet in the backyard. Change out the light bulb to a funky color and you have a whole new level of fun.

The $25 Thrift Store Challenge

Here’s a challenge that’s both fun with friends or on your own. Give yourself one day and $25 cash. Hit the thrift stores in the area looking for a complete outfit that you would actually wear. You’ll be surprised what you can find as you rifle through the racks of clothes and accessory bins. If friends are involved, ask them for feedback throughout the day, OR keep your purchases a secret until the end of the day, when you reveal your completed outfits to each other in an impromptu fashion show complete with runway music.

Stand Up | Crack Up

Are you funny? No, really. Do you have the gift of making people laugh? If so, consider trying out for a gig at your local comedy club. If you’re still in school, perhaps showcase your gift at a talent show, birthday party or holiday gathering. Shoot your performances and upload the videos to a YouTube channel. Push yourself to write material that is not only funny, but relatable, family-friendly and appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Paint the Town Red

Often called Paint the Town or Wet Canvas Auctions, these events happen around town on a designated day. Artists set up their easels and paint a scene of their choosing. Passersby engage with the artists and watch intently as the artwork takes shape. Later that night, artists donate their creations to a silent auction, wet canvas and all. These events bring awareness, much needed funds, and new students to area art schools, as well as new members to museums, art organizations and galleries. Consider participating as an artist, buyer or both.

Get My Drift?

You’ll squeal like a schoolgirl as you barrel down a snowy mountain at breakneck speed, catching air, clinging to the side of an inner tube. The steeper the hill, the faster you’ll fly! Tubing is an exercise in letting go, since trying to steer this oversized rubber “donut” is futile when gravity takes over. Ski resorts dedicate areas and times for these exhilarating runs, but if you set out to do this on your own, be sure to find a place free and clear of obstacles with a long, flat landing strip at the bottom to slow down (or else you and your tube may have the misfortune of meeting a tree!) 

A Stroke of the Pen

A random note can be just what’s needed to turn around someone’s bad day, or the perfect way to say thank you or I love you. Let your friends, coworkers and family members know you appreciate them, just because. A simple post-it note in an unexpected place will suffice—on a bathroom mirror, refrigerator door or bed pillow, inside a locker, lunch box or laptop. A thoughtful message is sure to be well-received no matter how it’s delivered or where it’s found. So get creative!

Somefin' Fun

Just a few inches below the water’s surface—steps from a beach or off a boat in the middle of the ocean—you’ll be transported to another world. Schools of fish will jet passed you in perfect unison while Martian-like creatures linger around long enough to check you out. Coral reefs and shipwrecks are your best bet for scoring the most beautiful and diverse marine life. Snorkeling is a cheaper alternative to scuba diving as it doesn’t require lessons or pricey equipment. 

Duck!

Although this “throwing stick” has an historical use for hunting, today it’s known mostly for recreation. If you throw a Boomerang incorrectly, you might be chasing it like a dog. If you throw it correctly, and it finds its way back to you, you may be ducking to avoid decapitation. Boomerang tournaments test competitors’ distance, accuracy and speed, while also showcasing tricks and techniques. But you can just find a wide open space and try it out for yourself! 

Belles and Bumblebees

Pet owners fall into two camps when it comes to dressing their furry friends. Some would never subject their pets to such humiliation. Others think dressing their Bulldog as a giant bumble bee, their cat as the Belle of the Ball or their gerbil as Little Miss Riding Hood is beyond adorable or downright hilarious. If you fall into the second camp, why not enter or host a Pet Costume Contest in your neighborhood?

Scenic Drive

Sometimes the journey far outweighs the final destination. We are blessed in America to have some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the world. We have sandstone and red rock formations, stately Redwood forests, mountain ranges that climb to ear-popping heights, open plains, farm land and big sky country. We have bridges that span for miles over oceans, and highways that hug pebble sand beaches and white knuckle cliffs. And don’t forget the seasonal show put on every fall when the leaves change to red and orange. So consider a drive for your next trip. 

Chasing Food Trucks

Food trucks have come a long way since the Good Humor Man and they are all the rage. You can find any type of cuisine, from the novice chef just starting out their career to the decorated restaurateur who wants to drive traffic back to their brick and mortar location. You’re bound to score some delicious fare at reasonable prices. Dumplings? Korean Barbecue? Schnitzel? Maine Lobsta’? There’s a truck for every palette. Track trucks through Twitter. Now, try saying THAT five times fast.