Here are a few entertaining activities that have helped me stay within my budget and kept me from becoming a hermit since deciding to tighten my purse strings a few months ago.

1. Hiking and a picnic- Hiking is free, healthy, and energizing. Just pack up a lunch to take along and you’re set.
2. Museum tours - Some museums are free or offer discounts on specific days.
3. Movie night - Watch a movie with a few friends and have a potluck dinner. If everyone brings something then this is guaranteed to be a low cost event.
4. Wine tastings - Wine stores have been popping up all over the place in the past few years. Most stores offer reasonably priced tasting. Silverlake Wine Store in L.A. offers three tasting during the week ranging from $8-$20 per person.
5. Farmers markets -I love looking at all the fresh produce. I usually bring $20 with me to buy just a few items. I can spend a couple of hours wandering through a good market. If I limit the amount of cash I bring, I won’t go overboard.

Are there any frugal activities you recommend?