21 Things To Do In Your Free Time

There’s nothing like a bit of downtime to help you relax and recharge.

But what about when you have spare time and don’t know what to do? Here are 21 fun and productive things to do in your free time.

Whether you’re looking for ways to entertain yourself, better yourself, or make extra money, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead and look – we promise you won’t be bored!

Best Things To Do In Your Free Time

Here are some ideas for when you’re wondering what to do in your free time.

1. Exercise

We all know that exercise is good for us, but it can be hard to find the motivation to get up and do it. If you have some free time, why not use it to get your body moving?

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring – there are plenty of ways to make it fun. You could go for a run in nature, go to a new workout class with a friend, or follow along with some exercise videos on YouTube. Whatever you do, be sure it’s something that interests you. If you enjoy the exercise, you’ll likely stick with it.

Getting exercise is one of the best things you can do with your free time because there are several benefits. Exercise can help improve your mental health, increase your lifespan, and even make you happier.

2. Read a Book

When was the last time you sat down with a good book? If it’s been a while, use some of your free time to catch up on reading. It doesn’t matter what you read – whether it’s the latest bestseller or an old classic, reading is a great way to relax and learn something new.

Not sure what to read next? Ask your friends or family for recommendations, look online for lists of popular books, or visit your local library. There are so many great titles, so take your time and find one that interests you.

Reading books can also be a great way to relax. Most of us are used to a fast-paced lifestyle, and taking time to read will provide a welcomed change of pace. If you’re looking for a way to unwind, reading is the perfect activity.

3. Take Online Surveys for Money

Did you know you can take online surveys and get paid for your opinion? It’s true – companies are always looking for consumer feedback, and they’re willing to pay for it.

There are several websites and apps for paid online surveys, including:

• Swagbucks ($10 signup bonus)
• InboxDollars ($5 signup bonus)
• Rakuten Insights
• Branded Surveys
• Survey Junkie

While you won’t get rich by taking online surveys, it’s a good way to earn extra cash in your free time. This is worth checking out if you’re looking for ways to make money.

Plus, taking online surveys can be a lot of fun! You’ll have the opportunity to voice your opinion on various topics and help shape the products and services of tomorrow.

Even if you only have a few minutes of free time, you can pull out your phone and take a survey. Regardless of your skills or background, you can make extra money with the sites listed above.

4. Invest

There are several useful things you can do in your spare time, but using it to improve your financial future is always a wise move. Many people intend to invest but just never seem to get around to it. Why not use your free time to make it happen?

There are many different ways you can invest. Trading of stocks and cryptocurrency has increased in popularity in recent years. Apps and online brokers like Public.com and Webull have made investing accessible for anyone with commission-free trades and support for fractional shares.

You don’t need much free time to invest in stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). If you have more time on your hands, you can use Stock Rover to perform in-depth analysis and find hidden gems.

You could also use your free time to research alternative investments. Investing in real estate is a popular option, and platforms like Fundrise, RealtyMogul, and Arrived Homes make it easy.

5. Learn About Finances

If you want to invest but don’t know where to start, spend some of your spare time learning about personal finance and investing. This will help you make better decisions with your money and reach your financial goals faster.

Moomoo is a commission-free trading app that offers a wealth of educational resources and tools. You can create a free account and find an excellent selection of courses in the app. They have courses that cover the stock market, ETFs, options trading, and more.

Making an effort to improve your financial knowledge will be beneficial for years to come. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.

6. Play Games

Looking for a fun way to use your downtime? How about playing games? You can play board games, card games, or video games. You can play by yourself or with a friend.

Playing games is fun and challenging and can also be a good exercise for your brain (depending on the types of games you play).

Believe it or not, you can also make money by playing games. See our list of games that pay real money and my article on ways to make money playing video games. To get started, try the following:

• Mistplay (Android only)
• Bubble Cash for iOS or Samsung
• Cash Giraffe (Android only)
• Swagbucks

7. Pray or Meditate

If you’re looking for a way to relax and center yourself, consider spending some time praying or meditating. This can be an incredibly powerful way to calm your mind and refocus your thoughts.

There are many ways to pray or meditate, so find one that works best for you. You may want to sit quietly in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. Alternatively, you could try repeating a mantra or saying a prayer.

You don’t need to spend hours praying or meditating – even a few minutes can be beneficial. The important thing is to be consistent with your practice. Try to set aside some time each day to pray or meditate.

8. Write in a Journal

Writing in a journal is a great way to process your thoughts and emotions. It can also be therapeutic, helping you to work through difficult experiences.

If you’ve never kept a journal before, there’s no need to overthink it. Just start writing about whatever is on your mind. You may want to write about your day-to-day experiences, or you may prefer to explore deeper topics like your goals and fears.

You can keep many different types of journals, so find one that suits your needs. For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety, you may want to keep a gratitude journal. This involves writing down things you’re grateful for each day.

9. Spend Time with Friends and Family

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to spend time with the people we care about. Make an effort to connect with your loved ones, even just for a quick coffee date.

If you don’t live near your friends or family members, there are plenty of ways to stay in touch. You can video call on FaceTime or Zoom. Alternatively, you could schedule regular phone calls or send a handwritten letter.

All of us need to have other people in our lives. Spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress, improve our mood, and boost our overall well-being.

10. Pursue a Hobby

Having a hobby is a great way to relax and unwind. It can also be a productive way to spend your leisure time.

There are endless hobbies you could pursue, so take some time to explore different options. Some popular hobbies include painting, photography, cooking, and gardening.

Don’t worry if you don’t have much experience with your chosen hobby. Part of the fun is learning new things and developing your skills over time.

Not sure what to pursue? See my lists of hobbies that make money and cheap hobbies for ideas.

11. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. It can also be a rewarding way to spend your free time.

There are many ways to volunteer, so you’re sure to find an opportunity that suits your interests and skills. You could volunteer at a local soup kitchen, help at a school, or work with an environmental organization. Just find something that matters to you and get involved.

Not only will volunteering make you feel good, but it can also help you develop new skills and meet like-minded people.

12. Take Classes

Just because you’re not in school doesn’t mean you must stop learning. There are plenty of opportunities to take classes and many things to learn in your free time. Just find a new skill that interests you and give it a try.

Not only is taking classes a great way to stay sharp, but it can also help your career or open up new money-making opportunities.

If you’re interested in taking some classes, I highly recommend Skillshare. You’ll get unlimited access to thousands of courses from different instructors covering various subjects for a low monthly fee. You can learn about photography, design, marketing, business, and much more. Some courses are short and can be completed in less than an hour, while others are more in-depth.

13. Deliver for DoorDash

DoorDash is a food delivery service that allows you to earn money in your free time. Simply sign up and start accepting delivery requests in your area.

The best part about DoorDash is that you can choose your hours. You’re not locked into a set schedule, so you can work as little or as much as you want (subject to availability).

DoorDash operates in more than 7,000 cities, so chances are, it’s available in your area. You can sign up now and start making money as soon as a few days from now.

If you’re looking for a flexible way to make extra cash, DoorDash is worth considering.

14. Grow Your Network

One of the best ways to spend your free time is to grow your professional network. You never know when you’ll need a favor or an introduction, so having as many contacts as possible is always good.

There are plenty of ways to grow your network. You could attend industry events, join professional organizations, use online social networks, or just reach out to people you know.

15. Hike

If you’re looking for free things to do in your spare time, getting out and exploring nature should be on your list. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.

There are countless hiking trails throughout the country, so you’re sure to find one close to you. Long, short, easy, or hard, there’s something for everyone. If hiking isn’t your thing, walking in your neighborhood or a local park is also a great option.

While hiking is an excellent form of exercise and perfect for enjoying nature, it can also serve as a change of pace that helps to clear your mind and unwind.

16. Travel

One of the best ways to spend your leisure time is to travel. Seeing new places and experiencing different cultures can be incredibly rewarding.

Of course, travel can also be expensive. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money on travel. You could look for deals on flights and accommodations, couch surf, or take a road trip.

No matter how you travel, it will be an enriching experience.

17. Clean and Organize

Cleaning and organizing at home may not sound like the most exciting way to spend your free time, but it can be surprisingly satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to declutter your life and make your living space more livable.

Start by tackling a small area, like your desk or closet. Once you’re done, you’ll feel accomplished and have more space to enjoy the things you love.

18. Cook or Bake

Cooking and baking are great spare-time activities. Many people enjoy cooking but struggle to find the time in their busy schedules. So if you find yourself with some free time, why not take advantage of it in this way? Not only will you end up with a delicious meal or treat, but you’ll also learn new skills in the kitchen.

If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for recipes online or in cookbooks. Once you find a few good recipes, give them a try. You may be surprised at how easy (and a lot of fun) it is to cook or bake.

19. Learn a New Language

Learning a new language is a productive way to use your free time. It can be difficult and challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.

Not only will you be able to communicate with people from other cultures, but you’ll also be able to learn about their customs and way of life.

There are plenty of resources available, including Duolingo, to help you learn a new language.

20. Rest and Relax

Don’t forget to spend some time resting and relaxing. It’s one of the most useful things you can do. Taking care of your mind and body is important, including taking breaks from time to time. Don’t feel guilty for taking time off.

Whether you want to read a good book, take a restful nap, or watch a feel good movie solo or with friends and family, make sure you give yourself some time to relax regularly. You’ll be surprised at how refreshed you’ll feel afterward.

21. Start a Blog

Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts and experiences with the world. It’s also a great way to connect with others with similar interests.

Not only is blogging a fun way to spend your time, but it can also be rewarding in other ways. For example, you could make money from your blog through advertising or affiliate marketing. You never know. Your blog could turn into a thriving online business.

To help you start a blog, please read How to Start a Blog.

Do I Need to Do Productive Things In My Free Time?

Rest and relaxation are crucial for your physical and mental health. So, no, you don’t always need to be doing something productive. While it’s good to use your time productively, it’s also important to do fun things and have time for rest. Besides, if you try to work all the time, you’re likely to burn yourself out. Finding the appropriate balance is key.

How Do Successful People Spend Their Free Time?

Successful people use their free time in various ways (not everyone is alike). Some may work on projects, learn new things, exercise, spend time with family and friends, or many other things. It depends on the individual and what they find most fulfilling. The important thing is that you find the appropriate balance between work and leisure.

No matter how you spend your free time, it’s important to take care of yourself and give yourself some breathing room from your everyday responsibilities. Taking time away from your day-to-day obligations can help restore your energy and motivation, so make the most of it.

Final Thoughts on Things To Do In Your Free Time

As you can see, there are plenty of productive and fun things to do in your free time. So the next time you find yourself with some free time on your hands, be sure to try one (or more) of these activities.

What do you like to do in your free time?