You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself. Here are some free solo date ideas that are all about fun, empowerment and self care.
Inspiration, rejuvenation and motivation can come from just about anywhere, especially if you are mindful about the beauty in your life. So, definitely give these ideas a try.
If you enjoy solo date ideas, check out these for celebrating Valentine’s Day or memorializing your birthday.
Free solo date ideas
1. Doodle the positives
Grab a sheet of paper, time block an hour and draw cute doodles about all the positive things in your life. Your favorite plants, books, pets, people, studies, planets, everything. Make the drawings super cute, add color and just sit in the positivity.
2. Write a short story
Grab more paper or a notebook and write a short story about anything that interests you. Write about magic or dragons or true crime or romance that the BookTok girlies would swoon over. Let your creativity run wild.
3. Try journaling
Yep more paper! How do you feel about journaling? This can be a wonderful, free solo date idea to reflect on where you are at in life and plan where you want to be. You can keep it light and joyful with these fun journal prompts or get into planner mode with these new month prompts.
4. Head to the library
Public libraries are great for a solo date. Browse the thousands of interesting books and magazines. Sign up for access to audiobooks and ebooks. Explore any free classes they offer and the community groups they host.
Libraries usually have free WiFi and computers. Pop in some earbuds and watch a movie or docuseries while you’re there. Or deep dive into researching your latest obsession.
5. Walk through the park
Walking in nature has a calming and relaxing effect on our mental health. So, find the closest park and stroll through. Enjoy the greenery, sit on a bench and watch the birds. Be mindful of the sights, sounds, and smells.
6. Have a mini picnic
While you are enjoying the park, how about having a mini picnic? You can have it on the park bench with snacks and drinks you brought from home. Or you can spread a picnic blanket and embrace the picnic experience. Lie back, feel grounded and enjoy some simple treats.
7. Look at the clouds
Have you ever just stopped and looked at the clouds in the sky? Some are fleeting and change within a half hour, others are larger and uniquely shaped. Observe them. What do they look like? What comes to your mind when you see them?
Take photos or doodle them. Write cute stories about your clouds. I love that they are impermanent and ever changing, much like moments in our lives.
8. Chase the sunset
Sunsets are gorgeous and great reminders of the beauty in this world. Sit outside and admire the ever changing colors. Find unique places to admire the sunset too. Are there any buildings that allow roof top access? What about the park?
9. Get inspired with golden hour
An hour before sunset is considered golden hour (an hour after sunrise too) and everywhere is bathed in lovely golden yellow light. The light makes everything look magical. Whip out your phone or camera and head out to take unique photos of everything. The buildings, trees, people, and everyday life are all great subjects. Selfies look the best during golden hour too!
10. Star gaze
Clouds, sunsets, why not stars too? Look up at the stars and learn about the constellations. Identify which stars are which in the night sky. Which planets look the brightest? How huge does the moon look? There are apps that can help too!
11. Explore free community events
Look up community bulletin boards for free events in your area. Are there Tai Chi or meditation classes in the park? What about free concerts or open mic nights? Explore what’s available in your area that you can do for free as a solo date idea.
12. Take a stroll somewhere new
Visiting new places is really good for our mental health. So, find somewhere new that you haven’t visited before or haven’t in a while. A new scenic street or a different neighborhood works. How about a new strip mall or a new park?
13. Go window shopping
Admire the display windows of your favorite stores. Browse the stores and see what’s new and interesting. You don’t have to buy a thing, just browse. You can decline participating in consumerism while finding inspiration in unique designs, interesting pieces and incredible tech.
14. Try meditation
Meditation has so many benefits ranging from reduced stress, improved mood and better sleep. Carve some time out of your day and try meditating as a solo date activity. You can sign up for a free online class or follow a guided Youtube video (like the one below). There are many types of meditation so try different ones and find which works for you.
15. Embrace gratitude
Practicing gratitude is also exceptional for lower stress, less anxiety, and greater wellbeing. I always feel happier and lighter after doing gratitude meditations or gratitude journaling. Both are great free solo date ideas that will leave you feeling blissful and full of joy.
16. Dabble with yoga
Exercise is a great way to get your happy hormones like endorphins flowing through your body. Yoga is also great for stretching, improving flexibility and activating your parasympathetic nervous system. Follow a beginner video on Youtube and enjoy your me-time.
17. Workout with a free video
If yoga isn’t your thing, then find a great workout video on Youtube and follow it. You can find pilates, aerobics, dance, and strength trainings online. Did you know dancing is one of the best forms of exercise to keep depression away?
18. Stream something fun
Whether it is funny animal videos or comedy specials, have a wonderful free solo date at home streaming something that makes you laugh. Enjoy hilarious movies, series, or even Tiktoks.
19. Watch a free documentary
You don’t need to sign up for streaming services to watch documentaries. There are free options online including Youtube. Go down the rabbit hole and learn something new. Or get wrapped up in the latest crime or political exposé.
20. Listen to a podcast
If video isn’t your thing, how about listening to a podcast? There’s a podcast for just about anything from dating, true crime, financial planning and everyday living. Enjoy your favorite podcast curled up in bed with some popcorn.
21. Get lost in a book
I mentioned reading in the library and park already. But reading a great book is one of the simplest solo date ideas to try. Get the book for free at your local library or access a free ebook online. Immerse yourself in the storyline and have fun!
22. Follow a painting tutorial
You don’t have to spend lots of dollars on a sip and paint event. You can do it at home with your own glass of wine and detailed tutorial from Youtube or Tiktok. Okay, this isn’t all free since you’ll need paints, brushes and canvas. But, if you already have the supplies, painting will be such a creative way to spend the day.
23. Practice your drawing skills
If you want to be creative but aren’t confident in your drawing skills, then follow some wonderful tutorials online. You can find really simple cute drawings to try on Pinterest. Or get more in-depth video tutorials. The library might have great books on art too!
24. If decluttering is your thing
For those who love cleaning and redecorating, decluttering might be a unique solo date idea to try. Is your space practical, functional and aesthetic? Has your aesthetic changed and you want to try something different? Do you want to move the couch to create a different flow in the room? Now is a great time to test it out. You can always change it back.
25. Look out for free admissions
Some museums, art galleries and monuments have free admissions on certain days or after certain times. There may also be free tickets for some sporting events or concerts. Ask around and do a little research in your area to find the perfect time to attend for free!
You really don’t need a budget to have fun by yourself. These free solo date ideas are all great things to do to spark your creativity and make your inner child happy. Have a great time and empower yourself to do these solo dates more often.
To boost your confidence, check out these main character energy affirmations. They can help you start centering your life around you and your needs!
