5 (almost) free fun things adults can do with friends

Hanging out with friends as an adult is important to living a well-balanced life, but that doesn't mean having to break the bank. Here are 5 fun, almost-free things you can do with your friends that cost next to nothing.

Having a fancy dinner party doesn't have to be out of the question if you're on a budget. Invite your friends over for a potluck dinner!

• At a potluck, everyone brings one dish to share, so you only have to be responsible for cooking one thing.
• Hosting a potluck dinner at home is a great way to sample delicious foods and spend time with friends in an intimate setting.

For something fun to do that is not only cheap but might also make you money, consider hosting a garage sale with friends.

• Collect old items in your house and closet that you don't use or wear anymore, and gather in one friend's garage or at their stoop to set up a sale.

If you're looking for a way to have a good time without spending money, get out and explore.

• Gather friends and walk around a new neighbourhood, or visit local sites you've never seen before.
• You can take pictures and discuss all the new things you see, and you don't have to spend a cent to do it.

Another way to learn more about your city and have fun is to host a photo scavenger hunt.

• Make a list of 100 items people should take a photo of, then set up teams and let them try to take as many photos as possible.
• Set a finish time and a place to meet, then let the teams find and photograph as many things from the list as they can.
• Once the hunt's over, go through the photos people took.

The winner of the hunt is the team that got the most photos of things on the list.

Cleaning up your neighbourhood is another way that you can have fun with people and help the world around you.

• Gather your friends, then make a plan to walk around and pick up trash, rake leaves and tidy up the area.
• Bring a portable boombox, MP3 player or use your phone to play music as you go so you can have a great time while you help your community.

The next time you're trying to come up with something to do with your friends that won't break the bank, consider one of these five fun things.