10 Things That Are FREE for Seniors
We all love being entertained. But these days, entertainment is more expensive than ever. Movie tickets cost about $11.50 on average, according to Movie Pass. And that doesn’t include the soda and popcorn you’ll probably buy! Meanwhile, you can’t find something to watch without having at least two or three subscription services. Even going out ot eat can drain your wallet, with Ramsey Solutions noting that it’s the third-highest expense for Americans. So, does that mean that you have to take out a small personal loan to find entertainment options? Of course not! If you’re a senior, you can find FREE entertainment options right in your hometown!
Who said that getting older doesn’t have any perks?
1. Hanging out at your local senior center.
My grandparents held their 50th wedding anniversary at our local senior center, and it didn’t cost them so much as a nickel. If your local senior center is anything like ours, then you shouldn’t have to pay to get involved there! You can enjoy arts and crafts, karaoke, theme parties, and even exercise classes, all without having to pay some kind of monthly fee. Better yet, senior centers are a great place to make new friends, which becomes even more important as you age. So, the next time that you find yourself bored, consider visiting your local senior center. You never know what—or who—you might encounter there!
2. Visiting your local park.
Where I live, there’s a big, sprawling park with a playground, tennis courts, and a pond, complete with lily pads and the occasional duck. The best part? It doesn’t cost a cent to visit it! If you have a similar park in your area, don’t just drive past it. Plan a little day trip there! Take a bag of bread and feed the ducks (or pigeons). You can also bring your grandkids so they can use the playground. Or you can take a walk around the park and simply drink in the scenery. If you find litter on the ground, do your community and Mother Nature a favor by picking it up.
3. Checking out your local public library.
A lot of us lament how things used to be. We used to know all our neighbors. We used to stare at nature instead of screens. We used to patronize our local public library. Well, if you’re still fortunate enough to have a public library in your town, then you still can patronize it! Best of all, it doesn’t cost anything to get a library card or borrow a book or movie. And with reading sadly on the decline among all age groups, I’m sure your local librarians will appreciate seeing your smiling face in their library!
4. Getting your taxes done.
Okay, okay, so maybe it’s not the most exciting entry on our list, and certainly not the most entertaining. But thanks to the AARP Tax Foundation, you can get your taxes done for FREE! Tax-Aide volunteers are not only IRS-certified, but they’re available across all fifty states! Check out AARP’s Tax-Aide Locator to find one in your area. It’s never too early to get ready for tax season!
5. Volunteering!
Have you ever heard the phrase “Kindness doesn’t cost a thing”? Well, volunteering is proof of that! You can find volunteer opportunities pretty much anywhere and give back to your community in a big way. A lot of churches have food pantries and are always looking for people to help. Meanwhile, your local soup kitchen is probably on the hunt for some helping hands. And you don’t have to volunteer through an official charity or organization. You can also volunteer to babysit your grandkids so your adult children can have a child-free date night. Or you can visit that neighbor down the street who just lost her husband. Volunteering is not only completely free; it’s also one of the most fulfilling things you can possibly do.
6. Exercising!
Did you know that you don’t have to join a gym to get a good workout? Personally, I work out with Sydney Cummings Houdyshell, whose FREE workouts are available on YouTube. My grandmother has never joined a gym, but she’s kept in shape by walking around our neighborhood. Meanwhile, my dad has a stationary exercise bike that he keeps in our garage. If you want to ward off boredom and weight gain, then consider starting your own exercise routine. Look online for FREE workouts, like Senior Fitness with Meredith, or hit a local walking trail. You’ll feel better for so many reasons!
7. Getting preventative healthcare services.
Do you have Medicare? Then there are countless preventative healthcare services that you should definitely take advantage of! According to AARP, your Medicare benefits entitle you to a FREE annual wellness visit. Meanwhile, Medicare Part B can help you score two free diabetes screenings per year, while Part D (or a Medicare Advantage Plan) can help you get certain vaccines. You can even use your Medicare benefits to get a FREE depression screening.
8. Indulging in some self-care.
Self-care doesn’t happen in a nail salon or wellness spa. You can do self-care for FREE, right within the comfort of your own home. You can always run a nice, hot bath and relax in the tub. Or you can set aside fifteen minutes of the day for a little journaling. Do at least one thing a day for yourself. Something fun and relaxing. Something that does both your body and your soul a world of good!
9. Spending time with your friends and family.
The best things in life are free, and our friends and loved ones are proof of that! If you want some free entertainment, then invite your best friend or sibling over for the day. You can watch a movie or make a big pot of coffee and catch up. Or you could refer to tip number two and visit your local park together! Whatever the case, if you’re blessed enough to live near your loved ones, don’t just see each other on birthdays and major holidays. Make it a point to spend a little quality time every single month!
10. Joining a book club.
Calling all bookworms! Do you wish you could spend an hour or so with other book fans, gabbing about your latest read? Then join a book club! While not as plentiful as they used to be, book clubs still exist. In fact, someone I know just told me that she joined her friend’s book club! Ask your friends if they’re part of any book clubs, or maybe check local Facebook groups to see if any friends of friends are hosting a book club. You can also join online book clubs on Facebook and other social media platforms, without paying anything in club dues!
Looking for more Thrifty Tips?
Popular Articles About Thrifty Tips
Originally published December 20, 2025
Author(s):
