Are you broke, bored; freezing and stuck indoors? Well, you are not alone. Each and every one of us often experiences such boring moments in winter. Entertainment can be costly, and most of us are living on a shrinking budget these days, so what can you do to entertain yourself when you have limited funds?  Entertainment that does not break the bank can be found, if you are willing to think creatively, even in winter.

Here are some great ideas for both indoor and outdoor activities you can engage in- that will not bankrupt you.

INDOORS ACTIVITIES

1.    Movies
You can go to your nearest cinema to watch a new release. Watching a movie on big screen has became more affordable in the recession. Check out the following specials.

NU METRO

Clicks ClubCard discount is only applicable from Monday to Friday. On Woza Wednesdays and weekends you will only receive points on your card. The discount applies for two people per card per day, regardless of age. Ticket prices are R 27,50 per ticket for 2D movies, and R 45,00 per ticket for 3D movies. For more info, visit www.numetro.co.za

STER-KINEKOR

You can enjoy some great benefits on the following club cards.

• Ster-Kinekor Movie Club card

You can join any local Ster-kinekor cinema.  This entitles you to exclusive benefits from the moment you join. You get a complimentary ticket in your welcome pack and then you can watch a movie on the house at any Ster-Kinekor theatre. For following visits, swipe your card at the Ster-Kinekor cinema and you will earn free movie ticket. Half price movie tickets on Tuesday across all movie types including 3D

• Vitality club card

For vitality members, you pay a once off activation of R39.00. Thereafter you are entitled to watch any movie for R20.00 at any Ster-Kinekor Classic and Cinema Nouveau and for R11.50 at any Ster-Kinekor Junction. 

• Edgars Club card

With Edgars Club card you can watch movies for R15.00 at any Ster-Kinekor Junction, R26 at any classic, R27 at any nouveau cinema. For more details, visit www.sterkinekor.com

If you don't want to out go to the movies, you can make your own cinema by hiring some movies.  Invite your friends over; make some popcorn, put out blankets for everyone, switch on your heater and have a fun evening.

2. Book Clubs
If you are a book lover, you can join your nearest book club or form one with like-minded friends. Click on the following link for more information on book clubs. Best web buys

If a book club does not sounds like something you would be interested in, but you do like to read, visit your nearest library and borrow your favorite books for free.

3. Museums
You can go to your nearest museum. Iziko Museums run the leading and most accessible museums in Cape Town. For more information on their museums and current exhibitions, you can visit IZIKO.

4. Indoor Games

You can have an exciting game with friends and family. Invite a couple of friends over and tell them to bring their own favorite game. You can play board games or you can download online games.

5. Cooking
You can also entertain yourself by cooking and baking. Winter is the best time for soup, stews, curries, dumplings, etc. 

Make this a social event by inviting a group of friends and asking each of them to prepare a dish.  See here for some winter recipes.

6. Restaurants discounts

New and diverse deals every day on restaurants, leisure, spa, beauty and sport guarantee excitement for up to 70%. Just imagine the joys of an exclusive spa day or a four course meal for half price. Click here for specials.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

1. Get some exercise by playing your favorite sport outside when weather permits. 
2. If it's too cold, you can go to your nearest gymnasium to work out. Many gyms also have heated pools so you can swim all-year-round at quite an affordable price.
3. You can go to the park when the sun is out.  You can read, have a picnic, do some people-watching. 
4. Go for a long walk on the beach if it's not too cold out.
5. On the really cold and rainy days, visit a wine farm.  Sit in front of the fire, and for a minimal price, you can occupy yourself for hours, tasting the best wines the Cape has to offer.  Just remember to not over-indulge, especially if you are driving back home.

Sources:
1. Associated content
2. Ezine articles
3. Suite 101
4. Geocities.com
5. Inquiry.net
6. Family education.com
7. Bliss tree
8. Kaboose.com

Page Updated: 19 August 2011