10 Microadventures You Can Do in Your City This Weekend Under $20
10 Microadventures You Can Do in Your City This Weekend Under $20
Microadventures are all about finding excitement and joy in your local surroundings without breaking the bank or needing a plane ticket. Coined by adventurer Alastair Humphreys, these short, affordable escapades can fit into a busy weekend and cost less than $20. Here are 10 ideas to spark your sense of adventure right in your city!
1. Sunrise Picnic at a Local Park
Grab a blanket, some homemade snacks, and head to a nearby park for a sunrise picnic. It’s free if you use what’s in your pantry, and the early morning light offers a fresh perspective on familiar green spaces. Check National Park Service for nearby parks or urban oases with sunrise views.
2. Urban Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of quirky landmarks or hidden gems in your city—like a historic plaque or a funky mural—and explore on foot. Apps like Geocaching turn this into a modern treasure hunt, often free or under $10 for premium features.
3. Bike a New Neighborhood
Dust off your bike (or rent one cheaply via local sharing programs) and pedal through an unfamiliar part of town. Websites like MapMyRide offer free routes tailored to your city, keeping costs at zero unless you grab a $2 coffee along the way.
4. Stargazing from a Rooftop or Hill
Find a high spot in your city—your apartment roof or a public hill—and bring a blanket to stargaze. Use Stellarium (free online) to identify constellations. A thermos of tea keeps it cozy and under budget.
5. Street Food Crawl
Skip the pricey restaurants and sample local street vendors instead. Set a $15 budget and try small bites—think tacos, pretzels, or dumplings. Eater often lists affordable food scenes in major cities for inspiration.
6. DIY Photo Walk
Armed with your phone, explore your city through a photographer’s lens. Focus on themes like “doors” or “reflections.” Share your shots on social media and check National Geographic’s Photo Tips for free techniques to up your game.
7. River or Lake Paddle
If your city has a waterway, rent a kayak or canoe—many urban outfitters offer hourly rates under $20. Look up local options on Paddle.com or bring your own float for free fun.
8. Visit a Free Museum Day
Many museums offer free admission on certain days. Spend an afternoon soaking in art or history—check Smithsonian Magazine for free museum day schedules across the U.S.
9. Nighttime Story Swap
Gather friends (or join strangers via a local meetup) in a park or café for a storytelling session. It’s free if you bring your own tales, and Meetup can connect you with local groups for under $10 in dues.
10. Backyard or Balcony Campout
Pitch a tent in your backyard or sleep under the stars on your balcony. Add a $5 bag of marshmallows for a mini campfire vibe (check local fire rules!). REI’s Camping Guide has free tips to make it memorable.
