Remember when going to the movies only cost a little money? Simple joys now have higher prices, making many people think twice and look for smart ways to spend.
A recent study by Visa shows big changes in how Americans spend money. Spending on fun activities rose a lot, reaching almost 13% of all consumer spending in 2022, up from 9.5% in 2013. This change shows both rising costs and our desire for special moments. As prices keep rising in entertainment, finding smart ways to save money is important.
In this guide, we share 20 common activities that have gotten more costly, along with easy tips to save money so you can enjoy them without spending too much.
What activities do you think cost the most now? Have you found ways to save on fun? Tell us in the comments!
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Sporting Events
Cheering for your favorite team from the stands now comes with a hefty price tag. Tickets for major league games average between $75 and $150, and prime seating can easily reach $300 or more.
Rising player salaries, stadium upgrades, and event-day expenses like parking and concessions have all driven up costs. A 2023 survey showed that attending an NFL game for a family of four, including tickets, food, and parking, costs around $630.
For a more affordable experience, consider attending minor league games, weekday matches, or purchasing resale tickets closer to game day when prices might drop. Bringing your own snacks, if allowed, can also help cut down on food costs.
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Skiing and Snowboarding
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Going skiing has become an expensive winter habit. A single-day lift ticket at well-known ski spots can run from $150 to $250, and that does not count gear rental, lessons, or places to stay.
Many ski areas have raised their prices because of high costs for snow-making machines, caring for the environment, and not enough workers. Staying close to the resorts and eating at their restaurants also raises the total price.
To save money, try buying discounted season passes, visit smaller or quieter resorts, or plan trips at the start or end of the season when prices are lower. Renting gear away from the resort and bringing your own food can also help cut costs.
Golfing
A relaxing day on the golf course now feels like a luxury. Green fees for public courses have risen to $50-$100 per round, while premium courses often charge $150 or more.
Maintenance costs, water usage fees, and increased demand during the pandemic have all contributed to rising prices. Equipment, cart rentals, and membership fees can further drive up the total cost.
To keep expenses lower, play during twilight hours, seek out weekday deals, or use discount apps that offer reduced rates for last-minute bookings. Opting for public courses or par-3 courses can also make the game more budget-friendly.
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Theme Parks
Theme parks now charge high prices, with big parks raising ticket costs every year. A one-day ticket to popular places like Disneyland or Universal Studios can cost between $120 and $180, not counting parking, food, or souvenirs.
Prices have gone up steadily because of higher worker wages, park growth, and inflation. Families often pay more for fast passes and special events, making a day trip feel like a fancy holiday.
To save money, try visiting during less busy times, buying tickets for several days, or checking for vacation deals that include hotels and park entry. Bringing your own snacks and drinks (if allowed) can also lower food expenses.
Dining Out
Going out to eat has become noticeably more expensive in recent years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that restaurant prices rose by 7.1% in 2023 alone, driven by increased labor costs, supply chain issues, and higher ingredient prices.
A typical meal at a casual restaurant now costs between $20 and $40 per person, while fine dining can easily exceed $100 per person. Even fast-food chains have raised prices, making quick meals less affordable.
To cut costs, consider cooking at home more often, dining out during weekday specials, or using apps that offer discounts and rewards. Sharing large portions or skipping drinks and desserts can also help keep the bill manageable.
Concerts and Live Events
Going to see your favorite artist in person has become very expensive. The average cost of a concert ticket is now $120, while special seats and VIP packages can cost $500 or more.
Higher costs for making the show, security, and the venue all add to the price. Tickets are often bought quickly by resellers and bots, forcing fans to pay much more on other sites.
To avoid paying too much, try signing up for early ticket sales, join fan groups for first access, or pick seats farther from the stage to save money. Going to music festivals with many artists can also give you better value for what you spend.
Movie Theaters
A night at the movies isn’t as affordable as it once was. Ticket prices often fall between $10 and $25, with IMAX or 3D screenings charging even more. Concession stand snacks like popcorn, drinks, and candy can easily double the overall cost of the outing.
Movie theaters have raised prices to compete with streaming services and cover higher operational expenses. To save money, consider attending matinee showings, using student or senior discounts, or joining loyalty programs for free tickets and discounts.
Bringing your own snacks, when allowed, can also help cut down on costs.
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Travel and Vacations
Taking a vacation has become far more expensive in recent years. According to recent reports, airfare costs increased by 16% on average across the U.S. in 2023, with domestic airfare in the first quarter averaging $382, up from $328 the previous year.
Higher fuel prices, labor shortages, and increased demand have driven up costs across flights, accommodations, and car rentals. Even once-affordable destinations now feel out of reach for many families.
Booking trips during off-peak seasons, using travel rewards points, and staying in budget-friendly accommodations like vacation rentals or hostels can significantly cut costs. Flexible travel dates and bundling flight and hotel deals also help stretch vacation budgets.
Gym Memberships
Staying healthy at the gym today costs more. Gym memberships usually run between $40 and $150 each month, with high-end clubs charging extra for things like pools, spas, and group workouts.
Higher costs to run gyms, new equipment, and bigger spaces have made prices go up. Many gyms also have sign-up fees and extra charges for special classes.
You can save money by using local community centers, exercising at home with online videos, or choosing outdoor activities like running or biking. Trial passes and memberships during less busy times can also lower monthly fees.
Camping
Camping, once the go-to budget getaway, has become significantly more expensive. Campsite fees now range from $30 to $100 per night, and popular national parks often charge even more for premium spots.
The surge in outdoor recreation has increased demand, causing fees to rise and reservations to fill up quickly. Costs also grow when factoring in gear purchases like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.
To lower expenses, book campsites in less popular parks, borrow gear from friends, or look for free dispersed camping areas in national forests. Planning trips during off-peak seasons can also lead to lower fees and fewer crowds.
Boating and Water Sports
Spending a day on the water has become a pricey adventure. Renting a boat or jet ski now costs between $150 and $500 per day, not to mention the price of fuel, safety gear, and insurance.
Docking fees and maintenance costs have also surged, making boat ownership less accessible. Rising fuel prices and environmental regulations have led rental companies to raise their rates.
To enjoy the water without overspending, consider sharing rentals with friends, booking group tours, or joining a boat club for occasional access. Inflatable kayaks or paddleboards offer a much cheaper way to enjoy the water.
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Fitness Classes
Joining a fitness class today costs more than it used to. Small studios for yoga, spin, or pilates usually charge $20 to $40 for each class, and monthly fees can be over $150.
These studios say the price is fair because they provide personal training, smaller groups, and nice facilities. Popular fitness styles and social media have made more people want these classes, so prices went up.
To help save money, many places offer cheap trial classes, deals on multiple classes, or online options that cost less. Local community centers and outdoor workout groups are also cheaper choices compared to expensive studios.
Streaming Services
Streaming entertainment has become a costly monthly expense for many households. Subscriptions to popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ now range from $10 to $25 each, with premium and ad-free options costing even more.
A recent survey revealed that the average household spends over $60 monthly on streaming services. Companies have raised prices while offering exclusive content on separate platforms, pushing users to subscribe to multiple services.
To manage costs, consider rotating subscriptions, bundling services, or using free trials. Sharing plans with family members is another way to cut down on monthly fees.
Amusement Arcades
Arcades, once a cheap and fun place, have gotten much more costly. A single trip can now cost $25 to $50 as old coin machines are replaced with high-tech games that charge $1 to $3 each time you play.
Many arcades use digital cards, which make it easy to spend more than you realize. Higher costs for machines and repairs have caused prices to go up.
To save money, try flat-rate play deals, go during weekday specials, or find local arcades with cheaper classic games. Setting a budget before you go can help stop you from spending too much.
Bowling
What used to be a cheap night out is now more expensive. Today, playing a game of bowling can cost between $15 and $30 each, with shoe rentals adding another $5 to $10.
Many bowling centers have changed into fancy places with glowing lanes, better food, and special drinks, which makes prices go up. Joining leagues and attending special events also adds to the cost.
To spend less, look for weekday deals, join a league for lower prices, or go to local bowling spots that have flat rates. Bringing your own shoes can also help you save on rental fees.
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Wine Tasting
A calm afternoon enjoying wine tasting has turned into a special treat. Tasting fees usually range from $25 to $75 per person, with top wineries charging extra.
Many wineries that once gave free tastings now ask for paid bookings because of higher production costs and more visitors. Fancy wine clubs and guided tours cost even more.
To save money, try smaller local vineyards, join free tasting events at wine stores, or get winery memberships that offer free tastings. Going with a group can also get you discounts at many tasting spots.
Zoos and Aquariums
Trips to zoos and aquariums have become more expensive due to rising operational and maintenance costs. Admission fees can now range from $20 to $50 per person, with popular attractions charging even more for special exhibits.
Extras like behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and special events add to the cost. On-site dining and souvenir shops can make a family outing even pricier.
To save, look for annual memberships, discounted family passes, or free admission days. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help cut down on spending.
Cruises
Cruises, once known as cheap all-in-one trips, have gotten more expensive. Basic tickets usually start at $500 and can go over $3,000 per person for longer or fancy trips.
Higher fuel costs, port charges, and extra costs like special meals and tours add to the price. Cruise companies also ask for tips and service fees, making the total cost go up.
To save money, book during less busy times, use early deals, or pick shorter trips. Bringing your own drinks and skipping pricey tours can also help lower your spending.
Photography
Pursuing photography as a hobby or profession now comes with high costs. Quality cameras, lenses, and accessories can easily total $1,000 to $5,000.
Beyond gear, editing software, cloud storage, and printing services add ongoing expenses. Frequent product upgrades and the popularity of social media content creation have pushed prices higher.
To save, beginners can start with secondhand gear, use free editing tools, or rent equipment for special projects. Smartphone cameras have also improved significantly, offering a cost-effective way to take high-quality photos.
Amateur Sports Leagues
Joining a recreational sports league today means more than just paying a registration fee. Playing for a season can cost between $100 and $400, which pays for uniforms, gear, and rental of places to play.
Higher costs for insurance, referees, and field upkeep have made leagues charge more. Travel expenses for games and tournaments can add up fast too.
To save money, try local leagues with lower fees or join informal pickup games that do not need official sign-up. Getting used equipment or sharing gear with team members can also cut costs.
The High Cost of Fun
Enjoying favorite hobbies has become more costly, making it tougher for many to join in on activities that used to be affordable. Higher prices for entertainment, travel, and hobbies build money hurdles that keep people from enjoying these experiences often.
Thinking ahead, looking for deals, and trying cheaper options can help make these activities easier to do. Small adjustments, like going during quieter times or splitting costs with friends, can save a lot of money.
With wise choices, it’s still easy to have fun without spending too much.
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