Document Actions
Good Cheap Fun
Ways to find entertainment when cash is sparse
Story Scott Heter
Photos Jessie Runyan-Gless
In today’s sagging economy, it can be hard to justify opening your wallet for recreation and entertainment when the bills won’t stop calling your name. But don’t get down — get out. There are plenty of entertainment options in Eugene, Oregon, that range from free to $5. Use these suggestions to find similar activities in towns across the Northwest.
For animal lovers, Zany Zoo in West Eugene features exotic creatures from Chinese dwarf hamsters to a Patagonia cavy. The friendly curious critters of Zany Zoo range from fury to scaly and hand-sized to large enough to drape across your shoulders. The best part: it’s free to look, pet, and hold.
Whether you own a dog or not, dog parks are exciting places to spend a sunny afternoon. A talented Frisbee-catching dog makes a great show. Who could say no to a short stocky English bulldog who’s grunting for attention? Sometimes it’s the dog owners who provide the real entertainment. Don’t be surprised to find over-protective owners acting as if the dog that nipped at their chocolate Labrador had purposefully walked over and peed on them. So grab a Frisbee and head on down to Alton Baker, Morse Ranch, or Amazon dog parks and enjoy the off-leash areas.
Ever wish you could enjoy a movie in the theater while drinking a cold beer and munching on some decent food without having to sneak it in? The David Minor Theater offers a selection of foreign and domestic independent films, a pub-style menu with some delicious spicy fries, and a rotating three-beer tap from Ninkasi to Pabst. And with tickets starting at $3, it’s a cheap and quirky place for a date or night out.
The often-forgotten sport of bowling is a fun and affordable activity. You don’t need to bowl strikes to have a good time. With a lively group, it’s a great opportunity to socialize; although, some friendly competition never hurt anyone. If you head down to Southtowne Lanes on a Monday night after 9:30 p.m. you can play for just $2.50 while enjoying some of the latest music videos on pull-down screens.
Here are more cheap activities to get you out of the house
Family fun:
Ice skating at a great price, just $4 for entrance and rentals on Friday and Saturday nights in the spring and summer.
Intellectual stimulation:
If you’re looking for something a little more intellectual or just something to do inside during those cold rainy days, museums are an educational detour from our everyday lives. Whatever your taste, there is sure to be a museum you will enjoy.
Oregon Air and Space Museum
Admission $5 for adults
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Admission $5 for adults. Students get in free.
Lane County Historical Museum
Admission $3 for adults
The Science Factory
Exhibits only $4
For the hiker at heart:
Sometimes you just need to get out and enjoy nature. Whether you’re an amateur who hits the trail in jeans and flip-flops or an avid hiker with your own survival gear in hand, these destinations offer stunning views in a refreshing atmosphere.
Lazing in the outdoors:
Some people like the outdoors, just not trekking through it for hours on end. There are still some great ways to enjoy nature in a more relaxed fashion.
Build a backyard bonfire and toast up some s’mores.
Cougar Hot Springs, about an hour’s drive east of Eugene in the Willamette National Forest.
Games galore:
Whether you’re making everyone bankrupt in Monopoly or cruising past your fellow racers during a bout of Mario Kart, games of all kinds provide a challenge. Organize either a “game night” or a “game day” and let the good times roll as you watch the competitive personalities of the group emerge.
Organize a board game night with Scrabble, Risk, Monopoly, Apples to Apples, or your favorite game.
Disc golf is a great outdoor activity. For more information on disc golf, click here.
Dexter State Recreation Site, located east of Eugene, features an eighteen-hole disc golf course.
Westmoreland Park disc golf course
Night out on the town:
Sometimes you just need to get out for a night. These venues have your entertainment covered. So round up your friends, dress up in a fun outfit, and get out there.
Cinemark Movies 12
Located at Gateway Mall in Springfield, Oregon, normal admission is $1.75 in the evenings, $2 on Friday and Saturday, and $1.50 every day before 6 p.m.
Pubs across Eugene offer affordable happy hour menus. Try John Henry’s for free pool before 10 p.m. daily and all day Sundays and Mondays.