Eight things to do on a tight budget

No money, no problem; the Forest City has plenty of fun opportunities and activities available to the public for either extremely affordable pricing or better yet, absolutely free. There is more to having fun than just spending precious OSAP cash.

1. Museums

Feeling cultural and wanting to celebrate the great country that Canada has come to be? The museum at the forks of the Thames River allows Londoners to dive into the past and explore the art of Canadian history through the displays of thousands of antique pieces, and admission has been free since 2011. The museum is open most afternoons except Mondays. For preteens, the London Children’s Museum offers a perfect range of interactive exhibits such as a mock town or self-powered vehicle. Admission is just $6 for anybody over the age of two, and $2 for children under two. Better yet, after 5 p.m. on Fridays, admission is free for all. Similarly to Museum London, the establishment is open most afternoons with the exception of Mondays.

2. Movies

Lights, camera, action; the best movies deals of all time, all the time. Every Tuesday, SilverCity at Masonville offers half-price movies. But how low can the prices go? Even lower. Citi Plaza’s Imagine Cinema’s ticket prices are what we call affordable. Every operating day, it is $9 for anybody over 14, $7 for students with valid student identification and only $6 for seniors and children under 12. The Tuesday movie special is $5 for anybody and any movie. One can only do so much “Netflix and chill” before feeling the need to head out and interact with human beings, outside the comfort of their own home.

3. New Years Eve fireworks

Every year, Victoria Park opens its arms to people near and far for a family-friendly gathering to countdown into the new year. Headlining concert performances, music and dancing all night long, and laughter under the flashing firework show with loved ones. It is a sure way to welcome 2017 with good spirits and cheer. Best of all, the event is completely free to anyone and everyone. Join hundreds of other community members in the celebrating of another great year, and the introduction of a new one.

4. Skating

Let it go, let it go, let it go. Twirl and glide all your problems away for a couple hours of frozen ice fun on public rinks. This chill activity is free if you BYOS (bring your own skates), otherwise rentals are available depending on rink location. Victoria Park is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Covent Garden Market is most days from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call or visit the official location websites for more accurate skate times and updates. Both rinks are weather permitted.

5. Tobagganing

Dressed in bright, neon snow-proof armour with sleds in hand, a new wave of tobogganers are ready to conquer Forest City’s hills. An activity that is certain to kill a couple hours out in the white banks surrounded by loved ones. Scope around and explore some of the best hills in London: Doidge Park, UC hill at Western University, Byron Somerset Public School and Thames Valley Golf Course. All that is needed after is a hot cup of cocoa with melted marshmallows for a cozy end of the wild rides.

6. Lighting of the lights

It’s lit in the 519, with thousands of lights strung up all over the trees of Victoria Park. Every year the beautiful tree displays are carefully wrapped around to share warm Christmas vibes with visitors. At the end of the month of November, one night is especially dedicated to kick-off the light festival in the park. It’s like walking through a snowy winter wonderland. City Hall on Dufferin Ave. also permits community members to view the lights from the Promenade Deck 12th floor of their building. The date varies year-to-year, call the city of London for specifics.

7. Christmas craft shows

Hundreds of vendors, handmade crafts including jewellery and soaps, warm freshly baked goods and more. It gives you a chance to mingle between all the people of the city and support local businesses. Throughout the beginning of November into December, an abundant of craft shows take place all over London, such as the Enchanted Arts Show and Sale and the traditional German Christkindl Market. Spicy cider, pottery and art, the list of great finds is endless. Make this year’s holiday extra special by purchasing goods from the talented hands of your friendly neighbourhood families. Admission for most shows is absolutely free, while others may ask for a small entrance fee, but no worries, they are all budget-friendly. For specifics on the craft shows, search up Christmas markets in London on todocanada.ca.

8. The Biz Booth

Deals that are delivered to students’ front door all year round. Fanshawe’s Biz Booth is the campus hotspot for all the latest events and outings, bringing student-friendly pricing and exclusive promotions from laughs at comedy night to the extremely popular sex toy bingo at The Out Back Shack. Free live music performances and concerts all year round. Take a peek at the event calendar on fsu.ca/events and sign up to see just how well the FSU is hooking students up with special promotions