Fun on the cheap
Finding stuff to do when you're on a budget can be hard.
But there are lots of ways to get discounts, and many activities are cheap or even free for young people.
They aren't just for poor people, either; the more money you can save now, the more you'll have in the future.
Join a club
As well as lots of regular clubs, drop-in events, projects and parties, local young people's centres often offer cheap trips, activities and days out. This is because when you do things as a group, it's cheaper. If a group of you want to do something (e.g. go to a play) it's always worth asking about group discounts.
Get student cards
If you’re in further education your school or college should give you a National Union of Students (NUS) card. Otherwise, you can buy an International Youth Travel Card (IYIC). Both of these cards entitle you to discounts on tickets, eating out, shopping and travel.
- www.istc.org for International Youth Travel Card
- www.nus.org.uk for NUS card
Ask about discounts
Full-time students over 16 and young people on benefits may qualify for discounts at council sports centres in Oxford City, South Oxfordshire and Witney, including the ice rink at Oxford. Just ask at the centre.
- The Slice Card - Oxford-based, available for free to under 16s
- Opt in! from Oxford Playhouse
Fun for free
There are lots of ways to have fun for free. Enjoy local parks, borrow books, CDs and DVDs from Public Libraries, or just take in the local sights.
In Oxfordshire, and especially in Oxford, lots of public events, museums and galleries are absolutely free. Keep an eye out on local entertainment websites and in free papers for details.
Look below for suggestions from local young people about things to do on the cheap or for free, as well as some ways to treat yourself.
Absolutely Free
- Sight-seeing and tourist stuff in Oxford - Sophie, 16, Oxford
- Flying kites on the White Horse Hill - Tim, 17, East Hagbourne
- Making cakes at home - Ben, 17, Abingdon
- University Parks & Christ Church Meadow and other parks - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
- Picnic, music, frisbees at "The Wreck" (common land) - Hannah, 16, Thame
- Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon
Cheap and discounted
- Skating and leisure centres in Oxford, cheaper with a slice card - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Swimming in Woodstock open air pool (or Chippy Lido) - Sophie, 16, Oxford
- Ice skating on Oxpens Road - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Brown’s Café – excellent greasy spoon in Oxford's Covered Market - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
- The Mish Pub – non-alcoholic "pub" for under 18s on St Clements - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Games Workshop – New Inn Hall Street, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon
Treat Yourself
- Golfing at Drayton Golf Course - Ben, 17, Abingdon
- See local bands at the (former) Zodiac on Cowley Road (many gigs are 14+) - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
- Rowing from the boathouse at Magdalen Bridge - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Going to festivals – watch for posters - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Swimming – Didcot Wave - Calli, 15, Abingdon
Links
These websites will help you find out more about discounts in Oxfordshire:
- Activities Oxfordshire
Positive Activities for young people in Oxfordshire - Daily Information
Oxford's oldest listings site - This is Oxfordshire
Leisure, listings, news and more from the local papers
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