6 Ways to Save on Entertainment

1. Take a brewery tour

En español | Pepper Schwartz, AARP Relationships Expert: With the growth of craft beers, many cities now have breweries that offer free or low-cost tours. Similar tours may be offered by other manufacturers, such as a whiskey distillery, a chocolate maker or a potato chip manufacturer. Frequently, free samples are given out at the tour's end.

2. Spend a day at a luxury hotel

More luxury and resort hotels offer "intra-day stays," which allow guests the use of a room and all the hotel's amenities—pool, restaurant, spa, sports center or private beach—for eight or so hours. Discounts can be as much as 70 percent off the price of an overnight stay. Find hotels at hotelsbyday.com and between9and5.com.

3. Create a "cuisine club" with friends

The group selects a type of food for the evening's dinner—say, Greek, Thai or Louisiana Creole—and then each person contributes a dish. It's less hassle for the host, and it's cheaper than if the group went out to a restaurant.

4. Go back to the future

Board games were fun when we were young—and they still are. Many of the classics, such as Twister, Scrabble and the Game of Life, have been updated.

5. Host a dinner for friends and invite a local expert

You might ask a professor at a nearby college to speak in exchange for a meal and a small honorarium raised through contributions from the other guests.

6. Throw an artist party

Buy inexpensive watercolors, paper and brushes and have your guests paint a still life. Compare results, laugh and enjoy!

View More Ways to Save

• 9 Ways to Save on Fun and Fitness
  
• 12 Ways to Travel on a Budget
  
• 9 Ways to Save on Food