Last week I made a list of 5 Affordable Girls’ Night IN Ideas. This week, I’m talking about affordable girls’ night OUT ideas! It’s amazing how a night out with the girls can quickly add up to a lot of dollars. While we all value our friends, I’d rather focus on spending quality time with them rather than stressing over how much the signature cocktail costs or if my wallet tells me I need to head home before the final stop of the evening. If you and your girls are in the same boat and want to focus on quality time rather than an expensive time, check out these ideas. I think you’ll find they foster even stronger girl bonds than any overly expensive night.

1. Friends’ Staycation. Big girls’ trips can really tip the scales to unaffordable if you end up needing to purchase a plane ticket to attend. But a staycation may not be out of reach! Pick a local hotel that has a good bar and a good pool- bonus if there’s a bar IN the pool- and split the room and cost by the number of girls attending. Sharing a room with several friends is not only economical, it’s really nostalgic, like a 1990s sleepover. Depending on the venue you choose and the activities you undertake, a staycation can end up being incredibly affordable for the amount of fun you’ll have and memories you’ll make.
   

2. Night at the Museum. Many museums offer free admission or have free or reduced evening prices. But the Dallas Museum of Art takes it to another level with its Second Thursdays with a Twist. Tickets for these events are only $5 and include full access to the museum. So you can get your culture on while also participating in whatever themed events have been arranged by the museum. For example, one upcoming event is centered around The Office with trivia, Office-themed tours by a local improv troupe, and themed food options. Come for the art, stay for trivia. You will leave quite satisfied! (That’s what she said.)
   

3. Yoga in the Park. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a yoga newbie, yoga with friends is always good for a few belly laughs. And you might just get some good stretches out of it! My yogi friend Erika teaches a FREE yoga class in a local park every Sunday evening. If you and your girlfriends live in or around Frisco, it’s a great option for spending time with your girls before the long week begins. If you’re not in Frisco, search around. I think you’ll find that there are more free or paid drop-in yoga classes than you think.
   

4. Book Club. Take clubbing in a different direction. Pick a book, a local coffee shop, and you’re good to go! We have no shortage of adorable, independent coffee shops in our area of North Texas, including Summer Moon, Karmic Grounds, and Nerdvana, just to name a few. If you do end up meeting friends at a coffee shop, be sure to check the hours first to make sure they’re open at night. And don’t forget to order decaf!
   

5. Happy Hour. If all else fails, keep it simple- hop on the InstaHap app, find a local happy hour, and get your margs, chips, and salsa on! InstaHap categorizes local happy hours by night of the week and location (only DFW right now, but they’re working on expanding to other cities and metroplexes). You’re almost certain to find some specials in your area on whichever night you choose.

By saving some cash on night out events, hopefully you and your girlfriends will be able to meet more frequently instead of once in a blue moon. Because at the end of the day, time spent together is never a waste, no matter how much money you spend (or save).