It's probably no surprise that a city nicknamed "America's Playground" would come in at number one on WalletHub's Most Fun Cities in America in 2018. But, even if Vegas isn't for everyone, everyone loves to have fun. Some people like finding new restaurants, while others prefer to explore the trails at their local National Park.
Whatever you do to have fun, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American spends up to $3,000 every year on entertainment. With that kind of money burning a hole in one's pocket, you'll want to make sure you spend it in a way that gets you the most bang for your buck.
To find out which cities in the U.S. have the greatest number and variety of fun options for people, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 65 key metrics. They looked at things like how many options people had for entertainment, what the nightlife was like in the city, and how much it cost on average. The results may not be all that surprising to some.
So where are people having fun in the United States? Orlando, Florida comes in at number 2 (Mickey probably has something to do with that). New York, New York, the city so nice they named it twice comes in at #3. Atlanta, Georgia (#4) and Miami, Florida (#5) round out the rest of the top five.
Where you live can also have an impact on how much fun you can afford. For example, people living in Santa Clarita, California pay at least twice the price for a movie ticket than you would living in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Beer and alcohol prices can also vary by the region and tastes.
Of course, having fun isn't limited to trips to breweries, movie theaters and amusement parks. Professor Karen Riggs says people can have a lot of cheap fun by staying in state parks.
"Some have nice cottages and lodges that are often cheaper than other lodging, for those who want an alternative to tent camping," Professor Riggs said. "If you're playing tourist in a nearby city, a place in the woods is a nice respite and provides many alternative activities for down time, such as kayaking and hiking. For a real adventure, some state parks have yurts."
Professor Riggs noted that campers can get better rates by staying for multiple nights.
When looking for a fun and affordable city, Professor Benjamin Stokes says people should be on the lookout for communities who promote and organize their own events.
Look for local bands, rather than big-name musicians, as a great indicator for local vibrancy," Cooper said. "And increasingly, communities are building their own games to connect the physical and the digital together. Such play can be embedded in parks, concerts and on public sidewalks."