3. HOW AMERICAN SPEND THEIR
LEISURE TIME?
Cinema
Nearly every town has a movie theatre (i.e., cinema),
and films are still a very popular form of entertainment
4. Parks
Most cities provide free events organised by the local Parks &
Recreation Department. These events, normally held at local parks, are
free and are aimed at all socio-economic groups within American
society. In towns and cities, parks also include playgrounds and room for
sports activities requiring teams of 5-10 players each.
5. Arts & crafts
Americans enjoy a wide variety of artistic
and craft endeavours, including painting,
pottery, needlepoint, etc. Lessons in these
activities are often accessible to the public
and are found in the curriculum of American schools.
Joining a course can be an excellent way of meeting new friends within
your local community
6. Music
Playing or enjoying music is a major pastime, and music is hugely
influential in American culture. Bands tour throughout the US, and if you
live in or near one of the larger cities your music needs should be well
catered for.
7. Outdoor activities
Camping, hunting, fishing,
boating, hiking, and walking
are also very common
in the USA and are enjoyed
by a vast number and
variety of people.
8. Sports events
There is a wide variety of sporting events in the USA. American
football, baseball, and basketball are Americans' favorite sports,
but soccer, hockey, and golf are also popular. There are
professional men's and women's sporting team games at large
venues. here are also a lot of opportunities to play sports purely for
your own entertainment. You can play as part of a league, or in a
locally organized “pick up game,” which will be far less formal.
9. Clubs and societies
Clubs and societies are most frequently associated with the "upper classes" in the
USA, but in fact they are popular throughout all levels of society. Most are centered
around a particular theme (a sport or a charity for example), but there are an increasing
number of business and “networking” groups. Membership is often an excellent way for
new expats to expand their social network. Schools offer an excellent opportunity for
students and parents alike to meet new people; PTA (Parent Teach Association) groups
give parents a chance to have a voice within the school community as well as form a
network of new friends.
10. Church activities
The US is a church-going nation, much more so than the UK and the rest of Europe. A
large percentage of the population attends regular Sunday services, but many people's
social lives involve other church activities, such as choir, youth groups, charity work,
and religious retreats. Joining a church can be a good way to meet like-minded
individuals. Most towns have at least one church for each major denomination, but
Jewish temples, Muslim mosques, and some less common places of worship may only
be located in larger cities.