I agree completely. Volunteering at shelters, senior citizens homes, youth groups, local events, conventions, etc. can be extremely fun and rewarding.

It is also often quite educational and good exercise and can lead to many other contacts that provide interesting opportunities.

Go to your local grower's market (if you walk there and don't carry money it's safer). Not only is there a ton of cool stuff to see, but the vendors are a fountain of information, you can gather great creative ideas, and the people-watching is fabulous. I vend on Saturdays and as I'm a social worker during the week and tend to need a break from people I initially was wondering what I was getting into, but going from an environment of stress and crisis to one where everyone is relaxed and genuinely enjoying their surroundings is not only enjoyable but therapeutic. Plus, there are some wonderfully colorful characters walking around out there. I am ammassing a fair-sized collection of pictures of dogs in costume. Plus, if you do spend money there, you know it's supporting a local, grassroots family business (usually the family is the business) and you get to be face to face and have a conversation with the person who grew your food.