As summer is winding down and our time to go back to school is near we find ourselves running out of things to do. So we sit inside, watch our favorite series, and only get out of bed for food. The other day I was thinking of how I could be more productive with my last few weeks at home and thought to myself “everything is so expensive, there’s absolutely nothing to do!” I was lying to myself; I was thinking of really expensive things I knew I couldn’t afford, because, you know, broke college student here, but there's a ton of activities you can do in the summer that cost next to nothing, possibly even nothing depending on what it is. So here are some ideas on what you can do with under $10.
1. Go to the Zoo
Cute animals? How do you say no to cute animals? You can’t do it, can you? In the summer the Cleveland Metropark Zoo is free on Mondays, aside from the gas which it takes to get there you don’t need to spend a bunch of money. You can take coolers with water and packed lunches, like peanut butter and jelly and chips which probably cost you $3. Do it for the elephants, they want to see your faces!
2. Get Ice Cream with Friends
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!! Go to your favorite ice cream shop, sit around, and enjoy your friends company. Is it even summer if you didn't go to Honey Hut? No, it's not. For all of you who say “But I don’t like ice cream” or “I’m trying to be healthy,” invalid excuse, everyone likes ice cream, and you’re only trying to be healthy because it’s summer, what happened to the other NINE months of the year?
3. Go to the Oark
I live pretty close to the metro parks, so finding somewhere to go and explore isn’t too hard. This summer they have been a staple for my friends and I. My friends and I would try to find things to do, realize there’s nothing and end up going for a walk in the park, it fixed our boredom and those hills are very steep, so it doubled as a workout! The park is just so peaceful and nature filled.
4. Soak up the Sun
I am fortunate enough to have a pool in my backyard, so I can plant myself on the deck and become a tan goddess… not really (let me, dream okay). Some days though, a change of scenery is good. There are a good handful of beaches scattered around to go to. Grab your friends, towels speakers, beach balls and go to the beach. There’s nothing better than blasting music as the waves crash at your feet being surrounded by friends. Don’t forget to stay hydrated!
5. Read a Good Book
You may be sitting but at least you’re putting your brain to work. If you don’t feel like reading a book, you could always listen to it. There’s a website called Audible.com that lets you buy audible books, now you can be hands free to do your daily activities.
6. Get Crafty
I can be the first to say painting a canvas exactly how you want it is not a 30 minute task, it could take hours or days. Paint at your local craft store only costs a few dollars and canvases differ depending on the size you want. Also, you’ll have leftover paint for other projects, unleash your creative side!
7. Have a Photoshoot with Friends
I will jump at the opportunity to get dressed up all pretty and do my makeup. I don’t do it very often since I don’t go out much in the summer, other than to go to work. On those boring summer days when you're sitting on your friend's bed wondering what to do with your life, get up, put on cute dress and flats, do yourself up, and go find places around your city to take Instagram worthy photos. Why? Some people might ask. It’s bunches of fun, and now you probably have enough new photos to change your Instagram theme, so win win.
8. Go to a Free Concert
I can see where this might be iffy, what if you don’t like the band? What if you end up loving them. You could also look them up on YouTube and get a gist of their work before you go. Even if they don’t seem like your cup of tea it doesn't hurt to go and hang out with friends and talk to new people.
9. Take up a New Hobby
There are so many activities you could learn to do from the comfort of your own home. Learn how to knit, those old ladies didn't just wake up and magically know how to do it you know! You could learn how to bake Crème Brûlée and then you would know what Zeke was talking about in "High School Musical."
10. Clean out your Room
Bare with me for a second, I know cleaning doesn’t sound like a party. However it will give you a chance to clean out your closet and give away clothes you may not wear. You could also rearrange your room for the new school year or find old supplies you could still use. Every time I clean out my drawers and closet I find at least five notebooks that have been lightly used or not used at all, don’t even get me started on pencils.
Trying to save up money for things we need is definitely a challenge in the summer because we want to do fun things with our friends but there’s many things you can do with ten dollars or less.
