Now that summer vacation has been in full swing for a few weeks now, and the initial rush of excitement has worn off, you may find yourself feeling a bit of cabin fever. Now that you’ve caught up with your friends from home and started your regular schedule at your summer job, you’re probably itching to make some plans to keep your summer fun and fresh, rather than boring and scheduled. However, there can be pros and cons to all the free time that summer brings. While you have much more time to earn money without having to schedule around classes, extracurricular activities, or sports, you also have more time to indulge in the fun events, such as concerts or vacations, rather than saving your hard-earned money. But alas, do not fear! There are plenty of ways to have fun all summer long AND you may even find yourself with some extra savings for school come September!
1. Plan a day trip.
While the freedom of summer may have you antsy to hit the road, a road trip cross country can be quite expensive when your factor in gas prices, the cost of hotels, and food. A cheaper alternative is to plan a day trip for you and your friends. Find a state park, hiking area, lake, or anywhere else that sounds fun for you, that is relatively close to where you live. The day trip will give you the break you need without breaking the bank.
2. Host a bonfire.
An essentially free activity that never fails to be fun. Who doesn’t love a bonfire? So easy, literally all it takes is some wood, matches, and friends to share the evening with. What the heck, you could even splurge that extra $5 for some s’mores ingredients from the dollar store to really go the extra mile.
3. Go hiking, walking, or exploring around your town.
Another free amenity that we often take advantage of is the nature surrounding us. Whether you live in a rural or urban area, take a day with a friend to explore the area surrounding you. Or go solo to relax and clear your mind, just make sure not to get lost! You may be surprised by how much of your town you never knew existed.
4. Enjoy a movie from the Summer 2016 line-up.
Movies can be expensive, what with high ticket prices and all the money we dole out for popcorn, candy, and drinks. Instead, check out movies at matinee showtimes for a cheaper deal, and don’t forget to show them your student ID for a discount! Rather than spending money on food there, wait until after and stop by your local frozen yogurt or ice cream shop, where the price per ounce or for a single scoop is undoubtedly cheaper than the movie theater snacks but equally tasty!
5. Meet friends for lunch.
We all know that lunch time prices in restaurants are shockingly cheaper than the rates for dinner, but we almost never have time to eat out during the school year. Take advantage of these prices and meet your friends at your favorite spot in town, and sit outside if the weather is nice!
6. Search the free attractions in your hometown and the surrounding cities.
Depending on where you live, there are many places to go that you may have forgotten or not known about before. Check out the attractions near you on local websites, or the state’s tourism page. Whether it be museums, pools, galleries, parks, or aquariums, you may find somewhere to spend the day that you haven’t been to since a field trip in 5th grade. *cues nostalgia*
7. Go thrift shopping, or stop by your local yard sales.
I know when I have free time on my hands, I get the itch to craft or decorate. I find myself scrolling Pinterest for hours until I find the next project I want to tackle. But rather than going to the craft store to buy all the pricey supplies you’ll need to start your crafting from scratch, check out your local thrift shops or yard sales to find a piece that just needs some sprucing up. There you can often find cheap furniture or décor, or even canvases and art that just need a little touching up make them like new again – and perfect for your room or home.
8. Make a trip to the local library.
There is something about being able to pick out your own books rather than being handed a list of reading from your professors that is so liberating! Make a trip to your library, update your library card, and make reading your friend again! Check out their selection of movies, magazines, and audio books too, to keep yourself entertained when Netflix runs out of series to watch (haha).
9. Plan a cookout with your friends.
Cookouts can be a fun way to hang out with friends and eat way too much, and you don’t have to spend a ton to host one. Do it potluck style, where everyone brings a dish, or even drinks, napkins, plates – whatever you need! Look at it this way – the more friends you invite, the more food there is to share, so now is not the time to be exclusive.
10. Find a park or area you enjoy for some exercise.
Whether lifting is your style, or your more of a casual stroll in the park type of person, getting some fresh air while you get your blood flowing is always good. Rather than spending a ton on a gym membership, look no futher than the internet to find all you need to get in shape this summer. There are tons of fun, inventive exercises routines already created for your use, that require not equipment at all. There are even partner exercise circuits, so find a buddy and get to work!
