When I was younger, my friends and I would sit and talk about how we couldn't wait to grow up and have our own cars so that we could finally spend our time doing something fun. When you've lived in the same town for your whole life, it feels like you've done everything there is to do – twice.
So, the idea of having a car and being able to explore and try new things sounds amazing! That is, until you grow up, get your car, and then realize how expensive everything is. This summer, my friends and I have tried to find ways to have fun without breaking the bank. Here are a few activities to do with your friends that cost little to nothing!
1. Bonfire/ Firepit
Picture This: It's a cool summer night, some soft, indie music playing in the background, your friends all gathered around the fire, maybe some s'mores or a few beers if you're over 21 of course...
Anyway, having a bonfire or fire pit is there perfect, cheap, way to hang out with your friends and make memories that will last a lifetime!
2. Picnic
My friend Bella and I had a late night picnic a few weeks ago and while it ended up failing due to a cicada invasion-a picnic is still a great way to have fun with your friends! Pack a lunch from home or grab some takeout, get a blanket, a speaker, and maybe some games or flashlights if you're going to be doing this at night and head to your local park. Blast your music, eat your food, and enjoy your company outdoors!
3. Game Night
This is another idea that would certainly be enhanced with the presence of alcohol, but If you are under 21 or drinking just isn't your thing this can still be so much fun sober! There are plenty of amazing games that I'll link below that you may already have or are just a target trip away. A great idea for game night is to have everyone bring a snack and a game and have a little game night! Although I think we can all agree, no one knows how to have a better game night then the cast of New Girl playing True American, you can try giving them a run for their money!
Games to Check Out for Game Night:
1.https://www.amazon.com/Cards-Against-Humanity-LLC-...
2.https://www.amazon.com/What-Do-You-Meme-plyf-001/d...
3. https://www.amazon.com/Joking-Hazard-JHUS0000/dp/B...
4. Cupcake Decorating Night
A box of cupcake mix and a few options for icing costs less than $10 and having fun decorating your cupcakes like crazy is priceless. Whether you're acting like your are on an episode of cupcake wars or just trying to make the craziest design possible having a cupcake baking/decorating night is always fun!
5. Movie Night!
Here's how to have the perfect movie night: tell each of your friends to bring their favorite movie and favorite movie snack (or if you're balling on a budget simply pop some popcorn) and then put everyone's favorite into a bag and randomly select one! Or do a vote! This way you learn more about your friends and everyone get's to experience a must-see movie!
6. Swap Shop
Love to shop, but your wallet doesn't? I've got you covered! Have your friends raid their closets in search of things they don't tend to wear anymore and have them bring over a few items! Everyone can swap clothes, or if nothing fits their style, you can see who can transform the clothes into something new, have a fashion show, or just have fun trying those DIYs on YouTube you know will inevitably fail.
7. Dance
Dancing is a completely free way to have fun, exercise, and just have a good laugh. You can look up dance practice videos like the one above and learn a choreo, find bootleg Just Dance videos on YouTube, or simply put on some music and start dancing! Regardless of how you do it, I've found that some of my best memories with my friends involve us dancing like idiots. If you have some money to spare check out concerts nearby – even if you haven't heard of the artist it might be fun! My friend and I found a $15 concert at a club for someone we had never heard of, but after looking up his music we were so excited to go!
Summer is a time to have fun and be free –don't let money stop you from having fun with your friends! Hopefully this list gave you some ideas on how to spend your summer!
