Like most college students, I start off the summer saying something like "this is going to be the best summer ever." Then, about one week into summer break, my bank account is crying. You can still make this summer the best ever, but you don't have to break the bank. There are so many budget-friendly activities to fill up your time, but here are 50 to get you started.

1. Go for a picnic.

2. Take a hike.

3. Check out some library books.

4. Read some library books.

5. Doodle all over the driveway with chalk.

6. Set up a blanket fort and play board games in it.

7. Go stargazing.

8. Do morning yoga outside.

9. Spend a day on the beach.

10. Build a sand castle on the beach.

11. Put on your favorite music and have a dance party while you cook dinner.

12. Break out some instruments and have a jam session.

13. Go on a bike ride.

14. Blow bubbles and try to catch them.

15. Go berry picking.

16. Take a nap in a hammock.

17. Sleep in a tent.

18. Dance barefoot in a rainstorm.

19. Do a walking tour of your city.

20. Find time to call someone you care about who doesn't live nearby.

21. Attend a parade.

22. Learn how to juggle.

23. Find a new favorite podcast.

24. Start a book club.

25. Go to a drive-in movie.

26. Clean up trash around your local parks and reservations.

27. Run around in a sprinkler.

28. Paint something.

29. Play flashlight tag.

30. Watch a sunset from the roof of a car.

31. Shop at a farmer's market.

32. Lie on a blanket outside and find fun shapes in the clouds.

33. Find free concerts near you and drag your friends to them.

34. Teach yourself something new.

35. Visit a local museum.

36. Make a birdhouse.

37. Fly a kite.

38. Start writing in a journal.

39. Swim somewhere where there's a waterfall.

40. Have a bonfire and make s'mores.

41. Teach yourself a magic trick.

42. Play a prank on your best friend.

43. Go on a road trip for the day.

44. Go out for ice cream.

45. Start a book club.

46. Make homemade popsicles.

47. Take a photo every day. Or several.

48. Have a water balloon fight.

49. Go night swimming.

50. Make a slideshow of your summer adventures.

You better get started if you're going to make it through all of them!