Summer is the perfect time to do all the things you want to do. Unfortunately, a lot of things cost money, so this could pose a problem for college students. I have come up with super affordable things that you HAVE to do this summer:
1. Hike every trail in your state.
Most hiking trails are free! There are some that you have to pay a small fee, but the fee is $5 at most! This is something that is so much fun, and you are getting exercise while doing it. Take a group of four friends and split the gas cost!
2. Go to a sunflower field.
Sunflower fields generally only cost a couple bucks per flower. This is fun and makes for cool Instagram photos!
3. Go to a drive-in movie.
If there is a drive-in movie theatre near you, take advantage of it. Most of them are pretty cheap; definitely cheaper than a traditional movie theatre. Take a bunch of snacks, blankets, and pillows and enjoy!
4. Go on a late night ice cream trip.
McDonald's actually has really good ice cream and they are open late, and some are even open all night. Their ice cream cones are only $1!
5. Find a swimming hole.
Swimming holes generally are pretty cheap to visit. You and your friends can pack a lunch and go for a day.
6. Pick wildflowers.
This is free! Just visit a wooded area near you, and pick wildflowers. This is fun and you can have as many as you want.
7. Explore your hometown.
There may be places in your hometown that you've never seen before. Go out there and explore! You can either do this by car or by foot. You can find a parking lot or garage and just get out and wander. If you're driving, bring a coin with you. Whenever you get to a stop light/sign, flip the coin. If it lands on heads, go right. If it lands on tails, go left. Have fun and don't get lost!
8. Go to the farmer's market.
Farmer's markets are so much fun! You will never have the same experience twice at a farmer's market. You can even visit another town's farmer's market. You can just look around if you'd like, or you can bring a little bit of cash to spend. Either way, you will have a good time.
9. Take a day trip.
Take a day trip to somewhere that is not super far, but has a lot to do. You could take a day trip to the beach, or to the lake. You could take a day trip to a museum or an art gallery. Whatever you are into, go for it! The best part is that places like this are cheap or free; the only thing you really need to pay for is gas.
10. Go kayaking.
If you live near a river, this is a great option! Where I live, you can rent a kayak and have an instructor go with you, and it barely costs anything! This is something I personally plan on doing in the near future.
11. Go camping.
You can probably find someone with a tent if you don't have one. Camping is a cheap way to enjoy the outdoors with your friends. You can take marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers to make some yummy s'mores, too.
12. Volunteer.
Go find something you're passionate about and volunteer. This is a good way to help your community out. You may even make new friends along the way!
13. Visit your friends from school.
You can stay at their house and get to know their family. They will (probably) let you stay for free. You get to spend time with some of your best friends while getting to see where they are from. This helps you learn more about your friends while having the time of your life. Plus, you miss them anyway, so why not?
Summer is a great time to get out and do things that you don't have the time to do while at school. You may not realize it, but there are many things that you can do for a relatively cheap price. Go out and make memories this summer, but don't break the bank in doing so.