I’m about to start college, I have a lot to pay now and I am saving up for what could potentially be the most stressful event of my life. Moving out and furnishing my apartment. However, I still want to have a good time this summer. I know we all do. Summers are a time to be out enjoying the weather and living it up before we have to settle into a stressful routine once again. Fear not, there’s still a good chance you’ll have a great summer.

Take these and run with them. I know I will.

1. Six Flags

HEAR ME OUT. Once upon a time, going to Six Flags was not this easy. One day passes usually cost about seventy dollars. Every. Single. Visit.

There’s a way for you to visit Six Flags every day of the season (if you please). A season pass. There are several options and each makes it super easy to pay. You pay about seven to ten dollars a month. This includes both the parks. You get to go to the theme park and Hurricane Harbor for 7 dollars a month? Good deal. For three to six dollars you can add the dining pass which will ensure you will have at least lunch. OR you can take a trip down to the McDonald’s and order food from the value meal. The point is you’ll only need to have about 10 dollars on hand each time to visit. It’s worth the monthly payment.

When this program first started out, there were fewer options but if you go onto the Six Flags site, there are many options. There’s plenty of deals. Take advantage. I’ll see you there.

2. County Pools

Pools are the best. You always see where you’re going, no random seaweed wrapping around your leg. No sharks. If you live near a county pool, it’s likely you won’t have to pay much to get in. Even if you’re not from there, there’s a low cost to go in. Make some sandwiches and enjoy a relaxing day in the pool with friends. If you’re aiming to avoid seeing people from your county, head to the next county over. The county pools usually open on Memorial Day weekend which isn’t too far.

3. Drive-In Movie Theater

I came across this when I was thinking about dates to go on with my boyfriend. I always loved the idea of going to a drive-in. I only heard they existed in the South, thankfully, I was wrong. There’s one in Vineland. It’s pretty far from me but I’m sure some of you live around there. It’s eleven dollars for adults. They show a number of contemporary movies. You can go on their website and it’s very easy to see what’s playing. They even have rental options for chairs and all the things you need to enjoy a movie. If you only have eleven dollars on hand, bring your own chairs and blankets.

4. Beach

Sandy Hook beach has a number of awesome spots. It can be nice. It’s clean. It’s very rare that it’s so full that you can’t get inside. You can spend the whole day, really. There’s a restaurant there but it’s a bit too expensive for my taste. It’s easier to bring food or just find a McDonald’s nearby. I also know they have a Chinese food place around there that is affordable with good food. They have seafood establishments nearby but you can imagine they charge more because of where they are located. The best part about Sandy Hook is not that it only charges fifteen dollars per car. Sandy Hook is NOT Seaside. If you’re looking for a more low key, calm and family oriented place, this is where you’ll find it.

Now, if you want to be in a place where you’ll find overpriced clothing and many young adults, Seaside Heights is a good area to find it. I would highly recommend the pizza if you haven’t had it already.

5. Park Events

This all depends on the area where you live. There are so many parks in New Jersey. You can go to the website of your county. Several days throughout the season, they have events at the parks. They’re either free or low cost. With the right people, it can be a lot of fun. I’ve been to some events in my county and they’ve been great. It’s definitely worth a shot on a day where the direct deposit hasn’t hit.

6. Festivals

There’s a festival called the Fanwood Summer Fanjam Music Festival. Yeah, quite the mouthful. It’s worth saying it because it’s free. This year it’s on July eighth in, you guessed it, Fanwood. Located in La Grande park, it offers food trucks, cars, and rock music. I’ve never been there but you know where you’ll find me on the eighth. I’ll have to review this in the future. If you want more information about the abundance of festivals that happen during the summer, head on over to visitnj.com, there you find plenty to do here in the wonderful state of New Jersey.

7. Boardwalks

These CAN be pricey. There’s plenty to buy and you’ll feel inclined to do so with all the cool things you’ll find around there. There is a way that you can live it up at Seaside Heights, Atlantic City and Wildwood without hurting your bank account. You can limit yourself to thirty dollars and only bring that to ensure that you will not spend more. The entrance fees to the beaches are relatively low cost so if you don’t feel like being tempted, there’s an ocean to keep you away.

There’s nothing wrong with being on a budget. It’s not easy being a college student and you deserve to have all the fun regardless. When you’re with the right people, no matter what you do, you will have a good time. Sometimes you just need to take a car and wander around, the unplanned adventures are always the best.

Make this summer the best one yet!