When classes end and books are returned, but your bank account isn't looking all that hot, how can you still have some summer fun? Well, I've come up with a few ideas and thought I'd share them! Here are 10 ways to have fun this summer, without blowing your bank account.
1. Spend a day at the park.
If the weather is nice and you don't want to pay for beach parking (or deal with the crowds), then grab your friends, a blanket, snacks and a frisbee and hit the grass. Take the book that you've been dying to read and didn't have the chance because you had to read that Sociology textbook.
2. Volunteer.
Whether you volunteer at a local soup kitchen or a local animal shelter (because who doesn't want to spend some time with fluffy puppies?), there are plenty of ways to give back. Have a friend come with you to help out as well, the more the merrier! Check out VolunteerMatch or All For Good for great opportunities.
3. Catch up on that TV show you've only seen three episodes of.
We all know that watching a TV show that requires some serious attention giving is a luxury in college, but now that you have three months of freedom, renew that Netflix subscription, grab the popcorn and binge!
4. There's a reason they call it "Happy Hour."
Drinks are cheap and fun is unlimited. Most bars have a happy hour (and if they don't it's not a bar you want to be at anyway), and where there is happy hour there are drink specials and cheap appetizers. So, whether you drink beer or cocktails, hitting happy hour can save you some major cash. Remember to tip!
5. Rent a movie.
Praise the person who came up with RedBox! Get your friends, go to Walmart and get some candy and popcorn, get cozy on the couch and watch that movie. You can make this happen under $10.
6. Find discounts at summer hotspots.
Research before you go and don't forget about student discounts!. You can take mini day trips instead of one big expensive vacation. Places like the Bronx Zoo are not a far ride, and offers free admission every Wednesday, and theme parks like Six Flags and Splish Splash are close to home and offer many discounts and coupons.7. Go hiking.
If you just want to get outside, then lace up your sneakers, grab a trail map and take a hike! Being outdoors is usually free, so take advantage of it because there's no better way to explore nature.
8. Get in shape.
Instead of sitting around, get up and run. If you didn't reach your summer body goals, or stress eating went a little overboard take advantage of the time you have. Starting good habits in the summer will help you stay healthy for the impending stress.
9. Have a slumber party.
Raise your hand if you miss the days of pillow fights and staying up all night! As teenagers and college students, sleep is a gift. Grab the girls and host a sleepover at your house, middle school style. You can watch movies (Disney classics are always a good option), gossip and eat all the junk food that your hearts desire.
10. Have a bonfire.
Because what's more summery than a bonfire? Each friend brings some of the ingredients for s'mores (there are only three) and some chips. Crank the radio and relax.
