8+ Frugal Ways To Have Fun This Summer

Summer is the season that everyone loves. It’s a time for going on vacations, taking a break from the monotony of work, school and stress in general. However, the prospect of sunny days and starry evenings spent in the great outdoors can seem less than perfect when you have to think about finances and are working with a fixed budget.

Whether you are saving up for an annual holiday or trying to be frugal in general, not to worry because here are 8 ways to have fun this summer when on a budget.

8+ Ways to Have Summer Fun

1. Explore a Local Trail :

If you live near a scenic area of any sort, or even close to a park, forest or any other form of nature, there’s always something to explore. You may not be aware of it, but most areas close to nature, especially forests, have a trail going through them and this sort of information can easily be found online.

Check out the local website for where you live, download the map for any trails, print it and off you go for a fun day of exploring! Don’t forget to carry water and a snack if it’s a hot day and a long walk.

2. Learn Origami :
Along with calligraphy, origami is a popular craft that everyone should try their hand at least once! The best part of learning origami is that it requires little to no materials and so is virtually cost free. All you need is some paper and perhaps a pair of scissors.

The internet is a great place to find tutorials on this craft which range from basic ones aimed at beginners to very advanced levels. This is a great activity to get your children involved in as well.

3. Exercise outdoors :
Don’t want to join an expensive gym? No problem! Go for a jog in your local park or do sprints up a hill near you. Exercise doesn’t have to mean spending money and working out in wonderful summer weather won’t feel as challenging as it would in winter. Always carry water especially if it’s very humid outside and try to avoid peak afternoon hours of 12-3 pm when the sun tends to be at its highest point. The great part of exercising is that you can involve your entire family, or go solo, or even join a local running club.

4. Look up :
One of the best parts of summer are the starry evenings that are simply too good to not gaze at. So gather your friends, grab a bottle of wine and spend an evening looking up at the stars and do a bit of soul searching along the way. Try and find a slightly elevated part of your area as the view from there will be better.

A quick search on the internet might bring up the best spots to indulge in star gazing. You don’t always need a telescope to explore the stars, and several constellations, six to be exact, are easily visible with the naked eye.

5. Go Back in Time :
An activity that is both fun and educational is going to a museum during the summer. Most museums are free to enter and some even give discounts to students for certain activities. When it comes to learning fascinating historical facts through interactive exhibitions or marveling at beautiful antique collections that have been preserved for thousands of years, a museum is the best place to head to.

To not avail freebies of this kind would be silly.

6. Picnic :
Similar to stargazing, but this is an activity more suitable for the daytime. When you want to gather your friends or family and go for a scrumptious meal, but don’t want to head to an expensive restaurant, why not organize a fun picnic? Picnics are great in the summertime especially. Make your favorite food, carry some chilled drinks and head to the great outdoors. While you’re having a picnic, why not have some fun with a few outdoor games. A three legged race, cricket, throwing a frisbee around, or even a game of cards will bring hours of fun to you and your gang.

7. Arcade :
One of the best parts of childhood was when you went to the local arcade and played a ton of games for hours on end. Why not relive those days and head to your local arcade. When you have the whole day to spend relaxing and having fun, the arcade makes for the perfect location. Not only are the games in arcades generally quite easy on the pocket, but the games available don’t change much over the years and will bring back nostalgic memories of childhood summers for most.

8. Camping with a Twist :
So you want to go sleep in the great outdoors but don’t have the budget for it? Not to worry! If you can’t head to the outdoors, bring the outdoors to you. That’s right! Your backyard will make a great substitute location in which to go camping. Get together with your family or friends and pitch a tent, have a barbeque outside and spent the night as if you were camping in the wild. Except this time you can rest assured that no wild animals will come sniffing your way in the middle of the night. Low on finances, high on fun, that’s the perfect summertime activity.

9. Visit a theme park or amusement park

Visiting a theme park or amusement park is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These parks are designed to provide thrilling rides, exciting attractions, and immersive experiences that transport visitors to different worlds.

When visiting a theme park or amusement park, it is important to dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are appropriate for the weather. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Also, bring a small bag with essentials such as water bottles, snacks, and a portable phone charger. Some parks also have lockers available to store your belongings while you ride.

10. Try a new water sport like surfing, paddleboarding or kayaking

Trying a new water sport like surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking is a great way to have fun and stay active during the summer. These water sports are thrilling and offer a unique way to experience the water and nature.

Before trying a new water sport, it is important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. First, make sure to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). This will help keep you afloat in case you fall off the board or kayak. Second, make sure to take a lesson or get some instruction from a qualified instructor. They can teach you the proper techniques and safety measures for the sport.

When trying a new water sport, it is important to start small and work your way up. For example, if you are trying surfing for the first time, start on small waves and gradually work your way up to larger ones. This will help you build your skills and confidence without putting yourself in danger.

Summer is a wonderful time of the year and no one should have to miss out on the fun simply because they have to keep a keen eye on their spending. These 8 activities prove that when it comes to having fun while on a budget, sometimes the best things in life really are free! So go ahead and have a great summer, you will be surprised how little it costs to have a good time.

Author bio:
Ann Neal is a writer with a keen interest in career, pets, frugal living, travel and lifestyle topics. She is passionate about music and loves to play guitar in her free time with her cute pooch listening quietly ;). Tweet her: @Ann_G_Neal