Summer Activities on a Budget!
Every student counts down till summer break begins, and can’t wait to wake up late, have free time, and make plans to enjoy the warm weather! As a college student myself, I personally love being able to create my own schedule and finally get to do all of the activities I couldn’t during my busy school year, and I’m sure that many of you reading feel the same way!
For this article, I wanted to be able to offer some ideas for things to do in the summer to fill any boring days you might have, or help you decide what to do when your friends say “I don’t know... what do you want to do today?”. As a young adult, I know it isn’t always realistic to travel and explore new places due to expenses, but you can have an exciting summer right in your hometown! Keep scrolling to see a list of ideas to keep your summer interesting!
1. Going to the beach:
The most obvious idea for the summer is to go to the beach, but I thought I’d add it. I know that for many people the beach can be a bit mundane. If you are not a fan of tanning all day long, there are always options to keep yourself occupied during beach days. You can bring a speaker and blast your favorite songs, swim in the ocean, or collect seashells along the water. For the more active reader, any other beach sport equipment and play with friends! There is also the option to bring your favorite book or art supplies to draw! Most importantly, bring drinks and snacks to keep your energy up!
2. Flea Markets:
Grab your friends and head over to a flea market in your hometown! In most towns there are annual summer flea markets where you can shop for clothing, antiques, and anything else you can possibly think of. Personally, I love going to a flea market since it’s a cheaper alternative for shopping, allows me to be outside, and meet new people. A plus is that some flea markets also have food/drink stands, so you can always grab a snack!
3. Picnics in a park
Bring a couple of blankets, some snacks, and a speaker for listening to music and relax with your friends (Bonus points if you have a hammock to swing in too). Depending on how long you would like to stay at the park, bring some card games, supplies for painting, or sports equipment. This is a perfect way to sit in the sun and spend quality time with friends, and it’s free if you go to any public parks!
4. Water Balloon fights
For those in urban areas, this could be a great idea for you! In more crowded, city areas it is not always a viable option to lay by a pool. So to beat the heat, head over to a local department store
to find water balloons or water guns. This is a great way to have a great time while friends on
those hot summer days! (A more expensive alternative for friends rather lounge around , here’s a
link to an inflatable seat that you can fill with water, so you can get your tan on!
5. Exploring/Swimming in Lakes
For the readers who live in suburban or wooded areas, here’s the alternative to swimming in pools. Do some research on the closest lakes/waterfalls near you (and make sure it is safe to swim in) and head over with your friends. Bring a bathing suit, some sunscreen and a speaker to enjoy a day of cooling off! This is a perfect idea for those groups of friends who rather not lounge around, but are more energetic!
6. Movie Night
I know that a movie night is not the MOST original idea, but you can spice it up! Instead of sitting in the house watching movies, you can turn it into a party. Round up your friends and ask them to each bring a snack of their choice to eat as you binge watch movies. A good way to enjoy the weather is to pick a spot outside to bring your laptop and watch the movies, preferably at sunset! If you have a projector, you can also hang a bedsheet on a flat surface and watch the movies that way.
I hope some of these ideas appeal to any of the readers here! One thing I have realized about figuring out summer plans is to get creative and figure out what you and your friend groups like the best! All I know is that no matter how bored you might feel, it doesn’t matter as long as you surround yourself with great people and friends who want to spend time together!
