Over 25 fun (cheap or free) activities to do this summer

Are you looking for ideas to have fun this summer without breaking the budget? Check out the list below for some inspiration.

The Lazy Days of Summer

Rent a tube/kayak/canoe and spend a day floating down the river.
See how many different birds/butterflies/flowers you can spot while strolling through your neighborhood.
Kick back and listen to some free music offered throughout many cities.
Read a book while lazily swaying in a hammock.
Stargaze. Pick a clear night, get to a dark location with minimal light pollution, and see what you can locate in the night sky. There are maps that can be printed to assist in identifying constellations.

Explore your local farmer’s market.
Prefer to pick your own fruit? Go to a local fruit farm.
Volunteer at a local non-profit.
Take in the free programs offered by your local public library.
Walk in a new location, think parks, gardens, riverwalks, etc.
Pack a picnic and try out a new park in your area.
Take up a new sport such as pickleball, with its recent popularity many cities are building courts for public use.
Host a potluck where everyone brings a new summer inspired recipe for everyone to try.

Explore your city like a tourist (check out the newly painted murals, go to the zoo/arboretum/museum).
Check out one of the nearby towns that you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t made the time for yet.
Attend an outdoor (or indoor) community theater production.

Adventure out on a hike at a nearby park or recreational area. Don’t forget to bring some natural bug/tick spray!
Instead of staying at a hotel, go for the cheaper yet more adventurous option of camping. You can cut your costs while traveling and create many fond memories.
Not feeling quite that adventurous? Try camping in the back yard. You can always sneak back in the house in the middle of the night.
Spend a day rock-hounding.
Move your exercise outside and breathe in the fresh air. There are many opportunities for outdoor yoga, tai chi, and meditation in the park.
Invite friends and family over for an outdoor game day. Guests can bring any outdoor games that they have and enjoy some friendly competition outside. This is a great opportunity to include the potluck of new summer inspired recipes.

Hit the local beach for a free day of fun in the sun.
Start a garden or volunteer to work in a community garden or local CSA, not only will you get the enjoyment of growing flowers and/or vegetables but you can possibly supplement some of your grocery budget with your harvest.
Fishing can be a cheap and you might just reel in your dinner for the night to go with those garden veggies!
Enjoy smores/pudgy pies around the campfire with family and friends.

Go to the local pool to cool off without breaking the budget.
Go to a discount or second-run movie theater to enjoy a movie along the air conditioning but not have to pay the prices of the premium and regular theaters.

Be a spectator at the area’s sporting events. There are plenty of options for a variety of events.
Better yet join a sports league yourself! Check out the local parks and recreation’s website or your city’s leisure services for details.
Check out a drive-in movie for a different experience usually the price is per car and you often get to watch two movies.