Summertime provides the opportunity to get out and have a great time with your friends and family. It can be hard to know what to do in the summer, though, especially when a lot of things get shut down and money gets tight.
Just because you want to make the most of summer doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on summer activities. We’re going to explore some of the best things to do this summer, especially if you’re working on a budget.
Let’s get started:
Summer Activities to Explore This Season
We’re sure there are a few things in our list that will pique your curiosity. Whether you’re someone who likes to spend time outdoors or relax and enjoy the company of friends and family, take a look at the following options.
1. State Parks and Trails
Each state is home to a wide array of parks, most of which have some unique hiking trails. Many of these parks require a small fee to park or enter, but those costs typically don’t exceed 10 or 20 dollars.
Additionally, a lot of state parks and trails don’t get much attention in the media. That means there are probably a number of trails that you’ve never heard of and may even be a short drive away from you.
Pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, and see if you can’t waste an afternoon walking through some pristine wildlife.
2. Tubing and Floating
If you’re a person who lives near a peaceful river, you’ve got limitless relaxation right in your backyard.
Floating down rivers that have entry and exit points is an excellent way to get some sun and appreciate nature for a while. Companies like Which Inflatable offer a number of different options for you to cruise downstream with.
Just make sure that your tube has enough air, the river is slow enough to be safe, and bring a partner along with you to share the fun.
2. Road Trips
Road trips offer a chance to spend quality time with someone while exploring the nooks and crannies of our nation. Draw up a plan that stops at some national parks, historical sites, and interesting cities.
So long as your car is in good shape, you’ve got enough money for gas, and you can stock up on food that will last you the trip, you’re in for an excellent time. It may be wise to break up your trip with visits to hotels and campsites.
Varying your sleeping locations will help to keep things fresh and avoid any complications that come from spending too much time in close proximity to someone. We all get frustrated with each other, even if we’re the best of friends.
That’s why it’s a good idea to place some opportunities to sleep by yourself every few days.
4. Start a Garden
Summer is the time to get out and work with nature, even if you don’t intend to leave the comfort of your home. Starting a garden is a great way to get involved with your yard and learn a thing or two about growing plants.
Whether you want to grow food, flowers, or a combination of things, tending to your garden will provide you with something fun to do for the entirety of the summer and beyond.
5. Go See a Minor League Game
Minor league baseball games are typically very cheap to enjoy. They offer all of the normal benefits of a big-league game without the high costs of travel, tickets, and food.
It’s likely that your town has a league and hosts dozens of games every summer. Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, it’s fun to get outside and watch something for an afternoon. If you do like it, you can make a habit of it and get to know your team and its players.
6. Take a Class or Workshop
If you’d like to take a hands-on approach to summer but don’t think you have the skills to do so, explore the classes and workshops that your community has to offer. Whatever your interest is, whether it’s gardening or birdwatching, there’s likely a course for it.
These classes are affordable and they provide you with regular summer activity. Additionally, once you know what you need to know, you can take your skills into the real world and start that garden or whatever else you’re interested in doing.
7. Visit Museums
If you’re looking for something to do on a particular afternoon, keep in mind that conservatories and museums are almost always open in the summer. Just because it’s inside doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile.
Whether you’re an art buff or a nature fanatic, going to a museum can really help to inform your opinions and bolster your knowledge. Additionally, many museums run strictly on donor contributions and are free to the public.
8. Establish a Family Tradition
Why not make your summer plans turn into something that your family can enjoy for years to come? Whether you’re planning to host a family barbeque or an afternoon where all of your closest friends meet at the same place, it’s always fun to have something to look forward to.
Coordinate with the close people in your life and see if they’d be interested in working together on a gathering that can happen annually.
9. Keep It Small
A lot of people get caught up in the idea that their summer plans have to be extravagant. We plan the biggest, most expensive trips and vacations, only to find that the stress of the ordeal prevents it from happening.
If you keep your plans pretty small, trying to do only things you can afford and accomplish, you’ll be extremely happy with the outcome. What matters is that you’re getting out and having fun.
Need More Summertime Tips?
Naturally, there are millions of other summer activities for you to explore. We’re here to help you organize your thoughts and make the most of the season.
Explore our site for more tips and tricks on how to make every season the best it can be.
