Summer is nice and all, but continuously spending money isn't as fun. I'm constantly stuck in a situation where I'm with my friends and we want to hang out, but we don't want to spend too much money. So here are 5 things I've found myself doing this summer that are either free or close to free.
1. Take a hike
Plan a morning or evening to head out to a nice hiking trail with a great view. It's a great way to exercise for the day, while also taking in the view. You can catch up with your friends while also doing something productive, and end up with some great pictures!
2. Spend the day at the park
Go to a park! To make it even nicer, plan a picnic where you can sit and enjoy the weather. Maybe even have some fun and act like a kid again on the slide or swings. If there's a parking fee, try biking to a nearby park.
3. Baking/Cooking
This may not be completely free, but it's still fun and cheap. Sometimes my friend and I have craved dessert and gone to the grocery store and bought boxed brownies/cookies and ice cream. Nothing is quite as satisfying as baked goods straight out of the oven. Add some ice cream on top and I'm happy for the day. You don't need to make anything fancy, and chances are somebody you know already has some ingredients to make foods anyways.
4. Watch movies
You don't have to spend all your money at the theater. It can be just as fun when you're with your friends if you get some cheap popcorn and gather together to watch a movie at someone's house. Watching old movies at your house is incredibly fun because it definitely brings back childhood movies. Plus, you can talk and pause the movie if you need to go to the bathroom.
5. Geocaching
Ready to go treasure hunting? I did this a lot when I was younger, but if you go to to Geocaching.com you can find areas near you that have hidden treasures and go out with your friends. It's a great activity to do outdoors, and it comes with a reward!
Hope you try out one of these activities this summer and good luck with saving money!
