I don’t know about you, but it feels like I can’t keep up with the cost of living no matter how hard I try. Everything has an exorbitant price tag, and it feels like simply stepping outside my front door costs money these days. Especially with summer (one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year) in full swing, I’m starting to worry that my bank account won’t make it out alive.
But alas, I’m still resolved to have a fun, memorable summer. So, I rounded up a bunch of low-spend summer activities to help you make the most of the season while keeping your finances in check. Here are 30 summer activities to try if you want to cut back on summer spending without missing out on the fun.
1. Go on an ice cream walk
Is there anything better than walking around with an ice cream cone in hand on a summer evening? I don’t think so. The next time you want to romanticize a weeknight—whether you’re with a friend, your partner, or just yourself—grab a scoop at your favorite ice cream shop and take a walk while you enjoy your sweet treat. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and costs less than dinner and drinks.
2. Have a bonfire
There’s a reason a good bonfire never goes out of style. Whether it’s in a backyard fire pit or a designated spot at a local park or beach, gathering around a fire with friends, a few bags of marshmallows, and a speaker is one of the most affordable ways to make a summer night feel special. Spend the evening swapping stories and toasting s’mores—it’s so simple but can make for such a fun summer memory.
3. Go fruit picking
Find a local u-pick farm and spend a morning gathering strawberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, or whatever’s in season near you. It’s a surprisingly peaceful way to spend a few hours, and you’ll only pay for what you pick. Plus, you’ll come home with the ingredients for a summer pie, homemade jam, or a very photogenic fruit salad. Check your area’s farm listings to see what’s ripe and when.
4. Throw a backyard movie night
You don’t need a fancy setup to recreate the magic of an outdoor theater. If you already own or can borrow a projector, then all you need is a blank wall or a white sheet. Otherwise, grab a couple of strong friends and haul your regular TV outside! Then pile up some blankets and pillows under the stars, add a big bowl of popcorn and a few candles or string lights, and you’ve got a date night or friend hang that costs a fraction of actual movie tickets.
5. Revisit a childhood hobby
Summer has a way of making everyone a little nostalgic, so lean into it by picking back up something you loved as a kid. Maybe that’s roller skating around the neighborhood, digging out your old sketchbook, making friendship bracelets, or finally rereading the book series you were obsessed with in middle school. Most of these activities will cost you almost nothing, and there’s something genuinely restorative about doing something purely because it’s fun, with zero pressure to be good at it or turn it into a side hustle.
6. Stroll through your local farmers market
Going to the farmers markets doubles as a leisurely summer activity and grocery shopping—a win-win! Fill up your tote bag with locally produced goodies and fresh flowers while sipping on an iced coffee, or grab lunch from one of the food trucks with a friend. There’s truly no better way to spend a weekend morning.
7. Host a pizza-making party
If you want to throw an affordable but memorable get-together this summer, try hosting a pizza-making party. Instead of putting together an elaborate (and expensive) dinner party menu, keep things simple with a DIY pizza station. To keep costs down, grab the basics like tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, and ask your guests to bring their own dough or pre-made crust and preferred toppings. It’s a fun way to feed a crowd and spend a fun summer evening with friends.
8. Have a beach day
Few things feel more like summer than a full day spent by the water, and you don’t need to live near the ocean to make it happen. A nearby lake, river, or reservoir works just as well. Pack a cooler, grab a couple of towels and a good book, and make a day of it for the cost of gas, snacks, and SPF.
9. Find the best spot to watch the sunset
Summer sunsets just hit different. Make it your mission this summer to find the best viewing spot for when the sky starts showing off, whether that’s from the roof of your apartment building, a pull-off spot along your drive home, or a certain perch at a local park or beach. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down a little and take a few moments to appreciate the beauty around you.
10. Go mini golfing
Mini golfing is one of the most underrated summer activities out there. It’s nostalgic, budget-friendly, and great for getting outside to enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Head over to a local spot and play a round the next time you need a cute summer date idea or a fun group activity to do with friends.
11. Have a picnic in the park
Rolling out a blanket for a picnic in the park is one of those simple summer activities that never gets old. Pack some classic picnic foods like sandwiches and pasta salad, or fill a cooler bag with your favorite girl dinner staples to snack on. It’s a great way to get outdoors, whether you’re with friends or solo. If you’re treating yourself, pack a good book to read while you indulge.
12. Go to a local festival
In my humble opinion, local festivals are one of the best parts of summer. These events are always teeming with life and culture, and I love listening to the music, shopping at the street vendors, playing games, and trying new food at each one. The real cherry on top, though, is that they’re often free to attend, so you can enjoy without spending a dime or set aside money for games or treats.
READ: I’m Not Buying Any New Clothes for Summer—8 Pinterest Outfits I’m Styling Instead
13. Organize a field day
Nothing topped the joy of having a field day at school as a kid, and this classic summer activity is one you can easily recreate as an adult. Gather some friends or family in your backyard or at a park, and plan a slate of activities like three-legged races, cornhole, and ring toss. It’s the perfect way to soak up the sunshine and engage in some friendly competition.
14. Recreate a paint and sip class at home
Paint and sip classes are a fun way to tap into your creative side, but they can be fairly pricey to do at an actual art studio. Luckily, it’s easy enough to recreate the experience at home. Gather some basic art supplies and have everyone come with a canvas and their favorite bottle to share. Find a painting tutorial on YouTube for everyone to follow along with, or just enjoy each other’s company while you create your own masterpieces.
15. Organize weekly game nights
If you love socializing and friendly competition, weekly game nights deserve a spot on your schedule this summer. Gather some friends to play cards, board games, chess, conversation starter games, or even video games. To keep things fresh and exciting, rotate your games and where you play each week, and have everyone bring snacky foods and beverages to accompany the evening’s festivities.
16. Take advantage of happy hour deals
Life is all about balance, so instead of resigning yourself to never dining out, take advantage of discounted restaurant offerings. Look into happy hour deals and weekly specials at your favorite spots, and plan your outings around those discounts. Taking advantage of these offerings means you can still treat yourself to patio cocktails and dinners out without overspending.
READ: 12 No-Spend Date Ideas That Are Just As Romantic as They Are Fun
17. Visit a state or national park
Spending time in nature doesn’t have to cost a thing (besides maybe a few dollars for a park entrance fee). Drive out to your nearest state or national park for the ultimate hot girl walk with some seriously scenic views. Take it easy with a beginner-friendly trail, or get your sweat on with a more challenging route.
18. Check out a local spot with live music
There’s nothing like seeing your favorite artist live, but concert tickets don’t come cheap. To get your live music fix elsewhere, make it a goal to check out a bar, brewery, or restaurant with a live band at least once this summer. Some cities even host outdoor concerts you can attend for free. It may not be Harry Styles at Madison Square Garden, but you can still enjoy some great entertainment at no cost to you.
19. See a movie at the drive-in
Going to the movies is notoriously expensive, and who wants to be cooped up in a dark theater on a beautiful summer day anyway? Instead, find a drive-in theater near you and cozy up to watch a movie from the comfort of your car. It’s one of those quintessential summer activities that will make you feel like you’re starring in your own rom-com. Plus, it’s also cost-effective since you’re typically charged per car rather than per person, and you can bring your own snacks and drinks.
20. Invite friends over for an at-home happy hour
For many of us, going out for $20 cocktails is definitely not in the budget this summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo your favorite martini. Gather the necessary ingredients and learn to make your go-to drink at home. Mixology is a fabulous skill to have in your back pocket when you’re trying to save money; you don’t have to meet your besties for drinks when you can whip up a tasty beverage for everyone at home.
READ: 26 Completely Free Ways to Romanticize Your Life This Summer
21. Make friendship bracelets
Making friendship bracelets is peak girlhood. It’s one of those perfectly nostalgic summer activities that doesn’t have to cost more than a few dollars. Head to the craft store to buy some embroidery floss or some stretchy cord and beads, then get creative crafting bracelets for yourself or loved ones. The results will be both a fun accessory and a keepsake that represents your relationships with those closest to you.
22. Whip up a new recipe and dine al fresco
Anyone who lives in an area that experiences all four seasons knows just how precious the summer weather is, and it’s important to capitalize on every moment. If you’re home on a gorgeous summer day, whip up a new recipe with fresh, summery ingredients like tomatoes or zucchini and take it out to your patio or balcony to dine al fresco. You’ll get to enjoy a lovely meal and the weather without paying a premium at a restaurant with patio seating.
23. Visit a local winery
If traveling to the Tuscan countryside isn’t part of your summer plans, visiting a local winery is the next best thing. Smaller vineyards tend to be more affordable, and many offer tours and tastings for a low price. If you do your research ahead of time, you may even be able to plan your visit around certain promotions or events with discounted rates.
24. Read at a local coffee shop
If you need a solo date idea this summer, head to your favorite coffee shop for a beverage or snack and enjoy it outdoors while reading a good book. This will get you out of the house, provide a nice change of scenery, and offer plenty of people-watching opportunities.
25. Go stargazing
On a clear summer night, all you need is a blanket and somewhere away from city lights to enjoy a genuinely spectacular show for free. Download a stargazing app to help you spot constellations and planets, and check whether any meteor showers are happening, since summer is prime season for them. Bring a partner for a romantic night out, or go with friends and test your knowledge of the stars.
26. Camp out in your backyard
You don’t need to book a campsite (or even leave home) to get the full camping experience. Pitch a tent in the backyard, roll out the sleeping bags, and spend a night under the stars with snacks, flashlights, and a good dose of bug spray. It’s a fun, free way to shake up an ordinary weekend, and it’s especially great if you’ve got a partner, friends, or roommates up for the adventure.
27. Do some arts and crafts outdoors
Take your creativity outside and set up a little crafting station in the backyard, on your balcony, or at a park. Crafts like watercolor painting, pressing flowers, or decorating tote bags all feel extra lovely in the sunshine, and most of the supplies you need are cheap (or already buried in a drawer somewhere). It’s a great solo reset or an easy, low-key hang with friends.
28. Host a potluck brunch
Instead of paying an arm and a leg for bottomless mimosas at a trendy brunch spot, host a potluck brunch yourself. Coordinate with your group ahead of time on what everyone is bringing to avoid duplicates, and hit the Trader Joe’s wine aisle for some affordable bottles of sparkling wine. Set out an assortment of juices for a mimosa bar, and you’ll be golden.
29. Try geocaching
If you’ve never heard of it, geocaching is basically a free, worldwide treasure hunt happening right under your nose. You download a free app, follow the GPS coordinates, and search for little hidden containers (called caches) tucked away in parks, trails, and city corners near you. It turns an ordinary walk into an adventure, and it’s a genuinely fun way to explore parts of your own town you’ve never noticed.
READ: 10 Cheap Hobbies You Can Start Basically for Free
30. Have an at-home spa night
Skip the pricey spa day and recreate the experience at home for next to nothing. Draw a bath, throw on a face mask, paint your nails, and queue up a calming playlist (or that comfort show you’ve seen a hundred times). It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long week and pairs perfectly with a glass of something cold.
Want more? READ: 32 Completely Free Things to Do This Summer
Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer
Arianna is a freelance writer and journalist, and the self-proclaimed hot and dirty martini queen. At The Everygirl, Arianna uses her authenticity and relatability to empower, inspire, and motivate women everywhere. Whether she’s writing about sex and relationships, career and finance, beauty and fashion, wellness, or home and living, Arianna’s passion shines through in all her work.
Andrea Navarro, Assistant Editor
Andrea is a writer and editor with 10+ years of experience in women’s lifestyle and commerce content. She is based in Los Angeles, California, and her work appears in Vogue, Glamour, The Zoe Report, and many more.
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