10 Budget-Friendly Summer Activities For Sweet Seasonal Fun
Kayla Walden is a content creator and writer who spends most of her free time either shopping the latest trends, reading fantasy novels, or binging new tv shows. You can find her various musings on all things fashion, pop culture, and travel on Brit + Co or her blog, Kayla's Newsletter.
Looking for fun summer activities to do this season that don't break the bank? We've got you covered. Summer is an amazing time to soak in the sun, warmth, and good vibes with your friends, but it can be costly to keep up with every concert, movie, or event you're invited to. And in this economy? Things really start to add up, taking a major hit to your finances. So, we've come up with a list of fun summer activities to bring on all the good times without all the overspending. Keep reading for all of our budget-friendly summer activities!
Host A Game Night With Your Friends And Family
Photo by Cora Pursley
An easy way to have a blast with your closest friends and family this summer is to bring out their inner competitor with some fun games. I love doing this in the summertime, because it really brings people together for some quality time without phones — just talking, playing, and being silly. Plus, this is usually a free activity if you or someone you know already owns some games! Score!
Go On A Bike Ride In A New Area
Photo by Chloe Christianson
Taking a bike ride through a new-to-you part of town is always an exciting little adventure! Maybe make your way to the beach and take it for a spin there, or go to a cute nearby neighborhood to window shop and people watch. I love riding somewhere I can park with a little snack and take in all the sights!
Fly A Kite
Photo by Dovlet Hojayev/Unsplash
We're throwing it back to childhood days with this old school activity. A regular kite at Target costs around $8, and it's a sure bet to make you feel super nostalgic and at peace. I love doing this on days when I want to be outside or at a park. Surprise your significant other with this sweet activity for the summers and you'll definitely have a blast!
Host A Projector Movie Night
Photo by Roberto Nickson/Pexels
I love cool, summer nights spent outside. If you have a backyard, pull out a projector and host friends for a little movie night for a great nighttime activity! I usually borrow a projector from someone I know, hang up a bedsheet, and voila! Built-in movie theatre right in your backyard!
Another option is to find the nearest drive-in movie theater or pop-up movie screenings in the park! These are usually much cheaper than seeing a film in a traditional movie theater, and it can make for a great, summer experience.
Have An At-Home Spa Day
woman in white bathrobe holding spray
Photo by Kalos Skincare on UnsplashLooking for a cozy night in to relax this summer? Treat yourself to a few single-sheet face masks, put some lavender essential oil in your diffuser, and spend the night relaxing at a spa...AKA your home. You can make it an oasis with just a few self-care steps. Do an everything shower, get your favorite book ready, make a tea, put your phone on DND, and get ready for your coziest (and less costly) night in.
Have A Beach Day
Photo by Cora Pursley
Being by the ocean is one of the most summer activities I could come up with! Whether you're a swimmer, a sun-tanner, a drink-sipper, a beach-reader, or any combination of the above, this is a great low-cost activity! Bring your favorite snacks, drinks, treats, and whatever else you may need to minimize the cost of any pricey beach-front dining.
Have A DIY Night
Photo by Pexels/RF._.studio
Opt for a creative night by taking some pieces of furniture you don't like, and giving them new life with a fresh coat of paint. You can find paint for great deals at most homeware stores, so look out for any discounts or sales. You can also opt for buying a canvas and creating some art to hang if you're home. I recommend checking out our Pinterest for some inspiration!
Plant An Herb Garden
Photo by Pexels/Huy Phan
Did you know that buying herbs to plant in your garden or backyard usually costs less than $10? There's this 12-pack of culinary herbs from Amazon that's a great option! Not only is this fun, but this budget-friendly activity will actually save you money in the end, because you won't have to keep buying herbs!
Go To A Local Farmers Market
Photo by Madeline Edwards
Skip going to a grocery store, and hit up your local farmers market instead. I like to get all my produce fresh, from local and organic sellers at the farmers market. It's a fun weekly activity for me that allows me to walk around a cute area and explore local small businesses. It ends up being the same price as the grocery, and often times can be a lot more fun! Invite a friend, and do your weekly shopping together!
Have A Cute Picnic With Friends
Photo by Анна Галашева/Pexels
If you're feeling in the mood to dress up, and take cute pictures, then we have the perfect option for you that doubles as a sweet date idea! Here's all you need:
- A blanket
- Snacks or charcuterie
- Books or games
Follow us on Pinterest for more summer activity inspiration!
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Header image by Анна Галашева/Pexels
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Kayla Walden is a content creator and writer who spends most of her free time either shopping the latest trends, reading fantasy novels, or binging new tv shows. You can find her various musings on all things fashion, pop culture, and travel on Brit + Co or her blog, Kayla's Newsletter.