11 Cheap and Fun Things To Do In the Summer

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Things to Do During the Summer (for Next to Nothing)

Summer has rolled in and most of us just want to do, “something.” Literally anything - this is the season for doing. If you’re on a budget however, you might be wondering what some of those “fun” things are that won’t cause your debit card to be shut off.

From making warm weather treats, to fun nights with friends, check out the lists below for budget-friendly ideas to make sure you take advantage of while sun is still shining!

FREE Things to Do This Summer

Surprise, surprise, you really can get something for (literally) nothing. Check out the below free summer activities:

1) See Random Sites: Stop what you’re doing right this second and visit RoadsideAmerica.com. Make sure to use anytime you go anywhere. No, for real. There are a treasure trove of opportunities to see incredibly random things that will literally give you the best photo ops. Not only is this fun to find what to do somewhat near you, it’s amazing for road trips. They don’t give you the standard touristy things - it’s more like, “The World’s Largest Rocking Chair,” which I saw this fall, or a large fish head (because why not) or a house of bells. I’m not sure if every single thing on the map is free, but I’ve yet to come across one that isn’t.

2) Visit a National Park. Most of us live within driving distance to a national park, and these are absolutely MUST-SEE. For me, it’s the Indiana Dunes, an absolutely stunning system of trails and beaches along Lake Michigan.

3) Get a Library Card. Your local libraries are full of amazing books and other things you can take advantage of. Why aren’t you???? Not only are cards free, you’re not purchasing books that will likely take up precious space and then only tossed or donated later.

Fun Things to Do in Summer with Friends

4) Theme Dinners: now, I’m not talking about what you wear and decor (but that can be fun too). I’m talking about picking a food category or theme and everyone brings something that fits. And if you’re me, you make everyone eat outdoors because there is truly nothing better than that.

Some ideas for you: appetizers, Italian, salad (if you want a good summer pasta salad, check out this recipe), Mexican (my favorite guac is here or try this tasty pico de gallo), All-American, etc.

5) Game Night: you could absolutely do this in conjunction with the above, but no matter what you have for dinner, game nights are always a hit.

6) Build a Fire and Make S’mores: Growing up in the country, our summer nights centered around a campfire with family and friends. They were perfect - casual, laid back, full of laughs and, yes, always s’mores! And if you want to get really crazy, trade your Hershey Bars for a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Snickers or other favorite chocolate bar.

Things to Do on a Hot Day: Coooool Recipes

7) I’m determined to make homemade Bomb Pops this summer. Has anyone tried them? It looks like many of the recipes are the same or similar to this one. I can already taste them!

8) Smoothies and Ice Cream: I don’t have an ice cream maker but I am a huge fan of smoothies. And we don’t have to overthink the recipes. Throw some frozen fruit in a blender with vanilla almond milk. Delicious! And of course you can find numerous recipes that use a variety of other tasty ingredients. If you aren’t into making your own (although that is cheaper, the point of this post😊), you can use this link and my code, rsf50laura_yoder for at least 50% off your first box of smoothies from Revive Superfoods. They are DELICIOUS!

9) Moscow Mule: this might just be my favorite summer drink. OMG - it’s so good. And good news, it’s pretty easy to make so you don’t have to head to a bar every time you start to crave it.

Almost Free Things to Do In Summer

10) 4-H Fair: If you aren’t a regular fair goer, you are 100% missing out. I love the fair, saying “hi,” to the animals and seeing the exhibits from amazing talented youth in so many categories. And did I mention the food? It’s the kind of food that you don’t feel too guilty about because you literally can only get it once a year. That’s my theory at least! You typically have to pay to get in and then of course for any food. Most of the shows are free (not the big concerts typically), but check your county’s schedule to make sure. Oh yeah, if you’re a ride person, they have those too.

11) Rent a Cabin with your Besties: you can easily make a weekend for under $100 per person, if you grab enough of your friends. Each of you pitch in for the cabin and then bring alllll your foods (and of course wine). Just kick back on a porch or with your feet in the water sipping wine, creating memories.

About the Summer Look Seen Here

Guys this is such an easy outfit to recreate and my guess is you can find similar pieces at Goodwill. I kinda feel like cutoffs, tee or tank, flannel and boots are a whole summer vibe of their own, and a perfect outfit for the fair or local festival.

Tee is from a fun little Etsy shop, S3veretees - featuring fun vintage items and bleach-dyed tees and other goodies.

Shorts are Wild Fable at Target and no longer available, although they do have similar options this season.

According to the tag, the shorts were manufactured in Vietnam but my guess is Wild Fable manufactures in other countries as well.

Boots are from Report Shoes and after doing a little digging, I'm thinking Report is no longer in business. While a few stores still have the brand in stock, it's limited and deeply discounted. The website is no longer up and their socials haven't been posted on in a year.

Flannel was nearly eaten by my dryer and I can't read the tag - I honestly have no idea where I got it:) I can tell you, it's really old and flannels are one of those things that get better with age, in my opinion.

Have some summer ideas of your own? Share them below so we can steal them :) :) :)