It is officially July! We are in the heart of summer, and for most people, that means sunny skies, tan skin, and a seemingly insatiable thirst for fun and adventure. With more than half of summer still to go, there is no reason to burn through your savings to have a good time. Here are 7 inexpensive ideas for a roaring good time during this 7th month of the year!
1.) Take a Hike
Before you get offended, this is supposed to be taken literally. It’s summer! The weather is perfect and you should be spending all of the time you can outside before winter falls upon us. Hiking is not only a good way to exercise, but it can be very therapeutic for the soul and mind. So go out and enjoy one of the splendid things nature has to offer for free. Bring your pets for some added fun!
2.) Hit Up the Dollar Theater
Movies are a classic entertainment activity, yet prices seem to be increased every other week! Before you delude yourself into thinking that movie about explosions and aliens is worth $15 a ticket, consider the too-often-forgotten dollar theater solution. You can have a great movie experience for just a fraction of the cost. Check out this website to find a dollar theater near you: http://www.thedollarmovie.com/theaters/
3.) Have a Pool Day
Don’t just stop by the pool for 30 minutes to catch a few rays. Make a day of it! Channel your childhood and gather all of your friends, assign a pot-luck of snacks and treats, bring a beach ball to play with, pack plenty of sunscreen, and splash around the entire afternoon!
4.) Swing by a Pet Shelter
Summer is a very popular season for pet adoptions. Even if you are not looking to find a furry companion at the moment, a large majority of shelters and adoption centers appreciate people coming to play with the animals—they need loving at all times! Spend the day paling around with adorable puppies or kittens. To find a local pet shelter, check out http://theshelterpetproject.org/shelters
5.) Jump into Beach Volleyball
You’d be surprised at the amount of community parks and neighborhoods that have nets already set up. If you can’t locate a place to play, you may want to consider buying your own portable net. Try visiting Wal-Mart or Dick’s Sporting Goods to find one—you should be able to get a decent one for less than $50. If you can’t find any sand (not all of us are fortunate enough to live by a beach), grass will work just fine.
6.) Pick Some Berries
Wine tastings may be all the rage, but when was the last time you picked your own berries? There may be no better way to enjoy the fruits of your labor. This could be a fun date idea or you could go with a couple of friends—either way, it is most likely something new and exciting for all of you. Visit http://www.pickyourown.org/ not only to locate places to pick near you, but also for awesome recipe ideas and tips for your adventure!
7.) Try Tubing
Splashing around in the water is pretty much a necessity during summer. Enjoy a relaxing and nature-filled adventurous afternoon by tubing. http://www.rivertubing.info/ has a great directory to find places to tube all throughout the United States.
Hopefully these tips have proved helpful and enlightening. Remember, when it comes to summer fun, anything is within reach. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and let the good times roll while staying well within your entertainment budget!