Are you looking for ways to enjoy the summer months without breaking the bank? You may have noticed that compared to last year, the prices of things are noticeably higher. Recent tariff hikes and the increase in production of so many things are the main culprits.
Which means you will have to spend much more to get about the same value. And if you’re anything like me then I imagine you want to spend much less than you earn, and put the rest of it towards your investments and goals.
But at the same time, you don’t want your social life to suffer because of the current economic changes.
At times like this, we need to find other ways to save money, while still enjoying the summer. This led me to create this list of affordable and unique activities that will ensure your friend groups remain vibrant and fun.
These ideas have helped me a time or two when I was low on funds but wanted still spend meaningful time with my friends.
10 Budget Activities to Try out this Summer.
- Go Hiking
Hiking is a great idea for a cheap outdoor idea you can do with friends. In fact, it is one of the few things you can do with large groups of friends without getting overwhelmed or spending too much.
A few years ago, I was part of a group that hiked up a mountain to visit a community. The journey up was pretty gruelling but the view and interactions with the community was so worth that after we got back, I was asking about the next jaunt.
2. Organise a Potluck Dinner
Do you love to host your friends and family? Perhaps, you are worried about how the cost of things will affect your ability to host a great dinner where people eat well without selling your kidneys.
A great alternative is to turn dinner to a potluck style event where everyone chips in. Go with a theme or a set menu and encourage each person to bring something on the menu.
This makes dinner more inclusive and reduces the burden on the hosts.
3. Plan a Games Night
I have attended some epic games night, and I will always recommend them as a great and inexpensive meet up idea for friends.
The interesting thing I’ve found is that the games don’t have to be fancy, I have seen people draw the proverbial swords arguing over a scrabble game, and teams almost stepping over each other in a charades game.
One of the reasons I love games is because it is an instantaneous icebreaker and gets people in a good mood very quickly.
Make sure you plan a couple of games nights this summer.
4. Take Road Trips
If you love to travel and had hoped to travel aboard this summer before the tariff hikes kicked, then I feel you pain.
Take heart, there are still a few options you can try,
I know going on a road trip is not quite the same as a trip to Paris or Aruba, but it will do for now.
For one thing, road trips are an incredible opportunity to bond with your friends and family, something you may not really get to do while snorkelling in the clear blue seas of Aruba. So, you see there are great benefits to hitting the road with your friends.
You can start with exploring the cities closest to you or the next state.
5. Go Thrifting
This a pretty unique idea but I have seen it work for me and a few of my friends. So, I love finding unique and old items that have got a lot of character and charm, and thrifting has been a great way to do this.
I once bought a beautiful silver flower brooch that was designed in the 1930s in a thrift store. While it cost much more than most items, it was still a steal compared to the real value. You cannot begin to imagine how much joy it brings me every time I wear it, or thinking about the idea that some lady I will never meet wore it decades ago. That’s surreal.
6. Visit Parks
Spending time in parks is definitely one of life’s pleasures, especially if it’s one of those parks that have many scenic views and interesting animals and foliage. I recall that during the pandemic, most of my friends and I met up in parks. There was this park next to my apartment that would usually have beautiful swans by a small lake nestled along the bank of the park. We would go there and just gaze at these majestic creatures. Bliss.
7. Volunteer
I think the summer season provides an opportunity to give back through volunteering and joining causes that interest you. Quite a few charities have events during the summer. You and your friends can find ways to help. You will end up hanging out together and doing it all for a good cause, certainly a win-win.
8. Do Dessert Hangouts.
If you don’t have enough time or money for a full dinner, then you can consider meeting up for just desserts. My friends and I have done this countless times. We have a neighbourhood ice cream store we have been visiting for over a decade. I particularly love their selection of waffles and pies which are perfect with creamy and delectable scoops of ice cream.
9. Start or Join a Book Club.
Okay, you may be thinking that having a book club is a nice albeit boring idea, but I beg to differ. You can add your own twist to it. For instance, you can decide to read only certain kinds of books, or you can meet up in each other’s home or even turn your meet ups into picnic dates. I know I would love the idea of discussing a great book while sipping wine and eating out of a lovely charcuterie board.
Make Your Summer Magical
I hope these 9 ideas remind you that there is so much you can do without breaking the bank.
However, it will take some intentionally and a little bit of planning, especially for the ideas that require a bit more work like the road trips and volunteering.
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