It’s no secret that things have been a little tight in the money department for everyone lately. The good thing about that is that you’re not alone. Since everyone is in the same boat, it’s time to remember the days when you were young and you had the whole summer off from school and you and your friends always found things to do for little or no money at all. Weren’t those days fun?
No, you don’t have to hop on your bike and ride down to the local watering hole and swing from a tree rope, although you could. Still, there are some things you can do with friends and family that won’t break the budget that also happen to be tons of fun.
Outing at the Local Park
Depending on where you live, there are probably tons of public parks that have grills and tables, and some even have sprinkler parks or pools where you can cool off if it gets too hot. Grab some buns and burgers and pack a cooler. It’s a nice way to spend time together while getting away from the house and phone and all the reminders of things that stress you out. Some parks even have petting zoos, which always seems to thrill the little ones.
Beaches and Lakes
Chances are you live near either a beach or a lake. If you pack a lunch instead of buying food from the concession stands, you’ll save tons of money and get to eat what you like. Plenty of towns have places that offer all the amenities including outdoor showers, and some let you bring the rafts and noodles to float your day away in the sun, or perhaps even rent a row boat. This is something both family and friends can do. Grab the girls and split the gas for the ride and turn it into a fun road trip.
Maybe you don’t like the sun or the outdoors for that matter, or maybe it’s just a rainy day and you’re bouncing off the walls. Rent a movie, play board games, make smores, pop popcorn and lay the blankets and pillows on the floor and pretend you’re camping. The upside of indoor camping is no pesky bugs, not to mention indoor plumbing.
Your lack of funds could be a blessing. Do things together, share photos and stories and use your “staycation” days to get in some quality time with those you love. If you were at some ritzy resort, chances are you’d all be doing your own thing and not making and memories of being together. Sure it would be fun to pack up and go to Cabo for a long weekend, but use the money you save now to plan a trip for later. Get a jar to save your spare change. You’d be surprised how much you could amass in a very short time.
One thought on “Summer Fun on a Budget”
The stories that I have been told on a time during the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s was one of a time where money was somewhat scarce, but where memories and stories of laughter and relationships were built upon, we have became accustomed to thinking that money buys happiness and joy, we have forgotten the simpler things of life, the picnics, family and friends getting together, just everyone relaxing and enjoying stories amongst friends, getting to know each other again, enjoying just being and enjoying each minute of peace and relaxing many of us have forgotten how to relax.
Blessings and Big Hugs!
Jacqueline x9472