Summer is the best season to get out of the house and spend time with family and friends, the only problem is the costs can add up and your wallet can be empty by the end of the season. You shouldn't have to skip on the fun for fear of going broke. There are a variety of ideas for cheap summer fun that can allow you to enjoy yourself without the high cost.
Set up water fun in your backyard
Getting doused in water is one of the best ways to stay cool and entertained during the summer. Set up a kiddie pool (even if you don't have kids!), play with water balloons, set up a sprinkler or even a Slip 'n Slide. It'll get you and your family out of the house to enjoy the weather and cool off a bit.
Make summer foods
Host little get-togethers where you make summer foods with your friends and family. You and your loved ones can make different versions of burgers and chicken, ice pops, different salads and any other recipes you adore or have always wanted to make.
Photograph different locales
There's a different look and energy to each locale as the seasons change. Take advantage of that by photographing different areas in the summer even if it's just city streets in your own town. Take regular photos or black-and-white, but you'd be surprised what you can capture through the lens of a camera even if you've seen the same setting a thousand times before. If you have kids, let them take photos with disposable cameras to see things from their point of view.
Host movie nights
When the weather is just too hot to go outside, host movie nights at your home. Make little candy buffets, order pizza and set up a movie for friends to watch. It's much cheaper than going to the movies.
Have mini outdoor get-togethers
Instead of going out for dinner and drinks with loved ones, host mini outdoor get-togethers at your place. It's inexpensive and you can make all the food and drinks exactly the way you want. Try out different drink and food recipes, share some laughs and save some money in the process.
Go camping
There are plenty of places where you can go camping and in many cases, you can rent camping equipment right there. If you'd rather stay much closer to home, go camping in your living room or in your backyard. For indoor camping, use giant blankets and in the back yard, use a tent, sleeping bags or even just lay on fluffy blankets.
Get a fire pit
You can buy an outdoor fire pit for less than $200 but you can get a lot of use out of it. Set up a couple of seats around it and invite some friends over. Cook up some hot dogs and S'mores, serve up some drinks and get ready for great conversation all without leaving your backyard.
Have a picnic
Get some sandwiches together, grab a few drinks and snacks and a large blanket and set it up either in your living room or in the park. Whether you have a picnic indoors or outdoors, it's much better than going out to eat.
With so many ways to have cheap fun this summer, there's no reason you'll ever have to sit home bored!
More from Lauren R:
Tips for throwing a summer party on a budget
How to keep better track of your expenses
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