With summer just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to make a list of some free, cheap and fun things to do this summer, all without breaking the bank.

As most restrictions have lifted, and places opening up, this summer looks way more promising than the last. 

Friendly Reminder: As you are looking for free, cheap or fun things to do this summer, keep in mind your city’s covid rules and recommendations, as some regulations differ per location.  

 

Let’s get into this list, that will keep you from getting bored this summer! 

 

Get Outside

Now that the weather is more enjoyable, it is time to lather on that sunblock, grab your favourite hat and get outside!

The following are things you and your friends can check off your summer bucket list. All of these activities have little to no cost.

 

A Frugal Tip:  If you are going with friends, divide the costs among the group.

 

1. Go Have a Picnic

Bring some snacks, and a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the great summer weather. 

2. Go on a Hike to a Conservation Area

Many of these parks are free admission, occasionally you have to pay for parking, or admittance, check the websites of the parks near you for more information. 

3. Go to a Park Near Your House

Don’t want to make the drive to the conservation area, then check your local park instead. Watch the ducks, take a few swings on the swing sets, or read a book under a nice shady tree.

4. Walk Around the Block

Checkout the neighbourhood, go down a street you have never been down before. Explore the shops you have only driven past. 

5. Sit In Your Yard/Garden

Enjoy the breeze with your favourite drink. 

6. Plant Some Flowers, or Vegetables

Don’t have a garden of your own? Help out at a community garden, or use large planters on your patio or window sill.

We recently planted a tomato plant and some green beans, wish us luck! 

7. Go to The Beach

This is where that sunblock will come in extra handy.  Don’t forget your towel, the beach is a great free summer activity. 

8. Go to a Stream or River or Lake

No beach nearby?  Head to your local watering hole, tip your toes in, or try your hand at fishing.

9. Build a Sandcastle

You don’t even need a bucket and shovel, dig in and get messy. Of course if you prefer the bucket and shovel, check out the dollar store for some low cost sand tools. 

10. Skip Stones

It’s all in the flick of the wrist (“Swish and flick” – as  Prof. Flitwick would say).

 

11. Watch Fireworks

Canada Day or Independence Day is a great time to view free fireworks.

12. Road Trip/ Day Trip

Pack some snacks to avoid take out and fill the tank, and drive. You may have to set money aside ahead of time in your budget if you are going a long distance, or split the cost with the other passengers.

 13. Go Mini Golfing

Costs around $15 per person.

 

14. Go Camping

Go pitch a tent, find a campsite, and split the costs, or budget for it ahead of time.

Want to save even more money on camping? 

Pitch the tent in the backyard, or your friend’s place. 

15. Make a Campfire

 Who doesn’t love enjoying a nice warm fire with your loved ones.

 

16. Take a Family Photo/  Or Have a Photo Shoot

Get together with your family and take a family picture, we don’t do this nearly enough.

Or dig out some clothes from the closet, and work those angles in a photoshoot.

 

 

17. Run Through a Sprinkler 

Like we did in the good old days.

Bonus points:  If you use one like in the picture above 🙂

18. Drive In

Many are low cost, or free.

 Pack your own snacks.

19. BBQ

Everyone bring an item and fire up the grill!

 

20. Watch the Sunset

One of my favourite things to do on vacation is to watch the sunset. Don’t forget to bring that camera.  

21. Bird Watch

With or without binoculars. Look up a list of birds in the area and see how many you can find. 

22. Go For A Bike Ride

I don’t own a bike, but there are some bikes you can rent,  just beware of the costs.

 

23. Outdoor Pool

Head to a public pool, a friend’s place, or set up an inflatable pool and get wet this summer! 

24. Frisbee 

You can pick up a frisbee at the dollar store. There are even some parks that have disk golf. 

25. Water Fight

Dust off the old squirt guns or pick up some from the dollar store.

26. Water Balloon Fight

Don’t forget to clean up after.

27. Night Swimming

Adds another layer of fun.

28. Dance In The Rain

Leave the umbrella inside. 

29. Go Jump In a Puddle

The muddier the better.

30. Try Geocaching

An outdoor treasure hunt where you use GPS coordinates to track down hidden boxes.  It is so exciting and fun. 

 

31. Go Fly a Kite

No really, go fly a kite.

You can even test your crafting skills by making your own. 

32. Watch the Clouds Go By

I do this every season, but the warmer weather allows for a more  comfortable outdoor viewing experience. 

33. Star Gaze

How romantic– really it is. 

34. Make An Obstacle Course

Yay for fun and fitness. 

35. Go Garage Sale-ing

Set yourself a budget, and go on the hunt. 

36. Go to a Farmer’s Market 

Farmer’s markets are fun to explore, with the occasional live music, free samples or activities.

The prices can add up, so only bring what you are willing to spend, or leave your wallet at home.

Get Crafty

Let your creativity flow this summer. And create something fun and bright.

 

37. Tie Dye

Grab some old clothes, and use bleach, or used food scraps to colour your fabric.

 

38. Make Thank You Cards

Or even Christmas cards, let your creativity flow.

 

39. Colouring

Are adult colouring books still a thing?

They are in my house 🙂

 

40. Paint Rocks 

Ever seen those cute rocks around the parks?

Make your own for others to discover. 

41. Learn a New Skill 

There are many instructional videos online, and free courses you can take to sharpen or learn new skills. 

42. Video Shoot

Make a quick little movie with your friends, or capture your summer memories on film.

 

 

Make Something Tasty

Have yourself a favourite summer treat, or find some new favourites this summer.

43. Make S’mores

Goes hand in hand with the campfire, but you can make many delish s’mores  inspired treats at home,  just check out Pinterest. 

 

44. Enjoy Summer Snacks 

Fresh fruit is always a summer favourite.

45. Bake a Treat 

Brownies anyone? 

46. Try a New Recipe

Add the ingredients into your weekly grocery budget, and set some time aside, to attempt a new recipe. 

47. Make Lemonade/Iced Tea

From scratch. Feel free to spike it, it will probably taste better that way. 

48. Make Your Own Popsicles

You can pick up some popsicle moulds from the dollar store or thrift store. Pour your favourite juice, or leftover smoothies into the moulds and freeze.

 

49. Smoothies

Smoothies are great in the summer! Find a yummy one on Pinterest and give the recipe a try. 

50. Ice Cream Floats 

I haven’t had one of these in years, but it is definitely on my list for this summer! 

 

51. Ice Cream Date

 Make your own – I remember making my own ice cream during a summer camp… was not great tasting, but the experience was definitely memorable. 

 

 

Be a Kid Again

These free, fun summer activities are not just for kids. Embrace your inner child with the following activities. 

 

52. Have A Pillow Fight

I dare you to not get carried away.

53. Make a Time Capsule

You don’t even need to bury it. You can create a time capsule in a shoe box and hide it in your home somewhere.

54. Play A Board Game/ Card Game 

Make game night a regular one, this summer.

Add adult beverages to kick it up a notch.

55. Have A Sleepover

Call up your besties, bring the snacks, and face masks we’re doing this! 

 

56. Scavenger Hunt

Adult Version – Hide and seek items such as, gift cards, spa items, chocolate, alcohol.

 

Take It Easy

Take time to slow down and relax this summer.

 

57. Spa Day

 With your friends or by yourself.

Show yourself some love, with a face mask, and mani/pedi.

58. Make a Summer Playlist

 Get into the mood with your favourite songs for the summer. 

59. Movie Night In A Fort

Grab those couch cushions, or that extra mattress, some sheets and make a fort to watch movies in.

60. Go to the Library

The amount of free stuff at the library is amazing, they have audio books, and movies even.

A summer full of entertainment. 

61. Journal 

Write down your summer fun in a journal. Or start a gratitude journal.

62. Do A Puzzle

Get a big one that you can come back to, great for those rainy summer days. 

 

Do  Some Good 

Use some of your summer energy to do some activities that benefit others.

 

63. Random Acts Of Kindness 

Help an elder cross the road, or take out their groceries. Buy a homeless person lunch, or even hide money or gift cards for others to find. 

64. Make Treats For The Neighbours

 It’s a great way to nurture relationships, who doesn’t like free food?

65. Participate in a Park Cleanup

Make your neighbourhood even more beautiful, and take the time to pick up some litter.

 

 

I hope you use this list to make some amazing summer memories.

 

Leave your favourite frugal ideas for summer in the comments below!

Stay Frugal,

 

 

Connie xoxo