Low Cost Summer Fun Ideas

Having fun isn't much fun anymore because our definition of fun has changed. People feel the need to spend a lot of money to have fun, and it just isn't necessary. Do you remember when you were a kid and you didn't have any money? Being a kid was probably the only time in your life when you could actually focus on having fun and it didn't matter what you were doing. As adults we feel it is necessary to spend money to have fun, whether it is going to the movies or out to eat, and even shopping. These days it costs at least twenty dollars for a couple to go see a movie and with the escalating gas prices, it's time to reflect back on the things in life that we once found enjoyable and didn't cost us any money. Having fun in the sun does not have to cost us a fortune. If you will allow yourself to revert back to the mindset of a child your options are endless. Here are a few examples of things you can do outside this spring and summer that won't break the bank.

1. Go on a Picnic- Most towns and larger cities have parks that are either free entry or a very small donation is suggested. Grab your loved ones or friends and make the day special by spending time together. Just taking the time to have a pitch in lunch and reconnect with your friends and loved ones can be a thrilling experience. If you are a little more adventurous you can even schedule some activites like swimming, hiking, horseshoes, volleyball or even a white elephant sale. Everyone would be required to bring a small knick knack or something from their own home, wrap it and draw numbers for the gifts. If you want to raise money for the next function do a small auction.

2. Pitch in Grill out- Use your cell phone unlimited minutes and call everyone you know. Organize a get together/pitch in. It is a very inexpensive way to have a large gathering of people and have some fun in the outdoors at a minimal cost. Items like hot dogs and buns are very inexpensive. If everyone brings a dish, you will have plenty of food for everyone.

3. Go on a nature walk- Grab a loved one or friend and take a nature walk. Whether it is down your street, or at a park, or in the woods...this is a free activity. You might need some good walking shoes and bug spray...but that is about it! Our lives get so busy that we very rarely remember to connect with the world around us and take in its phenomenal beauty. Just sitting on a log watching the sun filter throught the leaves of a dense forest can be an eye opening experience.

4. Take a bike ride- If you already have a bike this is a free activity. If you don't already have a bike, sometimes you can rent or even borrow one if needed. Most cities even have bike trails for the public to use. Or you can even hit the streets and sidewalks for an outdoor adventure. Take your headset/ipod and hit the open road. It's fun just to get out and feel the wind on your face and biking is also an excellent cardio exercise that will improve your health.

5. Go to the park- Most parks have free admission and the state parks usually only require a small fee/donation to get in. The park is a wonderful place to take children. With playsets, swimming pools, hiking trails, and horeback riding...parks can be a wonderul place to have fun in the sun.

Whether you go on a picnic, a walk, a bike ride, or simply have a pitch in...there are plenty of ways to have fun in the sun on a budget. Reflect on the things you may have done as a kid. Simple things like riding a bike, taking a walk, shooting hoops, or jumping into a water hole...just have fun and learn to let go of the mindset that holds you back as an adult.