20 Free or Cheap Activities For This Summer!
The summer holidays for parents are often particularly financially difficult. But it is always nice to have ideas about cheap or free ideas for leisure time. So I thought this list would provide good food for thought. Most of the ideas are eco-friendly too, in that they don’t require lots of electricity to do.
Reading - go to your library or local Little Free Library and find a bunch of good books to read in a park or your garden (or start your own Little Free Library if you haven’t got one in your local area!)
Jigsaw puzzles - If you have one of these sitting around you have been meaning to do or you can borrow one from a friend or local library, this is a great way to spend a leisurely day, particularly if the weather is poor.
Host a board and card games ‘potluck’ afternoon - Ask your guests to bring a game and a dish or drinks and you can have a relatively cheap afternoon with friends.
Visit museums and art galleries - Here, in the UK, most are free and many towns have their own local history museum (check opening times as some have limited opening hours).
Attend a local community group - Most places around the country have a community centre or a group where you can socialise with other locals. You can always check out MeetUp for local groups. Look for concerts, festivals, or farmers' markets. These events often provide entertainment and opportunities to connect with your community.
Take an exercise class - Councils often run subsidised exercise classes for certain groups of people, such as those aged 55+. Check out what options there are where you live!
Gardening - Now is the time to get outside and work on the garden! Just don’t forget to hydrate and wear sunscreen.
Go to a park or nature reserve - See what local nature reserves or parks are around or check out a National Trust property. They often have ‘open house’ days or vouchers for free entry!
Picnic - Grab some friends and find a tree to have a picnic under. This is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon catching up with friends!
Take long walks in nature and go foraging - Look up local hiking routes and put on some sturdy shoes to stretch those legs! Take a basket with you to go foraging and learn about local plants. You may even find some elderflower heads and be able to make elderflower delight!
Do yoga - Take your yoga mat to the beach or a park and soak up the elements whilst really connecting with your body and calming your mind. You can also see what local classes are affordable or if some yoga studios have special offers this summer.
Hula hoop - See how toned you can get or grab a friend and see who can hula hoop the longest! You may be able to borrow one, or buy one cheaply if this appeals to you as a regular form of exercise.
Take up running - Couch to 5K apps are free and it is a great way to clear your mind. See if your local ParkRun (5K) is something you can do by the end of the summer!
Wild swimming - Join your local Bluetits Chill Swimmers group for free and explore some wild swimming spots!
Volunteer - Help clean up a beach, volunteer at a homeless shelter, a charity shop, a soup kitchen or a food bank!
Take a Bike Ride - Grab your bicycle or rent one and explore your neighbourhood or nearby bike trails. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
DIY Crafts - Engage in creative activities such as painting, knitting, or upcycling items from around the house. These hobbies can be enjoyable and allow you to express your artistic side without breaking the bank.
A Beach Day: If you live near a beach or lake, spend a day soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, walking the pier or simply relaxing by the water.
Camping: If you enjoy the outdoors, plan a camping trip with friends or family. Camping in local parks or campsites can be an affordable way to immerse yourself in nature and create lasting memories.
Try Geocaching: Geocaching is an app on your phone. It is a global treasure-hunting game where participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers or "caches." It's a fun and adventurous activity that can be enjoyed with friends or family.
These activities offer budget-friendly options to make the most of your summer while creating memorable experiences. Enjoy the season and have fun exploring new adventures. I’d love to hear what you got up to! Let me know how your summer goes!
If you are looking to improve your health and well-being and get ahead with your goals, book an Earth Coaching discovery call with me.
