Summertime means easy living. Oh, except when our summers are spent working for
the weekend and trying to come up with fun things to do that won't break our bank
accounts or cause dreaded overdraft fees. A tough economy can be a real downer when
it comes to finding fun and exciting things to do with your free time. In actuality,
summer is one of the best times for affordable and yet fun activities. Think about
it. You have the perfect backdrop (the weather), longer days and vacations where
the last thing on your mind is the office.
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Get Wet
There are thousands of ways to enjoy the water this summer, an often free pastime.
And whether you are five-years-old or 50 – it is impossible not to have fun
while doing so. Aside from two oceans and thousands of lakes, cities from New York
to San Diego are brimming with public swimming pools. Check with your local Department
of Parks & Recreation and you may be surprised to find the number of facilities
available. If you have a front or back yard, go for a fun run through the sprinklers
or a ride on a
slip-in-slide (don't pretend like you don't want to). Water activities during
the summer cool you off, make you laugh, and are free to use. So pack up the family
for a day at the beach, learn to body surf, build a sandcastle and watch the perfect
summer day unfold before your eyes.
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Get one with nature
You've been "going green" lately, right? You should be if you haven't
yet! If you have been working hard to help this planet than good for you –
summer is the time where you can really enjoy the fruits of your labor. From
hiking nearby trails to having a picnic in the park – enjoying the outdoors
is low on cost or free and will please even the cynics and homebodies alike. Really
love nature? Plan a camping trip. The cost of the site is pennies compared to most
hotels and roughing it is often a better and more memorable time than any luxury
hotel. Visit websites for the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and your
state's Park Service.
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Gaze at the stars
When was the last time you did this? Chances are it was so long ago that new nebulas
have been formed. If you live in the city, it is best to drive a bit to a less inhabited
area to avoid light pollution. Grab some coffee in mugs and a blanket. If you already
have a telescope you are golden and if not, you can easily rent one or enjoy the
sites with your bare eyes. Print out a
star chart online and take advantage of those warm summer nights to learn about
our vast universe.
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Build something
Remember when you were a child and you were able to have the best time of your life
building forts out of sofa cushions and blankets? Now is a great time to get back
to the "simple things" in life. It will make you appreciate what you have
even more. Take your kids outside and build an
obstacle course with items you already own. Grab your dusty toolbox and build
a tree house. The fort – yes it will still be fun when you do it with your
kids. When you build – the possibilities are endless.
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Take on a hobby
You can get crafty with knitting needles or carpentry this summer and have fun making things that cost a fraction of what they would be in the stores. A good scarf can cost as much as $150 but knitting it yourself may only cost $20 worth of yarn. Even better – you will love it more because you made it. Not the crafting type? You can find a hobby that gets you moving. Like the occasional run? Join a team in training and train for a marathon. You will not only get a lot out of it physically but you will be donating to a good cause as well.