Summertime has finally arrived! When the weather warms up, there are often many things we want to do. Sometimes wanting to do so many activities can put a strain on our wallets. Fear not, there are still plenty of fun things you can do this summer without breaking the bank. Read on for our budget-friendly suggestions.

Use Groupon®

When it comes to saving money, Groupon® is a wonderful resource. You can find excellent deals on restaurants, activities and attractions near you. By shopping on their app or website, you can receive discounts for something you would do anyway. You might even find a deal for a place you’ve been wanting to try! If you’re looking to get out of town but still want to be budget-friendly, Groupon® also has deals on travel. Some packages even have the flights included at a fraction of what you’d pay otherwise.

Go to a matinee movie

So many good movies and big blockbusters come out during the summer months. There’s so much to see! Unfortunately, movie ticket prices have soared upwards the past few years. One way to still get the movie theater experience but at a lower cost is to go to a matinee showing¹. Going during the afternoon can save you a couple of bucks and the theater might be less crowded, too. Theaters near you might also have other discounts and promotions throughout the week, such as a student or military discount. Visit their website and social media accounts to see what you can find.

Utilize the dollar store

There are a lot of hidden gems at dollar and discount stores². You can stock up on snacks for an at-home movie day when the weather is bad. Or, you can grab water balloons, water guns, pool noodles and other water toys for when the kids want to get out and play. If you’re planning a cookout, you can get decorations, plates and utensils at an affordable rate. Whatever you’re planning for your day of fun, you could probably find what you need for cheap here.

Go to free festivals and events

Summer is a time for fairs, festivals, markets and other fun outdoor activities. Luckily, there are many free and low-cost options. To find out what’s going on around town, check your local newspaper. You can also check other local news outlets and search around online. Farmers markets have delicious fresh produce that you can often get for a good deal. There are sure to be options that fit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re looking for something kid-friendly or pet-friendly, there’s something out there for everyone. It’s an excellent opportunity to try something new.

Get outside

If the weather is nice, why not enjoy it! There are so many outdoor activities that you can do that come with little or no cost. Take a family bike ride around the neighborhood. Have fun exploring your local parks and visit ones you haven’t been to before. Throw in a picnic while you’re there. You can get some friends together to play volleyball or soccer. If you have kids home on summer break, add extra excitement with a water balloon fight in the backyard. Lastly, spend some quality time with friends and family by having a barbecue. Have everyone bring a dish to share so that there is a good variety, but it’s also a fair way to share the cost.

The views expressed by the articles and sites linked in this post do not necessarily reflect the opinions and policies of Cash Central or Community Choice Financial® .

Sources:

¹Curtis, Jacqueline. (2021, Sept 14). Retrieved from: https://www.moneycrashers.com/ways-save-movie-theater-tickets/

²Tasnia. (2021, Jun 16). Retrieved from: https://hip2save.com/tips/dollar-tree-diy-summer-activity-ideas/