Fun (and Inexpensive) Things to do This Summer
As a college student, summer is all about working and saving money! However, you still want to go and hang out with your friends. Well I'm here to give you some ideas that are fun and inexpensive!
One of my favorite things to do with my friends in the summer is go downtown. There are so many beautiful boutiques, great (and not to expensive) food places, and great, little events to go to. For example, in our downtown, there are sometimes free concerts in the market square! My personal favorite place to go is Chatham Ridge. If you are located in a small town or near a big city, go down there one day with some friends! There's an unlimited amount of things to see and do!
Another great activity you and your friends can do is a picnic at a fun location (i.e. the river, downtown, or even a park). All of those locations are free entrance, and if you all pitch in with getting the food for the picnic, each of you only really spend about $5 (maybe less).
Speaking of the outdoors, hiking is another great activity to do! Although national parks do ask for a fee, it's for the whole car, so just have everyone pitch in a couple of dollars! One of the most popular hikes in our area is Old Rag (especially the sun rise hike). You're spending time outside, hanging out with your friends, and getting a great workout! What more could you ask for?!
Love S'mores? Have a bonfire with friends one night! S'more supplies are so inexpensive, and it's such a fun, and different way to sit down and talk with friends! Before doing this, check on safety rules for bonfires in your area. If they are not permitted, check your local are for safe spots to go!
Being in a town that is almost all farm land, there are so many public farms (for example Snead's and Westmoreland) that are free and great to wander with your friends. Talk about great Instagram pictures too! If you pick flowers or berries, it costs almost nothing for a decent amount. My personal favorite time to go is when the Sunflowers are in bloom!
For my party crowd (21+), look up bars or clubs near you! Most have passes that give free admission before a certain time. Not 21? A lot of clubs in bigger cities allow 18+ in, however, be sure to check for a free admission ad, or be prepared to pay. One great club that I've been to with friends is Ultrabar, in Washington D.C. that have admission passes for ladies (and guys 21+). It's a lot of fun for those who love to dance and just have a great time with friends.
Another fun outing for my 21+ crowd are breweries or wineries! You can never go wrong with a tasting with your friends, and then purchase your favorite to share! Check out my post on a local winery I went to in Spotsylvania, Wilderness Run Vineyards.
Do you live near an outdoor rental store? There's so many located near the Rappahannock River where you can rent tubes, kayaks, paddle boards, and so many more for a pretty decent price. This may be the most expensive activity on the list so far, but it is super fun, and not something you can do to often!
Lastly, there are the simple activities like a pool day, beach day, movie night (at home or a theater), sleepover (never a dull one with friends), bowling (look up deals at your local alley), etc.
I hope this gives you some more ideas of activities you and your friends can do this summer! I completely understand being broke, but these activities are so inexpensive, that doing all of them would barely cost a paycheck!
