Just because the days get longer and emptier doesn't mean your pockets suddenly fill up. Most of us don't have tons of money to spend on summer entertainment this year (or, if you're like me, any year). But just because you don't have a lot to spend doesn't mean you have to spend your days twiddling your thumbs and tweaking the punctuation on your internet dating profile. Get out there and have fun! Read on for the top ten ways to have that fun for free.
10. Schedule a game night.
Board and backyard games don't get nearly the attention they deserve! They're fun, they're free to play (once you've bought them) and they can be played almost anywhere. Have some friends over for a cash-free poker tournament one evening, or collect your family together for a crazy game of Cranium.
9. Camp out in the backyard.
Okay, so it's summer and you don't really have any vacation time. That doesn't mean you can't pretend you do! If you have backyard space, unpack your tent and go camping right in your own backyard. Build a fire (if it's safe), roast marshmallows, sing songs... and go in the house to use the bathroom when you need to. This is particularly special --and tons of fun-- if you have kids.
Don't want to go all-out with a tent? Host a barbecue. Tell guests that you'll provide the charcoal and the space if they'll provide the meat.
8. Start a craft project.
Why don't you use all that extra time creatively? If there's something you've been wanting to make, now's the time to do it. Start working on a quilt for a Christmas gift for your mother. Or get together all of your old family photos and make a digital album for the whole family.
7. Learn how to do things around the house.
Chances are, there about a hundred different things you could be doing around the house this summer if you wanted to-- and if you knew how. So why don't you learn? A lot of home improvement stores offer free classes on around the house "how to" subjects. Learn how to lay new tile on your floor, install a door, or clean out that plugged bathroom drain.
6. Give yourself a spa day.
You know that beautiful spa out in the country that you've been drooling over for months? It's not worth it! You can get a similar --if slightly less pampered-- treatment using things you have lying around your house. There are tons of recipes online for homemade spa treatments using ingredients like lemon, sugar, salt, olive oil, avocados, eggs, honey, beer, oatmeal... you name it! Invite some friends over, watch girlie movies, and make a whole day over it.
5. Volunteer your time.
If you have too much time on your hands, why don't you give some of it to somebody in need? There are lots of organizations in your area that are looking for some free help. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, library, soup kitchen, or other needy organization. You'll fill your time and feel great about it, too.
4. Learn something new.
You don't need to take expensive classes to learn a new skill-- the internet is like having a whole schoolroom right at your fingertips. Whether it's cooking Thai food, speaking Spanish, or reupholstering furniture, you can learn what you need for free, right from the internet. And then? Practice makes perfect, baby.
3. Go treasure hunting.
If you go to your local flea market or used clothing store, you'll generally have to spend a bit of money. But not always. Most places will give you credit for new items if you bring in something old to trade. So gather up those things you never use and trade them in for something you will. You never know what you might find.
2. Look up local events.
The more people I meet in the city I live in, the more free activities I learn about. Just last week, a friend told me about a free annual showing of Shakespeare in the park-- something I'd never known about before. And it was wonderful. Chances are, it's the same in your city. From outdoor concerts to movies to festivals, there's all kinds of free stuff going on in your city. You've just got to keep your ears open.
1. Take a Nap.
I think a good 90% of the human race does not spend enough time napping-- which is why everybody is so moody all the time. Want to entertain yourself and feel great? Schedule a nap, complete with soft music, clean sheets, and fluffy pillows.
Want to make your nap an even more enjoyable way to spend an afternoon? Bring along that new boyfriend or girlfriend from an internet dating site and schedule a little "naked napping."
