15 Things You Can Do This Summer On A Budget

Summer is just around the corner — literally, this weekend. And honestly, who else has no plans? Instead of a #hotgirlsummer, I feel like I am in the #noplanssummer.

Even if you’re not jetting off to Cabo for a beach vacation or headed to the slopes, you can still have fun right where you are — and on a budget. These are 15 things you can do this summer on a budget. ✨

Explore a historical spot in your town or state.

Are there cool and interesting spots in your local town or community, or state? Head to those places and learn something new about where you live.

Take a day trip to somewhere new.

Gather some friends — or just yourself — and take a day trip somewhere. This could be the beach, a historical spot, the lake, or someone’s house. (This would help if one of your friends had a beach house somewhere!)

Start a new hobby.

There are tons of new hobbies that you can start. You don’t need to monetize this hobby as if it was a side hustle. You don’t even need to be good at it. Pick a new hobby and start doing it this summer. Some ideas include painting, playing an instrument, archery … literally anything.

Host a picnic in the park.

Put together a fun picnic basket! TBH, this has been on my list for some time now and I just may do it this summer. Put together a picnic basket filled with your favorite foods, possibly a charcuterie board with different items from Trader Joe’s?

Tackle your TBR pile.

Alright, there are TONS of book recommendations so if your TBR pile is dwindling, visit your local bookstore and go to the recommendations table they have in their store. Add to your pile and start reading through some of them!

Start a book club.

You’ve made it through your TBR pile — now you want to talk about that latest Emily Henry book. Start a book club with your pals or find a book club in your local town.

Work on your fitness.

Start a new workout or fitness routine. Find a new workout that you love and build the habit and discipline. Start small; maybe start with a YouTube workout, and then try Obe Fitness with 3,000+ live and on-demand classes?

Head to free festivals in your town.

Check out your town’s calendar. I’ve seen towns with farmers markets, movie nights, fireworks, concerts, and even strawberry festivals. There is always an event in your town.

Start that side hustle.

Have you ever wanted to start a side hustle, wondering if you can do it? Start it this summer! Love writing? Start a blog. Love talking and don’t have a problem to be on camera? Start a YouTube channel. Love talking but don’t want to be on camera? Start a podcast. Just start!

Build an outdoor movie theater.

This sounds like an EXCITING idea and I’m very intrigued. I don’t think I could do it, but people with balconies or backyards could definitely do this.

Start bullet journaling.

I wish I was artistic, but sadly, I am not. However, that doesn’t stop me from bullet journaling. You can do art journaling, junk journaling, or just plain journaling and throw in a couple artistic prints in there. Book journaling is also a fun idea for the fellow bookstagrammers.

Go kayaking.

Maybe you’re a nature gal. Maybe you live near a lake or river. If that’s you, try kayaking. Or canoeing, it’s up to you.

Find a nature hike.

Again for the nature gals. Find a hike in your area and go with friends. (Please — go with friends or people you know for safety!!) It’s a great way to get outside and move your body and just enjoy nature this summer.

Volunteer.

Churches and organizations are always looking for volunteers. Find an organization that aligns with your values and volunteer somewhere this summer — or anytime throughout the year. Museums are also looking for volunteers.

Host a photo shoot with friends.

Gather your friends and plan a fun photo shoot! This could be literally in the Target parking lot using a shopping cart.

Create TikTok videos.

TBH, I love TikTok. I find myself scrolling through TikTok at least once a day. Why not gather your friends and make some TikTok videos?