Cheap, Easy, Fun Things to do Before Summer Ends

I hate to say it, but summer is coming to a close. It’s not too late, though, to squeeze the last few drops of fun out of the season. If you don’t have time to leave town, enjoy a staycation before the temperatures drop and all you feel like doing is curling up with a blanket. There are all kinds of inexpensive activities right in your neighborhood.

Live music. Seeing a show doesn’t have to mean dropping $50 on a concert ticket. Check out nearby bars and cafes – many of them feature live music at least once a week. Some venues don’t even ask for a cover charge. If they do, it’ll usually be under $10. It’s a great way to support local artists and discover new music you won’t hear on the radio.

Enjoy nature. For many of us, experiencing nature truly feels like a vacation because we spend the majority of our time indoors. Head to a local park and go for a hike or bring a picnic. Many parks offer additional activities like paddle boating for a small fee. If you have a dog (and the park allows it) bring him along. Nothing relieves stress like bonding time with the pooch.

Eat great food. During a busy work week, there’s not much time to fix elaborate meals. If you want to treat yourself to something special, host a potluck. Sharing food brings people together. It’s an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while and sample some delicious, new dishes.

Try something unusual. If you do a little research, you’ll probably find quite a few quirky activities in your area that you wouldn’t typically be aware of. Some of my favorites have been puppet shows, garlic festivals and 3-D, black light mini golf. These places and events are weird and silly – they’re sure to make you laugh and leave you with a great story. Plus, they’re a break from the ordinary.

-Sarah Cooke