Summer is my favorite season. There’s something about the sun and longer days that puts me in a good mood, and makes me want to get outside with my friends. However, as much as I like splurging on concerts, romantic destinations and sailing classes, I know there is only so much I can afford. My solution: Make sure I balance the more expensive activities with things that have a lighter impact on my wallet. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for summer:

Dive in

You can cool off on the cheap when the temperature climbs, even if you don’t own a pool or have a gym membership. Find your local city or community pool, where you can purchase a day pass for just a few dollars.

Another option is make a day out of a trip to a public beach or lake, which you can visit for free or for a nominal fee. And most of us don’t have to go far to find water, since it turns out that about 39% of Americans live in counties near a coast, according to the National Ocean Service, and another 10% live in the Great Lakes Basin area. For everyone else, there are countless lakes, rivers and streams to explore. While you’re there, rent a rowboat, canoe or kayak for a few hours.

The world’s a (free) stage

You would be amazed to discover how much free entertainment comes out of the woodwork during the summer. Take a look at your local websites and newspapers, where you’ll find events from local musicians rocking the town gazebo to theater groups performing Shakespeare in the park and other free entertainment under the stars all season long.

In addition to outdoor venues, you can also find fun — for the price of a drink and a tip — at small cafes and bars featuring live music. And don’t forget local universities and community colleges, which produce summer musicals, dramas and concerts at reasonable prices.

Still have your heart set on a play at a big-city theater, but the tickets aren’t in your budget? You might be able to volunteer as an usher and see a show or two for free.

If you’ve got kids, help them create their own plays, talent shows and movies. The homemade movie idea was a huge hit with my young nieces on their last visit. We wrote a script, put together costumes from stuff in my closet and filmed the movie with my phone. Then, we played it on my laptop, which was a big thrill for the girls to see themselves on “the big screen.”

Visit the past

You don’t have to be rich to soak up a little culture this summer. The warmer days are a perfect time to visit local (air-conditioned) museums and historical sites, places where you can also find gorgeous, landscaped grounds to explore. Admission is usually affordable — often along the lines of a voluntary donation — and many museums have free admission days, too.

Play ball

Sports fans don’t need to pay crazy prices for a game at the ballpark. Minor league games can be more exciting than the major leagues and tickets and snacks are much more affordable. If you want to watch some real local sports, walk down to a neighborhood field or join a recreational softball team.

 Go outside

When it comes to enjoying nature on a budget, the options are almost endless. Here are a few of my favorites:

• A romantic picnic

• Biking along a scenic path

• Berry picking at a local farm

• Hiking on wooded trails

• Camping near a lake

Even doing a handful of these free activities has helped me look for other options instead of spending money every time I want to stay outside on summer nights with my friends. I still enjoy major concerts and other big-ticket events occasionally, but the less expensive alternatives have helped me — and my wallet — experience sunny days clear of summer debt.

Posted on 6/30/14

Writer bio: Alexandra Rice is a writer who loves talking about all things education. After living in the Mid-Atlantic, South and Midwest, she has finally settled down out West in San Francisco. When not thinking about education, Alexandra can be found at the beach, playing with one of the many dogs at her office, or searching for the perfect cup of coffee. Catch her on Twitter day or night at @Alexandra_Rice.

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