The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and the beach is calling! It’s time to gear up for summer fun with family and friends.
So if you’re itching to take advantage of this beautiful weather but can’t afford to spend too much, try out my top 20 list of almost free summer fun activities!
Get active
Make use of your local nature trails and bike paths. Bring your friends and pack a lunch to enjoy along the way.
Get bonding
Move family game night outside! No outdoor table? Bring a board game to the local park where there’s sure to be a picnic table or two and enjoy some quality time together.
Get dirty
Give back to Mother Nature by lending a hand to a tree planting organization or planting your own garden at home.
Get wet
Put on your swimsuit, grab a towel, pack some refreshments and hit your local beach with friends.
Get searching
Host a backyard scavenger hunt or arrange to meet at a local park for a game of hide-and-go-seek.
Get cooking
Who doesn’t love a summer BBQ potluck? Ask your guests to bring their favourite dish and enjoy a homemade feast on your backyard patio.
Get cheering
Grab an ice cream and watch a free sports game happening at one of the many community parks in your area. Pick a team and start cheering from the bleachers.
Get playful
Enjoy a day at your local playground. Bring along a frisbee and a kite and let your inner child out.
Get working
Sweep the walkway, de-clutter the garage and wash the patio furniture! Take care of your outside to-do-list.
Get strolling
Walking is a simple yet enjoyable form of exercise for the whole family. Bring the dog and some bottled water and hit the walking paths in your neighbourhood.
Get swinging
Rather than paying for a round of golf, opt for an inexpensive alternative, mini-putt! Bring the kids and make it a fun family outing.
Get competitive
Gather your friends, family and neighbours for a little competition. Form teams and play a game of baseball at the local diamond or make it a soccer match on the field.
Get silly
Power up your sprinkler and gather the kids for an afternoon of wet n wild fun! Or use the hose to fill up water balloons for a healthy game of catch-me-if-you-can.
Get involved
Summer is full of community fundraisers, charity marathons and non-profit events. Volunteer your time and support to a cause dear to you and enjoy the outdoors at the same time.
Get picking
Freshly picked blueberries are delicious in pies, muffins and pancakes. Dress for the weather, pack bottled water, bring a friend and get picking.
Get adventurous
Pitch a tent in your backyard. Bring the flashlights, blankets and popcorn and enjoy a night of star gazing and ghost stories before falling asleep under the moonlight.
Get thrifty
Host a yard sale. Clean out your clutter, make a little cash and enjoy the sunny outdoors. So many benefits.
Get creative
Make a flower arrangement for your kitchen table. Collect wild flowers found in your area and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.
Get comfortable
Grab your favourite novel and blanket and cozy up under a tree. Lose yourself in the story as you enjoy the warm sun rays.
Get festive
Explore the many community events and festivals held all summer long. Enjoy free entertainment and learn about local culture.
This list has something for everyone, so what are you waiting for?
Get going.
Heather Tarnopolsky is a Sun Life Financial advisor in Greater Sudbury.
