Summer is here, and it’s a time when people get outside and socialize. But all of that fun comes at a cost, and it is not always cheap.
A new report finds that 1 in 3 Americans don’t feel financially secure enough to enjoy summer activities this year, and 30% believe they have to spend money to have fun.
- Americans plan to spend $1,600 on summer activities
- 30% say FOMO (fear of missing out) leads them to spend more money
- 70% are prioritizing free activities this summer
For some Americans, the pressure to spend comes from others: 36% feel pressure to overspend when out with friends, 1 in 5 have a friend that pushes them to spend money, and 53% are more likely to make impulse purchases with friends.
30 Super Cool Cheap or Free Things To Do This Summer
Here are some cheap and free things you can try to do instead of spending too much money!
- Take a stroll in the woods
- Spend the afternoon reading at the local library
- Enjoy a day at a local farm
- Go fishing
- Have a sleep-over
- Bake goodies and sell them to neighbors
- Build a campfire in the backyard
- Create your own cardboard castle
- Create an obstacle course
- Go swimming in the lake/beach
- Have a barbecue afternoon with friends
- Have a talent night
- Go on a scavenger hunt around the house
- Spend the afternoon at the park
- Create a mini vegetable garden
- Learn a new craft
- A day of painting
- Prepare dinner for the family
- Redecorate your room with a chosen theme
- Glamping in the living room
- Movie night on the patio
- Stargaze with the whole family
- Go to a local concert
- Visit a museum
- Check out events in town
- Have a summer-themed photoshoot
- Help a neighbor
- Go biking
- Go kiting with your own DIY kite
- Play dress up with thrift store finds
