With the sun out and longer days, we’re naturally inclined to step out of our homes more frequently and bask in the season of summer. But coupled with travel plans, summer events, weddings and parties to attend, summer activities can break our banks pretty quickly. If you’d like to save your coins (or need to in the time between now and your next payday), here is a list of budget-friendly ways you can enjoy this sunny season without breaking the bank.

1. Picnic with a Book

Picnics are often enjoyed with mates, a great way to spend time together without splurging on pricey lunches. But picnics can also be enjoyed solo – bring a good book and your favourite food, and enjoy the soundtrack of humming bees in the background.

2. Enjoy Summer Treats

Nothing is better than an ice cream when the blazing hot sun feels like it’s scorching your back. Indulge in some quality gelato, try flavours you haven’t considered before, or maybe even try your hand at making some refreshing treats yourself. 

© 2024 Cher Tavernier-Nicholas

3. Visit a Nearby Market

Whether that’s a farmer’s market where you can enjoy local produce or whiling away a few hours weaving your way through the many stalls of vintage and antique goods to adorn your home with (or yourself, in the case of jewellery), while the weather’s nice it can be a perfect way to spend some of your day.

4. Spend the Day by the Pool

It’s not every day that you can enjoy an outside pool (especially in colder climes like here in the UK). If you lack outdoor space or (if you live in an urban area) can’t get out of the city, lounging around a pool on a hot summer’s day isn’t too shabby an idea.

5. Take a Day Trip

That said, if you do have the opportunity to get out of the city, a day trip is a perfect way to enjoy a summer’s day. Head down to a coastal town with a beautiful beach and the opportunity for a dip in the sea, or venture out into the countryside and see somewhere new. With so many opportunities to visit new places abroad, it’s easy to forget how many interesting places we can visit on our doorsteps, and even day trips can help satiate any travel-loving person’s desire for a holiday away.

6. Summer Fetes and Local Festivals

How many of us are guilty of not knowing many of the events taking place in our local area? I know I’m one. But very often there’s somewhere new to go and see, especially in the summer months, such as summer fetes and local festivals. Follow local social media accounts and take a moment to look at community news boards to keep an eye out for any events of interest.

7. Flower Pressing

One of my favourite activities to do in the spring and summer months. It’s not just us who bask in the sunshine but our plants too. I particularly enjoy preserving a few of my favourites (especially the ones I’ve grown myself) through the process of flower pressing. You can make an album of the ones you press, or perhaps try your hand at making art from them which you can frame in your home.

8. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community. Offering your time to local gardens can be a good way to get out and enjoy the season.

©2023 Karis Tavernier-Nicholas

9. Green Fingers (even in an apartment)

Gardening is undoubtedly rewarding in the summer months. If you have a particularly sunny spot in your garden, grow seasonal fruit such as strawberries. Even if you lack outdoor space, consider bringing the outside in (just research which ones grow well indoors). The flowers you grow can also be used for point 7.

10. Cook Using Produce in Season

Enrich your meals by cooking with fruits and vegetables that are in season. Find recipes to try new meals and/or bake using fruits in season (when the weather isn’t too hot, that is). Your meals will naturally be tastier and only add to your enjoyment of summer. Kudos if you grew them yourself.