Summer is great, but it can get expensive very quickly. Between paying for air conditioning and summer child care, and shelling out money for wedding and graduation gifts, it can seem impossible to afford summer activities like the beach, zoo, and amusement parks. But if you’re serious about saving money this summer it’s important to stay on-budget. The good news is that you and your family can have fun this summer without spending a ton of cash.
Here are some creative ideas for summertime fun that won’t put a big dent in your wallet:
Take a hike. Whether it’s a two-mile stroll in a park or a daylong jaunt through a forest, hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer. There are a number of scenic hiking trails to explore across the SouthCoast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Visit a museum. A museum can be an affordable way to pass the hot, summer days. There are many unique, low-cost museums throughout the SouthCoast and Rhode Island areas, including the New Bedford Fire Museum (tickets range from free to $3, depending on age), the New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks!, Bristol Art Museum, and Coggeshall Farm Museum (tickets at these three museums range from free to $5, depending on age), the New Bedford Museum of Glass ($5 admission), the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River ($8 admission, children under 1 year are free), and the Fall River Historical Society (tickets range from $8 to $12 depending on age).
Volunteer your time. There are lots of non-profit organizations who are always seeking a helping hand. From animal rescue agencies to libraries and food banks, opportunities abound for those looking to give back to their community. If you’re interested in volunteering check out volunteersouthcoast.org, which outlines both one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities in the SouthCoast area. To view volunteer opportunities in Rhode Island, visit volunteer.uwri.org.
Organize a potluck picnic. Invite family and friends to your backyard, or a public park or picnic area, and have everyone bring their favorite dish, snack, dessert, or beverage. It’s less stressful and more affordable than throwing a regular party or cookout, plus you’ll have a chance to taste some new recipes!
Go camping. If you’re looking for a low-cost alternative to a family hotel vacation, consider camping! Pack a tent, sleeping bags, and some snacks (and don’t forget the bug spray) and head into the great outdoors for a night or two. It’s almost always cheaper to stay at a campground than a hotel. There are many campgrounds in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for you to choose from that aren’t too far of a drive. And if you don’t want to spend any money, just put up a tent in your backyard! Young kids will get a kick out of camping no matter where the tent is located.
Learn a new skill or take up a new hobby. The summer is a great time to work on your bucket list. Whether you’ve been looking to take up tennis or birdwatching, or have always wanted to teach yourself how to knit or play the guitar, your new hobby could be just a quick YouTube video away.
Check out your local library. Libraries hold special events all the time, and many of them are free. The Fall River Public Library, Dartmouth Public Library, New Bedford Public Library, Swansea Free Public Library, and Somerset Public Library all have free events throughout the summer, as do the Millicent Library in Fairhaven and the Rogers Free Library in Bristol. And of course these libraries have plenty of reading material, too, from traditional books, magazines, and newspapers, to eBooks available for download. The Rogers Free Library in Bristol even has eReaders and tablets you can borrow with a valid Ocean State Libraries card.
Sign up for a craft workshop. Stores like JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts and Michaels routinely offer free or low-priced craft workshops. Depending on the type of workshop, these classes can be great fun for the entire family.
Attend a free outdoor concert. Music and summer go hand in hand, but you don’t have to shell out big bucks for concert tickets. Recreation departments and other public entities often sponsor free music shows throughout the summer. The City of New Bedford for example offers free live concerts as part of their Summer Sounds Series and the city also hosts the free Reggae on West Beach concert series. RI Monthly recently published a list of free and low-cost outdoor concerts in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, and the website WhatsUpNewp.com has an extensive list of free outdoor music in Newport, RI and surrounding areas.
With so many low-cost and free activities at your fingertips, you should be able to make the most of summertime without wreaking havoc on your budget and savings goals. Enjoy the rest of your summer!