Isn’t it ironic? It is summertime, nearly 10% of us are involuntarily unemployed, we’ve got all the time in the world for fun and frolic yet no money to do it. What’s a girl/guy to do?

Throw on Madonna’s hit single “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and head down the following list of ideas for summer fun activities that won’t drain your pocketbook.

1. Hit the park, beach, or local lake. Call up some friends if you are a single, or take the family. Fresh air and friends is a mixture guaranteed to make you smile.
2. Attend free local concerts and community events. There are plenty of these to be found, do an online search or check your local paper or community calendar.
3. Hit the library. Public libraries typically offer an number of interesting free classes, movies, groups and summer reading programs for people of all ages.
4. Sports events. Love baseball, but can’t afford the major league prices? Find a minor league game. Better yet, go out and support the local little league or farm team, if you are a true die hard!!!
5. Go camping. No, don’t fuel up the motorhome stocked with filet mignon and Opus One wine,  we are suggesting traditional camping under the stars. Pull out the tent, throw in the hot dogs and whittle away on that twig for cooking marshmallows. In fact, the U.S. Department of the Interior recently announced announced that admission to the 147 national parks and monuments that charge entrance fees will be FREE to all visitors for the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16 this year.
6. Plan a BBQ/pool party. Set a theme for it if you like! Invite friends (BYOB and B, of course). Half the price of heading out to dinner or a bar with friends, and likely a much more casual atmosphere.
7. Go hiking or biking. Most areas have local trails or greenbelts either within city limits, or close by that are accessible and have a variety of terrain for all levels of challenge.
8. Volunteer. If you have a passion for something specific, volunteering can be an extremely rewarding option. It feels good to give back, and you need only give an hour of your time if that is all you can donate!
9. Learn something new. Nearly everybody can come up with some subject that they have always wanted to know more about. Now is the time! And with the internet at our fingertips, research and knowledge is only a click away. Nourish your brain!
10. Go to a craft fair. Arts and craft fairs, usually free, can stimulate many ideas for creative projects as well as be interesting and entertaining at the same time.

Everyone can find at least one activity that appeals to them from the above list, no? So get off your duffs, people, and enjoy the beautiful world that we live in, without spending your hard earned money to do it!

Love to get more ideas, so if you have one, share it please!

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