The Best Things To Do Over The Summer
Summer doesn’t have to be boring or wasted sitting around. There are tons of fun, productive, and even money-making things you can do.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, explore your neighborhood, or just stay busy, there’s something on this list for everyone. Some ideas are totally free, others cost a little, and a few might even help you earn cash.
Check out this list of cool ways to make the most of your summer!
Start a Fun and Easy Journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to stay busy and clear your mind. You can write about your day, your goals, or even random thoughts. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just grab a notebook and start.
Journaling helps you sort through your feelings and stay focused. It also gives you something to look back on later. This is a simple and free thing to do when you’re looking for something productive. Plus, it’s a good habit you can stick with.
To learn more: Mindset Is Everything: How To Change Your Mindset For Success
Master a Delicious New Recipe
Learning how to cook something new is both fun and useful. You don’t need anything fancy—just pick a recipe online and try it out. You’ll learn a skill that helps you save money instead of eating out.
This also gives you something to share with family or friends. Cooking at home is a good way to stay busy and feel proud of what you make. It’s a cheap way to mix things up and try something different.
To learn more: 100+ Frugal Meals for When You’re Broke or on a Budget
Discover Hidden Gems at the Library
The library isn’t just for books. You can check out movies, games, and even attend free events or classes. It’s a great place to hang out without spending money. If you’re bored, walking through the library might help you find something new to read or do.
Libraries are full of ideas and tools for staying busy. It’s one of the best free things to do when you want something quiet and fun.
To learn more: 35 Life-Changing Books That Will Change The Way You Think And Feel
Make a Difference Volunteering Locally
Helping out in your community is a great way to use your time. You can volunteer at an animal shelter, food bank, or even help neighbors. It doesn’t cost anything and gives you something meaningful to do.
Volunteering also teaches responsibility and can look good on future job or school applications. It’s a way to stay busy and feel good about what you’re doing. There’s always a place that could use an extra hand.
To learn more: What Do You Do for Fun? 17 Ways to Answer
Boost Your Skills with a Free Online Course
There are tons of websites that offer free classes. You can learn how to draw, code, bake, or even speak another language. Taking a course keeps your brain active and helps you stay focused.
This also gives you something useful to add to your skills. This is a smart and free way to stay productive. You never know when a new skill will come in handy.
To learn more: Top High Income Skills Without a Degree to Learn
Launch Your Own Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle is a smart way to use your time and make extra money. You can walk dogs, sell crafts, wash cars, or offer to help neighbors with small jobs. It doesn’t take much to get started—just pick something you’re good at.
This is one of the best money tips for making your time count. It teaches you how to manage your time and earn a little cash. Side hustles are a great way to stay busy and build real-life skills.
To learn more: Top 30 Summer Side Hustles for Teens
Refresh Your Space by Decluttering
Cleaning your room or closet can feel like a fresh start. It’s a simple way to stay productive and make your space more relaxing. You can even sell or donate the things you don’t need.
It doesn’t cost anything and gives you something to do that helps you feel more organized. This is a good activity when you’re feeling bored or need a break from screens. It’s a great way to get stuff done while keeping your space clean.
To learn more: 15 Pointless Items to Declutter to Start Becoming a Minimalist
Explore the Outdoors on a Nature Walk
Going for a walk is a free and peaceful way to stay active. You can walk through your neighborhood, a nearby park, or any safe trail. Bring a friend or just listen to music while you walk.
This is one of those cheap summer activities that helps clear your head and get your body moving. It’s also a nice way to break up the day when you’re not sure what to do. Nature walks are simple, free, and good for your health.
To learn more: 20 Budget-Friendly Summer Getaways to Enjoy
Create Something Cool with DIY Crafts
DIY crafts are a fun way to be creative without spending much. You can use things you already have at home, like paper, glue, or old clothes. It’s a good way to stay off your phone and make something with your hands.
You can make gifts, home decor, or even small items to sell. This is one of the best affordable activities for staying busy. Crafting gives you something fun and useful to show off later.
To learn more: Top 21 Summer Side Hustles Ideas
Earn Cash Babysitting Nearby
Babysitting is a smart way to earn extra money if you’re good with kids. You can offer to help friends, family, or neighbors for a few hours. It’s flexible and doesn’t require a lot to get started.
Babysitting teaches responsibility and helps build trust with others. This is a popular summer job that pays well and fills up your free time. It’s one of the best side hustles for teens or anyone who enjoys helping families.
To learn more: 90 Best Side Hustles for Teens to Make Money
Dive Into an Exciting Book Series
Reading a book series is a great way to stay busy for hours without spending much. Once you get into a good story, it’s hard to put the book down. Most libraries have lots of series to pick from, so you don’t need to buy anything.
Reading helps your brain stay sharp and gives you something fun to do on your own. It’s one of the best cheap summer activities when you need a break from screens. A good book series can keep you entertained all week.
To learn more: Best Finance Books: The Top 10 Must-Read Books To Improve Your Finances
Turn Stuff Into Cash with a Garage Sale
If you have stuff you don’t use, a garage sale is a great way to make some money. Ask your family to help and pick a day to set everything out. People in your neighborhood might be looking for exactly what you’re selling.
This is one of the best money tips for cleaning up and earning cash at the same time. It also teaches how many impulse purchases were wasted money. Garage sales are easy to set up and can be kind of fun too.
To learn more: 15 Genius Ways to Make Money without Getting a Job
Experience Culture at a Museum (Free Days!)
Many museums offer free days or discounts, so you can visit without spending much. You can check out art, science, or history exhibits and learn something new. It’s a quiet and interesting way to spend a few hours.
Museums are great for affordable summer vacation ideas, especially for families or small groups. Walking through a museum can open your mind and give you something cool to talk about later. It’s a smart and low-cost way to spend your time.
To learn more: 14 Fun Budget-Friendly Activities to Do with Your Family
Get Fit with Online Workout Classes
You don’t need a gym to stay in shape. There are tons of free workout videos online for all levels. You can stretch, dance, or try strength workouts right in your room.
This is one of the best free things to do when you want to feel better and stay strong. Exercise also helps with stress and energy. It’s a simple way to stay productive without leaving home.
To learn more: 16 Genius Strategies to Maximize your Time to Build Wealth
Join a Summer Reading Challenge for Prizes
Many libraries and websites run reading challenges that come with cool rewards. You just track the books you finish and get prizes for hitting your goals. It’s a fun way to stay motivated and read more.
Reading is one of the best cheap summer activities that helps your brain stay active. These challenges are also great for families who want to do something together. Plus, it feels good to hit your goal and get something for free.
To learn more: 15 Fun Things to Do this Weekend That Won’t Break the Bank
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Town
Visiting a nearby town is a fun and cheap way to get out of the house. You don’t need to go far—just pick a place within driving distance and look around. Walk through local shops, try some food, or check out free spots like parks or museums.
This is a fun and simple way to break your routine and do something new. Day trips are great for affordable vacation ideas. You can plan it in the morning and be home by dinner.
To learn more: Fun Money: The Ultimate Guide to Make Your Budget Have A Fun Time
Transform Your Room Into a Sanctuary
Making your room more relaxing doesn’t have to cost much. Move your furniture around, hang up photos, or add small things like lights or pillows. This is a good way to stay productive and make your space feel fresh.
Another bonus is that it can help you sleep better or focus more during the day. It’s a fun project that gives you a space you enjoy being in. Just a few changes can make a big difference.
To learn more: 18 Life Changing Strategies for Managing and Growing Your Money
Make Money Mowing Lawns or Walking Dogs
These are great ways to earn money if you like being outdoors and helping people. Ask neighbors if they need help with their yard or pets. It doesn’t take much to get started and people often pay well.
This is one of the best side hustles for teens or anyone looking for part-time work. It’s also a good way to stay active and learn how to manage your time. Jobs like this can turn into regular work if you do a good job.
To learn more: 43 Best Side Hustles for Men to Make Money
Capture Memories by Making a Photo Album
Gather your favorite pictures and turn them into a simple photo album. You can print them out or use an online tool to make one. It’s a fun way to look back on good times and keep those memories in one place.
This is a creative and cheap activity for when you’re feeling bored. You can even make it a gift for someone else. It’s a nice way to use your free time to make something personal.
To learn more: 20 Brilliant Money Saving Challenges for Couples
Rock Out Learning a Musical Instrument
Learning music is a good way to stay busy and build a new skill. You can start with free lessons online and practice at home. Even a few minutes a day adds up.
Playing music can help with focus, memory, and stress. It’s also a cool way to express yourself. This is a fun and productive activity that doesn’t have to cost much.
To learn more: How Daily Habits Shape your Financial Future
Plan a Perfect Picnic in the Park
Packing a few snacks and heading to a local park can be a fun and cheap way to spend your day. You don’t need anything fancy—just a blanket, simple food, and a spot to sit. Bring cards, books, or games to make it even better.
This is a good activity for families or friends who want to hang out without spending much. Picnics are calm, easy, and a nice way to enjoy time together. It’s a break from screens and regular routines.
To learn more: 62 Fun Things to do with Friends: Activities for Friends To Do
Watch Mind-Blowing Documentaries
There are so many free documentaries online about animals, science, history, and more. Watching one is a smart way to learn while relaxing. It’s one of the easiest things to do when you want something different but still fun.
Documentaries can make you think or spark a new interest. You can even watch with family or friends and talk about it afterward. It’s a simple and free way to stay curious.
To learn more: 25 Fun Ideas for a No Spend Weekend: How to Have Fun for Free
Build Something Awesome with Wood or Legos
Building with your hands is a fun way to stay busy and be creative. You can use Legos, scrap wood, or even cardboard to make things. It helps with focus, planning, and patience. Projects like this are great for keeping your brain and hands active.
You don’t need to be an expert—just start small and see what you can make. This is a great activity for kids, teens, or anyone who likes to build.
To learn more: 10 Genius Habits of Extremely Frugal People
Unleash Your Creativity with Painting or Drawing
Drawing and painting are fun ways to relax and get creative. You don’t need to be good at it—just start with whatever supplies you have. It helps you stay focused and lets you show how you feel without using words.
This is one of the best cheap activities when you’re bored or want to make something. You can hang up your work or give it as a gift. Art is a good way to spend time and do something personal.
To learn more: Brilliant Ways to Make $1000 This Summer
Write Your Own Short Story Adventure
Writing a story is a fun way to use your imagination and stay busy. You can make it about anything—funny, scary, or something from your life. All you need is paper or a computer. It’s a good way to practice writing and think through ideas.
Short stories are a great activity if you want something creative that doesn’t cost anything. You can even share your story with friends or post it online.
To learn more: Top Creative Side Hustles for 2025
Learn Handy Car Tricks Everyone Should Know
Knowing how to do simple things with a car can help you later on. You can learn how to check the oil, change a tire, or refill the wiper fluid. These are small things that make a big difference. It’s one of the most useful skills to learn in your free time.
Ask someone to show you or watch videos online. This is a smart way to use your time if you want to be more independent.
To learn more: Top 30 Skills to Learn to Make Money
Grow Your Own Garden or Care for Plants
Growing something teaches patience and care. You can start small with a pot or two if you don’t have much space. Watching something grow is fun and rewarding. It’s also a cheap activity that helps you learn a little science and responsibility.
You don’t need to buy much—some seeds and dirt are enough. It’s a peaceful thing to do when you want to slow down and do something hands-on.
To learn more: 25 Failproof Frugal Habits for Moms
Experience the Fun at a Community Event or Fair
Local events like fairs, block parties, or markets are great for free or low-cost fun. You can try food, play games, or watch shows without going far. These events are good for families or groups who want to do something together.
It’s also a nice way to meet people and find out what’s happening nearby. Most of the time, you can walk around and enjoy things for free. Community events are easy ways to have fun close to home.
To learn more: 105 Fun Things To Do With No Money
Crush Your Goals with a Personal Challenge
Pick something you want to get better at and turn it into a challenge. It could be reading more, working out, saving money, or anything else. Make a plan, track your progress, and try to stick with it.
Challenges help you stay focused and give you a reason to keep going. It’s one of the best things to do when you want to use your time in a smart way. Reaching a goal feels good and shows what you can do.
To learn more: The Ultimate Millionaire Habits Checklist: Proven Steps to Build Wealth
Go on a Real-Life Treasure Hunt with Geocaching
Geocaching is like a real-life treasure hunt using your phone. You follow clues and GPS to find small hidden items in your area. It’s a free and fun way to be outside and do something different.
You can go with a friend or family member and try to find as many as you can. This is one of the most exciting cheap activities around. It mixes tech with real-world fun.
To learn more: The Top Frugal Living Tips Around the House
Sharpen Your Mind with Puzzles and Brain Games
Puzzles, crosswords, and brain games help keep your mind sharp. You can do them alone or with someone else. Some are free online or in books from the library.
These games are great when you’re bored but still want to feel productive. They help with memory, focus, and problem-solving. It’s a smart and simple way to stay sharp while having fun.
To learn more: 15 Insanely Easy Money Habits of Self Made Millionaires
Create a Vision Board for Your Dream Life
Grab some old magazines or print pictures and words that show your goals. Stick them on a board or paper to remind yourself what you want. It’s a creative way to think about your future. You don’t need any fancy supplies, just scissors, glue, and a little time.
This is a quiet activity that helps you stay focused on what matters to you. It’s a cool way to turn your goals into something you can see every day.
To learn more: 20 Dreamy Vision Board Ideas for Financial Abundance
Help Family and Feel Amazing Doing It
Doing small things for family helps everyone and makes you feel good. You can help clean, cook, or run errands. It doesn’t cost anything but your time.
Helping out teaches responsibility and shows others they can count on you. This is one of the best things to do when you want to stay useful. Even small tasks can mean a lot to someone else.
To learn more: How Mindset Affects Financial Success
Taste Fresh Finds at a Farmer’s Market
Local farmer’s markets are full of fresh food and cool things to try. Even if you don’t buy much, it’s fun to walk around and see what’s there. You might find fruits, snacks, or handmade items.
This is a simple and low-cost way to spend your day, if you are wise with what you buy. Farmer’s markets are also good for finding deals on healthy food. It’s a fun activity to do with friends or family.
To learn more: 25 Free Activities for Kids To Try this Summer
Take a New Route on Public Transport
Riding the bus or train to a new stop can be an easy way to try something different. You don’t need a car, just a little time and a few bucks. You might see new places or find cool spots to visit later.
This is a fun and cheap way to break out of your usual routine. It’s also a good way to learn how to use local transport. Trying a new route can turn into a mini trip.
To learn more: Top Money Saving Hacks to Travel Cheap in Summer
Enjoy Free Outdoor Concerts and Movies
Many towns offer free concerts and movie nights. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show. These events are great for families or friends who want to hang out without spending money.
You don’t need to plan much—just show up and relax. It’s one of the best cheap activities around. Sitting outside and enjoying music or a movie is a nice way to spend your evening.
To learn more: 12 Simple Things to Stop Doing to Blow Your Budget
Snap Stunning Photos Using Just Your Phone
Use your phone to take pictures of things that catch your eye. It could be people, pets, buildings, or cool signs. Try different angles or use free editing apps to make your pictures stand out.
Photography helps you pay attention to the little things. It’s a fun way to be creative that doesn’t cost anything. You might even start a photo collection or share your best shots online.
To learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Money Vision Boards
Explore a College Campus Like a Pro
Walking through a college campus can be interesting and free. Look at the buildings, visit the library, or sit in a common area. It’s a good way to learn what a campus feels like. Some schools even have art or science displays open to the public.
This is a smart and low-cost thing to do if you’re curious about school life. It gives you a chance to think about your future, too.
To learn more: 16 Must Know Budgeting Tips for College Students
Learn Cool Words in a New Language
Picking up a few new words in another language can be fun and useful. You can use free apps, books, or websites to help. Even learning a little each day adds up.
It’s one of the best things to do if you want to learn something new. This skill might help you in school, travel, or work later. Plus, it’s fun to surprise people with what you know.
To learn more: 15 Novel Tips to Be More Productive
Meet New People by Joining a Club
Clubs are a good way to find people who like the same things you do. Look for local groups or online meetups about books, games, or hobbies. This is a fun and free way to spend your time.
Joining a club helps you make friends and try new things. It’s a simple and smart way to stay social. You don’t have to be an expert—just show up and be friendly.
To learn more: Top 12 Mind Blowing Habits of Successful Frugal People
Master Your Money with a Budget Plan
Learning how to manage money is one of the best things you can do. Start by writing down what you earn and what you spend. Use a notebook or a free app to track your money. This helps you save for things you want and avoid spending too much.
Making a budget doesn’t take long, but it teaches you a skill that lasts. It’s a smart and simple way to take control of your cash.
To learn more: 15 Budget Tips to Boost Your Savings This Summer
Summer can be filled with lots of fun activities
There are so many fun and affordable ways to stay busy and make the most of your time. Whether you want to learn something new, earn extra money, or just enjoy simple moments, there’s something on this list for everyone.
All you need to do is think outside of the box and find frugal ways to stretch your entertainment dollar. You don’t need a big budget to have a great time.
Follow Money Bliss for the best tips on ways to have fun without breaking the bank.
To learn more: 10 Affordable Ways to Have Fun This Summer
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