Easy & Affordable Ideas For Summer Fun + A Free Printable

If you’re looking for ideas for summer fun , I’ve been compiling a list of activities that won’t drain your energy or your pocketbook. My goal has been to make a list that is inspiring and feels achievable.

What inspired this list? I think it’s important to be intentional to make time to try new experiences and have a sense of adventure in life, and I enjoy suggestions on Pinterest and various blogs. Lately, however, when I see “bucket lists” or lists of what you “must-do’s before you’re 20/25/30”  or “20 things to do to have the perfect summer” I feel discouraged because the activities are out of reach. These lists can assume that people have unlimited time, energy, and money and can lead to unhealthy comparison and discontent. What about those of us with chronic pain and/or illness?

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I had to take a moment and pause to realize that just because all these fun things were on a list doesn’t mean that someone else is enjoying them. (Honestly, how many people fit into one summer a backpacking trip across Europe, snorkeling, a road trip, Disneyworld, etc. etc.?!) I found myself feeling jealous for no reason thinking of these imaginary people having all of these imaginary adventures!

Let’s be a little more realistic. Lists of ideas can be a fun jumping off point so that you can pick and choose a few activities that you’re most excited about. And just because I’m dealing with chronic illness doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the summer. For those of us who are sick, we have to work a little harder to find fun opportunities that are doable. We have to do some mining, but that’s how we find the gold. If we’re intentional and realistic, we can build many beautiful memories to treasure this summer.

So, let’s take the pressure off. This isn’t a list for the “perfect” summer. There is nothing on this list that is a “must-do.” Nothing will self destruct and the world will keep turning if you don’t do everything under the sun this summer.

Everything on this list is tailored for people who are low on energy and low on cash. Let’s be real—being chronically ill isn’t cheap, but you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the beauty of summer.

And this list isn’t only for people dealing with illness. Short on vacation time and cash? You’ll find ideas here! This list could also easily be used to inspire summer fun for families, without breaking the bank.

My priorities for this summer are spending time with people I love and enjoying experiences unique to the season.

Take some time to consider what your priorities are for this summer. Who do you want to spend time with? As a friend and I say, what activities “make your heart happy?” Consider what your abilities and limitations are, and find activities that are doable. I promise, there are many things to look forward to this summer, maybe even more than you realize.

For more inspiration, this post from Mind Body Green has some great tips about being intentional with your time this summer and makes the case that a summer at home can be more rejuvenating than travel.

25 Ideas for Summer Fun

 

• Stop by a Garage Sale
  

  I love the serendipity of a garage sale. Take the time to pull over and step out of your routine to hunt for unexpected treasures. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to imagine how cast offs could be recreated.

• Plant Something
  

  I helped my parents plant our garden earlier this month, and had fun sprinkling wildflower seeds my cousin gave me. Even if it’s just one little plant in one little planter, gardening can give you a big boost. There’s something wonderful about watching something bloom and being able to say “I helped that grow.”

• Stop by a Farmer’s Market
  

  I love wandering among the booths and getting craft ideas. This is the perfect place to buy fresh produce—even with all my food allergies, I can find berries or veggies to eat! Also, this makes a perfect get together with a friend or a date!

• Go to a Museum
  

  There’s so much to discover at a museum—art, history, technology, etc. If the idea of going to a museum makes you worry about your energy, decide beforehand to resolve to leave as soon as you need to. Many museum offer free evenings or pay-what-you-can days, so be sure to check for these discounts.

• Wear Something Bright and Summery for No Reason
  

  There’s something great about dressing up just for yourself to help with self-confidence and put a spring in your step. You can bet I’ll be wearing a sundress on a random day around the house!

• Stop by a Park You’ve Never Visited Before
  

  I get serious wanderlust and being stuck at home makes me get cabin fever. But I’m learning you don’t have to travel far to discover new places. Summer is perfect for exploring more of the outdoors. (See if there is a park between your home and somewhere you go often; maybe there’s a park near one of your doctor’s offices!)

• Make a Playlist
  

  Summer deserves an awesome soundtrack. Find some of my current upbeat favorites here and here.

• Read More
  

A friend and I are using this list as our guide! (If anyone knows who created it, I’d love to credit the list’s creator.) We probably won’t make it through all 20 books this summer, so I’m aiming for the end of the year. (Find suggestions here for some of my favorite fiction and nonfiction books I’ve read recently.)

If you’re looking for more reading material, you can try Kindle Unlimited free for 30 days.

• Join a Reading Challenge
  

Also, be sure to see if your local library offers reading challenges for grown-ups and kids. You’ll find great book recommendations and may even have the opportunity to win prizes.

Prefer to listen to books? You can try one month free of Audible. You can cancel any time.

 

• Try a New Coffee Shop or Restaurant

  Another easy cure for wanderlust! And you might just discover a new favorite hangout.

• Pretend You’re Poolside
  

  My parents have a little kiddie pool that’s great to dangle my feet in when I’m sitting in a lawn chair. It makes reading a magazine outside feel luxurious. No kiddie pool? Dip your toes in a foot bath or other small container you commandeer. Bonus points if you wear a floppy hat and sunglasses while sipping something refreshing.

• Make a Craft
  

  One of my favorite parts of summer used to be making crafts in 4-H. Get creative!

• Encourage a Friend
  

  Taking time to help someone else, even in a small way, gives you a boost too. Send a card, share a dessert you baked, hand make a gift.

• Join an Online Book Group or Bible Study
  

  Connect without leaving the house. Gather some friends to discuss what you read via Skype, Facetime, etc.

• Enjoy a Picnic
  

  It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. There’s something great about sitting on a blanket and eating outside.

• Watch a Movie or TV Show Together from a Distance
  

  When one of my friends moved to Texas, we both went to see the same movie in our separate states at the same time and had fun texting beforehand, and chatting about the movie via phone afterwards. Schedule a time for you and a friend to watch a movie together from separate locations and call each other up once the credits roll. (A TV show is fun to watch live from home because you can text each other on the commercials!)

• Listen to a Podcast Outside
  

  I love learning from podcasts, and enjoying them outside feels particularly summery.

• Play an Outdoor Game
  

  The fun is in spending time with others, not in being super skilled. And you can easily shorten games depending on how you’re feeling. Try games like croquet, lawn darts or Bache ball. Don’t have a yard? See if you can play at a friend’s house or nearby park. Don’t have any outdoor games? They’re inexpensive at garage sales or easily borrowed from friends.

• Learn a New Hobby
  

  Always wanted to try a certain craft or skill? Give knitting, scrapbooking, painting, etc. a shot.

• Visit a Local Theater
  

  Live performances can be so magical! You’d be surprised at the local talent, and ticket prices are usually very reasonable.

• Play a Board Game
  

  My cousins and I used to escape the heat on summer days playing Monopoly and RISK for hours. Break out your favorite board game and spend time with friends and family.

• Enjoy an Outdoor Concert
  

  See if your city hosts free concerts at local parks. Arrive early for good seats so you can leave early if you need to. A comfortable lawn chair makes the event even better.

• Pick Fresh Berries
  

  Nothing beats sun-warmed berries picked fresh. I’m fortunate that I only have to walk a few steps outside to pick strawberries and blueberries, or next door for blackberries. Don’t feel pressured to pick a lot—a handful is all you need to top yogurt or cereal for a summery snack. Or make this delicious (and super easy) vegan berry crisp.

• Visit a County Fair
  

  I love the feel of small fairs and the chance to see all the exhibits. Also, there are always many adorable animals. Again, adjust the visit length depending on your energy. If you’re like me and allergic to all the amazing fair food, have a delicious treat waiting at home for you so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.

• Take Time to Grow
  

  Pick an area you want to grow in, then go for it! Find a new way to spend time with God or grow in your walk with Him. Set time aside to learn something or hone a skill you’ve been wanting to develop.

~ ~ ~

I hope these ideas help you craft a wonderful, fulfilling summer!

What activities are you most excited for this summer? What activities would you add to your list?

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Looking for more fun ideas? I made a second list!