6 Ways to Have a Fun and Frugal Summer

May 1, 2023

Summer is almost here, and while we all can't wait to bask in the sun and soak up the warmth, many are worried about the cost of having fun. But fear not, frugal friends! There are plenty of ways to enjoy those lazy summer days and still have money in the bank.

From local festivals to backyard barbecues, here are six quick tips for a budget-friendly summer that won't leave you feeling deprived and will make your summer full of fun.

Explore your local community

Many cities offer free events during the summer months, like outdoor movies, concerts, and art fairs. Plus, getting out and about is always a great way to make new friends and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Host a potluck

You can save a bundle by having everyone bring a dish, and it's a fun way to sample new foods and catch up with loved ones.

Hit up your nearest state park

Most parks have hiking trails, picnic areas, and even swimming spots. You can bring your own food and drinks and spend the day in nature without spending a dime.

Visit your local library

Many libraries offer free summer reading programs and other events. And if you're looking for a new read, you can borrow books and movies for free.

Embrace the staycation

You don't have to travel far to have a great summer. Explore your own city, try a new restaurant, or simply spend a day lounging in your backyard. Enjoying the little things can make for a memorable and budget-friendly summer.

In short, having a fun and frugal summer doesn't have to be complicated. By taking advantage of local events, hosting potlucks, visiting state parks, using your library, and embracing the staycation, you can have a season to remember without breaking the bank.

So grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure, and prepare for a summer full of fun and financial savvy.

This summer, it's all about fun on a budget. Let's make it the best one yet!

1. Take Advantage of Free Activities

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy this summer. So whether you're looking for something fun and new or just want to stay in your neighborhood, here are some ideas:

Attend local festivals and fairs. These events often feature games, food vendors, and live music–completely free! You'll find them throughout the city on weekends during warm weather months.
Explore a new park or trail system near your home (or even farther away). Many cities offer trails that lead through nature preserves with beautiful views of lakes or mountains; others have playgrounds where kids can play while adults relax under shade trees with picnic lunches from home.
Take a hike! Hiking trails aren't just for mountain climbers anymore--they're great places for families, too, because they provide opportunities for exercise while exploring nature together in an environment that's safe from traffic hazards like cars on busy streets nearby.

And if your footwear needs an upgrade in order to keep you safe on these adventures, Hoopla partner Merrell offers up to 20% off Alpine Sneakers!

2. Take a Staycation

You can have a fun and frugal summer without leaving your city. Staying in town is often cheaper than traveling out of state or country. To make the most of your staycation, try these ideas:

Research free and discounted activities that are available in your area. Many museums offer free admission on certain days of the week or year; many parks offer free parking if you're willing to walk a bit further from the entrance; local theaters often have inexpensive matinees where tickets cost $10 or less per person; festivals are another great way to experience something new without spending much money on admission fees (and they're usually held outdoors).

Find cheap accommodations by using Hoopla partner Expedia instead of booking a hotel room directly through their website - Expedia offers hotel deals under $99 per night! And if all else fails...stay home! It might seem boring but think about how much money it would save over staying at an expensive hotel somewhere else far away from home when there are so many cool things going on right here within walking distance from where we live already anyway."

3. Cook at Home

Cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money! You can find tons of recipes online or in cookbooks (which you can get for free at your local library). Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends.

Plan meals ahead of time. If you're going to cook at home, it's essential to have a plan. This will help you avoid overspending on food and ensure you get the most out of your groceries.
Shop for groceries in bulk. When buying food items like meat or vegetables, try buying them in bulk instead of individually wrapped packages--it'll save money and space!
Take advantage of sales and coupons when possible; they can really add up! Also, look for coupons online before heading out to the store so that there are no surprises when checking out at the checkout counter (eek!).

Or, if you’re looking for a little more adventure, shake up your routine and learn some new cooking skills with Blue Apron–enjoy $150 off across your first 6 orders and Free Shipping on your first order.

4. Host a Potluck

When it comes to summer, there is nothing quite like the smell of grilled food and cold drinks. But if you're looking for something a little more frugal than buying dinner every night, consider hosting a potluck dinner.

Potlucks are great because they allow people who may not know each other well enough yet to get together in one place and enjoy each other's company. They also make it easy for everyone involved: no one has to worry about cooking or cleaning up after themselves! So if you're worried about finding enough dishes for everyone, don't be--just ask around your neighborhood or workplace until you find enough willing participants (or even better yet, recruit friends). And if there aren't enough guests at first? That's okay--you can always invite others later on down the line when things pick up again as summer gets going full steam ahead!

Add some adventure to your grilling game and try out the Grill Masters Club–offering free shipping on your first box when you spend $50 or more!

5. Have a Yard Sale

If you have a yard sale, you can make some extra money and use it to fund your summer activities.

First, gather all the items you no longer need or want. Then advertise your yard sale by posting flyers around town and on social media. Next, price items competitively so people will want to buy them at your sale--but don't price them too low, or else no one will come! Finally, when everything has sold, and everyone has gone home with their new treasures (or lack thereof), use the extra cash from selling off those old bookshelves as well as other unwanted goods from around the house for a night out for dinner and a movie with the family! In fact, Hoopla partner Fandango can help you out with discounts on upcoming movies and more!

6. DIY Projects for Entertainment

DIY projects are a great way to spend your time and keep yourself entertained.

First, decide what kind of project you want to do: something artistic like painting or drawing? Something practical like sewing or woodworking? Or just something fun like making slime or playing with LEGOs?

Next, gather up all the materials that you'll need for the project - this can range from small things like paper clips and toothpicks all the way up to bulky items like lumber and paintbrushes!

Thirdly, get started on whatever it is that you want to do! It might take some time for you to get used to the materials and tools you're using, but the more practice you have, the better you'll get.

One fun idea is to create your own backyard movie theater using a projector and a white sheet. You could even host a "drive-in" movie night, inviting friends and family for a film under the stars!

Another frugal activity is to make your own outdoor games like cornhole or giant Jenga.

These games are perfect for a family get-together or a neighborhood block party. There are so many possibilities when it comes to DIY projects and entertainment, and they don't have to cost you an arm and a leg!

If you're looking for more ideas, we always recommend shopping online for deals on fun summer trends. And now you can take Hoopla wherever you shop with our new Browser Extension for Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge!

Wherever there’s savings to be had, the Hoopla Browser Extension pops up. Save money and time with the smartest shopping tool built right into your browser. With over 50,000 daily deals and over 5,000 of the your favorite brands, Hoopla is sure to have everything you love at the price you want.

Don't let price slow you down this summer, get an Extension and make sure you're getting the best deal on the internet ever time!