The summer holidays are just around the corner, and with a record-breaking heatwave on the way, there’s no better time to enjoy some fun in the sun. But it can be easy to overspend when trying to entertain the whole family, so here are 10 cheap hacks to help you save money this summer.
1. Get outside
A cheap way to have fun in the sun is by going for walks. This is a great way to explore new areas, and you can do it for free. If you want to make it more interesting, try doing a scavenger hunt while you’re out walking. Make a list of things to find on your walk (e.g. a leaf, a feather, a stone), and see how many you can tick off by the end.
Walking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the weather, and you can feed the ducks stale bread at the park!
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, try playing Frisbee or rounders in the park. Both of these games are great for groups, and they’re cheap to play.
If you want to stay cool in the heat, why not try going for a swim? There may be free swimming pools in your local area, or if you’re feeling brave, you could even go for a dip in the sea. Just make sure that you take all the necessary safety precautions.
2. Have a Barbecue
Summer is the perfect time to have a barbecue. Invite your friends and family over, and cook up some delicious food. If you don’t want to spend money on meat, you could always try vegetarian options like halloumi or veggie burgers.
3. Free events
One of the best things about summer is that there are often lots of free events taking place. From open-air concerts to street fairs, there’s something for everyone. Doing some research online will help you find all the free events happening in your area.
4. Have a picnic
Use food from home to make a picnic lunch, and you won’t have to spend any money on overpriced food from cafes and restaurants. If you want to make it a bit more special, you could pack a flask of tea or coffee and some homemade cake.
If the weather isn’t good enough for a picnic, why not have an indoor picnic? Get a blanket and set it up in your living room with all your favourite picnic foods. You could even invite some friends around to join you.
5. Make your own ice lollies and ice cream
When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing better than cooling down with an ice cream. However, buying ice cream from the shop can be expensive, so why not make your own at home? There are loads of recipes online that only require a few simple ingredients. Once you’ve made your ice cream, put it in a cone or cup and enjoy!
You can also use water, cordial and any fruit you have lying around for healthy and cheap ice lollies. Add some fun to them by using moulds in novelty shapes.
6. Don’t impulse buy
Impulse buying can be a big waste of money, especially if you’re not careful. If you’re looking for ways to have fun this summer without breaking the bank, it’s a good idea to avoid impulse buying.
One way to do this is to make a list of things you want to buy before you go shopping. This will help you focus on what you need and stop you from buying things you don’t really want.
Another way to avoid impulse buying is to wait 24 hours before making a purchase. This will give you time to think about whether or not you really need the item, and it might even help you find a cheaper alternative.
Of course, sometimes impulse buying can’t be avoided. If this happens, try to look for ways to save money elsewhere so that you don’t end up overspending.
Check online for good prices on things like paddling pools and toys before making any purchases. You could also see if you can borrow items from friends or family members. If you do want to buy something, see if you can get it second-hand. There are many good quality items available second-hand, and you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save.
7. Make a den
Make an imaginative den in your garden out of tents, tables and umbrellas. This is a great way to enjoy the summer weather without getting too hot, and you can invite friends over to make it even more fun.
Making a den is a great way to spend a summer’s day, and it doesn’t have to cost any money. So get creative and start building!
8. Have a water fight
Water fights are a great way to keep cool, and you can use empty washing up liquid bottles as water guns. Just ensure you aim them at people who are also participating in the fight!
Water balloons are another good way to have fun and cool down on a hot summer’s day.
9. Pool party
Another fun way to stay cool in summer is to have a pool party. You can either go to a public pool or, if you have a blow-up paddling pool at home, even better! Invite friends who are also keen on swimming and having fun.
Pool parties are great because they’re usually quite relaxed affairs. You can just float in the pool, play games, and chat with your friends. And of course, don’t forget the snacks and drinks!
10. Garden sleepover
As the weather starts to cool down in the evenings, what better way to spend an evening than outside under the stars? Gather all the cushions in the house and make a giant comfy square on the floor in the garden. Drape bed sheets over the top to keep everyone together and add extra comfort. Use a torch in a pint glass to create a light and take turns telling stories and playing board games. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have without screens or technology. Plus, it’s the perfect way to bond with friends and family.
If you don’t have a garden, you can set up a camp in your living room! Just make sure you clear away any breakable objects first.
So there you have it, some cheap and cheerful ways to have fun in the sun this summer. Remember, if you save money by following these tips, you can invest it in your Metro Moneywise savings account for a rainy day. Happy summer!