Summer is finally here and you want to squeeze these months as much as possible to have fun, but on a budget. So, if you are looking for the ultimate summer bucket list for adults, check out this post on the best fun and cheap summer activities for adults you can try this summer.
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+102 Insanely Fun & Cheap Summer Activities For Adults
Whether you want to have fun outside or at home, make DIY crafts, or enjoy a romantic day with your special one, use this list to get inspired and find some great and cheap activities for adults to try this summer. After all, summertime is all about fun, sun, and good company!
Outdoor Summer Activities On A Budget
1. Read A Book In The Park
Birds chirping, nice weather, and a good book-reading session under a tree. What’s better than that?
2. Camp In Your Backyard
Grab some pillows and s’mores, pitch your tent (get this affordable tent if you don’t have one), and enjoy nature without all the packing and gear-buying associated with traditional camping.
3. Have A Lazy Day At The Beach
If you have the privilege of having a beach near you, summer is the perfect opportunity to sunbathe while listening to the sea waves and seagulls.
4. Have A Picnic
I love this one! Make burritos or rustic tarts with your favorite ingredients and put them in a hermetic container. Once you pick the right spot for your picnic, place a blanket on the grass and enjoy lunching al fresco.
5. Go For A Bike Ride
Ride your bike around your neighborhood to soak in the sights and the fresh air.
This is one of those cheap things to do in summer that never gets old!
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6. Run For A Cause
Try the rewarding experience of improving your mental and physical health while raising money for those in need.
7. Spend A Full Day In The Nature
Are you looking for a personal challenge? Avoid screens for a full day and visit parks, streams, and public gardens to increase your contact with nature.
8. Join Local Free Dancing Classes
Move and tone up your body with free outdoor dancing classes offered in your area. You can go alone or with friends and dance to the rhythm of salsa, rumba, bachata, and other ‘TikTok-able’ steps.
9. Go To An Amusement Park
Wanna feel some adrenaline? Visit an amusement park and ride all the rollercoasters!
10. Visit An Ethnic Neighbourhood
I just love to visit Chinatown and Little Italy to enjoy the culture, food, and language of minority communities.
Wanna plan these summer activities to complete your bucket list?
Check my Ultimate Summer Planner to organize yourself, set and achieve goals, and ensure you make the most out of every precious moment with your loved ones during this season!
11. Go Wine Tasting
If you have a vineyard near you or a restaurant specializing in wines, discover the history and passion behind every bottle with a memorable wine-tasting experience.
12. Go Hiking
If you are looking for an adventure outdoors, try hiking! Research popular hiking routes on ‘Hike near me’ platforms like Hiking Project or national park websites and prepare your backpack. A hat, sunscreen, stretchy trousers, water, and sports shoes are a must!
13. Drink Lemonade On Your Porch
Refresh yourself with the delicious taste of homemade mint lemonade. Try this recipe to make an icy and energetic lemonade in less than 10 minutes!
14. Play In The Pool
If you have a pool, why not organize a full day in it? You can read your favorite magazines lying in your pool float, have some drinks, and listen to the best hits of summer on Spotify. You can invite your friends and family too.
15. Visit A Local Flea Market
Do you like bargains, rare goods, antique items, and handcrafted merchandise? Then visiting your local flea market is for you. Even if you don’t purchase anything, you’ll have fun!
16. Catch An Outdoor Concert
Sitting on a lawn blanket and watching great music performances with the open sky overhead sounds like a great idea to enjoy the summer vibes. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.
17. Find Hidden Gems In Your Town
You don’t need to do the same old things you ordinarily do when exploring your own city. Get lost on purpose and discover new things to see and do.
18. Visit A Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets are colorful places to find fresh and organic produce that you can use in your daily recipes to increase your nutritional intake.
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19. Sit On A Restaurant Patio
Breathe fresh air and indulge your tastebuds with amazing flavors in a new restaurant with outdoor seating.
20. Go To A Rooftop Bar
In winter, it’s almost impossible to have a drink at rooftop bars without blowing on your hands to warm them up.
Take advantage of this season and enjoy the panoramic views of the city in your nearest rooftop bar.
Plus, this is one of those cheap summer ideas for friends that you all will enjoy!
21. Explore The Nearest State Park
State parks offer lots of activities to spend an amazing summer day: from wildlife watching, rock climbing, and photography to geocaching and swimming, there are lots of things to try and have a blast.
Cheap Indoor Summer Activities For Adults
22. Go To A Shopping Mall
Indoor malls offer a temperature-controlled environment where you can do some window shopping, take a coffee, and even watch a movie at the mall theatre. Personally, it’s my favorite budget-friendly way of celebrating my month anniversary when it’s too hot to be outside.
23. Have A Full Self-care Day
It’s time to dedicate time to yourself and have a spa day at home: do your nails, give yourself a massage with essential oils, slather on a hair mask, and take an icy shower while listening to uplifting music.
Seal your perfect pamper day by moisturizing your body with a hydrating cream and eating your favorite dessert in bed.
If you are looking for summer activities for single adults, start with this one!
24. Visit A Museum
Avoid scorching temperatures and admire the most spectacular pieces of art at your local museum. Check the museum’s website for free admission days and discounts.
25. Get A Makeover
Summer is the perfect time to transform your whole look, honey! If you’ve always wanted to feel like a diva and get a makeover like in the TV show ‘What Not To Wear’, go to your nearest beauty salon and let them take care of you. Browse Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration.
26. Make A TBR Pile
Are there books that you always want to read but you’re forever busy? Now that it’s summer, take advantage of your free time, make a stack of to-be-read books, and commit to it.
27. Perfect Your Morning Routine
It’s never too late to make changes to your daily morning routine to boost productivity and wellness. Check out this productive summer morning routine to cultivate new habits and start off your day feeling refreshed.
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28. Host A Karaoke Party
Even if you don’t know how to sing, you’ll have a blast with your loved ones. Choose a theme for your party, make the playlist, and fuel your guests’ energy with appetizers. Ask them to bring in food and cool drinks to make the whole experience even more budget-friendly.
29. Play Video Games
Playing video games is an exciting way of having fun and igniting your competitive spirit. Personally, I love to play Mario Kart with my husband! Have you tried it yet?
30. Play Board Games
If you are more into board games, that’s awesome as well! Enjoy your summer playing popular board games like Jenga, Guess Who?, Pop-O-Matic, Four in A Row, and Yahtzee.
31. Start A Herb Garden
Even if you don’t have a balcony, I bet you can build your own DIY herb garden at home. Find a sunny patch in your kitchen or porch and grow parsley, rosemary, basil, and mint to get started.
32. Try Indoor Rock Climbing
Indoor rock climbing will not only challenge your muscles but also improve your balance and coordination. It’s so entertaining that you will hardly notice that it’s a full-body workout!
33. Visit A Planetarium
Are you curious about the wonders of the universe? Planetariums transport you to the depths of outer space and give you the opportunity to see the most popular constellations of the cosmos.
34. See A Play
Pay a visit to your nearest theatre and choose a play at random from the billboard. Then, let the magic of live performance amaze you!
35. Go To A Bar With Live Music
There’s nothing more exclusive and delightful than sipping a bold Malbec while listening to live jazz music.
36. Learn A New Language
New season, new skills! Languages open so many doors; learn a popular language and reach your goal of having small conversations with natives at the end of summer.
37. Start A Puzzle
Can you complete a 1,000-piece puzzle in one sitting? Take the challenge!
38. Take A Bubble Bath
Unwind after a long day with low-key music, soaking salts, candles, and savory summer snacks like mashed avocado crackers and blueberries.
39. Declutter Your Closet
Time goes by and your closet still cries for a whole cleanup. Feel the satisfaction of decluttering your closet and having a capsule wardrobe that takes the pressure out of choosing your daily outfits.
Want to organize yourself and achieve all your summer goals?
My popular Summer Planner will help you keep track of your meals, mood, activities, books, films (and much more!) to make the most out of summertime.
Romantic Summer Activities For Couples
40. Watch The Sunset Together
Sunset is one of those marvels of nature that you can appreciate for free! Invite your significant other to watch the stunning orange and pink colors and enjoy the promise of a new day together.
41. Go To Drive-in Movies
This is a classic date idea that you can use as an excuse to cuddle, laugh, and talk as much as you want in a comfortable atmosphere. Plus, there won’t be kids interrupting your date and you can bring your own food.
42. Sleep Under The Stars
Pitch a tent in your backyard to spend the night stargazing and sleeping under the beautiful night sky. Download a stargazing app like Star Walk, Star Finder, or Stellarium to spot constellations.
43. Have An Ice Cream Date
Ice cream is a summer staple for a good reason. With so many traditional and new flavors, there’s always something for everyone! Refresh yourselves with this sweet treat and use it also as a fun add-on to a movie night!
44. Have A Pizza Party
Speaking of fun summer activities at home, cooking pizzas with different gourmet toppings is a wonderful way of spending time together working as a team on a savory project.
Plus, pizza is super affordable and easy to cook, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the night together.
45. Go Bowling
Even if you suck at it, bowling is one of those cheap summer activities for adults that you can use to break the routine and have a blast with your special one. A little friendly competition between each other won’t hurt!
46. Go To The Arcade
Being an adult doesn’t mean you have to eradicate arcade games from your life. Tap into your inner child with classic arcade games and enjoy the satisfaction of tackling new challenges at your local arcade. You can literally spend hours playing these adrenalin-inducing games.
47. Have A Game Night
No matter which stage of your relationship you are in, having a game night is a must to trigger novelty and strengthen your bond. Some fun games to play together are Twister, Pictionary, Pop the Baloon, Uncommon Questions, and Two Truths and a Lie.
48. Have A Photoshoot Together
Go to your favorite city spots and take dozens of outstanding photos of yourselves. Then frame them or create an album.
49. Have A Campfire With S’mores
You can never go wrong with this romantic (and sweet) date idea. You don’t need to go camping in the woods to make delicious s’mores. Build a campfire in your backyard and spend a wonderful evening together.
50. Play Frisbee
You can play this fun and cheap sport in your backyard, at the park, or even at the beach. No talent is needed here! Just have fun and get plenty of exercise and vitamin D.
51. Try Ice-skating
When it’s so hot outside, going ice skating is a no-brainer. If you two are beginners, you’ll certainly have a good laugh trying to maintain the balance!
52. Set Up An Out-dinner Date
You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to have a romantic night together. Take a small table, two chairs, and some candles to your backyard and have dinner under the stars.
53. Eat Breakfast In Bed
Eating a hearty breakfast in bed always feels luxurious and romantic, but it doesn’t have to be a lot of work. Prepare some muffins the day before, cut some fruits, and add scrambled eggs to refuel your energy before starting your day.
54. Be Local Tourists
Keep your travel spirits high exploring your own city. And forget about Google Maps: get lost to discover new spots and make great memories!
55. Go For A Drive
Driving with no destination is the perfect summer escape for couples. Pack your lunch, hop in the car, and surround yourself with breathtaking landscapes.
56. Play Twister
Playing Twister is an old favorite date idea that couples love. When you get closer to your partner as you play, steal some kisses!
57. Create A Spotify Playlist Together
Create a collaborative playlist to listen to while you work, hit the road, cook, or just spend a romantic time together.
58. Recreate Your First Date
Relive that exciting night one more time and reconnect with each other realizing how far you’ve come with your relationship.
59. Get A Ticket To A Comedy Show
My husband and I once went to a stand-up show just to do something new. We ended up laughing at home at how bad it was! Nevertheless, we had tons of fun that night.
60. Play Truth Or Dare
Truth or Dare is an adrenaline-pumping game that never gets old. ‘What is the biggest lie you’ve ever told?’ ‘Would you betray your best friend?’ ‘Do your best impression of a fish out of water’, ‘Flirt with your partner for 40 seconds’. These are some of the questions you may encounter!
Crafty And DIY Summer Activities For Adults
61. Make Homemade Ice Cream
If you are screaming for ice cream, you can make it at home. It’s easy, quick, and cheap. Try out these recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
62. Try Out A New Dessert Recipe
Have you ever tried chocolate peanut butter truffles? What about carrot-cake whoopie pies? Get creative in the kitchen and discover new flavors.
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63. Make A Homemade Face Mask
Make your skin glow with a face mask that is free of unpronounceable ingredients. Oatmeal, avocado, green tea, and yogurt are popular ingredients used for homemade face masks.
64. Try Polaroid Photo Display Ideas
Print your most memorable photos on glossy paper and hang them on the wall to create a beautiful Polaroid photo display.
65. Make A Summer Time Capsule
This one is one of those unusual summer activities that even kids love!
Gather small items and photos that represent your fun-filled summer, put them into a mason jar, and bury them in your backyard to come back to it months later.
You can even include a letter to your future self.
66. Make A Vision Board
What do you want from life? Download pictures representing your goals from Google or Pinterest, print them, and hang them on a grid board to visualize and manifest your dream life. You can even create a digital vision board on Canva if you feel like it!
67. Have A Wine-and-painting Night
You can create luxurious and summery experiences at home without breaking the bank. Get a canvas, let your imagination run wild, and paint abstract art while sipping your favorite wine.
68. Make A Bird Feeder
Fill your garden with songbirds with cute DIY bird feeders. You can recycle empty soda bottles, tea cups or milk cartons to make this craft for your feathered friends.
69. Plant A Butterfly Garden
The best way to attract butterflies is to plant nectar-filled flowers in a sunny spot in your garden. Just avoid using pesticides to turn this aesthetic corner into a colorful sanctuary.
70. Make Crepe Paper Flowers
Tired of your cut flowers rotting after two days? Decorate your house with crepe flower arrangements and forget about maintaining fresh bouquets.
71. Make A Summer Essential Oil Potpourri
Fill your house with the smell of summertime by using a combination of lemon, mint, and lavender essential oils.
72. Make A Summer Fruit Bead Necklace
Get crafty and make a cute necklace to complement your summer outfits with fruit beads and a piece of string.
73. Create Your Own Wall Art
You can make your own piece of abstract or boho art in Canva, exploring the fonts, shapes, images, and colors offered by the platform. You can hang it on a wall or even sell it!
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74. Create Painted Wine Bottle Vases
Turn wine bottles into beautiful vases by painting them and adding some gold glitter.
75. Tie-dye Your Hammock
If you are bored of having always the same plain hammock, live it up by tie-dying it with the colors of the rainbow.
76. Make A Birdhouse
Have you already made a nice feeder to attract songbirds? Then go the extra mile and recycle the scrap wood lying around your garage to create a beautiful birdhouse.
77. Paint With Watercolor
Next up in these crafty and cheap summer activities for adults, I recommend trying watercolor painting. It’s fun, affordable, and its techniques are beginner-friendly.
78. Recreate Your Favorite Starbucks Cold Drink
A Starbucks drink here and there doesn’t hurt but, if you want to enjoy your favorite Starbucks drink every day without going bankrupt, recreate it at home!
79. Make A DIY Hanging Wall Shelf
Hanging shelves are great for any kind of space at home and you make your own using a wooden plate or tray, yarn, and scissors. Search Pinterest for inspo and tutorials.
80. Make DIY Star Cocktail Glasses
Get some glasses and decorate them for a fun night party with friends. Just cut permanent adhesive Vynil into little star-shaped bits and stick them on the outside of your glasses.
81. Work On A Coloring Book
Yes, coloring books for adults do exist! Avoid using your cell phone before going to bed and work on a coloring book to enjoy your summer night without electronic distractions.
82. Redecorate Your Home
Summer is a great opportunity to give your home a full makeover. You can rearrange your furniture, switch up the art, and change up the lighting. The results will knock your socks off.
Budget-friendly Summer Activities For Families
83. Play Hide And Seek
An old favorite that kids love and that parents can play too to have a whale of a time. The giggles are so worth it.
84. Have A Family Movie Night
Choose your favorite Disney movie, make some popcorn, and enjoy family time without getting cinema tickets.
85. Bake A Cake Together
Let your kids discover new foods and explore sensory inputs by getting them involved in the kitchen. Cook a delicious lemon blueberry cake and decorate it with frosting and edible flowers.
86. Visit The Grandparents
Pay a surprise visit to the grandparents’ house and enjoy a round of funny and interesting stories about their adolescence and young adulthood.
87. Play In The Sprinkler
There’s nothing more refreshing and fun than playing in the sprinkler on a hot day. You can play with water guns too!
88. Make Yogurt Popsicles
You can make strawberry yogurt popsicles as a healthier alternative to ice cream with your kids. This is the perfect cold snack for a summer day and you can eat them after playing in the sprinkler.
89. Visit A Local Nature Conservation Area
Admire the biodiversity of species and let your kids learn about the importance of preserving the national cultural heritage by visiting your nearest natural conservation area.
90. Visit A Local Family-friendly Festival
There’re lots of festivals that offer activities for the whole family! Magic shows, musical performances, art installations, face painting…The possibilities are endless.
91. Meet Friends At The Local Playground
Go to the local playground to catch up with your friends while the kids play in the slides and seesaws.
92. Make Homemade Playdough
Want to get your kids involved in a crafty kitchen activity while saving money? Try this easy homemade Playdough recipe right here.
93. Play Balloon Tennis
This is a fun outdoor activity that only requires a ballon and tennis rackets. Pass the balloon to each other without letting it touch the ground.
94. Make Water-filled Piñatas
Fill balloons with water and tie them to a rope. Then hit the balloons with light sticks and have an exciting family afternoon. You can add in a blindfold as well!
95. Make Glow-in-the-dark Mason Jars
Teach your kids the importance of recycling by turning old mason jars into glow-in-the-dark jars. You can get the paint and brushes at your nearest craft store.
96. Plant Flowers Or Veggies
Knowing that they are growing their own food will boost your kids’ confidence and self-esteem. Plus, they love digging in the soil and getting dirty.
97. Go Berry Picking
This is the best season to go berry picking. Use them in your recipes and freeze the ones you don’t use.
98. Have A Blind Taste Test Party
This can be fun and educational at the same time! Your kids get to try new foods and explore bitter, sweet, salty and spicy flavors. For your blind taste test, you can use mini carrots, olives, cheese, celery, and crackers.
99. Put Together Some Bouquets
Go to your backyard or nearest park with your children and pick some wildflowers to make a beautiful bouquet.
100. Make A Family Scrapbook
There’s no better option to get nostalgic and make magical moments last a lifetime than taking photos and making a family scrapbook.
101. Work Out Outside
There are some cool yoga workouts for kids and parents out there that you should definitely try this summer. Doing simple poses together will help you connect with your kids and stay active during this season.
102. Build Sandcastles
Building sandy masterpieces with your kids is a fantastic way of channeling your creativity and keeping them entertained for hours.
103. Plan A Photo Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of the clues for taking the photos and let your kids take pictures in your backyard, local park, or any other safe place for the hunt. You can include clues like ‘An insect’, ‘Something you can eat’, and ‘A flower’.
Are there any other options you would include in this list of cheap summer activities for adults?
If you come up with any other ideas, feel free to leave them in the comments section.
I’d love to read them!
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+102 Insanely Fun & Cheap Summer Activities For Adults
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