By Eliana Oliver
Planning enjoyable activities with your friends is a great way to strengthen your relationship and make the most of your summer break. However, not all activities are affordable. Visiting theme parks, going out to eat, and seeing your favorite artist in concert are some examples of things to do that can get pretty pricey. Sometimes you may want to save some money by doing something inexpensive or, better yet, free. To help you out with both your budgeting and friendship endeavors, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 activities you can do with your friends without spending money.
1. Host a Movie Marathon
In the age of streaming, we have all of the world’s greatest films right at our fingertips. Plan a night full of fun with your friends in which you vote on your favorite movie series and sit through all of it (or most of it). Whether it’s Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Marvel, Twilight, or a random selection of films, hosting a movie marathon is a surefire way to ensure a good time.
2. Watch the Sunset and Go Stargazing
If the weather allows, taking time at the end of the day to visit nature is always a pleasant experience, so why not share it with your friends? Find a park or trail or beach where you can lay out a blanket and watch the sun make way for the moon and stars. Use this time to talk about anything and everything that’s been on your mind. Play your favorite music. Look at the stars.
3. Bring Out Your Competitive Side with a Game Night
Everyone has a game they grew up playing. Maybe it was Sorry, Clue, or Monopoly. Maybe it was a good ol’ fashioned Egyptian Rat Screw. Whatever it was, it’s time to go dig into the depths of your closet to pull it out for Game Night! Invite a group of friends to play–the more competitive they are, the better. Let your inner child run wild and lean into the fun that gaming brings.
4. Find a Scenic Park and Go on a Picnic
Picnics are one of the easiest outings to put together, and yet we don’t do them quite enough. Look in your pantry and grab whatever snacks, sips, and sweets you have available. Don’t have a picnic basket? No problem. Throw the food into a tote bag or lunch box. If you aren’t in possession of a picnic blanket, a couple of beach towels will do. Lastly, grab your friend and find the cutest park in the area. Now, picnic away!
5. Let Your Creativity Flow and Paint
We all have creative energy flowing through us. Sometimes the hustle and bustle of school, work, family, and friends stop us from expressing our creativity on a regular basis. What better than to let it all out on an abstract painting date with your friends? If you don’t have paint, markers or pens work as well. All you need to do is grab some colors that speak to you and put them on your canvas. Once you’re done, compare (or better yet trade) your work of art with your friend’s.
6. Take a Trip into Nature and Try Birdwatching
If you’re anything like me, you think animals are just about the cutest things in the world. Research places in your area where birds may be found, then take your friends there to enjoy the beauties of the animal kingdom. If you’re really into it, whip out your phone and take some pics. Whoever gets the best bird action shot wins!
7. Invite Your Friends Over for a Potluck
Food is certainly one of life’s greatest gifts, and it’s even better when you can share it with your friends. Scour your kitchen for some ingredients, and then throw together a family-sized dish that you can bring to a potluck. Tell all of your friends to do the same. If you want to have even more fun, task each person to make a different course. For example, one could craft an appetizer, the next could cook up an entree, and then the third person could bring a delicious dessert.
8. Try a New Fitness Class
Many gyms and fitness groups offer a free class to newcomers. Search for what’s available in your area and bring your friend to try it out with you. Alternatively, you can find a workout video on YouTube to do at home with your friend if you want to avoid a crowd of people. Whether it’s Jazzercise, Zumba, Yoga, or HIIT, working out is good for the soul. And if you don’t like the class, you don’t have to do it again.
9. Put Together an At-Home Spa Day
Break out your body lotions, nail polish, and hair masks for a luxurious at-home spa day with your bestie. Put on your favorite music or tv show while you relax and doll up. Feel free to add in whatever treatments you’d like, such as massages, facials, or foot baths.
10. Complete a Closet Clean Out
No one will be more honest with you about what you need to get rid of than a true friend. Bring over your most trusted ally to go through your closet from top to bottom, inside and out. Try things on if needed. Use your friend’s objective perspective to help clean out and reorganize your wardrobe. Then repeat these steps, but this time you’re the one helping your friend clean out their closet. This way, you’ll both reach your organization goals.
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