If you want a summer packed with exciting adventures but don’t want to sacrifice a season of saving, you aren’t alone. Take our quiz to discover your ideal summer activity, then find out how to have an unforgettable summer without overspending.
Read more: See how Ally Bank’s buckets and boosters tools can make saving for summer easy
From outdoor adventures to cultural and educational activities, our quiz can help you decide which summer activity is best for you and your budget.
Which type of budget-friendly summer activity is right for you?
Take our quiz to help you decide which summer activity is best for your budget and your lifestyle.
Free outdoor summer activities near you
Spend time outside this summer with these budget-friendly ways to stay cool and active.
Hiking and biking
Get your endorphins going by organizing a hike or bike ride with friends. Pick a local or national park trail, grab a water bottle and enjoy the great outdoors.
Water fun
Swimming is a summer staple and often free. Hit the neighborhood pool, a nearby lake, or the ocean. No water nearby? Try a water balloon fight or a basic kiddie pool in your backyard.
Backyard movie night
All you need is a small projector, a Bluetooth speaker and a plain white sheet for the screen. Then invite your friends over for a cozy movie night with blankets, popcorn and bug spray - string lights are a bonus.
Discover your green thumb
Summer is perfect for gardening - and you don't need a yard. Try growing flowers, succulents, or tomatoes. Community gardens are a wonderful way to meet others in your area, share practical gardening knowledge and grow your own produce.
Host a field day
Croquet, horseshoes, relay races, badminton, kickball - the options are endless. Gather friends and family for some friendly competition. Cap it off with a potluck or BBQ.
Cultural and educational activities
Keep your brain sharp during the summer months with cultural and educational activities.
Visit local attractions
Keep an eye on event calendars for any free entry days at museums, zoos and botanical gardens, as well as local parades and art fairs. A lot of towns also organize farmers markets in the summer, so stop by and grab some fresh produce, beautiful flowers or artisan goods.
Stargazing
It doesn’t get much more budget-friendly than simply looking up into the night sky. You may even get lucky and see a shooting star! Find a clear spot away from city lights and use a free app to identify constellations and learn about astronomy.
Visit your local library
It’s usually free to register for a library card, and libraries are a great place to enjoy internet access, books and activities. Some libraries even have puzzles, telescopes and camping gear you can check out, so your fun isn’t confined to the building itself.
Tip: Ask if your local library has membership passes to local museums.
Budget-friendly family and community events
Get together with family, friends and neighbors and enjoy some fun in the sun.
Community events
Local government, community organizations and volunteer groups often plan a packed summer calendar of activities. Attend a free concert or festival in your area, find an adult sports league or attend an outdoor yoga class. Sign up with friends or use it as an opportunity to meet new people.
Picnics and cookouts
Pack a basket, grab a frisbee and enjoy your feast in a local park or your backyard. Bonus points: Plan a potluck-style barbecue with a group of friends.
Affordable summer DIY projects
Get in touch with your artsy side this summer with these do-it-yourself projects.
Crafting
You can find a ton of ways to be innovative at home, including making homemade ice cream, DIY play dough with kids or drawing with sidewalk chalk. Make the day even more budget-friendly by transforming materials you already have into a new piece of art.
Tip: Check out your local shops and businesses for themed craft nights.
Scavenger hunts
Organize a scavenger hunt with family and friends and spend an afternoon searching your neighborhood or local park. Make a themed list (like nature exploration or historical landmarks) and see who can find all the items first.
Nature photography challenge
Try using your phone to create a photo journal or collage of your inexpensive summer activities. You can collect your favorite shots over time and challenge yourself or friends to capture specific themes each week (think: long walks at golden hour, your reflection in the water, maybe a specific texture or color).
Skip the spending, not the fun
Use the features and tools in Ally Bank’s Savings Account to set aside funds for summer fun, and you’ll find some of the best ways to make the most of these long, hot days.
