15 money-smart ways to have the best summer ever

Picnics were a go-to during the pandemic, and this delightful activity is sure to stick around as a summer staple — only now, the more vaccinated friends that come along, the better. Bring our bingo card for extra fun or picnic near water for an afternoon dip. Bonus points: Plan a BYOB, potluck-style picnic brunch.

All you need is a small projector, a Bluetooth speaker and a plain white sheet (or a screen) to project your movie on. Then grab the blankets and sleeping bags, plenty of popcorn and bug spray and settle in. (String lights optional but highly recommended.)

Many cities are known for providing tons of low-cost and even free summer activities — you just have to know where to look. Now that places are reopening (or upping their capacity limits), keep your eye on calendars for museums, zoos, botanical gardens, etc. as many offer occasional free entry for children or state residents. And check event management and ticketing websites to find free street fairs or concerts in the park.

Fresh produce, beautiful flowers, artisan goods … a farmer’s market is an ideal place to mosey around on a weekend morning. Go with a friend and plan to make a fresh and delicious lunch together afterwards using only farmer’s market finds. Or pick up a locally grown bouquet to bring to someone you haven’t seen in a while.

Whether it’s flowers, succulents or tomatoes, summer is the perfect time to work on your gardening skills — and you don’t need a yard (or sunny window) to do it. Community gardens are a great way to meet others in your area and grow your own produce or share it with others.

Scan your city to find adult sports leagues for soccer, beach volleyball, softball and more. Or, join a jogging club or outdoor yoga class. Whether you go with a group of friends or sign up solo, it’s a great way to expand your circle in a not too competitive environment.

A summer storm doesn’t mean the fun needs to be put on hold with the kiddos. Enjoy the great indoors with fun at-home activities like our Planet Zeee and the Money Tree book and interactive financial education games or video games. Or, if your kiddos are itching to get out of the house, visit your local library where they can pick titles that offer the ultimate escape.

Croquet, horseshoes, relay races, badminton, kickball and more — the options are endless. Gather neighborhood friends and family for some light-hearted competition and cap off the event with a potluck or BBQ.

All you need is cream, condensed milk and toppings of your choice! It’s that easy to prepare this sweet summer staple treat.

No crowded races required. Just search “bike trails near me” and you’ll be sure to find plenty of nearby options. Then pick a scenic route, grab a helmet and water bottle and cross 13.1 miles off your list.

Summertime is for taking in all Mother Earth has to offer. Try excursions like hikes or kayaking trips. Or keep it low-key and make it your mission to enjoys sunrises and sunsets, whether you’re watching from the backyard patio or gazing up from the beach.

Maybe it’s the neighborhood swimming pool, a nearby lake or the ocean — jumping in the water on a hot day is a summer staple. Bring some blow-up floats, plenty of sunscreen and keep cool with a day of sun and swimming.

This is a super fun way to make memories with your kids, nieces and nephews or your friends. Give everyone a few categories of items to collect, seal them up in a box and find somewhere safe to bury or hide it for the next few years. (Just don’t forget where it is.)

Sometimes, getting away for just one day is the best way to add some adventure into your life — especially when it’s spontaneous. Get up early on a Saturday morning, pack some snacks and hit the road to a neighboring town, park or venue.

If a plane ticket to another country is off the table this year, bring a piece of the global experience to your home. Skip the crowds at world-famous museums like Paris’s Louvre or the National Gallery in London and learn about incredible art — the perfect rainy day activity.