My sister once told me that her brokest summer in New York was her most memorable and fun. She and her man found all kinds of free things to do, traversed the city widely and even found ways to escape the heat. Every city is different, of course, but most have at least few ways to help you enjoy summer regardless of your paycheck.
Parks
Grab a Frisbee and feel the grass between your toes, invite a few friends for a picnic or bring a book for your companion. If you’re feeling devilish, put a little gin & tonic in a water bottle and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
photo: Walker Art Center
See a movie!
When you’re broke, movies become rare finds. But during the summer, many cities offer free outdoor screenings. In Minneapolis, you can see one nearly every night (check out Minneapolis Music and Movies to plan and prioritize).
The Library
Free internet and a quiet, cool spot to rest on a hot summer day. What more could you ask for? How ’bout a book? Done.
I will never stop marveling at the genius of this concept. Read, listen and watch almost anything without having to dedicate shelf space or haul it with you next time you move. If you have more time than money, this is definitely the place to be when you need a break from the heat.
And when you’re done at the library …
The Beach
Another wonderful invention. If you catch yourself complaining about the heat, you should be swimming {night or day}.
Finally, if you’ve been neglecting your nest …
Freshen Your Possessions.
Clean out your closet, bring your things to Buffalo Exchange, Everyday People or anywhere they buy and sell. Getting cash is advisable if money’s tight, but store credit offers a great chance to freshen your ensemble without actually dropping a dime. Same thing goes for CDs and books.
