Everything is expensive these days.
In fact, the cost of living is at a 40-year high, and everything from gas to groceries is up.
And yet, while inflation is a long-term problem, Americans are asking a short-term question:
Do rising costs mean summer fun is canceled?
It’s a valid question. Life is short, after all, and summer is even shorter.
We work during the winter specifically so we can enjoy the fleeting months of June, July, and August.
Then again, how can we spend money this summer when inflation has already forced us to trim our budgets?
Here’s some good news: there are plenty of ways for immigrant families to have fun this summer – and without breaking the bank.
Check out these five fun (and cost-effective!) ideas to help you enjoy your summer on a budget:
1. Plan a “Staycation”
If you’ve ever needed permission to be a tourist in your own town, this is your moment.
Whether you live in the city or the country, there are bound to be great landmarks, museums, zoos, and aquariums you’ve never visited.
For example, a majority of New Yorkers have never even seen The Statue of Liberty.
Now is the time to ask: “what would a tourist do in my town?”
The best part is, most “staycation” activities are relatively inexpensive (and sometimes even free).
To get started, check out online resources like TimeOut or Free Tours By Foot to see what’s happening near you.
Or, if you live in a more remote area, run a quick Google search for “free activities near me.”
You’ll immediately learn all about events like local wine tastings, farmers’ markets, free museum tickets, and more happening in your local area.
2. Go Camping!
Want to “get away” on a summer budget? Consider going camping!
Here’s something cool to keep in mind: camping is a broad term, so there are several totally unique and fun ways you can do it.
For example, you can bring your own tent and gear to a public campground.
Or, you can rent fully furnished cabins online.
Or, you can go “glamping” (glamorous camping) at privately-owned sites.
The choice is yours.
To get started, check out popular sites like Tentrr and Hipcamp to view the best public parks and private lands near you!
3. Visit State and National Parks
While camping itself is awesome, it’s also a great reason to visit the country’s greatest parks.
After all, America is home to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world.
For example, there’s Yellowstone National Park, which spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
There are the Great Smoky Mountains, which encompass North Carolina and Tennessee.
And there’s the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
In total, there are a whopping 423 national park sites across the U.S., and you can search for them all right here!
P.S. If you prefer to stay local, you’ll have plenty of nearby parks to keep you busy.
Just visit the State Parks website, click on your state, and you’ll see a full list of the nearest memorials, nature preserves, wildlife areas, historic sites, and more.
4. Catch a (Discounted) Movie
There’s nothing like going to the movies.
Sure, streaming services like Netflix make it easier to watch new shows and movies, but they don’t necessarily make it better.
Plus, who has colder air conditioning than a movie theater in the middle of August?
This summer, treat yourself and your kids by going to the movies for as little as $2 a ticket.
That’s not a typo!
Regal Movies is hosting its “Summer Movie Express,” where you and your kids can watch great flicks for just a couple of bucks each on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you don’t have a Regal Movies theater nearby, don’t worry. Another popular chain, Cinemark, is offering kids tickets for just $1.50 from June 15 to August 3.
Click here to learn more!
Finally, AMC Theatres is giving kids of all ages $5 “Fan Faves” tickets all summer long. Click here to see what’s playing near you!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out drive-in cinemas and outdoor movies in town!
Many local municipalities and park districts will host free movie nights in the summer, so be sure to visit your city’s website for more information.
5. Check Out Free Concerts
Concerts are in full swing once again – and many of them are free!
To see who’s playing in your area, visit Eventbrite and click the top search bar. Then, enter your local city (or use the “current location” option), search for “music” in your area, and be sure to click “Free”.
From there, you’ll be presented with a full list of totally complimentary concerts (along with plenty of other exciting events).
Have fun!
Save This Summer With uLink
At uLink, we’re dedicated to helping you make the most of your money.
Thanks to our global network, you can send money abroad for cash pickup, bank accounts, and even ewallets in select countries. And with our great exchange rates and fees starting as low as $0, you can send more money home than ever before.
Plus, we’ll be rolling out flash sales all summer long. Stay tuned for more information.
Miles from home – just moments away with uLink.
