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Alright, Girlfriends, raise your drinks and take a big, refreshing sip, because it’s time to celebrate! We made it to another summer and you know what that means: It’s bathing suit, sunlight and gin-and-tonic season. From beach days to movie nights, outdoor concerts and neighborhood barbecues, it’s “summertime and the living’s easy.” So much to do and so little time and money, right? Well, fear not, friends, this summer we’re going to help you pack your days with all the fun without killing your bank account.
Read on for the many options available for free-of-charge and inexpensive fun.
Visit National Parks
Soak in the sun, get your hike on, and enjoy the peace and beauty of the wilderness, national conservation lands, and national monuments. On June 19 and August 4, you can visit any National Park for free. So, grab a friend and a camera and explore the natural wonders of it all.
Catch a Movie
Who doesn’t want to be in an air-conditioned movie theater when it’s hot, humid and sticky outside? Showcase Cinemas runs a Bookworm Wednesday program during the summer where kids (and their caregivers) receive free admission to a children’s movie. There is one small but wonderful catch: Children must present a book report to gain free admission. Likewise, Regal Cinemas offers almost free ($1) admission to select family movies every summer. Check your local theaters for dates and show times. If all else fails, many theaters offer a senior discount, and if you are of that age, you might as well reap the benefits!
Grab a Bite
On June 6, you’ll want to skip the oatmeal and eggs and head out for a morning sweet treat instead because it’s National Donut Day! Dunkin will give you a free classic donut of your choice with the purchase of a beverage. Krispy Kreme is giving away one donut per customer as well — no purchase necessary.
Cool Down
Nothing complements a sweaty summer day like a cone full of ice cream. July 20 is National Ice Cream Day, and you, my friends, are in for a cool treat (or two). Burger King Rewards Members can enjoy a free soft-serve ice cream (with a purchase); Dairy Queen offers Rewards Members a free Dilly Bar with any $1 purchase; and Wendy’s will give you a free small Frosty with an in-app purchase. And let’s not forget my personal favorite, Ben & Jerry’s, which will be dishing out free scoops of ice cream at their shops between noon and 8 p.m. on this under-recognized National Holiday.
Take a Sip
June 21 is National Smoothie Day, and the deals are as delicious as your favorite fruit concoction. Playa Bowls Rewards Members will receive one free smoothie with any purchase; Planet Smoothie is offering one free smoothie (no purchase necessary) between the hours of 2-5 p.m. Speaking of frozen, sippable delights, the great 7-Eleven will be giving away free Slurpees on none other than, well, July 11.
Add a Side (of Guac)
Who knew that there was a National Avocado Day? Chipotle knew that’s for sure, and I am so here for it. On July 31, the Mexican chain restaurant offers free chips and guacamole to Rewards Members to honor the holiday. Panera offers Rewards Members a free piece of avocado toast with any purchase. Holy Guacamole!
Take a Swing
If you’re hitting the links for a quick (or not-so-quick) round of golf, consider bringing the kids or grandkids this summer. Courses nationwide offer free golf for kids 15 and under, so find a course near you, grab your clubs, and all the patience you can muster, and teach them while they’re young. As they say golf, isn’t a sport; it’s a life skill. Summer is the time to teach it for free.
Drop the Bait
If being on or near the water is your happy place, grab yourself a fishing rod and some worms, and find out if you can hook, line and sink one! Most states offer free fishing during summer weekends and allow you to fish without a formal license. Not a bad way to catch some rays, a peaceful summer vibe and, if you are lucky, a fish or two.
Get Crafty
Tap into your creative side and use the longer summer days to start (and finish) a project of your choosing. Michaels offers a variety of free arts and crafts workshops and events, both in-person and online. Many are free of charge, while some have a low (about $5) registration fee. If home improvement and maintenance is more your jam, check out your local Lowe’s, Home Depot or Ace Hardware for online workshops to help you with your DIY summer project. Start a garden, design a fire pit, or remodel your bathroom — the possibilities are endless! The supplies may cost you, but the classes are free.
Take a Stroll
Summer is a great time to stroll through your favorite museum and explore, roam and repeat. There are a few different ways to gain free admission to a variety of museums. Bank of America offers customers free admission to hundreds of museums nationwide during the first weekend of every month. Your library card will also allow you to access local museums for free or at discounted prices all year long. Check with your local library for details.
This summer, the world is your oyster, friends, and you won’t have to spend big to have a great time. Get creative with your summer plans, do a little research and seize every summer day. It’ll be gone before you know it, but your money won’t be!
What's the funnest thing you have planned this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
AARP (Stocksy, 2; Getty Images, 2)
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