With Fall semester of 2018 coming to a close, it’s time we start thinking about what we’re going to fill those long summer days with. Even with our big trips and fun adventures planned, there’s always those few days that sneak up on us where we wake up not knowing what to do that day. I’m gonna share a few things that are high on my to do list this summer, most are going to be low cost or even free.
1. Make your own sweet treats to cool down.
As much as I love ice cream, I have to admit it takes a toll on my bank account getting it every day over the summer, but making your own popsicles is an easy alternative. With some juice, fruit, and whatever else you can be creative with, making your own popsicles is easy and low cost. You can find molds at stores like Target, Walmart, and other department stores and they usually come with popsicle sticks as well, and with the press of a search button, you have plenty of recipes at your fingertips.
2. Free concerts
The Inland Empire might seem kind of sleepy at first, but there’s more to it than shopping centers. You can find free concerts almost every night if you just look online that are all over the IE. It might be fun to make a calendar of all the free shows in your area, including La Verne, Riverside, Fontana, Lake Arrowhead, Rancho Cucamonga, and many more. You can find a list of days on this link: http://www.ieshineon.com/guide/inland-empire-events-%7C-summer-concert-and-movie-events-guide-/
3. Movies in the park
Drive in movies are fun and all, but movies in parks are free! All over the Inland Empire, cities are getting in on this trend with movies under the stars. So grab a blanket, picnic food, and a friend and head over to these outdoor movie events. A list of times and dates can be found here: http://www.ieshineon.com/guide/inland-empire-events-%7C-summer-outdoor-movie-guide/
4. Dog Beach
If you or a friend has a dog and would like to give them the time of their lives, or if your just a crazed dog lover like me, dog beaches are an amazing option. You probably won’t be able to sun tan with pups running around, but they are adorable to look at. There is a dog beach in Huntington, though the ground is a bit rough for paws and the waves can get a little rough. There is another one out in San Diego that I have been to and it was perfect for pups, with soft sand, plenty of other dogs to play with, gentle waves and shallow waters, and tons of space to run around. There is another one in Long Beach, though I don’t know much about it. Dog parks are another great option and are usually closer to you than you think.
5. Get active
Whether you have to rent mountain bikes or take your own to a boardwalk, or just ride around town, it’s a great way to be active and have fun. If you don’t have access to a bike, skateboards, scooters, or even skates can be a fun alternative. I don’t know about you guys but I’m gonna be looking for any way to catch up on my beach body, and biking is good cardio for weight loss, as well as a fun activity. Hiking is also a great way to stay active and to find an adventure with some friends. It will probably be too hot during the day, but morning hikes are gorgeous if you’re down to wake up early, and night hiking is also an option for some trails (but be extra careful when it is dark and secluded). Here is a list of the best trails in the Inland Empire: http://yourinlandempire.com/outdoors/the-best-hiking-trails-in-the-inland-empire/
6. Have a kickback
Invite some friends over for a night of board games, movies, tons of food and drinks, and a bonfire in the backyard to make s’mores. You really can’t go wrong with a night like this, some of my favorite memories are from just hanging out with friends. Plus it’s low cost depending on how much you decide to spend on food and drinks, and it could even be a potluck so everyone pitches in.
7. Go yard sale hunting
When I was a kid, my mom would spend all Saturday dragging me around from yard sale to yard sale, and the whole time I would groan and complain and want to go home, but now I’ve found myself just as bad as her. Most people who have yard sales are just looking to get rid of stuff so you can find great stuff if you get lucky. Most of it might be junk, but who knows, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Another good idea would be to host your own yard sale and finally clean out that junk drawer or part ways with that dress you know you’re never going to wear, and maybe make some cash off of it. At the end of it all, whatever doesn’t sell can be donated, so it becomes a good deed as well.
These are only a few ideas on what to do this summer, and that’s not even including all the road trips and pool days you probably have planned. Don’t forget that while you’re prepping for summer, finals are sneaking up on you. Good luck and have a great summer!