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Summer Fun tht Won’t Break Your Bank

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.

     
  Summer is almost here! Well, a couple months away. However, it’s never too soon to start figuring out how to spend your summer. Many people usually take summer courses, have an internship or work, but here’s a list of some summer activities that could fit into a busy schedule to give you and your friends something to look forward to, without emptying your wallets!

The Beach Bum
      Let’s face it; summer isn’t truly complete without a trip to the shore. Of course, it is easier for people that live near the shore to get there; however, man-made lakes nearby may work just as well. The beach is a perfect place to soak up some rays or go hot guy gazing with some friends. Beaches usually are free and packing sandwiches and snacks is a cost effective way to maximize your time there and your wallet! Beaches are perfect for a day trip if your schedule is busy, but if you are feeling a longer getaway, there are lots of shore houses still available for rent. Boardwalks and rides are an added bonus as well!

The Theme Park Princess
      Theme parks are perfect for a one-day outing that will keep you busy all day long. During the summer, walking around will not only give you exercise, but thrills when you and your friends take a spin on the rides. Theme parks admission price is good for the whole day, and you won’t be limited to just rides. They have arcade games and delicious food. Kennywood is the closest theme park near Pittsburgh, and is a great place to chill with your friends. And, if you decide to go on a Sunday or weekday off from school or work, you won’t have to worry about long lines.

Water Park Wishful
     Sometimes, a backyard pool isn’t always accessible. And even if you do have a pool, sometimes you just want to have a “vacation feeling.” That’s the great thing about water parks. Similar to theme parks (and sometimes even a part of them), water parks admission is good for a day event. It also has wave pools for a more exciting swimming experience. They also have water slides and water activity areas. You don’t have to even worry about rainy days because there are many indoor water parks, too.

The Picnic Plan
      Picnics are cheap ways to have a relaxing time in the sunshine with one friend or more. There are tables to bring food that you can buy or make at a price that’s best for you. Also, they can happen at any time of day, so you won’t have to worry about rushing home from school or leaving work early. The picnic experience can be buffed up if it’s also by a lake, oftentimes you can rent paddle boats. There are playgrounds, too, which may seem juvenile, but it’s hard to turn down swings. If you go with your crush, it’ll give you an excuse to have him help push you. Even at night, lying out on a blanket in the park and staring at the stars is a nice relaxing way to end the day, and costs nothing at all.

Road Tripper
    
  If you are more the adventurous type, a road trip may be a fun summer get-a-way. Have the people going with you split the gas money and choose a destination or two to visit. Depending on your time and how much money you want to spend on gas, the destination could be anywhere from touring Times Square, visiting a new city, or going to a museum. Because you are choosing the place, you can plan your mini-vacay at your convenience!
Some other fun summer activities include going to a zoo or aquarium, attending a baseball game, finding a concert, or even going to the movies and having ice cream afterwards. Summer is all about relaxation and having fun, so even if you choose something to do for a day or for a week, all that matters is that it’s something you enjoy.

Don’t let this summer be boring, make the best of it!

Mandy is an English and Communication dual major at the University of Pittsburgh. She plans on graduating this April, but decided that she'd finish her last three classes online and move to the big apple for an editorial internship at Ladies' Home Journal. She is a proud Her Campus Pitt member from afar and the previous Editor-in-Chief. When she isn't exploring the city, she enjoys absorbing every TLC show, following news leads on Twitter, or blogging for her Small Girl in NYC Wordpress. She's orginally from Philadelphia and will always have a cheesesteak over a salad. Her previous internships include Entertainment intern for VERVE Management Social Magazine and the editorial/fashion intern for WHIRL Magazine. Magazines are her obsession, but writing is her passion. Follow her on twitter @mandy_velez or send love to her at mandyvelez16 [at] gmail [dot] com. 
Derilyn Devlin graduates from Pitt in April 2012. She is excited to leave the University of Pittburgh Her Campus to Mandy Velez and Claire Peltier as the new campus correspondents.