10 Fun Outdoor Activities On A Budget

Free Outdoor Concerts

If you love to listen to music, like live bands, and are on a budget, free outdoor concerts are the way to go. Although some of your favorite bands may cost a pretty penny to see, there are always events that feature free live music of some kind, if you know where to look. Chances are, your city or another sponsor pays for bands or musicians to play free shows from time to time. Check local newspapers, the internet, or check your city’s calendar of events. You never know, you might just find your new favorite band or artist.

Go Camping

Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when you are on a budget. Although many campsites charge a fee to park or rent out spots, it is often cheaper than many other forms of entertainment. Camping offers the opportunity to get away from the stresses of modern life and get back to nature. Build a campfire, go fishing, or sleep under the stars. Just remember to turn off the cell phone and leave the iPad and laptop at home.
 
Go to the Park

Wherever you live, there is probably a park located nearby. Bring a lunch and have a picnic. If you have kids, the park is great place to take them. Most parks have play areas where they can have a great time while you can relax on the benches or at the picnic tables. If you don’t have kids, it’s still a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Head to the Pool

One of the most enjoyable outdoor activities to do when the weather is warm is going to the pool. When you are hot and miserable in the heat of the summer, no place offers relief like a visit to the pool. Many neighborhoods and apartment complexes have pools that residents can use free of charge. Even the community pool should not cost you more than a couple bucks.

Have a Bonfire

Collect some kindling, some sticks and logs and build a fire. Then get a group of your friends and family together and sit around that fire. Tell ghost stories, toast marshmallows, and enjoy a cold one. Just remember to let it burn out or pour water on it before you go to bed.

Play Sports

Whether you are athletically inclined or not, playing sports is a great way to keep in shape and have a good time. If you have friends that play a sport like softball, soccer, or flag football, ask about playing a friendly pickup game. Throw a Frisbee or a baseball around for some leisurely activity.

Visit a Vineyard

If you live somewhere where the weather allows for grapes to grow, and you are of legal age to drink alcohol, paying a visit to a vineyard can offer a unique and enjoyable time. Some vineyards will offer free wine tasting events or will allow you to sample wine for free. You may find a wine you really like, in which case buys a bottle. If they allow it, take a walk through the vineyard or hang out on the patio.

Take a Walk or Go Hiking

No matter where you live, there is always somewhere you can take a walk or go for a hike. It can be leisurely or intense, however you prefer. Go with a friend or go on your own. Just remember to bring water and if you will be out for a while it is probably a good idea to bring a snack to keep your energy levels up.

Take Photos

You don’t need a professional camera to take photos. Film is not as common in the digital age, and you may already have a digital camera. Advancements in technology have allowed decent quality cameras to be affordable. Take photos of nature or go to the city and take pictures of building, structures, people, or whatever you can find. Photography can be a great hobby, and you never know, you may be perfect at it.

Stare at the Clouds

If the weather is nice out and the sky is full of clouds, lay on your back and stare up at the clouds. See what images you can find in the cloud formations. It can be very relaxing, and staring up can give you a great perspective on the vastness of our planet and beyond. Looking out towards the universe may give you something to ponder about.