As we reach the middle of July, the reality is settling in: Summer is here, and it isn’t going away anytime soon. But, for those of you who are on a budget, like me, sometimes summer can feel suffocating since it seems like the only ways to have fun involve spending a whole lot of money. Stop that thought right in its tracks! You are talking to an expert in having a moderately cheap vacation, and I am here to offer you a sip from my fountain of knowledge. (Note: Most of these options only involve events/places in the LA area, but use my suggestions to look up similar events in your own area!)

1. Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park

All right. I have been a *huge* fan of the Independent Shakespeare Company for years now, and every summer they put on free shows in the Old Zoo at Griffith Park (this year’s are Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing). Not only has this company revolutionized the performance of Shakespeare — both in their delivery and portrayal of the stories — but they make these plays accessible and highly enjoyable for everyone. You won’t regret going, and bringing along a large group of people to picnic on the grassy hill only makes things all the more fun. And did I mention that the performances are free?

2. Free Admission at the Hammer Museum in Westwood

Thanks to a very generous grant, the Hammer Museum has been admission-free for over a year now. It’s a beautiful spot, offering the most interesting art exhibits and many programs, talks, screenings, and events, many of which are free as well! Alternatively, The sprawling Getty Museum in LA is also admission-free with fantastic exhibits. 

3. Free Admission to LACMA for LA County Residents after 3 PM on Weekdays

You heard me right, folks! Just bring your California ID (driver’s license or student ID) to prove that you live in LA County, and you’ll get free admission to all of the museum’s permanent collections (Note: Special exhibits will still have an extra cost for entry). I highly recommend the Egyptian gallery; there’s a sarcophagus!

4. Can You Say Beach Day?

It’s been disgustingly hot recently; I can’t be the only one who’s wanted to jump into the ocean at least twice in the past week. So, if you happen to be beach-inclined, why not get a group of friends together and hit up your nearest beach? Putting together a carpool is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and if you live in a central location, odds are that a type of beach bus will be running throughout the summer. If you go with a substantial group of friends, why not make a little competition out of it? Split your group into two teams and challenge each other to a sandcastle competition; whoever has the most awesome sandcastle by the end of the day WINS!

5. The Awesome Record Parlour in Hollywood Offers Cheap Deals and Free Blues Performances

(For all the music- and vinyl-heads out there!) The Record Parlour is hands-down one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. Their collection deals exclusively in “used,” so you can find amazing vinyl at a good price. If you follow their events page on Facebook, you’ll see that every once in a while, they hold $1 LP Weekend Specials and have free Blues concerts right there in the store, next to the new arrivals bins.

6. Interested in Community Service, but Attached to Air Conditioning?

If you like books and making other people smile, and if you live near a senior living community, why not offer your services as a book reader? Meaning, of course, that you’d set up a spot in a central area and read a chosen book aloud for the seniors, who will enjoy hearing a story without having to strain their eyesight. Making a weekly routine of it will punch a hole in the number of community service hours you have to complete for school, and you’ll have a whole group of people who will be happy to see you! Animal shelters and libraries are always accepting volunteers as well!

7. Why Not Try Some DIY?

Fun, simple craft projects can keep you busy and occupied; and, if you want, it can turn into a sweet little side business.

8. Got an Itchy Green Thumb?

If you live in California, you know what kind of drought we’re in — actually, the drought that the entire West Coast is in. Why not hit up your local gardening shop to ask them about drought-friendly options — like desert grass, cacti, and succulents? You can get a whole new garden and burn time while helping the environment! Or, why not take a stab at hydroponics to cut down on your grocery bill? If you’ve got an empty window and want to try your hand at growing your own herbs and produce, give it a shot.

9. HAPPY BOX 

If you’re about to head out to college (or if you’re making any sort of a big move in your life), why not make yourself a happy box? This is top on my pre-college agenda. A box full of those photos, notes, and ticket stubs you’ve been saving — things that remind you of what makes you happy — that you can pull out whenever you’ve had a bad day or are feeling homesick is sure to be the best kind of comfort. 

10. Put Down the Baking Pans, Ya Animal

Now, we all know that summer wouldn’t be complete without food…

Summer isn’t necessarily the best time for baking, unless you’ve got great air conditioning in your kitchen. But, there’s fruit everywhere. Why not turn to making some homemade popsicles, ice cream (lots of recipes don’t require an ice-cream maker!), or slushies? (And maybe bring some of them to your Shakespeare picnic!)

11. Can You Say Potluck?

The quintessential, best way to have a low-cost dinner. Why not put a spin on this classic idea by introducing a theme? Have each person bring in a dish that’s traditional to their culture or ethnicity (my friend did this for her birthday with very yummy results); bake a bunch of potatoes ahead of time and have everyone bring their favorite toppings; make pizza dough and sauce ahead of time (which should cost less than $10) and have your guests bring the fixings.

For a smaller group of people, challenge yourselves to only eat dishes that can be made in a mug. If you’re going for a movie/TV theme night like “Harry Potter” or “British TV” or “Spanish soap operas,” assign each person a recipe under that theme or culture. The options are endless!

And there you have it, my lovelies. Plenty of options for a low-cost, entertaining summer. I hope these gave you some good ideas, and I hope to see some of you at the Free Shakespeare Festival during this month of July!