Summer’s heating up, but your bank account doesn’t have to. There are endless free things to do for fun that’ll keep your summer unforgettable without blowing your budget. So we’ll get into it: From treasure hunting to UFO-spotting, this is your ultimate summer list for easy, fun, and free stuff to do today.
If and when you’re ready to spend a little, check out our budget-friendly summer travel guide so you can explore more for less.
When you’re ready to spend a little (responsibly of course…), MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to your needs and preferences.
Table of contents
1. Hiking or nature walks
Trails, parks, and nature preserves are basically nature’s free gym. Even the most concrete-loving city dwellers can track down hidden paths, rooftop gardens, or urban greenways nearby. Grab your sneakers, load up a free app like AllTrails or Seek, and head outside. You’ll probably find more than just trees: tons of trails hide fairy doors, rock gardens, or tiny art installations for people who love a side of cuteness with their cardio. Want to lean in even more to this free attraction? Try forest bathing. It’s basically slow-walking while appreciating trees, and yup, it’s scientifically proven to lower stress and improve mental health.
2. Visit museums
Museums aren’t just for rainy days. Many offer free admission nights or themed summer events, especially after hours. It’s not just art galleries, either: think science centers, historical homes, or the occasional offbeat gem (Museum of Bad Art, anyone?). Pro tip: your public library might loan out free museum passes, so check their website before you shell out for tickets.
3. Beach or lake day
Nothing screams summer like water time, and you don’t need a tropical zip code to make it happen. Public beaches, lakes, rivers, and even backyard inflatable pools all count. Pack snacks, speakers, sunscreen, and the underrated genius of frozen grapes to beat the heat. The best part? You can turn an ordinary swim day into an all-day vibe with beach games, sunset hangs, and zero dollars spent.
4. Stargazing
You don’t need influencer-level gear or a dramatically remote wilderness to enjoy the stars. Parks, rooftops, or even your apartment balcony can be perfect for spotting constellations, planets, or the occasional meteor shower. Download free apps like SkyView or Star Walk to level up your knowledge. Want to get weird with it? Organize a UFO-spotting party and let your imagination (and/or inner conspiracy theorist) run wild.
5. Outdoor concerts and movie nights
Summer’s the season for free music, movies in the park, and neighborhood dance parties. Most towns pack their calendars with concerts, film screenings, and community festivals. Some even host silent discos — bring your own headphones and dance like nobody’s watching (because they probably aren’t). You’ll also stumble on buskers, pop-up performances, or comedy open mics that cost nothing but your time.
6. Library activities
Your local library isn’t just shelves of books (not that those aren’t excellent all on their own). It’s a treasure trove of free things to do when bored. Many offer workshops, movie screenings, craft nights, and sometimes even loan out unexpected items like tools, musical instruments, or GoPro cameras. Bonus: libraries often give you free streaming access to movies, shows, and audiobooks you’d normally pay for.
7. Geocaching
One of the most unique things to do when bored for free, geocaching is basically a real-world treasure hunt, and it’s weirdly addictive. Download the free Geocaching app to track down hidden containers called caches, which are stashed in parks, neighborhoods, or even city centers. Expect logbooks to sign and sometimes trinkets to trade. It’s part scavenger hunt, part secret society, and fully free.
8. Photography walks
Turn your phone into your creative playground with a DIY photo safari. Hunt for murals, funky architecture, nature shots, or quirky neighborhood finds. Some people make this a viral challenge: creepiest statue, prettiest flower, weirdest building, or strangest roadside attraction. You’ll rack up photos, laughs, and maybe new followers, all without spending a dime.
9. Volunteer work
Summer energy is perfect for giving back, and volunteering is a win-win. Clean up parks, help at an animal shelter, serve meals, or join community events. You’ll meet people, make a difference, and maybe even score access to free stuff: some organizations hook up volunteers with perks donated by the local community.
10. Fitness classes
Summer brings free yoga, beach bootcamps, tai chi in the park, and run clubs to cities everywhere. You get exercise, fresh air, and social interaction, all free and very Instagram-friendly. (One caveat: you may have to resist a sales pitch to sign up for a membership.)
11. Farmers markets
Farmers markets aren’t just for berries and string beans. You’ll find live music, free samples, and … did we mention free samples? Even if you don’t spend a cent, browsing is half the fun, plus you’ll pick up cooking inspo or weird gift ideas along the way.
12. Board game cafes (free play days)
Board game cafes are the perfect hangout for friends, and many offer free play nights. Challenge your crew to classics like Catan, discover indie games, or just dominate at giant Jenga. Drinks optional, fun guaranteed, and totally doable on a budget.
13. Walking tours
See your city through new eyes with free or donation-based walking tours. Options range from historic deep dives to ghost hunts to street art strolls. Can’t find one? DIY your own: Create a route that hits the weirdest landmarks, best dive bars, or most iconic local spots.
14. Picnics
Take a classic picnic and level it up with themed snacks or charade games, or set up at an unusual spot like a rooftop garden, sculpture park, or hidden trail. It’s an easy, affordable hang that feels way more special than grabbing a $13 salad on the go.
15. Learn new skills online
Free sites like Coursera, edX, YouTube, or Skillshare offer endless ways to flex your brain this summer, either solo or with a friend. From cooking and coding to random party tricks like juggling or Rubik’s Cube speed-solving, you can impress your friends or build your next side hustle — all for not a penny.
Summer Fun Doesn’t Have to Cost One Cent
Summer’s better when your wallet stays full. With these things to do for free, you’ve got options for every mood, from stargazing and hiking to goat yoga and DIY ghost tours. Keep it fun, keep it weird, keep it free.
