If you’re craving a summer packed with exciting adventures, you aren’t alone. You don’t have to choose between summer fun and a season of saving. Check out our money-smart ways to have the best summer ever that won’t break the bank.
Download your bingo card as an accessible PDF here.(PDF 212 KB)
Arts and entertainment
1. Attend free museum days and local community events
Keep an eye on event calendars for any free entry days at museums, zoos and botanical gardens, as well as local parades and art fairs.
2. Check out local music
You don’t have to splurge on concert tickets — look at event management and ticket websites to find street fairs or concerts in the park.
Outdoor activities
3. Backyard movie night
All you need is a small projector, a Bluetooth speaker and a plain white sheet to project your movie on. Then, grab the blankets, popcorn and bug spray and settle in. (String lights optional but highly recommended.)
4. Pack a picnic for the park
Bring a Frisbee or enjoy your feast near water for an afternoon dip. Bonus points: Plan a BYOB, potluck-style picnic brunch with a group of friends.
5. Discover your green thumb
Whether it’s flowers, succulents or tomatoes, summer is the perfect time to work on your gardening skills — and you don’t need a yard to do it. Community gardens are a great way to meet others in your area and grow your own produce or share it with others.
6. Host a field day
Croquet, horseshoes, relay races, badminton, kickball and more — the options are endless. Gather neighborhood friends and family for some light-hearted competition and cap off the event with a potluck or BBQ.
7. Exercise outdoors
Skip the gym and get endorphins going outside. Try excursions like hikes or kayaking trips. Paddleboarding beats the elliptical any day — and can be just as tough.
8. Find the nearest body of water
Maybe it’s the neighborhood swimming pool, a nearby lake or the ocean — jumping in the water on a hot day is a summer staple ... and often free.
Self-improvement
9. Join a rec sports league or club
Find an adult sports league, join a jogging club or attend an outdoor yoga class. Sign up with friends or use it as an opportunity to meet new people.
10. Explore the farmers market
Fresh produce, beautiful flowers, artisan goods — a farmers market is an ideal place to mosey around on a weekend morning. Go with a friend and plan to make a fresh and delicious lunch together afterwards using only farmers market finds. Or pick up a locally grown bouquet to bring to someone you haven’t seen in a while.
11. Bike a half marathon
No official race needed. Just search “bike trails near me” and you’ll be sure to find plenty of nearby options. Then, pick a scenic route, grab a helmet and water bottle and cross 13.1 miles off your list.
Create and explore
12. Take a day trip
Get up early on a Saturday morning, pack some snacks and hit the road to a neighboring town, park or venue.
13. Hide a time capsule
This is a super fun way to make memories with your kids, nieces and nephews or friends. Give everyone a few categories of items to collect, seal them up in a box and find somewhere safe to bury or hide it for the next few years. (Just don’t forget where it is.)
14. Make your own ice cream
All you need is cream, condensed milk and toppings of your choice! It’s that easy to prepare this sweet summer treat.
15. Make the most of a rainy day
A summer storm doesn’t mean the fun needs to be put on hold with the kiddos. Enjoy the great indoors with fun at-home activities like our Planet Zeee and the Money Tree book and learning activities or video games. Or, if your kiddos are itching to get out of the house, visit your local library where they can pick titles that offer the ultimate escape.
Skip the spending, not the fun
Use the features and tools in Ally Bank’s Savings Account to set aside funds for “summer fun,” and, armed with our bingo card of ideas, you’ll find some of the best ways to make the most of these long, hot days.
