Maybe you already spent your vacation budget, or maybe you decided on a staycation this year. You’re looking for an inexpensive way to max out the short, sweet end of summer.

Here are five ideas for cheap summer fun.

Make your patio or yard into an oasis.

Invest in a used hammock, porch swing, swing set or any other outdoor accessory that makes kicking back with a cool drink and an interesting companion even more enjoyable.

Take advantage of free summer festivals

Free outdoor movies, Kitsilano Showboat (through August 20) and other summertime community events are free and awesome.

Go glamping

Rent, borrow, or buy a used tent trailer and deck it out with throw cushions, cute curtains, candles, a picnic set, a minibar etc. Take advantage of BC’s stunning natural beauty at a nearby campsite. The resell your refurbished home on the classifieds for a profit.

Spend the day at Wreck Beach

So you’ve been to Kits Pool, Kits Beach, Jericho Beach, and Spanish Banks Park. Change it up and explore the wild beauty of clothing-optional Wreck Beach. With 7 km of coastline, the beach is big enough to surprise you with unexpected beauty every time. Several trails lead to it from UBC and from the Pacific Spirit Regional Park; it’s ideal to make it into a hiking and picnicking day trip.

Potluck BBQ

Say you’re not up to preparing an entire barbecue feast with friends. You don’t have the time or the money for all that prep. But you want to see everyone before the end of summer. Opt for potluck. The more folks involved, the more fun. Browsed used bbqs and patio furniture to spruce up your outdoor space on the cheap before the big day. Cheaper still, meet up in the park.

Last modified: July 29, 2019

Comments are closed.