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REDDITBy Heaven Stubblefield
Growing up, my parents tried their best to keep me away from the television. One phrase they told me on the weekends and all summer long was “Go Outside.” While it seems we all must be plugged into our phones, computers, and electricity, there are a lot of things that can be done outside that are fun and do not break your wallet.
This summer my husband bought me the best birthday present: a pool membership. While it may not seem to fall on the cheap side, my daughter and I made sure we used my gift to the fullest. At $100, we were able to swim every day the weather allowed from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Because my husband purchased the season pass early, we saved money and after calculating the costs, were able to enjoy the Water Park, diving board, sauna, Jacuzzi, and big swimming pool for less than $1.00 a day. If my daughter and I went to the pool as many times next summer without purchasing a pass, we would spend $80.00 a month. Clearly, this is a reason to check out your local city’s recreational center before next summer.
As someone who likes being active and thrifty, it is possible to take advantage of things your tax dollars help support. I am a huge fan of MetroParks. In Ohio, the MetroParks is a network of parks throughout metropolitan areas. While it is possible to drive far away to a national park to appreciate what nature has to offer, many states have parks that are a turn or two away from a busy street. The perfect example that comes to mind is Central Park in New York City. If you have something like that in your town, it can be a great place for taking pictures with your digital camera, fishing, hiking, canoeing or having a cookout. Some other parks offer different amenities, including swimming or nature reserves for specific animals. One park near my home has a butterfly house and garden. All free of charge.
Lastly, for another free event, check out your local outdoor mall. Again, my hometown offers a place called The Greene, which is an outdoor mall. On most evenings, in the center of the square, free concerts are given and sometimes there are programs for small children. My niece loves it when the balloon man comes to The Greene. For him, it is free advertising for birthday parties and other events, for me it’s a simple way to entertain my niece without doling out any lot of cash.
If you want to spend a little bit of money, go support your local high school’s athletic program. Cheering, excitement, camaraderie and helping out education are sure to make your evening or afternoon enjoyable. You definitely won’t pay the price of a professional sporting event ticket while there, but who knows, you may see an amateur before he/she gets “big.”
I know now why my parents stressed unplugging from video games and television. If they hadn’t, I wouldn’t appreciate all the things that are offered right outside my door.
What are some of your favorite outdoor activities?
I try to make sure all of my “fitness” involves outdoor activities that are fun! After all, who really wants to run on a treadmill in their basement for 30 minutes each day? Not me!
No matter the season, I always try to get outside and perform budget conscious activities for both fun and exercise.
Those include but are not limited to: hiking, running, biking, walking, disc golf, swimming, snow shoeing, sledding, ice skating, etc.
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@Matt I am the same way. I can’t just run on a treadmill, I need to be active which is why I love playing soccer, basketball, football, etc. Nothing beats a fun activity that helps you stay healthy and active for free.
Hilarious My wife and I had the same conversation this weekend “GO OUTSIDE!” was the motto of the day. Didn’t help that I Got Wii Sports resort for my birthday.
We love to GeoCache, once you have a GPS is really a free activity that will take you to some of the coolest areas you might not otherwise find.
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Kickball was my summer fun. For $63 i got a t-shirt, some exercise, met a lot of new people in the area, and drank a lot of beer! It was definitely a great time and for those living in metropolitan areas, a good way to have fun outdoors and not spend a ton of money.
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I know you’ll be tempted to call it expensive, but last summer we bought a trampoline for close to $1000. So far, I and the three kids have been on it almost every day that weather permits (here in the Great White North, that’s about 7 months – we don’t bring it out until the ground solidifies after the spring thaw). So come November, that will be 14 months, probably for 20 days per month. If we never use it again, that’s less than $4 per day for three people. Sometimes it gets used several times a day. And not only is it thrifty on the pocket book, but it’s cheap on time; just pop into the yard, remove shoes and start bouncing.
@SEO David Like you explain up front it is a lot of money, but clearly the value of it is well worth the initial costs. Especially for 3 kids and I guarantee you they will still use it for years to come as they get older. Not on the same frequency, but from time to time.
@Paul Wii is a great way to fake some exercise, it’s so addicting. Need to take advantage of the good weather when you can. What exactly is geocaching? A few people have mentioned that.
@Brian Sounds like a great day you had an involved a lot of fun activities. Kickball is a classic game that can never get old, especially with happy hours after.
Since I’m a New Yorker, I’d have to agree about getting out into public parks. We definitely have enough parks to enjoy it to the fullest. I have written about them as much in my blog as well.
If you don’t live near Central park, there are others that may be right around the corner as well. In Queens, there are many, one of the largest is Flushing Meadows – one I’ve been to many times this year.
If you can’t make it further than a couple blocks, there is always your local playground. There are so many playgrounds in NYC. They are great for both kids and adults
Morning exercises at the local playground was a routine for me in the last couple months, though I’ve gotten a bit lazy. I’ll have to get back into that. Thanks for the reminder!
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@Frugal NYC When I worked in NYC I always used to enjoy going to Bryant Park to just sit and relax, read a book or listen to my ipod. They always would have chess or backamon as well to play. Parks are a great way to spend a nice weekend afternoon. Hope you get back to it.
Great post. Thanks for the info!