Does the recent economy have you tightening your purse strings? Well, it is possible to have fun this summer. Here are some cheap, fun ideas of things to do.

1. Have a picnic. Who doesn't love an old-school picnic? If you make your own sandwiches and whatever else you would like in your lunch, the food should be pretty cheap. Bring along a football, a frisbe, or something else you can run around and play with. It never hurts to bring along a deck of cards, that way you can chill in the shade and pass the time.
2. Hit up the beach! It usually costs a few bucks for parking but other than that, you can get away with a very cheap day in the sun! Even bring a picnic to the beach! Have fun in the waves, play in the sand, soak up the sun... be sure to wear some sunscreen! 
3. Dress up! By dress up, I don't mean get up in your finest clothes. I mean have FUN! Play, pick a theme, 80s night, 70s night, whatever you want. Find something in your wardrobe to just have fun. We all have those fashion don'ts that can become really fun stories the next day.
4. Tetherball! This is a CLASSIC! All you need to find is a tetherball and you are set for the summer. 
5. Volleyball/badmitton! You can have a volleyball or badmitton court in your own backyard. This is fun, and we often forget how great playing these sports is. You'll be surprised by how good (or bad) you really are at these sports. They sell all the equipment together and it's not too expensive.
6. SIDEWALK CHALK! It spruces up the look of your driveway and, let's face it, we all have fun. Take a trip back to memory lane and play with your sidewalk chalk. It can even be a way to decorate your place for a party. A very cheap way to decorate.