Free Things to Do in The Summer (Or Almost Free)

Cities across the globe host several festivals throughout the summer, most of which are free to the public. From music to cultural festivals these are a great way to go to the city for a day. Just check your local news websites for a listing of festivals with more information.

Geocaching is real-world treasure hunt that takes place on a global scale. A geocache can be found right in your neighborhood, just go to their website to find one. Using a GPS, geocaching involves finding a cache (the treasure) which includes a log of past finders and items those finders have deposited. Sign the log, then take and leave an item - it's as simple as that. These can be quick finds, just get a set of coordinates, or they can involve clues which may send you on a goose-chase. Either way, geocaching is loads of (free!) fun.

Check out your local bowling alley for weekly deals and free events. With just $5 you may be able to get a pair of shoes and two rounds of bowling. Go out with your friends and family and compete, or just have a friendly game.

Invite your friends over for a home-cooked breakfast bash. Check out these easy Food Network breakfast recipes and try one the morning of the party. Follow up the breakfast with a nature walk or, on a rainy day, a feel-good movie.

Look up local dance clubs in all arenas- ballroom, swing, disco, etc. - in your area. Throw on your dancing shoes, grab some friends and head out for a night of dancing. Some of these clubs may be free; however, usually a night of dancing with live music will run you anywhere from $5-$30.

Chronicle your summer of fun (and free) activities with photographs. Pick up a disposable camera or just take some pictures on your phone. Condense these photographs into a beautiful scrapbook. Check your local craft store's clearance bin for stickers, books and decorations. Or, go to Shutterfly and create your scrapbook online. The website hosts many deals so check back regularly.

Similar to your festivals, many cities host a free summer concert series. Look at your local newspaper to see that summer concert happenings.

Looking for a new friend over the long hot summer? Check out PenPal World to sign up for a free account and make a new friend today! This website has over one million members from across the globe and is super simple and user friendly.

Take the family out to the minor leagues ball game. These tickets are usually no more than $20 and are a great way to spend a warm summer night.

Grab you friends, family and neighbors and put together a scavenger hunt. Get into groups and ensure that each one has a way to take pictures. Create a list of items they need to find and snap pictures of, these may include: the group with a local police officer, someone wearing polka dots, a duck, a wig, a book with the word "flower" in the title. The list could go on and on - get creative!

Take your friends or family for a day out at your local lake. Spread out a blanket, pack a lunch and enjoy the water! If you have any inflatable rafts, kayaks, canoes, etc. lakes are a great place to put these to the test. Get a great work out in while laying out on the lake.

Pick up a pack of water balloons at your local grocers or convenience store and battle it out in the backyard. Not only is it great fun, it'll also cool you down in the summer heat.

While not free, with a car-full of people a drive-in could cost less than $6 per person. On a warm night this is a great classic activity that less and less people are doing. Bring some snacks and lay out on the hood or in the grass!

On a rainy day, dig up all those old board games in the cupboard and play them to your hearts desire. Whether its Scrabble, Life, Monopoly, Clue or Risk, get your friends and family together for a little competition.

Want to camp but don't want to dish out some dough? Pitch a tent in the backyard, unplug and sleep under the stars. Have a BBQ that night and maybe roast some marshmallows later in the evening. This is a completely free activity that the family will love.

Invite some friends over and have a craft party. Check out some of these DIY crafts on Pinterest for inspiration. Have everyone bring over some craft items you deem useful and make some really neat things you'll be proud of.

Check out these homemade ice-cream recipes at AllRecipes for a different and fresh treat to cool down your summer.

Invite the neighbors over for a potluck dinner. Everyone brings their favorite dish and celebrates the summer with some friends. If dinner isn't your thing, host a cookie swap or potluck dessert party.

Been meaning to start a blog or a journal for a long while. Now is the perfect time. Start a Wordpress blog/website or begin writing on HubPages. Whether it's a parenting, fashion, summer, cooking, craft or just an everyday blog, make it your own and have fun with it. If the internet is not your thing, start a journal and write whatever comes to mind.

When you're having your potluck dinner or camping out in the backyard start up a bonfire! Buy some s'more items and let the sparks fly at your bonfire. This may require a permit so make sure you check that out to be sure!

On a Saturday morning check out local open houses. Get decorating inspiration and interior design ideas from the community or your closest cities real estate.

Been itching to learn how to juggle for years now? Do some research and master the skill over the summer. Want to learn everything you can about Terracotta soldiers? Go to the library and pick up some new information, then spread your knowledge!

Whether you're an accomplished artist or a beginner, spend some time painting this summer. Grab a canvas and go outside! Paint for yourself or for your friends and family, either way, it's a great creative outlet and a way to keep the mind going.

Grab that fishing pole and go to your local pond or lake. Spend a few hours out on the water trying your hands at catching a fish!

Invite some friends over and host a movie marathon. Grab some snacks and go to your local library to pick out the movie selection. Have your friends vote on the movies of choice and spend a night marathoning some of your favorites with your friends.

Grow your own food! Pick up some seeds from your local farm or grocers and start an herb or vegetable garden. In a few weeks or months you'll have your own thyme and parsley and maybe even be able to whip up a salad from the items in your garden. Make sure to do your research on how to grow and have fun!

Go to your local library and check out the book club, or grab some friends and make your own. Pre-determine your book list by checking out must-reads on sites such as Goodreads. For your meetings, make sure to have plenty of snacks and comfortable seating.

Check out your local state parks and mountains for a day of hiking or walking. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare yourself for a work out. State parks are also a great place to hide geocaches, so make sure to look those up before you depart!

Check out this list of Barnes and Noble classics! Whether it's Jane Eyre or The Great Gatsby spend some time reading the great literary classics.

Put your time to good use by volunteering for a local cause. Check out this Hub on finding new volunteer opportunities. It's a great way to meet new people and awesome for your resume when applying to jobs and colleges.

Set up a garage or yard sale to get rid of some of those items you no longer have any use for. It's a great way to make some cash and spend a beautiful summer Sunday.

Many museums and zoos offer free or discounted rates. Learn a little about a new culture or meet some furry little animals for a day in the summer. Your local library may also offer free passes to museums, zoos and aquariums so be sure to check that out when planning your day trips this season.

Go online or to the community center to look into local free events. These can range from classes to poetry readings, jazz performances and dancing. This is a great way to get involved with the community and meet new people.

Visit local antique shops and yard sales to get DIY inspiration or make a purchase of your own!