Opinion
Exhilarating, affordable activities for summer vacation
April 27, 2012
After sitting inside all winter and staring outside at the cold, dreary day, there’s nothing better to think about other than whether the snow will melt, the sun will warm up the weather, and the flowers will bloom. Well, fortunately, the time is finally here.
It is almost the season of summer. The warm weather returning this week is a reminder to us all that the schoolwork will come to a stop for three months and that spring and summer weather can finally be taken advantage of instead of stressing about assignments.
One problem that people face while trying to find something fun to do is the money they will have to pay. Fortunately, there are numerous summer activities available that are free or very cheap.
One fun way to enjoy the warm summer weather is by taking a walk or jog. It is a great way to keep up with your exercise regime and gets you outside. Whether you do it around your neighborhood or around the town, it is an activity that everyone can do and something you can do at your own pace for free. It can be done along or with a friend, and that is why it is such a flexible activity. If you are bored this summer, get out of your house for a while
and take a walk.
Another activity that I particularly enjoy during the summer months is bike riding. I take many bike rides with my family on the beautiful trails up by my cabin. Bike riding is also a flexible activity, as you can do it alone or with friends and at your own pace.
It is a good work out especially for your legs, because going uphill on a bike requires speed and strength. Another fun activity to do while taking a bike ride is biking to the park and having a picnic. I know it sounds childish but it is a fun way to cure boredom on an uneventful day.
Is there a public beach near where you live? That is a fun way to spend your time. Most public beaches are free to go to, and there are a lot of activities that you can do. Swimming, boating, making a sand castle or just hanging out with friends or family, to name just a few.
On a particularly sunny day, going to the beach for a few hours is a great way to play a game or just relax. Going to the beach is a way to remember to put on sunscreen while going outdoors. Getting a sunburn is an unfortunate misfortune among all the fun summer activities.
For every summer since I was just two years old, I remember traveling for two and a half hours to Alexandria, Minn., to my cabin on the beautiful Lake Ida. My family is very lucky to have such a nice, fun place to go to every single year.
Going up to a cabin in the summer is a perfect getaway with your family and friends. There are many activities to do up at a cabin, such swimming and boating in the lake, fishing, and at night, there are bonfires.
Many students at the high school and college age commonly have bonfires in order to get together. Bonfires are one of the most common social gatherings during a summer evening.
With only two and a half weeks left of spring semester, it is nearly time to start making plans for the warm summer months. If you don’t want to spend much money, keep in mind these and numerous other free summer activities that you can do to pass the time. Good luck on finals and have a wonderful summer.
Cristin Dempsey is an English major and music minor from Eagan, Minn. She enjoys writing, playing the flute and swimming. After college she would like to pursue a career as an editor.