Level Money Blog 6 Free Activities to Enjoy this Summer

Even if you aren't taking a big trip this summer, it can be difficult to avoid spending temptations this time of year. From expensive music festivals to backyard party blowouts, it's easy for costs to get carried away when you're trying to enjoy time with friends and family. Using the Level Money℠ app to track your seasonal expenses can help you find out if you're overspending, but that doesn't mean your summer is ruined.Not every activity has to cost an arm and a leg, here are six free (or nearly free) ways you can have some fun this season without breaking the bank.Local events: From farmer's markets to nature walks in your city park, from photography classes at the library to public concerts downtown, there are probably more free activities hiding under your nose than you realize. Checkout your local community calendar and see what's available to you - typically, a quick internet search of "free summer activities in [your city]" can bring up locally curated lists for your area. You might want to do a special search for free museum days so you can take in the current art, science, or history exhibits without the hefty price tag that often accompanies adult admission.Host a BBQ or picnic: Gathering friends at your home doesn't require emptying your wallet-just be sure to make it a potluck and take advantage of these other ways to save on a summer gathering. For group entertainment, here are some fun outdoor games you can put together on the cheap.Geocaching: Before a certain gaming app encouraged many of us to "catch 'em all" in the streets and buildings around us, there was Geocaching - a treasure hunt driven by GPS coordinates. This activity can be fun solo or with a group; you can participate by visiting geocaching.com and type in your address (or the address where you plan to explore), to find "treasures" available in your area.Read a book: Sure, you stay up on the latest news headlines and read articles that your friends pass along, but when's the last time you curled up during a summer storm with a great novel? Your public library is (of course) full of books ready for check-out, but many are surprised to learn that you can borrow many titles via your e-reader. An app from your local library (here's an example from the New York Public Library), or a larger network app can help you get started downloading free e-books to your device. Pick up a forgotten hobby: Have a pair of running shoes or knitting needles gathering dust in your closet? Did your spring cleaning dig-up an old set of watercolors or woodworking tools? Instead of taking on an expensive new hobby this summer, look into your past and see if there's a forgotten love your could rekindle. Get your finances in order: Hey, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention money management as a great way to spend some extra time this summer. While perhaps not the most exciting activity on our list, downloading a free app like Level Money can help you organize your finances which could help you save time and money down the line. That means more funds to spend on the things that really matter to you-like that Labor Day trip you've had on your mind.Level Money℠ powered by Capital One®The compensated opinions expressed by the author at or through this blog are the opinions of the individual author, and may not reflect the opinions of any other person, legal entity or corporation. The author's opinions are not to be interpreted or held accountable as financial advice or recommendations.