Savoring summer nights

School’s out, energy’s high and you’re looking for ways to make the most of summer. Hot days call for the pool, trips to the library or really anything to help you beat the heat. On the other hand, summer nights bring some needed relief and the opportunity to slip back outside and make even more memories. The good news is that it’s possible to incorporate meaningful activities into your night without pushing your budget overboard. These 5 tips will keep your wallet happy and make you wish summer nights never came to an end. 

Good news—the first activity is completely free and fun for the whole family. Whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, these little critters offer up a game of catch and release. Catching fireflies is a great way to burn off some energy before heading in for the night. Just as dusk begins, you might start to see some blinking lights flying around—that’s your cue to embark on an evening of running around trying to be the first to catch one. New to this firefly fun? Check out this how-to guide to make sure you’re making the most of the experience. Whether you’re using your hand, a net or a jar to catch them, at the end of the night, make sure to let them go so you can do it all again tomorrow. 

Nothing pairs better with a summer night than live music. An outdoor summer concert is an ideal way to soak up summer, kick back and relax. There are numerous ways to enjoy some tunes that are wallet friendly and don’t involve you waiting in an endless queue for tickets. Try staying local to save money—check out amphitheaters, restaurants and breweries in your community that have live music. You may even find your new favorite band. Some venues offer regularly scheduled entertainment completely free of charge—just bring yourself and good vibes.  

While the movie theater is always an option, switch it up this season by spending your nights outside watching your favorite films. Set your search on places nearby that are hosting outdoor movie nights. Oftentimes, you can find these events at local parks and common gathering places such as the Wharf in DC, and no ticket is required. To prepare: Bring your blanket, pack a bag of snacks and cozy up for the next couple of hours. An added bonus is this activity is ideal whether you’re doing a date night or family night. If you can’t find any local events, get creative and bring the big screen to your backyard. Set up some comfy seating, pop some popcorn and put up a screen and projector for all to enjoy. Investing in your own equipment might seem like a splurge, but it may help you save more in the long run. Figure out which screen works best for your household here. Press play and enjoy! 

If the day soaked up all of your energy, spend the night stargazing. Your budget won’t take a hit with this activity. Gazing up at the stars can also be educational for the whole family. Use free tools such as star charts and stargazing apps to help identify constellations and planets. There is an art to making the most of your experience though—find best practices here. Allow time for your eyes to adjust, and don’t get discouraged. You have the whole summer to check off different celestial finds. 

A summer night drive can be one to remember. Open roads and clear skies lead to miles of possibilities behind the wheel. Put the windows down, and take in the summer air whether you’re heading somewhere or have no destination at all. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a drive-in theater or be lucky enough to catch a shooting star on your journey. A summer night may be the best time to start a road trip as well, with less traffic and 24/7 rest stops to keep you going along the way—just make sure you are well rested and drive safely. This activity may even bring up some nostalgic moments of driving around as a teenager—you’ll probably have just as much fun as you did then. 

You know how to spend your summer days, and hopefully, now you have some thought starters on how to keep the energy alive into the night. The drop in temperature invites you back outside and offers endless opportunities for summer fun. Planning ahead and utilizing local events can help keep your family and wallet happy all season long.