Nature
It always makes me a little sad to think of the end of summer. Students are already heading back to school, and where I live, the warmer weather is beginning to wane a bit. The thought of cooler weather settling in reminds me that we need to take advantage of the great outdoors while we can. Before we know it, the cooler weather will be upon us, and we’ll be spending more time inside. That’s why this week, I decided to share suggestions for paying homage to Mother Nature, while the summer is still upon us and which typically translates as a low-cost or modestly priced outing!
One way to go is to immerse yourself in the wild by visiting a state or national park. Many state parks are free, though national parks may charge a fee for entry. If you plan to go often, a year-round pass can be a savings in the long run. The great thing about state and national parks is that they almost always have hiking trails and picnic areas, so you can enjoy a good hike and then stop for a picnic lunch. Some even have nature centers with bird watching spots, as well as special activities and tours to introduce you to the local natural environments.
Years ago, before television, computers and tablets and smartphones occupied our leisure hours, stargazing was a common pastime, and you can still enjoy it today. Spending a late summer evening on a blanket in the garden staring up at the night sky can be very pleasant and relaxing, and it won’t cost you a penny. The computer can still come in handy here, as you can download current star maps to help you locate constellations of the changing sky. You can even do a search to read about the Greek myth that goes along with a particular constellation. Take a picnic basket, go early and enjoy a full evening of relaxing fun.
Summer is also a great time to pick and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. If you look in the local paper, you can often find places where you can go to pick berries, peas and beans, squash, orchard fruit, and more. You may spend a little money on this activity, Cathrine, but consider it a trip to nature’s grocery store. Not only will you enjoy time outdoors, but you will also be eating healthy vibrant unprocessed foods, fresh from stalk and vine, that are chock-full of nutrients.
If you look around, you may find other opportunities to do fun things outdoors for less. Many museums and zoos offer free or reduced prices in the afternoons or on certain days of the month. Watch for local free summer festivals, like fruit festivals, parades, and street and craft fairs, as these can provide you a morning or afternoon of entertainment for very little cost. Check your local park schedules for dates and locations of free events, where you can take a blanket and have a picnic while you enjoy the show at sunset or under the stars.
While you are searching for low-cost, fun options, don’t forget your local library. You can check out books or peruse works by your favourite author to read onsite or in the comfort of your home or back garden.