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4 End-of-Summer Activities To Help You Have Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Have a good time on the cheap.

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According to financial website LendEDU.com, Americans spend an average of $2,229 on summer activities every year. While it may not seem like you’re spending that much, it quickly adds up. Thankfully, there are some cheap and fun activities to enjoy right now without rolling out tons of cash.

Take a no-cost class with a simple search.

“Learning a new skill can be fun, especially if you can do it for free. For example, some hardware stores offer free DIY classes, and certain restaurants provide cooking classes for free or a nominal charge. Simply do a quick search for whatever you’re interested in and the words ‘free class’ — you’ll find everything from yoga to building a birdhouse. Or check with local businesses or on community message boards, including local Facebook groups, for fun, free classes.” — Anna Barker, money-saving blogger at LogicalDollar.com

Get 47 percent off movie tix by showing your age.

“I love spending a hot day in a cool movie theater, and luckily, I learned that many theaters offer ways to save on the high price of tickets! For example, Cinemark has ‘Senior Day,’ when folks 62 and older get up to 47 percent off their tickets (Cinemark.com/discounts/senior-day). AMC offers 30 percent off matinee tickets purchased before 4 PM at participating locations (AMCTheatres.com/discounts), and Regal Cinema offers an unlimited movie subscription pass, starting at $18 per month, allowing you to see as many films as you want, plus 10 percent off at the concession (RegMovies. com/static/en/us/unlimited).” — Beth Jones, grandmother of six, Lexington, KY

Nab 1⁄2 price eats by ‘going to college’.

“For a fun dining experience, check in with any local community college that offers a culinary course. These programs often offer an upscale dining experience, and the food is prepared by students under the tutelage of professional chefs as part of their coursework. For example, at the Great Plains Culinary Institute at our local community college, they offer special events such as a farm-totable brunch for just $24 per person. I also recently enjoyed a wonderful chicken piccata entrée that cost just $11, and a smoked beet hummus with chips appetizer for just $3. I’ve easily paid twice that amount for similar dishes at regular restaurants!”— Sara-Beth Rosen, grandmother of two, Lincoln, NE

Tour a museum for free by visiting virtually.

“While some of the world’s most famous museums charge an entry fee, you can tour them for free from the comfort of your air-conditioned living room! Many, including the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC, the Louvre in Paris and Rome’s Sistine Chapel, offer virtual tours where you can browse almost all the museum has to offer on your computer screen!” — Ruth Soukup, founder of LivingWellSpendingLess.com

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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