How Much Does Summer Fun Cost?

Looking back on my own childhood I can still remember some of my all time favorite summer time activities. Swimming in the ocean (or any big mass of water), exploring the woods, riding my bike to a friend’s home, building a fort, or just goofing around in my backyard … any of which could make for an interesting and fun day. No matter what, it seemed there was always a great way to have free summer fun.

Now as a Real Man, all grown up, I sometimes have to remind myself that enjoyment isn’t discovered only through money. As children most of us had very little money or none at all. But somehow we were always able to have fun and enjoy the long summer days. How did we manage to do this? … By being creative and getting off our collective butts! Perhaps it’s time for us all to find our inner child again and dicover the true meaning of summer fun!

Fun and Money

Why do so many people think you can’t have fun unless you use loads of money? Why does having a good time require a $4,000.00 vacation or a trip to another city while staying in an expensive hotel? Have we all forgotten when the epitome of water fun was called a Slip-N-Slide?! Kids need very little to have fun in the water … just ask one! They’ll probably run around to the side of your house and grab a garden hose and immediately soak you down.

It’s funny, but I think the cost of fun seems to be related to peer-pressure. That’s right, the same thing we all battled as teens when we were in school. Is there a personal example in your own life which comes to mind? For myself, there’s a group of guys I know who go out every Thursday evening for “guy’s night out.” Each man probably blows about $50 every week on this little outing. The gathering is done in the name of blowing off steam … or because of the “We deserve it” mentality. In other words … they’re just trying to have some fun. Sometimes it’s hard to tell these guys no to going out. Why? … Because their my freinds and who wouldn’t want to spend an evening yucking it up with some buddies. But blowing $200.00 a month, on four nights of drinking, just isn’t in the budget. Sure I could kid myself into going out and only ordering water, but part of being responsible is not allowing ourselves to become tempted and then spend foolishly.

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

Activity Breed Fun

When I was in the military I learned early in my career how to have fun with very little money. Why do this? Simple … when you start in the military you don’t have money to blow. Consequently, some of my greatest joys were things which didn’t cost anything. However, having fun seemed to always involve doing something. Taking a nap in the barracks was never considered having a blast. Watching TV never really seemed to be a highlight of the day or night.

There’s something unique about being in the military. When you’re hanging out with your friends it was called building camaraderie or unit cohesion. But as a 19 year old Military Man I knew it as something else … FUN! Some of my best military memories were playing softball in the evening after a long shift. We would grab some drinks and snacks and play around for hours. I don’t think anyone ever kept score. It was more about cheering or jeering the person on base or getting ready to hit the ball.

As a civilian I found it harder to find this same sense of community and fellowship until I started getting involved with other people and organizations. It’s hard to make friends by simply sitting on the couch. It’s also hard to have an enjoyable time while zoned into a TV. Don’t get me wrong … I enjoy watching a good show, but I don’t let it become the schedule for the day.

Keep in mind, it’s all right to make summer plans that cost money, but don’t give up your financial sanity in the process. A good time shouldn’t make you feel sick when you get back home.

Fun Activities For YOU!

Mark a date on your calendar to go out and do something with friends or family. Here are a few suggestions to get you in gear.

• Bike ride through the neighborhood.
• Picnic at the park with the kids. Believe it or not kids still like swing sets and monkey bars.
• Spend the day at a beach, lake, or river. Pack your own lunch and drinks.
• Go to the Zoo! Most zoos allow you to bring in your own food and drinks, but there may be restrictions on the type of containers for animal safety.
• Take in a local car or motorcycle show. These range from Hot Rods to Antiques … Choppers to classic rides.

What are some of your SUMMER FUN suggestions? Remember you’re the ultimate answer to your summer fun challenges. Trust me on this … You’ll see what a difference spending time in an activity you enjoy can make in your life. One last thought … Don’t be afraid to try a new activity. You may just discover a world of SUMMER FUN you’ve been missing! Meet us in the comments!

Photo by Clarkston SCAMP