I've been thinking about what I can do this summer & into the fall that is both frugal and fun. And I'm interested in where other people live and what fun things does your city/state have for you to do?
I live in Delaware -the [edited] First state. Its pretty much 2.5 hours from the top of the state to the bottom. But there is a LOT to do!
First, we are central to several big cities - its 45 minutes to Philadelphia, 2 hours to Baltimore, 4 to DC. Maryland & New Jersey share our border and offer some fun things too.
So here are some relatively frugal things I can do this summer/fall:
1. One of the best things about our state is that we have beaches. I can drive 2 hours, hit the beach for the day & drive home - Pay for parking at the park & ride, hit the beach all day, get some boardwalk food and window shop. $40 to fill up the gas tank, $5-10 parking all day, $20 food if I really splurge. Sometimes I go by myself, sometimes with friends & share the gas cost
2. Play at the local parks - The big one that I mentioned before is 15 mins away. It has miles of hiking, frisbee golf, volleyball, tennis, boating, fishing and camping. $3 to get in, bring your own picnic & balls or tennis rackets and you could have an all day event for $10 plus maybe another $15 for boat rental if you want to go that route.
3. Visit the animals at the Philadelphia zoo - 45 min drive, $90 for family season pass (I get that one becuase I take my nephew & we go several times a year & it includes free parking), plus gas. Packed lunch & drinks round out the day
4. Local carnivals - get some fair food, play some games, ride some rides, have a beer. Its as frugal or spendy as you make it.
5. Take a ride on the Western Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride. $11.00/ticket
6. Visit Mt Cuba - a horticultural institution $5/tour through gardens
7. Visit Longwood Gardens (in PA) - acres of gardens, trees and architecture. Very picturesque and I'm sentimental about the place. My grandfather took my sister & there often as children. $16/ticket
8. Enjoy Delaware Park (Casino & horse races) - You can sit in the stands & watch the races, bring in your own food, get a beer. Free, maybe a few dollars for a beer and you don't have to pay entry or bet or buy anything (unless you want to)
9. 4th of July fireworks from the University of Delaware. Just park somewhere near & watch with buddies. Free
10. Visit the Rockford Tower in Rockford Park. 100 year stone tower "offering a panaramic view of the Brandywine valley. Not sure of cost
11. Pumpkin Chunkin' - Did this event last fall & will definitely go again this year. A fair type event where teams compete with machinary to chuck pumpkins across a field. $10 to get in, plus any food.
12. Tubing on the Brandywine River. Pay a company to drop you off & pick you up after you lazily drift down the river in an innertube for a few hours.
13. See a play at the local theater company
14. Walk the marshes at the bird sanctuaries. I did a few field trips as a kid & I think its something my dad would really like. I think I'll offer to take my dad there!
15. Explore Ashland Nature Center
16. See the Baltimore or Camden (NJ) aquariums - This is a fave of mine! I get to see sharks and all kinds of fun stuff!
17. Walk around the scenic Baltimore Harbor. See old ships & submarines, watch boats.
18. Visit Millburn Orchards - pick fruits and go on hayrides.
19. Explore Fort Delaware - only accessible by ferry, its historic and military background makes the site worth a visit.
20. Enjoy batting cages, mini golf & driving ranges. Pretty cheap & some are indoors, so great for rainy days.
21. Explore the HUGE flea market held every weekend at the Farmer's Market.
Please share - where do YOU live & what fun things do you have to do locally?
Local Frugal Activities - what are yours? (LONG)
June 17th, 2010 at 01:26 am
June 17th, 2010 at 01:43 am 1276739039
Ummmmm .... Rhode Island IS the smallest state.
June 17th, 2010 at 01:52 am 1276739546
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June 17th, 2010 at 04:23 am 1276748604
June 17th, 2010 at 05:10 am 1276751415
June 17th, 2010 at 12:00 pm 1276776036
We are also home to the Woodward Dream Cruise. If you are a old car lover and like to socialize, this is the weekend for you. http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/ Doesn't cost anything but food, unless you pack a picnic basket to bring with you.
The town I live in is also big on Independence Day and we have many fireworks events to attend to. Just pack a picnic basket and bring a chair or blanket.
We also like to visit out local zoo, and we have some of the best beach towns around, seeing how we are surrounded by water.
Another great adventure, although can get pricey, is Mackinaw Island http://www.mackinacisland.org/ We have been several times and I was also married on this Island. Love it.
We have the Mackinaw Bridge, the Soo Locks and plenty of canoeing, that only cost the gas to get there.
June 17th, 2010 at 04:34 pm 1276792467
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June 18th, 2010 at 12:29 am 1276820941
June 18th, 2010 at 12:39 am 1276821557
Ima, it must be awesome to be able to tube to your own home! I'd LOVE to live on a river!