Summer is nearly coming to an end, and now that students are coming down from their high after watching Harry Potter, they may find themselves bored, or with nothing to do before the first day of classes. What are some ways to defeat end-of-summer boredom? And how can this be done on a budget? With students in the search of fun without breaking the bank, I wrote down a list of safe, fun, summer-themed ideas that are relatively inexpensive or, even better, free.

1.) Try crafting. Summer time is perfect for a chance to try out a new hobby or just create something with your hands. If you’ve always wanted to take old photos and make a scrapbook, then do it. There are tons of crafting ideas available to you. As for myself, I have discovered the wonderful world of Sculpey and made earrings that look like cinnamon rolls.

2.) Go to the beach. This is a classic summer locale. If you don’t live near a beach, then turn it into a road trip with your friends. Going to the beach is relatively free (except for food and gas), and it can be an enjoyable day out. Pack some food, a beach ball, towels and don’t forget the sunscreen.

3.) Relive your summer childhood memories. Blow bubbles, make bug juice or catch fireflies. Remember when you were able to just go out with friends in the neighborhood and play hide and seek at night? You’re not too old to play now, and who knows, you may know better hiding spots this time around.

4.) Check out a book from the library. You can read whatever subject fancies you, and you don’t even need to own a Kindle.

5.) Go for a walk around town or a local nature trail. Not only is this good exercise, but it gives you the chance to get to know your surroundings better. You may have the chance to notice something you would otherwise miss had you been driving by in a car.

6.) Speaking of nature, go camping. Grab your sleeping bags and bug repellent, and just have fun. Tell ghost stories around a campfire, and don’t forget the s’mores.

7.) Backyard BBQ. Invite your friends over to a backyard BBQ. To save the cost of money, turn it into a potluck. While you provide the burgers and buns, have your friends bring sides, appetizers, dip, etc.

8.) Have a water balloon fight at the park. This is one of my favorite summer pastimes, and it also helps to keep cool from the southern heat. Dollar stores sell balloons at low cost. Losers of the balloon fight have to buy popsicles for everyone.

9.) Other ways to have water fun can include sprinklers, water guns or the local pool.

10.) If it’s too hot outside, have a game night. Call up your friends and have them each bring over their favorite board or card game. Or ask them to bring their favorite video game console and have gaming tournaments against one another.

11.) Learn to cook. Try out simple recipes if you’re on a budget. It feels rather satisfying gathering the ingredients for a new recipe, then measuring, stirring, cooking and finally enjoying a meal you prepared yourself.

12.) Throw a party. Each year my best friend throws a superhero-themed party, and it’s always terrific fun. So choose any theme you want for your own party, and just go with it. Ask your friends to help you with decorations or ideas for activities.

13.) Get a fun job. If you’re hurting for money right now, why not get a job doing something fun? If you enjoy swimming, become a lifeguard at the local pool.

14.) Volunteer. Give something back by volunteering somewhere. Cheer up the elderly by visiting them in a nursing home, or help your cousin with their lemonade stand business.

15.) Get a head start on the new school year. If you’ll be studying a specific topic, then brush the dust off of your brain and review old material, or if the subject is brand new for you, become acquainted with basic terms.

16.) Take a class. At the moment, tests and projects are not looming over your heads, so why not learn something new that suits your interests. There are classes to learn about photography, swimming, ceramics or martial arts.

17.) Write the great American novel. Or short story, or a poem or a haiku. Let your creativity flourish with writing. There are no limits to what your own imagination can create.