Summertime is about taking vacations and making memories, but all that fun can also be expensive. So, I have some fun yet affordable alternatives that will help you save your cash.
Looking for adventurous or relaxing activities that won’t break your bank account? There are many local budget-friendly activities that you can enjoy throughout the summer. Here are a few: Take a hike along one of the many trails Western Massachusetts has to offer. You could hike a long trail such as the 90-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail or a shorter one, such as the Bagg Brook Heritage Trail right here in West Springfield. Go fishing or boating at Congamond Lakes in Southwick or the Quabbin Reservoir. Plan a picnic with friends in a local park, such a Stanley Park in Westfield or Mitteneague Park in West Springfield. Ride your bike or take a walk on a scenic bike path, such as the Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway in Springfield. You could even plan a day trip to the beach. Hammonasset and Rocky Neck are a couple popular beaches that take less than two hours to get to. These are just a few of the many local activities you could do this summer that won’t cost you much, if any, money.
In fact, statistics from the National Recreation and Park Association show that the top three favorite summertime activities for Americans include picnicing or barbecuing, walking or hiking, and going to the beach. So, fire up those grills and get that sunscreen on!
I talked to a couple West Side teachers about their summer plans, and here it what they had to say. Mr.Gillane from the History Department said, “My wife and I will do 2-3 day trips around the area.” He added that such trips cost them a fraction of what any large extravagant vacation would, and they are still able to explore new places and try out a multitude of activities. Mr. Schwartz, a computer-science teacher at West Side, said, “If we do one large expensive trip, that’s it for the year but sometimes we will do little things. For example, Billy Beez is a fun place for the kids.” Occasionally, he and his family will go to playgrounds where his kids can have fun for free; plus, he says that it keeps them out of the house.
As summer approaches and you start to make your plans for it, consider taking short trips to the city or long walks on the beach. Taking in a nature walk or enjoying a relaxing day at the beach will provide you with the fun you are looking for while keeping your pockets heavy.
