In recognition of the first day of summer this past weekend, we thought it would be a good idea to fill you in on ways you can have a great couple months without breaking the bank. With the kids out of school and beaches beckoning, summer can easily end up costing more than you expected. Here are a few good ideas for saving:

Attend local festivals:

Most local events cost less than $20 per person. From beer fests to music showcases, these outdoor happenings offer cheap entertainment. Chances are, they will also be some of the best summer memories you can create. Festival offerings allow you to get out of the box and maybe even meet some new people.

Check out tag sales:

Summer is a popular time for people to clean out their homes and put on a tag sale. The best are the ones where multiple families join in and combine their goods in a neighborhood. Look for signs posted in your area and go see what great buys you can find. You’ll be outdoors and the prices are much better than going to a mall.

Host a movie night:

Outdoor movies are cheaper than going to the theater these days. All you need is a white sheet and a projector. Gathering your family and friends and popping in one of your favorite films is a sure way to host a successful summer evening of entertainment.

Find a new hobby:

With so much extra time in the summer, you can find all kinds of things to do that may become your new favorite hobby. You can peruse Pinterest and find some crafts you might like to try, or head out to a bike or kayak rental location and try something different.

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore what your area has to offer. Chances are you can find several activities that cost less than traveling to an amusement park or packing up the family for an extended vacation.