Are you always trying to make plans with friends, but can never think of anything to do? Are you working on a budget, but still want to have a good time? Have you googled "fun things to do" time after time, and the only thing that pops up is expensive family trips? Look no further, because this is the article for you. There are plenty of cheap, or better yet, free, things to do out there, you just need to know where to look. Luckily, the looking has already been done by someone else (moi), and all you have to do in order to find some fun, cheap, plans is to keep on reading!

1. Go get your beach on!

The beach is a fun, essentially free way to spend a day with friends. There's an endless amount of things to do, and there's always something for everybody. Feel like just relaxing all day? Bring a blanket or a chair(or both!) and settle in! You can tan, you can sit and talk, even jam along to your favorite songs, just bring a speaker with you. Harness your inner five year old and pick up a bucket and a shovel and have a sand castle competition! Best, most elaborate gets a prize, or just bragging rights Bring a football or a frisbee and start up a game! If you're looking to up the competition a bit, move the game into the water. You'll stay cool and refreshed, and the landings won't hurt as much!

2. Go Hiking!

Need a way to get some exercise in but still want to hang out with your friends? Go for a hike! Find a mountain or a hill near you, get a group together, and spend the day in the woods. The climb is always worth the view, as is the time spent with friends. If climbing a mountain or a hill isn't an option for you, no worries! Most towns and cities have parks with paths in them, or a nearby forest with trails. Make up some games to play as you're hiking along, or have mini races from point A to point B, with bragging points as a prize.

3. Go Pokemon Hunting

Now, this may not be as relevant in a few months once the hype dies down, but the game to be playing right now is Pokemon Go. A GPS based game, players can hunt for Pokemon by walking around. It's a fantastic way to get outside, rather than watch Netflix all day. Going with friends makes it that much better, since you can have friendly competitions to see who can catch the most Pokemon, or hopefully sometime soon, battle each other. Find a well populated area that has plenty of landmarks and go crazy!

4. Picnic

Simple enough! You can have a picnic almost anywhere, and it's considerably less expensive and a lot more fun that just going out to eat! You can even get a three course meal in if you pack the right food. You can bring food for a picnic to the beach, on a hike, biking, and anything else you could think of! It's also a great way to relax and spend quality time with your friends.

5. Movie Marathon

What better way to hang with some friends than a movie marathon! Almost everyone has a Netflix account now, and it not, Redbox is a cheap way to rent movies. If you have a list of movies you've been dying to show your friends, this is your chance! Movie marathons are perfect for rainy days that are just going to be spent inside anyways, so why not spend it with friends. Snacks are cheap, and if the idea of just watching movies all day doesn't appeal to you, there are things to do during the movie to keep yourself entertained. Build a pillow fort and watch movie marathon, or make up a game where you do something every time a phrase or word is said. It's an easy way to relax and enjoy the day.

6. Mini Golf

Mini golf isn't free, but it is definitely worth the $6-$9. It's a cheap way to spend a fun night out with some friends, and there are some mini golf courses that are actually pretty challenging. Of course, all mini golf courses are challenging if you're not terribly good at mini golf, like I am, but it still makes for a fun time. Most courses have ice cream parlors at the end of the course or a short walk away, so you can enjoy a sundae with your friends after showing off your mini golf skills.

7. Laser Tag

Again, not free, but still worth the money! Laser tag is a great way to get some exercise while having a great time with some friends. Whether you're playing for bragging rights or just playing for fun, laser tag is a relatively cheap way to have a fun night out with friends.

8. Have a fire

Saved the best for last! There's nothing easier than getting together with your friends for a fire. Have everyone bring a chair, and spend the night roasting marshmallows, and each other, and enjoy the quality time together. Some of the best times with my friends are at our bonfires, and I wouldn't trade the memories for the world.

There are plenty more options out there, all you gotta do is know where to look. And if you have some really great friends, it will always be a good time, no matter what you do!