As summer is just around the corner, there's a question that looms over everyone's head: if I don't have the money to do a big vacation, what am I going to do with my summer? For a lot of us, myself included, the only thing that comes to mind is work. But, what about when you're not working? There are tons of things that you can do in order to have fun in the sun while also keeping close tabs on your bank account. What's better than having fun and saving money? With that, here are five low-cost, fun things to do with your summer.

Visit a new city

I think I can honestly say that some of the "day-cations" I've been on have catered some of the best memories I have. Round up some of your favorite friends and take a short trip to a place you've never been! You never know when you'll find a new cafe, park, or store that will become a staple for your trips in the future! Who knows? The entire city might be a vacation spot for future summers!

Go on a picnic

When the weather is this great in the summer, I know I sure can't stay inside. I'm always itching to bask in the sun, lay in a hammock, or sit on a beach. A low-cost, easy activity for the summer is to go on a picnic! Nothing feels better than sitting on a blanket, having a laugh, and enjoying a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Learn a new language

Alright, so maybe you won't learn an entirely new language. However, wouldn't it be cool to know some things? Or if you are in the process of learning a language, why stop just because of summer starting? Learning a second language is becoming so vital in our world and I think that everyone can benefit from knowing two or more languages. A lot of us who are in college are required to take language classes, so what's stopping us from getting ahead in that French class next semester? Plus, you'll be able to brag to your friends that you know another language.

Read some new books

As an honorary book worm, I can never read enough. However, with my life being so busy during school, I hardly get a chance to read for fun. With that, I do my best to try and read at least five new books every summer break. Even if you don't love reading as I do, it can be fun to escape your daily life and join a world of magic or of romance. Something that has helped me in the past is challenging myself. I start out and challenge myself to read at least five books. If I finish my five books earlier than expected, I challenge myself to read two more, then two more, and so on. So, hit up your local library and get to turning pages!

Volunteer at an animal shelter

If you're an animal lover, what better way to show that than helping out at an animal shelter? The workers always welcome help and usually are very busy. I know that I love volunteering and getting to spend time with all the cute fur babies there! It can be a hefty job but is fun nonetheless. Getting to spend all day with cute cats and dogs is great every time!