10 Low-cost Summer Activity Ideas

16th August 2022, 2:02pm in Lifestyle by Amy Newham

Summer is a favourite time of year for many, but it can also be expensive. Whether you're scratching your head at how to entertain the kids or trying to think of alternative ideas to spending £12 on a cocktail with your mates, we have compiled a list of low-cost summer activities that won't break the bank. Plus, a chance to win a 'Fun Together Experience Box' by entering our summer holiday competition.

1. Explore free spaces around you

Parks, libraries, and museums are some of the few spaces you can visit for free and can provide hours of endless fun. (Never underestimate the value of a swing set and slide!)

Organising a picnic in the park is a fun activity for adults and kids, especially in the lovely summer weather. Libraries and museums are also great places to hang out and discover new things (and you may even be able to take advantage of their air-conditioning!).

2. De-clutter your wardrobe

If your wardrobe is struggling to close, it might be time for a sort out. With Autumn fast approaching, you will want to make space for some bulkier garments like cardigans and jeans. Clothes are one of the most popular items sent through our services and you can sell your pre-loved clothes via online market places like eBay and connect your store with Shipping Manager and send with low-cost couriers.

3. Get crafty!

Whether you're creatively inclined or not, completing a summer art project can be very rewarding and doesn't have to cost a fortune. You can utilise old cardboard boxes and transform them into unique wall art, playhouses or DIY improvements- a great way to keep the kids entertained and you're not having to buy new materials!

4. Host a film night

Bring the big screen to the small screen and host a film night in the comfort of your home. Streaming services like Netflix has thousands of films to choose from and paired with some popcorn and comfy blankets, you're ready to go. If some of your friends live further away, you could stream the film simultaneously and send them a mini film night box so you can share the experience. Cheap delivery services like Evri ParcelShop Postable are excellent for shipping smaller items like DVDs and sweets.

5. Experiment making cocktails (adults only!)

You don't need to be a mixologist to dabble in cocktail making. If you have half-full spirits in your cupboard, making cocktails for yourself and your friends is a fun way to use up bottles and create tasty concoctions (at half the price of your London bar). You can find many tasty recipes online, such as how to make your favourite Mojito, Espresso Martini and Aperol Spritz from BBC Goodfood. Did you know we also offer a specific liquid courier service suitable for sending alcohol like wine and beer? APC Liquid is a collection-only service, and packages are sorted by hand and handled in separate cages to maximise protection in transit. Find out the best way to send liquids by courier in our recent blog. Bottoms up!

6. Trial a new sport

We all know how important exercise is for your physical and mental well-being but you don't have to spend money on a costly gym membership. We all remember the popular Joe Wicks classes during the lockdown. You can find many online yoga, aerobics and fitness tutorials and lessons online via YouTube for adults and kids.

If you don't have much space at home to exercise, make use of local parks. Many parks have free tennis courts, so you can dust off the old tennis rackets and perhaps pick up a new sport.

7. Organise a BBQ

Sizzling sausages, delicious chicken wings, and the crackle of sweetcorn, what's better than a summer BBQ? Buying all the food and drink and splitting evenly between everyone is much cheaper than eating at a restaurant- BBQs are a big hit in our office!

8. Start a book club

Escape from the real world and immerse yourself in a fictional fantasy. Even if you're not the biggest bookworm, reading can help reduce stress, increase vocabulary, and aid sleep readiness. Plus, it's a low-cost activity that can be made more enjoyable by creating a regular book club with friends. Plus, if you don't want to buy a new book each time, you can always borrow the latest release from your local library. If you are sending books, make sure to read our recent blog on shipping books with Interparcel!

9. Grow your own fruit and veg

Even if you don't have green fingers, why not have a go at planting some flowers or growing fruit and veg in the garden? Strawberries, tomatoes and cucumbers are some popular fruit and vegetables that can be planted and grown in the summer and it's a great activity that all the family can get involved in.

If you only have a small patio space or a balcony, many planters are available to buy that are designed to fit in small spaces and some will even fit on windowsills.

10. Enter our August bank holiday competition!

Enter our August summer holiday competition for the chance to win a 'Fun Together Experience Box' from Buyagift. With over 2010 experiences to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Like and share our post with #interparcel on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to be in with a chance of winning! T&Cs apply. The competition ends at noon on 25/08/2022. The winner will be selected at random and will be contacted once the prize draw has closed.

Don't forget! If you need to send a parcel over the summer holidays, get an instant quote using our free online quote tool! If you have any questions about your order, don't hesitate to contact our friendly support team, or for tips on how to package your parcel watch our helpful tutorial video!

If you regularly send parcels, our advanced Shipping Manager simplifies parcel delivery and offers a variety of benefits such as free account set up, parcel presets, access to a range of eCommerce integrations, branded tracking and much more! Find out about our many free account features by reading our recent blog!