50 free things to do when it’s hot

Ice creams, days out, beach trips and barbecues. When the sun’s out, the costs can quickly add up.

But you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy the warm weather. In fact, some of the best summer days are the simplest ones.

Here are 50 free things to do when it's hot.

Make the most of your local area

1. Visit your local park.
2. Explore a woodland walk you've never tried before.
3. Find a new public footpath or countryside trail.
4. Walk along a canal or riverside.
5. Visit a nearby nature reserve.
6. Take a stroll around your local village or town and notice places you've never seen before.
7. Sit in the shade and read a book from the library.
8. Watch the sunset from a local viewpoint.
9. Go on a wildflower or butterfly hunt.
10. Pack a picnic using food you already have at home.

Cool off without spending

11. Have a water fight in the garden.
12. Run through the sprinkler.
13. Paddle in a stream where it's safe to do so.
14. Visit a free outdoor pool if your local council has one.
15. Dip your feet in a bowl of cold water while reading a book.
16. Freeze grapes or slices of fruit for a refreshing snack.
17. Open your windows early in the morning to let cooler air in.
18. Close your curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cooler.
19. Relax in the coolest room in the house with a good book or podcast.
20. Enjoy a homemade iced drink using ingredients you've already got.

Get moving

21. Go for an early morning walk before it gets too hot.
22. Dust off your bike and explore local cycle paths.
23. Play football in the park.
24. Have a game of rounders with family or friends.
25. Try a free outdoor gym if there's one near you.
26. Follow a free yoga or stretching session online.
27. See how many steps you can walk in a day.
28. Fly a kite if there's a breeze.
29. Play frisbee in an open space.
30. Head out for an evening walk as the temperature starts to drop.

Get creative

31. Draw or paint outdoors.
32. Take photos of flowers, insects or wildlife.
33. Press flowers to make homemade bookmarks.
34. Start a summer diary.
35. Write a short story.
36. Spot birds using a free app.
37. Build a den in the garden with the kids.
38. Make daisy chains.
39. Listen to your favourite music outside.
40. Start planning your next budget-friendly adventure.

Enjoy time together

41. Invite friends round for a cuppa in the garden.
42. Borrow a board game from a friend.
43. Visit your local library and pick up some free books.
44. Explore a free museum if it's too hot outside.
45. Watch the stars once it gets dark.
46. Visit a local church, castle ruins or historic site that's free to enter.
47. Spend an hour people-watching in your local park.
48. Plan next year's holiday without booking anything.
49. Have a phone-free afternoon with family.
50. Simply sit outside, enjoy the sunshine and do absolutely nothing for a while.

So before you head for your wallet, see how many of these 50 free activities you can tick off this summer. You'll save money, spend more time outdoors and make the most of the sunshine while it lasts.

After all, summer doesn't have to be expensive to be unforgettable.