Students generally look forward to summer, but it can be hard to fully take advantage of the season. Many fun activities, like walking around the boardwalk, spending money at shops, going to the aquarium, and going on vacation, can also cost a lot of money. Also, because everyone wants to do the same things in the summer, popular places like the beach can get really crowded. But don’t fret; you can still have an awesome summer even if you don’t spend a lot of money. There are lots of fun things to do that are free and not too busy or expensive.
Going to the beach can be tricky. Sometimes, it’s hard to find a place to park, and parking can be expensive depending on where you park. Parking at the Oceanfront can cost up to $10-20 and private parking lots cost even more. Even if you don’t drive, the beach can be extremely busy with lots of people. It’s hard to find a good spot to sit. It’s not easy to have fun when there are so many people around.
If you relate to this, I have a solution for you. Drive all the way down to 89th Street. You don’t have to pay for parking there. Even if there are people there, they are typically quiet and prefer to keep to themselves. Plus, there are hardly ever kids running around screaming, just you and the sound of waves crashing. The pathway to the actual beach is honestly my favorite part. It is green all over and has very pretty flowers. Plus, there are poles in the ground to set up a net and play volleyball, or whatever interests you. Almost every time I’m there, I see dolphins, and they usually stay in that area. Last time I saw over 20 dolphins in one pod!
So, if you’re looking for the best beach spot that’s calm and doesn’t cost money for parking, 89th Street is a great place for you. It’s like a local secret where you can enjoy the sand and waves without a crowd or expensive parking. Grab your sunscreen, a good book, and get ready for a relaxing day at the beach. It just might be your new getaway.
If you’re looking for something different and fun to do, but also educational, check out the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk. It is free admission, you can look at amazing art and learn the history of art. If you find yourself more interested, they also have a pretty cafe called Zinna Café. It’s a super cozy and yummy spot. You can grab tasty sandwiches, fresh salads, and maybe even a treat like a cookie or a brownie. It’s a nice place to relax.Â
They also have two main outdoor gardens. The Chrysler Museum garden is like a hidden treasure. Imagine walking through a secret garden with winding paths, where there are sculptures and art pieces placed among the plants like surprises waiting to be discovered. Sometimes, you might even find a quiet spot to sit and read a book and enjoy the sounds of nature. It’s the perfect spot to take some cute photos, too.
If you find yourself more interested in the museum, they have many events like glassmaking demonstrations, yoga, Introduction to bead making, glassbowling, and live music. So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational place, the Chrysler Museum is the place to be. It’s like a secret spot that not everyone knows about, but it’s packed with cool art, pretty gardens, and even a yummy cafe. You can learn new things without even realizing it. Next time you’re bored, give the Chrysler Museum a try! You might just find your new favorite place.
Last summer, I found more fun things to do that were either free or cheap, because throughout the summer, everything adds up. I discovered a love for catching crabs at Chic’s Beach. It’s super easy and doesn’t cost much. All you need is some raw chicken, fishing line or rope, and a net.
Just tie the chicken to your string/rope and toss it into the water. Wait a bit, then slowly pull it up until you can see the chicken in the water. If there are crabs munching on it, preferably have a friend bring the net and scoop them up. Crabbing is best at night and sometimes takes patience, but once the crabs start biting, you can catch a bunch.
From my own experience, we have caught over 30 blue crabs. I’ll admit that at first I wasn’t interested, but I still went with my family for the experience, and now it’s my new favorite thing to do. Occasionally, people will be around fishing as well. I’ve even seen someone catch a sting ray and a seahorse. While it may seem cool, make sure you educate yourself on whether you can keep certain sea life before you attempt, because lots of animals in the ocean are protected by the law. It’s really important not to catch any girl crabs that are pregnant; they usually have a bright orange pouch on the bottom of the crab. It is illegal to have pregnant crabs, and you could get fined.
​The best part is that you enjoy seafood, unlike me. You can boil them and eat them with some butter. That’s my family’s favorite part because it’s fresh and cheaper than going to the market. So if this sounds interesting, go to the Lesner Bridge. It’s a very pretty and cool experience to try something new, even if it doesn’t sound like something you would like.
