The last day of school already passed and the most asked question was “What will you do this summer?” A similar question will be asked in September “What did you do this summer?” The top three answers I get from my students are:
- Nothing, summer is boring.
- Work.
- I went back to my country.
Is great if we could all travel to another country, but many of us will not. Don’t worry; there are still many things you can do to have a fun and interesting summer without spending much. NO MORE EXCUSES FOR A BORING SUMMER…The following is a list of ideas to make your own summer adventure without spending much and/or going too far!
- GOOGLE FOR ACTIVITIES: Find out what summer activities are going on in your town. Google “What to do in West Orange NJ” for example and you will get a list of activities.
- Free or Cheap things to do in West Orange: http://attractions.uptake.com/new_jersey/west_orange/cheap_vacations/807893724.html
- FREE INFORMATION @ YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY: Libraries are not just for reading books, librarians are full of information. Also, many libraries have free events such as concerts, art shows, movies, and much more. Just visit your library and ask a librarian for a list of summer activities in your area.
- Check out the events in the Library by going on the Library Web site and click on their calendar: http://www.wopl.org/Calendar/index.html
- VISIT YOUR LOCAL PARK: Many local parks are full of summer activities from free concerts, art shows, movies under the stars and more or go for a picnic, start a soccer game, read a book under a tree, watch the clouds on a summer day, relax…if you don’t know what parks are near by use Google map, type in your address and look for green space or you can Google for parks near your street.
- GO TO A FESTIVAL: Summer time is full of festivals ask a librarian or Google summer festivals in your area. I find that Libraries know more about what is happening locally than Google, so I recommend starting at your Library for a list of local festivals.
If you want to travel and spend a little cash…
- TAKE A TRAIN or BUS RIDE:
Use NJ Transit (trains or buses) to visit some great places by going on to www.njtransi.com and searching for your destination:
CLOSE TO HOME:
New York City:
· The Metropolitan Museum of Art - http://www.metmuseum.org/
· The American Museum of National History - http://www.amnh.org/
· Free Things to do in NYC –
JERSEY SHORE (New Jersey Beaches):
· Sandy Hook – Beach and a great Light House - http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/shumasstransit.htm
· Ocean Groove / Travel Back to the Victorian Era - http://www.oceangrovenj.com/html/photos.html
AMUSEMENT:
6. IF YOU CAN TRAVEL BY CAR
I recommend the following places for a great day trip or weekend:
· Delaware Water Gap and Pocono Mountains / hiking, river attractions, nature and more: http://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm
o Great Bakery @ Delaware Water Gap: http://www.villagefarmer.com/www.villagefarmer.com/Welcome.html
· Round Valley State Park / great lake for swimming and having a picnic: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/round.html
Many attractions (movies, museums, restaurants, even stores) give student discount, just show your student ID and ask if they give a discount; it does not hurt to ask if it will get you a lower price!!!
I hope this inspires you to have your own summer adventure…no more excuses...be prepared because once school starts someone will ask… “What did you do this summer?”
