By Boa Pistol-Boesch:

Summer break is almost here, which for most teens means lots of free time with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Finding inexpensive and fun things to do over the summer is difficult if you don’t know where or what to look for.

The mall or the movies is a cool hangout spot for teens to hide from the weather but with the price of a movie and snacks going up, it becomes difficult to pay for a day at the movies.

A trip to the mall may require having spending money, which is not always within everyone’s budget. There are, however, other fun activities that are completely free or extremely cheap.

Instead of going out to a movie theater, trying creating your own movie night at home. Invite a few friends over and ask each of them bring their favorite movie and snacks.

Then you can watch all your favorite movies at home without having to pay an extraneous amount of money.

With the summer heat increasing, water parks are a fun and cool option, but prices can be high. Try setting up your own water park by using a tarp and covering it in water and dish soap then invite friends over and see who can slide the farthest.

Also buying cheap balloons and filling them up with watter can be fun on a hot day. You can even arrange teams and have your own water balloon war.

Camping is always fun, but if you can’t pay to rent a camping spot or can’t get to one, you can always make your own backyard camp out. If you don’t have a tent already, you can tie together sheets and use brooms or chairs as support beams to make your own tent.

No backyard? No problem. Try pitching a tent in your living room. Sharing scary stories, eating marshmallows and playing a few games can be fun activities for everyone.

Instead of going to the mall to buy more clothes, try having a garage sale to get rid of old clothes. Not only is it a great way to earn some money, but you’re also making room for new clothes.

Saturdays and Sundays are the most popular days to hold garage sales, so after hosting your own, go looking for others. You can often find really great deals on interesting, unique items.

Look around your community, there are some really great places that offer student discounts and free tickets such as museums and concerts. Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills hosts a series of concerts and movie nights throughout the summer that are completely free.

Many museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the California Science Center offer student discounts and opportunities to volunteer. Take advantage of what your community has to offer and get out there.

There are lots of other activities you can do over the summer such as going to the beach, finding a book you can get into, having dance parties with your friends, and so much more.

All you have to do is look for the opportunities and have fun.