Summer break is the perfect time to relax, recharge, and have fun, but with school just around the corner, it’s important to make the most of it. Going out with friends can quickly get expensive, especially with so many trending restaurants making eating out the default option. For those wanting to enjoy the rest of their time off without spending more, here are five free activities that are both fun and memorable.

Beach Days
Most R.H. King students are lucky to live near one of Toronto’s nicest beaches: the Scarborough Bluffs. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful lake views, the Bluffs offer a unique natural setting. Planning a day there is simple and free, whether it includes picnicking with friends or walking along the shore. The Bluffs are not only a great place to enjoy the summer weather, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors, but also a reminder of the natural beauty found right in the heart of Scarborough.

Movie Nights
Living rooms and bedrooms are the perfect places to convert into cozy home theatres. With a small group of friends, choose a house to gather at, pick a theme, and stream a few free films! It’s an easy way to bring people together, and the host gets the perfect opportunity to ask guests to donate snacks as an admission fee. For those unsure of what to watch, The Kingsley Voice has compiled recommendations straight from King students compiled by Joanna Joseph and Prithikga Vinotharupan.

Volunteering
Volunteering doesn’t cost a thing and, at the end of the day, can be extremely rewarding. R.H. King, too, takes pride in the fact it was one of the first High Schools in the country to require its students to complete volunteer hours to graduate! Regular Ontario high school students are required to complete 40 hours of community service, while leadership students at King must complete 100. The summer break is an excellent time to work toward those hours, while also offering a chance to give back to the community and meet new people.

Creative Projects
If learning an instrument or picking up a skill like crocheting or knitting feels daunting or expensive, starting a scrapbook, photo album, or journal can be a perfect alternative for unleashing creativity. Documenting daily life in a physical form helps create a stronger connection to the present moment. For instance, keeping a gratitude journal to write in once a week or creating a scrapbook to remember a month can help capture memories worth looking back on. These small acts also encourage appreciation for the small moments of daily life.

Hit the books
Summer might feel like a break from school, but it can also be a great opportunity to stay sharp—not just academically. Reading a few books, easily accessible through the Toronto Public Library’s hold service or its eBook app, Libby, can make the transition back to class smoother and help keep critical thinking skills sharp. Even setting aside a little time each week to read can be beneficial for maintaining habits of structure and discipline. Not everything needs to be important, hard-to-read literature—contemporary novels, YA fiction, or even comics can be just as valuable and might feel easier to read while one is still in summer mode! For some recommendations, be sure to check out the Kingsley Voice’s list of must-reads for teenagers made by Bavina Sivapatham.