7 Things To Do If You're Stuck At Home This Summer

There's nothing sweeter than summer when you're a "young adult." It's the perfect time to take advantage of the amazing weather and more relaxed attitude in order to travel and go on once-in-a-lifetime adventures with all of your friends. But, if you're living with your parents, are victim of a demanding work schedule, or have a strictly limited budget that keeps you stuck at home, you may feel a little differently about the sunshine season as you try to find fun things to do this summer.

I've totally been there. The summer after I graduated college, I was unemployed and living in my childhood bedroom in my parents' home. It felt like all of my friends either had "real lives" and were off doing crazy exciting things. Or, they were still livin' the dream in college. Whatever it was that was occupying their time, it definitely felt like I was the only one resigned to a summer filled with sweatpants, bad TV, and my parents' basement.

You may feel like you don't have the resources or finances to make the most out of your summer, but I'm here to tell you that there are plenty of things you can do that don't involve travel or a huge budget. Sure, you'd probably rather be relaxing in the sun in South Beach or strolling the streets of Paris. When those simply aren't an option, give these ideas a try!

1. Be a tourist in your own town

So, you can't travel. But, I'm willing to bet there are tons of fun things you never bothered to do in your own hometown — and I'm not talking about the mall or the movies. Check out your local museums and attractions. Is there a brewery tour somewhere you can go on? Is there a historical landmark you never bothered to stop by? Or a restaurant that you've been meaning to try? Many of these things can be done with a pretty small budget, so make a list of the awesome things in your own hometown and get out there!

2. Commit to trying something new

If you're anything like me, you usually have really great intentions of trying something new — and then never quite get around to it. This summer is the perfect time to finally expand your horizons. Whether that means mastering a new language, trying out a new fitness class, or exercising your green thumb with that vegetable garden you've been meaning to plant, look at your "boring" summer as an open calendar where you have time to try a bunch of new things.

3. Support a great cause

Volunteering costs you nothing, and you can't put a price on how wonderful it makes you feel. Was that cheesy enough for you? Really, giving back to your community is a great use of your time and will help to give you a sense of purpose and contribution to the greater good. Plus, volunteer work is always great to bring up in job interviews! So, go ahead — walk dogs at the local animal shelter, or play bingo with the residents at a nursing home. You'll better your community, and it will probably lift your spirits too.

4. Experiment with new recipes

Just because you can't travel around the world this summer doesn't mean you can't experiment with international cuisines in your own kitchen. Start scouring Pinterest, and whip up some delicious, exotic recipes. Grill up some Indian-style beef satay kabobs, or DIY your own taco seasoning. Or, stick with American cuisine and pull together some innovative side dishes to step up your backyard barbecue reputation.

5. Go geocaching

Admittedly, geocaching is always something I've wanted to try. It's the perfect way to get outside, enjoy nature, explore the area, and find some fun treasures! Search online for a geocaching site, and then look for locations near you to see if anyone has hidden any secret prizes. If so, grab a GPS unit, or find the coordinates on a map to start hunting for the rewards.

6. Treat yourself to a DIY spa day

Perhaps you don't have the budget for a relaxing day at the spa. Bring the spa to you by putting together some luxurious DIY beauty treatments in the comfort of your own home. Nourish your hair with a hair mask made from avocado and eggs, or make your own body scrub with brown sugar, honey, olive oil, and lemon juice. Now, if only you could hire a professional masseuse for free.

7. Eat way too much ice cream

Let's face it — one of the best parts about summer is ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream. Spend a day indulging yourself in a bunch of wild and delicious sundae recipes. Or, put together a masterpiece ice cream sandwich. I'm drooling just thinking about it.

Looking for instant ways to beat the heat this summer? Check out these genius cooling tricks, and for more life hacks, visit Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Claudio Beck/Flickr