Have a Fun Summer on a Student Budget
Posted: June 24, 2019 | Author: Kierstin Pitcher-Holloway | Read Time: 4 minutes
It can be difficult to enjoy your summer while attending classes as a college student, not only is your time limited, but your budget for summer fun can be next to nonexistent. It’s easy for students to find themselves at the end of summer with only memories of attending class, going to work and using their parents’ streaming subscriptions.
Before you resign yourself to this fate, here are some ideas to help make the most of your collegiate summer at Southern Utah University:
Entertainment
You may not be able to afford tickets to see your favorite band play in concert this summer, but Cedar City offers its own entertainment at an affordable price.
- The Greenshow. This free outdoor entertainment is a part of the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Three different shows are offered and alternate throughout the summer providing viewers with laughter and fun.
- Off the Cuff (OTC) comedy. This comedy show is perfect for students who have busy weekdays/nights. Every Friday night OTC presents their weekly show at 10 p.m. for $7 per person.
- Utah Shakespeare Festival. Normally ticket prices for the festival productions run pretty high, but with the student access pass T-Birds can see these shows for a fraction of the cost. The pass costs $40, meaning if you saw each show once the cost per ticket would total $5.
Tourism
Who says you have to be on vacation to be a tourist? You can play tourist right here in Cedar City by visiting these fun tourist sites.
- Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA). SUMA showcases the artwork of students and faculty from SUU as well as the work of local landscape artists and other recognized artists from various parts of the country. Admission is free and museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Frontier Homestead State Park. This park has indoor and outdoor exhibits with hands-on activities. The homestead features Utah history and pioneer life. Admission is $4 ($2 for Iron County residents).
- Downtown Exploration. Downtown Cedar City is populated with quaint coffee houses, charming shops and great mom and pop restaurants. It also has historical buildings like the Old Post Office and the Union Pacific Railroad building. Combined these attractions make downtown a great place to visit, even if just for a little window shopping.
Outdoor Recreation
SUU is known for its proximity to a number of national parks. However many of these parks charge a hefty entrance fee and require a bit of a drive to get there. This doesn’t mean you have to doom yourself to a summer spent indoors! Great alternatives are available.
- Cedar City Main Street Park. This park is a perfect place for a picnic. It also has a fun playground and swing set that could benefit any non-traditional students with children. That said, you’re never too old for swings, so any student can enjoy this fun park.
- Three Peaks Recreation Area. Entry to Three Peaks is free. The park offers interesting rock formations great for climbing, trails for both biking and ATV riding, as well a frisbee golf course. Camping spots can also be reserved for $10 per night.
- Coal Creek Trail. This trial is perfect for running, walking, biking or rollerblading. Along the trail you can find drinking fountains and benches with scenic views.
Swimming
Summer isn’t complete without swimming, so even if a season pass to a fancy water park isn't in the budget, T-Birds won’t have to look far to find a place to cool off.
- Lake at the Hills. Less than a ten minute drive from SUU campus, the lake offers easy access to open water fun. Amenities include restrooms, boat ramp (non-motorized boats), umbrella stands and kayak rentals. Rentals range from $4 to $6 per hour.
- SUU Aquatic Center. Free for students with an ID card, the Aquatic Center has open swim and lap swim Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Cedar City Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center provides more than just a pool with its splash pad, lazy river, hot tub and waterslide. Admission is low at just $4.50 for adults.
Food Fun
Food is not only necessary in all seasons but can provide a fun way to spend time with family and friends.
- Farmer’s Market. At the Downtown Farmer’s Market visitors can peruse different vendors for good deals on fresh locally grown produce and enjoy this unique food experience. The market takes place every Saturday morning.
- Bulloch Drug’s Soda Fountain. Bulloch Drug in downtown Cedar City features an old fashioned soda fountain where customers can choose from a variety of tasty treats and drinks like a “Pink Lady” or “Lime Ricky” offered at a reasonable price. If students are looking for an even better deal Bullock Drug offers refills on drinks at a discounted price.
- Brad’s Food Hut. If you’re looking for a classic burger joint, Brad’s is the place to go. Not only does it have a fun local vibe, but the prices are great.
Summers in Cedar City offer plenty of options for affordable fun. From outdoor activities and festivals to theatrical productions, here are the 10 things you can do for $10 or less this summer.
Tags: Cedar City Student
