7 Budget-friendly ways to enjoy the Nigerian summer without leaving your neighbourhood

When you hear “summer,” your mind probably flashes to people sipping cocktails by the ocean, or boarding flights to “the abroad.” You’re not wrong to think that, but we are talking about summer in Nigeria, not the bikini-and-beach kind, the sometimes sunny, sometimes soaked-through kind.

It’s summertime, Wizkid has dropped the song of the summer, all your friends will be home for a few weeks, and nothing can stop you from enjoying this summer. But there is a catch: fuel prices are high, the plane uses kerosene, but flight costs are even higher, and the road to your rich aunt’s house in Ogun State is doing the pothole Olympics. You did not commit any crime; you are just trying to enjoy a soft life through inflation, and we will show you how.

Your neighbourhood, yes, your very own street with the half-fixed transformer, where generator noises are always active. Don’t fret, these seven budget-friendly ways will help you enjoy this summer while you can still say, “I didn’t even leave my street.”

1. Host a Small Backyard Hangout

Relax. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. All you need is your backyard, big balcony, or that patch of concrete by the gate that you’ve always wondered what it was built for; now is the time to give it a purpose.

Set the mood with your Bluetooth speaker and whip up something cold. This is where that zobo tutorial in your “YouTube watch later” comes in; you can still freestyle with whatever’s in the fridge. Invite six or seven friends over. No big crowd. Just you and your guys playing Ludo, Whot, or Charades, gisting, and unwinding together. You might play FIFA, too, if NEPA decides to give you electricity.

You’ll see how you guys argue about which musical artists deserved the next-rated Headies award in one minute. Next, you’re debating whether Amala is superior to Jollof. Now, do you have a pet? Let them join in on the hangout, too! Except your dog is the type that hates socialising, it will enjoy the company, and your cat will pretend it doesn’t care but secretly stay close. Those guys love to have fun, too!

What is a Nigerian Hangout without food? Get something your friends can munch on, maybe chin-chin or roasted corn, but nothing comes close to small chops, the final boss of all finger foods.

2. Explore Your Local Market Like a Tourist

We know you’ve passed that market a hundred times. Maybe you even dash in and out unnecessarily. But have you ever actually explored it like, really studied it with the curiosity of someone visiting Nigeria for the first time?

Walk into your local market like you’re starring in a travel vlog. Ask questions about unfamiliar items or foods. Look out for the peppered grasshopper on that aboki’s tray. It’s strange and unusual, but that’s the point. You are not here for your regular errands today; you are here to explore.

Take pictures of colourful stalls, bargain like your life depends on it, and, most importantly, soak in the chaos of it all. If you don’t mind having company, bring a friend and turn it into a foodie challenge: N2,000 max. Who can get the best combo of snacks and drinks? The winner gets bragging rights.

3. Start a Small Book Club

This one is for the bookworms. Let’s be honest: Most of us have a pile of books we swore we’d finish “soon.” Well, what’s softer than actually reading them while sipping Zobo under the evening sky?

Nothing formal about it. Just two to five people. Choose a book you all agree on, and set aside one day a week this summer to meet. Use your balcony, backyard, corridor, or someone’s parlour as long as there is enough ventilation.

Bring snacks. Sometimes, the gist will wander from the book into politics, or somebody’s suspicious crush on a fictional character, and that’s fine. All you need is interest, a good book, and people who enjoy using the word “deep” at least once per session.

4. Turn Rainy Days into Movie Nights

We all know how one minute it’s drizzling, and right on cue, NEPA hears the first raindrop and says, “It’s time.” Power is gone just like that.

These rainy days are the perfect excuse to host a proper movie marathon. If NEPA behaves, take advantage. Dim the lights, grab your blanket, queue up something nostalgic, and pretend you’re in a cinema with your homemade popcorn slightly burnt, but elite.

If NEPA decides to disgrace you, don’t worry. Have your movies downloaded and continue. The vibes must go on. You didn’t buy that puff-puff and cold Zobo to suffer in silence. You can also rotate movie hosting with friends. One person brings the film, another brings the snacks, and someone else brings backup power. All die na die, isn’t it?

Read also: Summer holiday in times of economic slowdown

5. Create a Home Spa Day with a Local Touch

If the summer won’t take you to Zanzibar, then Zanzibar will have to find space in your bathroom and parlour. Sometimes, the soft life is in your house just waiting for you to boil water and light one candle like you’re in a wellness ad.

Start with a proper bath. Add a disinfectant to hot water to steam your feet. Use shea butter or coconut oil for the afterglow. Mix honey and sugar for a face scrub. Rub it gently. Look at yourself in the mirror and say, “Na me be this?”

For peace of mind, disconnect from social media and work emails. Play a calm playlist. Close your eyes and pretend you’re at a silent retreat. Sometimes, soft life smells like shea butter, and feels like the peace you gave yourself for free. The trick is in the intention.

6. Attend Free or Low-Cost Community Events

You know those flyers you scroll past on Instagram or the WhatsApp broadcast your friend sends every week? The ones about free events, open mic nights, food fairs, art shows, or community hangouts at the park? Yeah, those ones. Instead of swiping past, show up.

You’d be surprised what you’ll find going on right in your neighbourhood and for free. There’s always something happening, from Freedom Park in Lagos to Jabi Lake hangouts in Abuja or even mini exhibitions in community centres near you. You just have to look. Check Eventbrite, Twitter, Facebook groups, dedicated Instagram event pages, or even your estate’s group chat. Someone is always organising something, and half the time, it involves food and music.

If you feel like it, try volunteering at one. Help set up chairs, serve drinks, or assist the organisers. You’ll meet new people who will help you have a fulfilling summer.

7. Try a New Skill or Hobby

The budget might be tight, but your imagination doesn’t cost a thing. Literally. Pick up a new skill or hobby Of course, not to become a billionaire overnight, but to feel the joy of trying something new and not hating it.

Have you always wanted to learn to paint, bake, or dance? Now’s your time. YouTube is your free university. Instagram reels and TikTok videos are your course material. And if your data is misbehaving, download it with your night plan.

You can start small. Decorate old jars and turn them into plant holders. Try digital drawing on your phone or simply journal your thoughts and create “soft life” vision boards. The goal isn’t perfection. You might surprise yourself. And even if you don’t, you’ll have stories.

Conclusion

See, enjoyment doesn’t have to come with a flight ticket or a drained account. Sometimes, it’s in the breeze from your balcony, a book shared with friends, or the joy of trying out the puff-puff from a new spot down the road.
You have more than enough room for rest, laughter, and a soft life right where you are. Create the best summer for yourself, friends, and family: no stress, no passport, just pure vibes!