Summer has arrived and this means to my friends and I, no school, sleeping in and freedom. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to stay cool and entertained this summer as a teenager in Southern California.

Here are five sizzling summer activities great for teens.

1.     Beach- Teens and the beach go hand in hand in Californian. It is not summer without surf and sand. Luckily, there are so many great beaches from, Huntington Beach, to Moonlight, Laguna, Santa Monica, La Jolla, Oceanside and more. Each one has its own special qualities so you have to find the one right for you. My friends and I like to lounge around and soak up the sun, boogie board, surf, take beautiful pictures of the sunset, and chill with friends. Without the beach, it is not really a summer. 

2.     Orange County Fair- Last year, I visited with my cousin for the first time. It was probably one of the greatest times I had last summer.  I prefer to go in the later part of the day, and enjoy all the great things they have to offer. If you can stay late because there are many great concerts, food, and things to see that you would not want to miss. This year, it is open from July 17-Aug 16. It is located on 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626, and if you want to contact them call, 714.708.1501 or visit their website,  http://www.ocfair.com/2015/. 

3.     Sports- Summer is not an excuse to get lazy. We teens still need to stay active so we might as well make it fun. I like to grab my friends to kick a soccer ball, but you can throw some hoops, play catch with a football, or even pass a lacrosse ball. You do not have to be involved in a club, recreational or  high school league to enjoy playing a sport. Even going to visit a professional game would be great, as you can spend the whole day there with family or friends.                                                          

 4.     Movies- Escape the heat and watch a movie in the cool air-conditioned theaters.  The summer is filled with new movie releases. If you want to save some money and view, a movie that came out a month or so ago visit my favorite theater, the Temeku Cinemas on 26463 Ynez Road, Temecula, CA. You can call them at (951) 296-9728, and search all the movies they have to offer at http://tristonecinemas.com/temekucinemas. The movies do take time to get here, from the regular theater, but it’s worth waiting, especially when it comes to saving money.

 5.    Dates- No need to clean the bank when it comes to this, as even the inexpensive dates, can be the most exciting. One of my favorite places, especially during the summer, is to go get frozen yogurt. Not only is it very delicious, but also doesn’t cost much, and the best to eat when temperatures rise. Even though every yogurt place is delicious, Yogurtland, on 40444 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd Murrieta, CA 92563, is one of the best, so make sure to stop by and enjoy it for yourself.Their website is www.yogurt-land.com/, and their telephone number is (951) 461-9262. In addition, luckily, there are many more locations from Menifee to Temecula to enjoy this great treat.