The summer months in Chico are some of the best times to be in Chico! Don’t you agree? Sure it can get a little hot but there are plenty of ways to cool off. You know another thing that can get a little too high when looking for things to do in Chico? The amount of money you spend.

Don’t fret because we’ve got some fun ways to save money that allow you to still fully enjoy the Chico experience while not emptying out your wallet.

Take a Dip in a Local Swimming Hole

Chico is full of great places to take a dip to cool off. We all know how gosh dang hot it can get here in the summer months, so a swim in one of the local creeks, rivers or lakes is the way to go. Plus, it’s completely free and a great way to save money.

• Upper Park locations: Bear Hole, Alligator Hole, Browns Hole
• Little Chico Creek
• The Trestle
• Honey Run Covered Bridge/Butte Creek Canyon
• One Mile
• Just outside of Chico: Lake Oroville, Black Butte Lake, The Flumes in Paradise

Become One with Nature

Chico has so many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors and nature, for absolutely free. Just be careful of the rattlesnakes this time of year. Every part of Bidwell Park is completely free and offers trails to hike, run, bike and ride horses on. You can choose between paved paths, gravel or more mountainous terrain.

Check out this map for trail information: Bidwell Park Trail Map

Visit the Farmers’ Markets

To truly experience Chico you must visit the two big weekly farmers’ markets, The Thursday Night Market and Chico Certified Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning. Both markets have a variety of seasonally fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and locally made goods and food. It’s a great way to experience the culture and atmosphere of Chico. This is where you will find a lot of true Chico locals, especially at the Saturday morning market. The markets have a big group of devout followers.

Chico Observatory

The Chico Observatory is one of Chico’s little hidden secrets. Not a lot of people know that they can get a good look at planets and stars right here in Chico. They have some pretty powerful telescopes and the best part is that it’s free! This is a great place to take your kids, hang out with a friend, or take a date.

Disc Golf

Have you ever played disc golf? If not, it’s really fun! If you like golf and Frisbee, think about combining the two. That’s what disc golf is kind of like. There are a few different disc golf courses in Chico where you can play for free.

For more information on disc golf and local courses click here: Local Disc Golf Courses

Bike Trails

Chico is arguably one of the most bike friendly towns in Northern California. There are bike trails everywhere and you can pretty much get anywhere with ease, without it taking forever. Riding a bike will not only help you save money but it will help you get to know Chico better and experience/see things you wouldn’t while driving a vehicle.

Do you have any fun Chico things to do that don’t cost much money to add to this list? Hope you are having a great Chico summer! And remember if you need any summer apparel or items to assist in your Chico fun and are looking for ways to save money check out your local thrift store such as the Arc Store in Chico.