![“Tanning exposes your skin to [ultraviolet (UV)] light, and UV light is a known carcinogen, which means it can alter your DNA,” Biotechnology and biology teacher Gillian Boyd said. “It can change the sequences of DNA bases. The more exposure you have, the more risk you have to develop [skin] cancer.”](https://smhsponyexpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_0071-1200x798.jpeg)
![Remakes [and film adaptations of books] are often criticized for being too repetitive and unnecessary.](https://smhsponyexpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_0193-1200x558.jpeg)
In a 21st-century economy, it can often be difficult to plan summer adventures. For high school students, money can be flying in all different directions, whether it be gas prices, college tuition, lunch, or Advanced Placement tests. Despite struggles, there are plenty of inexpensive and enjoyable pastimes to keep summer moving, not including watching movies or eating ice cream.
“With everything getting so expensive, it feels kind of impossible to do anything without spending money,” San Marin High School senior Kate Wagers said. “I think probably exploring new beaches or towns in Marin that I’ve never been to can always be something. The area around Inverness is interesting for that.”
Senior Monika Choeun recommends spending time at nearby summer festivals.
“You can check for free concerts near you,” Choeun said. “I know that there’s a free festival in SF called ‘Stern Grove Festival’ that brings in some big names each year. Just look up events in your area on social media and usually something cool and cheap pops up. It’s also a good bet to use the train for travel if you can.”
In a new development, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train announced that it will continue providing free youth passes to those under 18 for at least another year, according to the Marin Independent Journal. This system, in which all minors qualify, can be seen as an alternative to driving this summer.
“It’s pretty expensive to drive,” junior Erin Liao said. “I also know too many people who can’t [drive]. I think the train or the ferry are good alternatives to spending more money on gas or trying to fit 6 people in a sedan. There’s always something to do, you need to let it come to mind.”
The train currently runs from Larkspur to Santa Rosa with current construction initiatives reaching Healdsburg underway. The SMART train remains a popular option for large get-togethers and groups with four or more people.
“Some of my favorite things to do with friends while keeping the budget low is going on hikes up Mt. Burdell, and visiting Stafford Lake,” senior Brodie Crowther said. “Both of these things are free and are local to San Marin. Another thing I like to do is take the SMART train to the ferry, and go into the city to walk around and visit new places, or even enjoy a day on the beach.”
In a similar nature, senior Kayla Ralph suggests regular outings as the best way to stay entertained over the summer months, such as agreeing on beach days, hikes and having a general sense of free will. “I’ll usually go swimming, fishing [or] tanning by the pool,” Ralph said. “Watching sunsets is also a good idea. They only really cost gas but for most of these things, you can just walk.”
Summer can be a very long, or a very short amount of time. Whether that time is spent hiking, at the movies, skydiving, or just finally closing the previous school year’s open computer tabs, it can all be worth something. After the sunsets fall at the end of a long July day, there can still be much to do. As some have noted, there are bountiful opportunities at only an arms length of time.
