10 for under $10

For most college students, summer is a little bittersweet. On one hand you have all this extra time on your hands while, on the other hand, because you are a poor college student, you can't afford the usual summer fun activities. In fact, if you are like me, the only thing in your wallet is a $10 bill and 12 fortunes from all the Chinese food you have been ordering. Well fortunately, there are plenty of things to do here in Columbia that won't break the bank.

1. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden - Watching animals at the zoo is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. Not only are there the usual exotic animals, but a petting zoo and an interactive cage where you can feed the lorikeets as well. Be sure to look out for the white Siberian tiger. Price: $9.75

2. Columbia Museum of Art - Located at the corner of Main and Hampton streets, the art museum is free on Sundays and $5 for students all other days. In addition to exhibits, there are also interactive programs that are announced on the Web site, www.columbiamuseum.org. In July, the museum will be hosting jazz concerts. The music played is inspired by various exhibits in the museum. Price: $0 - 5 depending on the day.

3. Sunbathing and Tubing on the Saluda River - Park at the Riverbanks Zoo and follow a path through the woods to a riverside adventure. Sunbathing, swimming, a rope swing and tubing are all options at the Saluda River, and it's all free fun. Be cognizant of slippery rocks. Price: FREE

4. Picnic on the statehouse grounds - Picnicking on the statehouse grounds is a fantastic low-cost activity. From the lush lawn to the stone steps, there are numerous places in the sun and shade to eat lunch while surrounded by history. Just be sure to watch out for squirrels - they've been known to steal sandwiches when you aren't looking. Price: approximately $8

5. Hiking at the Harbison State Forest - On the banks of the Broad River and only nine miles from downtown Columbia, Harbison has more than 18 miles of trails. Just be sure to grab a parking pass on the way in. Kayaking, bicycling and canoeing are also encouraged. Price: FREE

6. Guided Canoe Tours at Congaree National Park - Every Saturday and Sunday, park rangers give free guided canoe tours along Cedar Creek. To make a reservation for a guided tour, call (803) 776-4396 ex. 0. Encounters with area wildlife including deer, river otters, turtles and wild pigs are all guarantees. Price: FREE

7. Powers of Nature exhibit at the South Carolina State Museum - this exhibit allows you to encounter a range of the natural disasters that ravage various countries throughout the world. You can create your own thunderstorm, make a snow drift using wind power and climb into an underground tornado shelter. Price: FREE

8. Nickelodeon Theatre - Just two blocks from campus on Main Street, the Nickelodeon Theatre is showing two films this week, Paris 36 and Outrage. The Nick is South Carolina's only non-profit art house film theater. There are only 77 seats, so be sure to get there early. Price: $6.50

9. Frisbee golf at Earlwood Park - Grab a Frisbee and some friends and spend an hour or two playing Frisbee golf at Earlwood Park just off of Main Street between Sunset and River drives. Add a cookout, and you can make a day of it. Price: FREE

10. Chocolate Temptation at Nonnah's - Nonnah's, which serves light supper food, houses a full bar and whips up cappuccinos, also provides USC students with the best dessert they will ever devour. The Chocolate Temptation dessert, chocolate cake layered with vanilla cream and topped off with Godiva Liqueur and chocolate ganache, and is good enough to put weak men into a coma. Price: $7.50 + tax