Summer Activities

by Audrey Ford
     Summer is fast approaching, and that means lots of time on your hands. If you are someone that finds yourself getting bored easily, check out this list of activities that you can do to keep yourself entertained over the summer break.  Have a great summer!

  1. Start a summer project.
    Summer is a great time to begin a new project. It can be something artsy, like creating a series of drawings, or something else, like beginning a new fitness program. Whatever you decide to do, though, having a project that lasts all summer will surely fill up your time quickly.
  2. Have a picnic.
    Having picnics is a great way to spend the summer. You can bring a blanket to a park, friend’s house, or even your own backyard. Don’t forget the snacks!
  3. Write letters.
    Writing letters is a lost art, but it is something that can be fun and memorable. The great thing about them is that you can send almost anything to almost anyone. You can write about anything, and even decorate the envelopes (just make sure the postal markings, like address and stamps, are still visible)!
  4. Draw outside with sidewalk chalk.
    Sidewalk chalk may seem childish, but it is a great way to pass time for everyone. You can draw pictures, or write messages on the sidewalk for people to see as they pass by. You could even do a hopscotch!
  5. Have an outdoor movie night.
    All you need for this is a laptop/projector to watch your movie, some snacks, bug spray, and a blanket! If you want to spice it up even more, get an inflatable baby pool filled with blankets and put it in a pool. Then, you can watch a movie from the pool without even getting wet!
  6. Work on something you have been procrastinating.
    This may not seem like the most appealing option, but it is a great way to spend your time over the summer. Whether it is deep cleaning your room, finishing an unfinished project, or even doing a simple chore from last weekend, summer gives you lots of time to spend on finishing those projects. Plus, you will feel accomplished after it’s done!
  7. Paint rocks.
    This activity can be done by yourself, with a sibling, or a group of friends. All you need are some rocks and acrylic paint and paintbrushes, which can be found at a local craft store. Then, paint designs on the rocks (tip: Google some if you’re stuck!). Then, ta-da! You have some pretty rocks! You can either display them, or hide them around your neighborhood for others to find. 
  8. Create a scavenger hunt.
    Scavenger hunts are a great thing to try out with both friends and family. The great thing about these is that you can create a simple one around your house or a complex one around your neighborhood. Just write out clues, hide them in their respective spots, and come up with a prize for the end!
  9. Have a yard sale.
    Summer has perfect weather for yard sales, and they are a good way to make a few extra bucks while getting rid of clutter that you don’t need. Set out some tables, label your items with prices, and advertise!                                                      Yard sale tip: check around to see if your neighbors are having a yard sale or want to do one too. Sometimes, whole neighborhoods will have a weekend where they are all selling things on their lawn.
  10. Watch the sunrise or sunset.
    In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to signal the start of summer. Plus, wherever you are, there is bound to be a great spot to watch one of these nearby. So, grab your light jacket (it gets chilly with no sun!) and head out to watch the sun paint the sky.
  11. Try out a new recipe.
    Cooking is a fun hobby that produces delicious results; and with plenty of time on your hands this summer, it is a great thing to try out. Whether you are trying something new to bring to a potluck, or you are just doing it for fun, here is an article link to some fun summer recipes: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/summer-recipes/.
  12. Go on a run or bike ride.
    Running and bike riding are two great ways to stay fit over the summer. If you find a great music playlist, these activities will be double the fun! Just make sure to wear sneakers; you don't want to spend the summer with aching feet or scraped knees.
  13. Watch the 2020 Summer Olympics.
    This opportunity would have come last year, but because of the pandemic, the Summer Olympics were postponed to this year (although they are still called the 2020 Summer Olympics). Because there are so many different events over the course of 16 days, there is sure to be something that interests everyone. Check out the schedule for all the events here: https://www.nbcolympics.com/full-schedule.
  14. Have fun with water!
    Water is a great way to stay cool over the summer. Between water gun fights, water balloons, swimming, or running through the sprinkler, you can have plenty of fun with water. So go grab the hose, and go have some fun!
  15. Do a photoshoot.
    This activity can be done a variety of different ways with a variety of different things. Whether you are modeling a new outfit that you bought or taking self portraits with creative lighting, photoshoots are a creative and fun way to spend your summer. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you want; just have fun with it! (If you are uncomfortable with being in front of the camera, you can be the one taking the photos. Even if you have no models, you can always take pictures of nature and your surroundings!)