Summer is finally here, and it comes with long sunny days, warm evenings, and endless opportunities for making memories. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, explore the great outdoors, or just have a good laugh with your favorite people, there are tons of ways to make this summer memorable.
Here are 10 fun summer activities you can enjoy with your friends and family:
- Host a Backyard BBQ
Throwing a backyard barbecue is a classic summer staple. Set up string lights for ambiance, play some upbeat music, and create a menu full of grilled favorites – burgers, hot dogs, veggie skewers, and more. Cannot forget about the side dishes like corn on the cob, potato salad, and mac and cheese!
Another key element to a perfect summertime backyard bbq includes lawn games. Games like spikeball, bocce ball, cornhole, and ring toss just to give some ideas! This is a great entertainment activity for family gatherings or with your friends.
- Plan a Beach Day
Spending a day at the beach is the ultimate summer getaway. Pack up the essentials – sunscreen, beach chairs, umbrella, towels, refreshments, and of course the snack cooler. Load up in the car and head to the local beach! There is something for everyone to do at the beach. From swimming, soaking up the sun, building sandcastles and so much more. This is the perfect activity for the summertime that will keep the kids occupied and let the adults relax and recharge under the sun.
- Take a Hike
Time to lace up the hiking boots and hit the trails. Take a hike with friends or family to enjoy the open nature at its best. Choose a trail that is suitable for the group’s fitness level- from casual nature walks to more challenging climbs- the view at the top will be worth it. Make sure to pack water and snacks to refuel and hydrate along the way, or even pack a picnic to enjoy at the top as a break. This is a great way to unplug, get some exercise, and appreciate the world around you.
- Go Camping (or Glamping!)
Camping offers a chance to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with each other. This is a great activity to explore the nature around your area or take a trip to someplace that has been on your bucket list. Nothing says comfort and memorable the way a campfire and roasting s’mores with loved ones sounds. If pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars does not sound appealing to you, you can still enjoy the feeling of camping but “glamping” (glamorous camping). There are many options to rent a cabin in the woods that still allows you to enjoy the outdoors but provides a little extra comfort. Either way, this calls for some great quality time with friends and family and there are numerous places that offer the experience of camping.
- Have a Movie Night Under the Stars
TIme to blow up the air mattress, set up the projector, and make some popcorn. No need to worry if you do not have a screen to display the movie. Simply grab a white sheet and put it up in the backyard, or hang it from the garage, and then you will have a homemade movie theater. Choose a feel-good movie or a summer classic, pass out the candy and refreshments and press play.
This is a great activity for after a long day playing in the sun and a way to gather people together. These are the nights that are so special and memorable to share with others.
- Attend an Outdoor Concert of Movie
Many towns host free outdoor concerts or movie nights in the park throughout the summer. Bring a picnic blanket and some lawn chairs and enjoy live music or a film under the stars. These community events are a great way to connect with new people or catch up with old friends. This is the perfect summertime event that is usually of no cost!
- Host a Picnic in the Park
A picnic is a low-effort, high-reward way to spend quality time with others outside. Choose a shady spot and pack ready-to-eat foods and refreshments. Bring some card games and ball games and of course a speaker to play some tunes. If you want to go an extra step, you can make it themed!
- Go on a Sunrise or Sunset Adventure
There’s something magical about starting or ending your day with nature’s beauty. Head to a local viewpoint, beach, or open field to watch the sunrise or sunset. Bring a camera, blanket, and maybe some snacks to enjoy the simple pleasures that the world has to offer. This is a great activity to do with others or if you are looking to get a quick escape from the chaos of life.
- Grow a Garden
Summer is the perfect time to start experimenting with gardening. Whether it be herbs, vegetables, or even flowers! The possibilities are endless. This can be a fun summer-long project for kids and a way to teach them about nature.
- Make a Summer Bucket List
At the start of summer, this is a great activity to do with friends or family. Plan a day to all get together to make a list of things and experiences that you want to do. They can be small and spontaneous or things that require some planning. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to creating a bucket list. The joy of a bucket list is the excitement that it brings when looking forward to checking something off and getting to do it with those who share the same interests.
The possibilities for summer activities are endless! These are just some of my favorite things to do during the summer time. Take advantage of getting together with friends and family and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
