“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer…”
Summer is here, but what are you going to do with these lazy, hazy, crazy days?
All the summer activities, of course!
Summer brings long, hot days, sunshine, and “oh – those summer nights”.
Make the most of the sunny season with the best things to do in summer.
The Best Summer Activities
The best summer activities run the gamut of fun ways to enjoy the sunshine. No matter where you live or what your budget is, you can find a ton of great ways to enjoy the season.
Here are our favorites.
Pool Day
Swimming pools are the best part of summer. Grab your family and head to your community pool.
If you have an HOA, you can probably go for free, but even your municipality probably offers low-cost day passes.
It’s the perfect way to beat the heat while getting some exercise.
Enjoy the Local Watering Hole
If you don’t live near a city, you might not have a community pool. But you probably have something better – a local pond or lake where everyone gathers to enjoy a little respite from the heat.
Spend a day cooling off at the local watering hole, whether it be a little river, pond, pool, or lake.
Visit a Water Park
You have to visit a water park at least once this summer.
What could be better than wave pools and water slides, except maybe a relaxing ride around the lazy river?
Or a Theme Park
I get that not everyone loves spending time in the water. Go to your local theme park instead!
Experience epic thrills on the newest roller coaster, and cool off with a water ride. You don’t really have to get into the water.
Take the Kids to a Splash Pad
Waterparks and theme parks can get pricey. For a free alternative, take the kids to the local splashpad.
I wish splashpads were a thing when I was a kid. We made do with lawn sprinklers.
Camping
Summer is the perfect season for spending time out in the wilderness. Grab your tent and book a site for the weekend.
Tell scary stories around the campfire, sleep under the stars, and enjoy being away for a little bit.
Summer Road Trip
My favorite summer activity is getting in the car and going. It doesn’t even matter where – let the road take you where it may.
You don’t have to overnight it either, although there’s nothing wrong with sleeping in your car on a road trip! Just take a drive somewhere a few hours away and see what there is to see.
Spend the Day at the Beach
Of course, we can’t have an article about things to do in the summer without including the quintessential summer activity:
BEACH DAY!
Grab your towels, sunscreen, and umbrella, and head to the nearest coast. Enjoy a day frolicking in the sand.
Build a Sandcastle
While you’re at the beach (or anywhere else you can find sand), why not showcase your architectural chops by designing the ultimate sand castle?
You don’t have to stick to castles. I’ve seen some really impressive sand art in my day. Use your imagination and see what you can come up with.
Play Beach Volleyball
Even folks who don’t enjoy the water can enjoy a day at the beach.
Instead of swimming, play volleyball!
I love being able to dive for the ball without worrying about scraping my face off. Only beach volleyball offers that kind of peace of mind.
Lay Out
One of the best summer activities is actually not doing anything at all. Of course, I mean lying out in the summer sun to catch some glorious vitamin D.
Slather on some sunscreen and lie out to soak up the rays.
Hiking
You caught me. Hiking is on our list of best summer activities, spring activities, and fall activities.
Heck, I even threw it on the list for winter.
But that’s because hiking is awesome in any season.
A spring trail looks and feels totally different come summer. The physical exercise is a bonus all year long.
You should hike more, no matter the season. Just be sure to bring the right gear and lots of water.
Take a Bike Ride
When was the last time you rode a bike?
Why has it been so long?
Summertime is the perfect time to dust off those wheels and take your old two-wheeler out for a spin. You’ll forget why you ever stored it away.
Play in the Park
Parks aren’t only for kids. Okay, maybe they are, but why not embrace your inner child and play for a bit?
Adults can enjoy the swings, slides, and even monkey bars.
However, make sure you’re not hogging the equipment. If kids are around, let them play first.
Rent Scooters
In recent years, most major cities have started offering scooter rentals to help tourists navigate the streets without a car.
Doesn’t it look fun?
You don’t need to be a tourist to enjoy it. Head to your nearest downtown area and rent one for the day.
Scoot around the town, enjoying the local scenery.
Watch an Outdoor Movie
Have you ever seen a movie in a park?
In the summertime, lots of towns offer free showings of classic movies in parks. It’s a great way for the community to enjoy something together.
Pack a blanket and some snacks, enjoy the cool summer nights, and catch a show.
Attend a Summer Festival
Milwaukee’s Summerfest is clearly the quintessential summer festival, but cities around the country host similar events to celebrate the season.
Chicago hosts Lollapalooza and the Taste of Chicago. Nashville has the Country Music Festival.
It’s not just music either. A lot of cities, like Aspen and Des Moines, host art festivals in the summer.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
After I turned 40, I started to appreciate fresh fruits and vegetables so much more. And the best place to get the freshest produce is at your local farmer’s market.
Strolling through the market to explore the fresh bounty of the local farm stands is one of my favorite summer activities. The food is usually a bit cheaper and a lot fresher than at the grocery store, and you’re supporting a smaller family farm.
It’s the best of all worlds.
Kayak
This summer, why not take a river adventure in a kayak?
Almost every state park with a river has kayak rentals, so check your local area for the best spots and take a paddling adventure you’ll never forget.
Try Paddleboarding
Speaking of paddling, if just the thought of sitting on your outstretched legs for hours on end makes your butt start to fall asleep, try stand-up paddleboarding instead.
You need to find calmer waters, but your extremities probably won’t go numb.
Canoeing
I prefer canoeing to kayaking. The basics are the same (boat thing, water, paddle), but something about a kayak just makes me feel trapped.
Maybe it’s the fact that your legs are, indeed, trapped.
I prefer the mobility that canoeing offers.
Host a BBQ
Summer is BBQ season!
I don’t know why we only break out our grills from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the limited time to enjoy a cookout means we need to host one this summer.
Invite your best friends and fire up the grill for a tasty feast.
Go Fishing
Grab your tackle box and come home with dinner!
Although you can probably fish most seasons, I think of fishing as one of those quintessential summer activities you do while on vacation.
Rent a little cabin by a lake and take a canoe out for a serene day on the water to catch something to eat.
In The Deep Blue Sea
You know what’s better than fishing? Deep sea fishing!
Charter a boat into the ocean depths and battle the monsters of the deep for a summer experience you’ll never forget.
Stargaze
Summer nights are perfect. We can spend time outside without getting too cold, making it the perfect time to lie in the grass and gaze up at the cosmos.
See how many constellations you can spot while you ponder our existence in a vast universe.
Visit a Botanical Garden
A lot of people may consider the botanical garden a springtime activity, as that’s the season when most of the flowers are blooming, but don’t discount a summer visit!
Lots of plants actually bloom later in the year. There’s also something to be said about seeing the plants in a more mature form. I know we love flowers because they’re gorgeous, but we should love the whole plant.
Go to an Ice Cream Parlor
Summer and ice cream go together like peanut butter and jelly. They were made for each other.
There’s no better way to beat the heat than with a cold cream treat. So head to your local ice cream parlor and indulge.
Or Make Homemade Ice Cream
You know what’s better than an ice cream parlor?
Homemade ice cream!
Okay, well, not in the sense that it tastes better, because it usually doesn’t, but in the sense that it’s a unique summer activity that helps you learn a little about cooking and science.
Weekend Getaway
Summer is the perfect season for a little exploration. Pack your bags and get away for a weekend.
Head to that state park a few hours away for a weekend camping trip, or fly to the nearest big city for a few nights out on the town.
Sometimes, the best getaways are in your own backyard. I had a fabulous weekend trip to an indoor water park that’s only 40 minutes from my house – but staying overnight there made it feel like a real vacation.
America’s Favorite Pastime
We said baseball is a fabulous spring activity because that’s when opening season kicks off, but it’s also a great time in the summer.
I actually prefer summer ball games because they seem a little more relaxed. Opening season has all the energy of potential, and in the fall, everyone is hyped up for World Series season.
I prefer the chill mid-season games of summer.
Water Balloon Fight!
Summer activities don’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can have a blast for the cost of a bag of balloons!
I mean that literally. Fill the balloons with water from the sink and host an epic water balloon fight.
Miniature Golfing
I absolutely love mini-golf. I’ll hit the put-put greens the second the weather gets warm enough, and stay out there all year long if I could!
The best thing about mini-golf is it’s fun for everyone, whether you’re good at it or not (trust me – I definitely fall into the “or not” camp and I still think it’s a blast!).
So grab your pals and enjoy a silly time.
Ziplining
Want to soar? You need to try ziplining.
Book an excursion and zip through the canopy, getting cool views of the ground below as you glide.
Even fairly flat places have zip line courses. Search on Bing (Sorry, I can’t support the G-Man after the updates that destroyed personal websites) for something near you.
Head to the Zoo
There’s no better way to spend a summer day than at the zoo. Take a leisurely stroll through varied environments to watch the animals of the world enjoying baths, watering holes, and playtime.
Kids love zoos, but they’re fun for adults as well. Who doesn’t want to see the animals?
And the best part is that if you go to an AZA-accredited zoo, most of the money you spend goes toward conservation.
Visit a Wildlife Refuge
If you want a more native or natural animal experience, consider visiting a wildlife refuge. Each one I’ve been to has a different setup. Some have hiking trails allowing you to walk around, while others preserve dangerous animals like bears and big cats, so they only let you drive through.
Many have a visitor’s center offering programs on conservation and showcasing how the park protects wildlife.
Explore a State Park
Every state in the nation has set some land aside for residents to enjoy. These state parks preserve the best wilderness, trails, hiking, and fishing in the state.
Many offer cabin rentals or camping, boat rentals, and fishing licenses, and all the amenities you will need to explore the outside for a day or a weekend.
Head to your nearest state park and spend the day exploring the outside world.
Go Horseback Riding
Hiking is a fantastic summer activity, but what if you don’t want to walk yourself?
Horseback riding is the solution!
Okay, I make it sound like riding a horse is easier than walking – it’s not. You use muscles you didn’t even know you had.
But it’s so much fun! Head to your local stable and hire a horse for a day. Set off on a trail ride and pretend you’re a 19th-century adventurer!
Make a Bonfire
One of my best memories of living in California is enjoying a roaring bonfire at Huntington Beach.
It’s the idyllic way to spend a summer night. You’ve got the cool beach air, the crash of the waves on shore, and a giant fire to light your way.
Bring your s’mores and campfire stories to make it even better!
Pick Berries
The fattest, juiciest strawberries you’ve ever tasted come straight from the vine. Spend a day at a farm or orchard picking your own.
But don’t limit yourself to strawberries (which peak in mid-June – so it definitely toes the line between a spring and summer activity). Blackberries and Blueberries are also typically harvested in the summertime.
Go Snorkeling
If you live near the water (or are taking a trip near the water), spend time enjoying the world beneath the waves.
Grab your mask and snorkel and watch the fish frolic among the reef.
Pro tip: Wear sunscreen, especially on your backside. When I went snorkeling in Hawaii, I forgot and didn’t realize half my body would be exposed to the sun most of the day. I couldn’t sit down for three days!
Take a Sunset Walk
It’s impossible to take a sunset walk in the winter. Not only is it usually too cold, but the sun is typically gone before dinner is even over!
A bonus of the long summer nights is that you have plenty of time for a sunset stroll. Head out after dinner and enjoy your walk at dusk, watching the sunset over the horizon.
Play Frisbee
When I was in college, Ultimate Frisbee was THE THING. Unfortunately, as an adult, it’s so much harder to get even six people together for an epic game of Ultimate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some Frisbee time.
You just need one other person and a bit of green to toss the disc around for a few hours. It’s a great way to pass some time in the summer.
Disc Golf
Disc golf combines the Frisbee of, well Frisbee with the idea of golf. Instead of hitting a small ball into a hole, you throw a disc into a basket.
It’s a great way to get outside, walk through a little bit of forest, and perfect your frisbee throws.
Go Geocaching
I’m certain I put geocaching on all my lists of “Things to do,” but that’s because it’s so much fun!
It’s like a giant scavenger hunt you play with strangers. You get to find cool stuff that people have hidden, and then add your own prize for the next person.
I love everything about it – and you will too if you give it a try!
Check Out a Concert in the Park
“Saturday, in the Park, I think it was the fourth of July…”
Okay, maybe Chicago wasn’t singing about a concert in a park, but the idea stands. In the summer, cities across the country host fun activities for their residents.
It’s an opportunity to support local musicians while enjoying some fresh air outdoors.
Go Tubing
Since moving to Texas, I’ve discovered the quintessential southern summer activity: tubing.
Grab your inner tube and head to the river for a fun float downstream. If you’re really adventurous, hook that tube up to a speed boat and let it drag you across the river.
Learn to Surf
If you live anywhere near the ocean, summertime is the perfect time to learn how to surf. Take some lessons and learn how to balance on a board despite the waves.
Pro Tip: Take the lessons. I rented a surfboard in Hawaii, thinking, “How hard can it be?”
As it turns out, it’s really hard. I couldn’t even get to my knees on the stupid board.
Try Outdoor Photography
Summer is the best time to start a photography hobby. The weather is warm, and the world bursts with interesting scenery.
You’ll find lush forests, beautiful sunsets, interesting cloud formations, fascinating insects, and all sorts of other neat things to photograph.
Take a Vacation
Although I think the shoulder seasons are better times for vacations, most people who have kids plan their trips for the summer when the kids are out of school.
Since you don’t have to worry about them missing class, plan a trip somewhere. Spend a week at the beach, go to a cool new city, or travel overseas. Knock cool places off your bucket list.
Or a Staycation
antoniodiaz via Shutterstock.com.
Sometimes the best vacations are the ones we spend at home. Although I love traveling, I also love taking a week off work and just….chilling.
But staycations don’t have to be boring. There are tons of fun things you can do on your staycation to make it just as fun as a traditional vacation.
Outdoor Yoga
When I lived in Long Beach, the summer season brought a great morning activity: yoga on the beach. Even if you don’t have a beach, lots of towns host similar events in the grass at local parks.
But you don’t need a guided yoga class to enjoy this top-tier summer activity. Grab your yoga mat and head to the nearest park. Practice your moves in the sunshine. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a neighborhood trend!
Watch a Parade
Almost every city across the country hosts a parade on the most summer of all summer time holidays (if you’re an American).
Of course, I’m talking about the 4th of July parade!
Enjoy the unique float designs, grab some candy, and listen to your local high schoolers explore their love of music. Embrace this time with the community.
Paintball
Have you ever wanted to crawl through the forest using military tactics, ambush, and shoot your friends?
Paintball lets you have all the fun of a shootout without any of the actually horrific consequences.
Play live-action GI Joe and see who wins the day.
Birdwatching
There’s something about turning 40 that makes everyone fall in love with birds. Maybe we were too busy in our younger days to appreciate nature’s most elegant creatures, but now it’s all we want to do.
Grab your favorite birding app, a pair of binoculars, and a friend, and head out to see what kind of native birds grace your local area. Summer is a great time to watch, too, because a lot of migratory birds visit for the season.
Visit a Local Fair
In the Chicagoland area, every suburb hosts their own little summer festival. Blue Island has the Festival in the Park. Alsip throws a Summer Fest. You can find Oak Lawn Fest, Ridge Fest, and a variety of other small-town festivals all over the city.
I doubt it’s just a Chicago thing. I bet small towns across the nation throw little fairs during the summer. Find the ones closest to you and check them out.
A lot of counties also host their “county fair” from late spring through early fall – so maybe not technically a “summer activity” but close enough!
Play Cornhole
Summer BBQs across the country have a few things in common: BBQ (obviously), good friends, good times, and, if you’re lucky, cornhole.
Cornhole is one of the best summer yard games ever invented. Team up and throw little sacks into the hole in the ramp.
Winner gets bragging rights.
Or Other Lawn Games
Though cornhole is my favorite summer lawn game, it’s not the only one.
Try your hand at horseshoes, giant Jenga, ring toss, or bocci ball. Make your own little obstacle course in the backyard and see who gets through it the fastest.
Take a Scenic Drive
Driving to work is the worst. But driving for fun can be an epic adventure, especially when there’s cool scenery!
Take a Sunday drive through a rich neighborhood, over an interesting landscape, or through an intriguing forest.
Try to focus on the scenery (as long as you’re also watching the road!).
Go Roller Skating
The 50s called, they want their hobby back! Actually, no, I got it twisted. They want you to try their favorite hobby!
Roller skating is actually a lot of fun. You could go to a roller rink to enjoy the hobby, or you could invest in a pair of skates and zip around your neighborhood.
Food Truck Party
I love the food truck festivals where all the unique trucks are lined up so you can taste a variety of cuisines.
The only issue is that most of the trucks haven’t mastered the “sample” yet. I want to go to a food truck festival and try all the things. I don’t want to limit myself to one truck.
My favorite solution is going with a bunch of friends and sampling each other’s dishes. You get the best of all the worlds.
Visit a Historic Site
Have you ever spotted a brown sign indicating “historic landmark” while driving down the road? Don’t you want to know what it is?
You can find historic landmarks all over the country. Stop by the brown signs and see what they’re preserving. Visit historic buildings, farms, and homesteads.
It’s the opportunity to learn a little history while enjoying a day outside.
Make a Lemonade Stand
Making a lemonade stand is one of the best summer activities for kids. It teaches them how to start and run a business, and gives them something fun to do while school is out.
But you don’t have to limit it to lemonade. Creative kids can find all sorts of things to sell. I sold creepy crawlers to neighborhood kids – and even let them make their own (the perks of having an oven).
See what your kids can come up with.
Watch the Fireworks
Every Fourth of July, America celebrates its independence with fireworks!
Grab your blanket and find a cozy spot on the lawn (or beach) and enjoy the show!
Cloud Watching
Watching fireworks brings energy and anticipation, but what if you want a more relaxing, creative watching experience?
Bring your blanket out in the daytime and watch the clouds roll by. Let the stress melt away as you find cool shapes in the summer clouds.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
I love scavenger hunts. I’d do them all year long if I could, but the weather is usually best for them in the summer.
You can find city-focused scavenger hunts all over the internet, offering you a unique way to explore. If you have a creative friend, they can make the scavenger hunt for you.
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Town
We spend so much time in the towns we work in and the towns we live in that we might miss the cool things happening in towns right next door.
Grab your map and discover all the other towns within an hour’s drive. Pick one and go check it out. You may find a cute little bookstore, a cozy coffee nook, or a relaxing park.
But you won’t know until you go.
Read a Book in a Hammock
Why are hammocks so comfortable?
I don’t know, but I know one of my favorite summer activities is hanging one up in the backyard and getting lost in a good book.
Sports with Nets and Paddles
Want some exercise this summer?
Try one of three fun sports you can do with nets and paddles: Tennis, Pickleball, or Badminton.
Each of these sports requires a different set of skills (though tennis and pickleball have a lot in common), so if you’ve tried one and don’t like it, why not give one of the other two a go?
Even better – grab some friends and host a tournament!
Visit a Sunflower Field
If summer had a plant mascot, it would be the sunflower. These giant yellow blooms smile towards the bright light on hot summer days.
Join them.
Take a stroll through a sunflower field and bask in their glory.
Plein Air Pant
Have you ever wanted to capture the beauty of a warm summer day?
You can.
Grab your easel, paints, and a canvas, and set up shop right in the moment. Paint what you see. Bring the scenery to life with texture and brushstrokes.
And don’t worry if you aren’t good or have never painted anything in your life. Sometimes, trying something new is the best adventure.
Host a Pool Party
My family had a pool, so all our summer parties were pool parties.
But you don’t actually need a pool to host a pool party. Tons of neighborhoods and apartment complexes have pools. Invite a few friends and enjoy a day in the water.
Rent a Boat
When I was a child, we used to take family vacations up to Wisconsin in the summer. One of our favorite things to do was rent a boat at Little Round Lake near Hayward.
We’d spend the whole day on the boat. It had an awning to protect us from the sun, and we packed picnic lunches to enjoy out on the water.
We’d go fishing or tubing (I think my dad even tried water skiing once!), or just relax in the serenity of the water.
Eat on the Roof
The best part of summer (unless you live in ridiculously hot places like Austin) is that you can be outside all the time!
Why not find a restaurant with rooftop dining to make the most of it? Enjoy the sun’s pleasant rays while sampling delicious fare.
Have a Sunset Picnic
Picnics are great springtime activities, but sometimes it’s too hot in the summer to eat outside in a field.
Unless, of course, you do it around sunset.
As the sun goes down, the weather gets a little cooler, making it the perfect time to enjoy a fresh charcuterie with a glass of wine out on the grass.
Visit a National Park
Summer is national park season!
Pack up your family and head to one of America’s best treasures. The country boasts 63 National Parks, which preserve some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world.
If a National Park is too far away, consider visiting one of the other areas preserved by the National Park Service, which includes historic sites, landmarks, battlefields, and recreation areas.
Wherever you live, you’re sure to find something a day’s drive away.
Make Sidewalk Chalk Art
The best things to do in summer don’t have to be expensive. You can have a fun-filled afternoon for less than five bucks by playing with chalk.
Grab a pack of colorful chalk and put your artistic skills to work on the sidewalk in front of your house.
If you need more room, ask the neighbors before encroaching on their territory. Some folks are allergic to fun.
Attend an Outdoor Theater Performance
Long Beach, California, hosts a “Shakespeare in the Park” summer theater series. People grab their blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy classic theater free of charge.
A lot of towns around the country offer similar events. Check your town’s calendar to see what’s happening.
Hunt for Treasure at Flea Markets
I absolutely love flea markets and garage sales. You never know what you will find.
I’ve scored craft supplies, real carnival glass, vintage video games, collectible toys, and more.
Unfortunately, it’s harder and harder to find great deals on cool stuff, because everyone is trying to get top dollar online these days. However, flea markets are still great places to score cheap items for your crafting hobby.
Jet Ski
People think jet skis are only for the rich, and sure, most of us would probably never waste money buying one, but you can rent one for an hour for about $100 (depending on where you live).
Play James Bond for a few hours by zipping across the water on your rented jet ski. You’ll remember it for the rest of your life.
Camp Out in the Backyard
Let’s say you want to make the most of summer but don’t want to spend any money at all.
Backyard camping is the summer activity for you!
You get to camp, but you don’t have to drive anywhere or pay for a campsite. You can even set up a grill and make campfire foods, tell scary stories, and sleep under the stars.
All for free.
Check out Your Local Library
Most of the summer activities we discussed offer great outdoor fun, but what if you live someplace like Texas, where it’s too hot to go outside most of the time?
Hey, it’s me!
I live near Austin, and although I like the heat, sometimes it becomes unbearable, and I need to do something inside.
On those days, I head to my library. Though sometimes I take the trip into Austin for their big, impressive library, I can have just as much fun at my local one, which offers all sorts of crafting programs throughout the summer.
I can learn to make a suncatcher, play card games, practice yoga, and even learn to use a forge!
Summer Vibes
Sometimes the best thing to do is just enjoy the season.
Embrace summer vibes with the best summer quotes, make a summer playlist, and enjoy the sunny days.
Make a Summer Bucket List
The best things to do in summer are all the things you want to do. Maybe you found some inspiration on this list, or maybe you have other fun summer activities in mind.
Why not make your own summer bucket list and spend your days crossing items off the list?
It’s the best way to ensure you’ll have a blast this summer – your way.
Enjoy Summer!
I don’t care what you do this summer – I only hope you have a great time. Relax or have adventures. Take vacations or stay home. Read some books or watch some movies.
Whatever you do – do it for you and enjoy your summer!