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Every season brings its own kind of magic, but there’s something extra special about summer. For our family, there are countless ways to make this summer your best one yet. It’s a chance to dream, plan, and connect before the busy days start to fly by. With summer officially underway, here are 20 easy and fun ideas to help you make the most of your summer!
1. Plan a Weekend Getaway
Short road trips or nearby nature escapes can offer a quick change of scenery and give you that vacation feeling without the long travel.
2. Host a Backyard BBQ
Bring friends and family together with good food, refreshing drinks, and music. Bonus points for lawn games like cornhole or frisbee!
3. Start a Summer Reading Challenge
Create a book list and aim to finish it by the end of the season. Try light beach reads or bestselling thrillers.
4. Explore Local Hiking Trails
Get outdoors and stay active by hiking nearby nature trails, parks, or coastal paths. Early mornings or late afternoons are best to beat the heat.
5. Have a Picnic in the Park
Pack your favorite snacks, drinks, and a blanket. It’s a simple way to unwind and soak up the sun.
6. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Support local farmers while picking up fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers to enjoy throughout the week.
7. Take a Digital Detox
Set aside a weekend without screens to be more present, recharge mentally, and connect with those around you.
8. Try a New Summer Recipe
Experiment with refreshing summer salads, grilled dishes, or homemade popsicles. Seasonal ingredients make all the difference.
9. Plant a Small Garden
Whether it’s herbs on your windowsill or a flower bed in your yard, gardening is a rewarding way to slow down and enjoy summer’s rhythm.
10. Watch a Sunset (or Sunrise)
One of the simplest pleasures is grab a coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening and take in the view.
11. Attend an Outdoor Event
Concerts, movie nights, festivals, or farmers’ markets - many cities offer free or low-cost community events all summer long.
12. Go Stargazing
Head to a quiet spot away from city lights, lay down a blanket, and enjoy the night sky. Use a stargazing app to identify constellations.
13. Make a Summer Playlist
Curate your favorite feel-good tracks and let the music set the tone for your summer adventures.
14. Create a Summer Bucket List
List everything you want to do this season, from simple pleasures to bigger goals, and check them off as you go.
15. Try a New Water Activity
Whether it’s paddleboarding, kayaking, or just floating in a tube, cooling off in the water is a summer must.
16. Volunteer Locally
Giving back during the summer is a fulfilling way to stay connected and make a difference in your community.
17. Go on a Photo Walk
Capture summer’s beauty by taking your camera or phone out on a walk. Flowers, sunsets, markets, there’s so much to see.
18. Camp in Your Backyard
Perfect for families with kids or adults wanting a nostalgic night under the stars with s’mores and a fire pit.
19. Practice Daily Gratitude
Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what made you smile. Summer is full of little joys, don’t let them slip by unnoticed.
20. Take Time to Rest
Don’t forget: doing “nothing” is okay too. Rest is essential for making the most of your time, especially during slower summer days.