10 Fun Ways to Have the Best Summer Ever

Summer is undoubtedly the year’s most playful season–its sunny days, late nights and warm breezes act as spirited invitations to spend as much time having fun as possible. 

Whether you’re kicking back next to the pool or making s’mores by the fire, there are numerous ways to take advantage of all that the hottest days of the year have to offer. Keep reading for ten classic, fun ways to seize the season. 

1. Play at the Park

If you can’t recall the last time you donned some baseball gloves, a trip to the park to play a game of catch with the family could be in order. Summer is the perfect time to play all of your old favorite schoolyard games, such as baseball, flag football, hopscotch, basketball, four square and dodgeball. 

2. Attend an Outdoor Event

In the summer season, events from nearly all domains transition from indoor to out. Chances are, there are outdoor concerts, movies and festivals happening in your area each week. Check your local listings for venues near you. Many of these events are even free or hosted in nearby city parks.

3. Take a Road Trip

The warmest season of the year is the perfect time to hit the road. Road trips can take you far and wide, off to discover new places with spontaneous stops along the way, or they can simply take you around to uncover hidden gems right in your own backyard. 

4. Grow a Garden

The extra sunshine and pleasant temperatures make summer the ideal time to start a garden. Whether you have a backyard at your disposal or you’re in an apartment, anyone can set up their own herb, flower or vegetable garden in whatever space they have to work with. 

5. Visit a Farmer’s Market

If growing your own food isn’t in the cards, go for the next best thing. The harvest season for farmers typically begins in spring and extends until late autumn, where fresh, seasonal produce is available for purchase at market booths. There’s something special about filling a basket with locally grown fruits and vegetables, and being able to load up on other handmade goods from local merchants, too.

6. Head to the Beach

You don’t have to live near the coast to have a beach day. Even if you can’t make your way to the ocean this summer, lakes, rivers and reservoirs often have sandy, sunny beaches where you can lay a towel down and get a tan, while cooling off in crisp waters when the sun starts to get scorching.

7. Host a Backyard Barbecue

When it’s too hot to fire up the oven inside, it’s the ideal time to fire up the grill. Invite a few friends and family over to enjoy a few burgers, some grilled vegetables, fresh squeezed lemonade and great conversation. 

8. Roam the Great Outdoors

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. There are dozens of ways to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer during the summer season. Try out a new hike with picturesque views or consider pitching a tent, enjoying a late night around the campfire and sleeping under the stars. 

9. Have a Picnic

Time spent outdoors doesn’t always have to mean roughing it. Load up a favorite basket or backpack and take your lunch to go. Picnics don’t always have to be complicated, however. Even grabbing takeout to enjoy on a blanket at the park provides an easy way for you to enjoy a great meal and the great weather at the same time. 

10. Watch the Sunset

Summer fun, if you do it right, keeps on going well into the evening. Considering that the sun sets later during the summer, setting up a blanket to catch one of the season’s golden sunsets is a great way to end a fun summer day. After the sun goes down, it’s also an excellent opportunity to stick around to do some stargazing and daydream about what your next, fun-filled summer day will hold tomorrow.