Fun Things To Do In Summer

Okay, friend. Let’s be real. Summer is basically the universe’s way of saying, “Hey, you’ve survived another year of adulting. Go have some fun before the leaves turn into sad crunchy things.” And honestly? It’s the perfect excuse to act like a slightly irresponsible ten-year-old again.

First up: water. Find some. Any kind. A pool, a lake, a sprinkler, or even a muddy puddle you’re not too proud to jump in. Nothing screams “summer” like the sound of you gasping as cold water hits your sun-warmed skin.

Speaking of sun—please, please wear sunscreen. I know you think you’re immune. You’re not. You’ll look like a distressed lobster by 3 PM and spend the evening crying into a bottle of aloe vera. Trust me on this.

Now, let’s talk about food. Summer food is the best food. Grab an ice cream cone that’s way too big for your mouth. Eat it before it turns into a sticky puddle on your hand. It’s a race against time, and you are the champion.

Go Outside. Or Inside. Your Choice.

Okay, hear me out. There’s this thing called a picnic. You take a blanket, some sandwiches, and a suspiciously warm bag of grapes. You sit on the grass. You pretend ants aren’t plotting to steal your potato chips. It’s magical.

If bugs aren’t your vibe (totally fair), stay inside with the AC cranked up. Watch a terrible action movie from the 80s. Or a rom-com where the leads hate each other for exactly 87 minutes before falling in love. It’s a summer tradition.

But here’s a wild idea: build a pillow fort. Yes, even if you’re 35. Grab every cushion you own, drape a sheet over it, and crawl inside. It’s your private, air-conditioned cave. No adults allowed. You are the adult now. Break your own rules.

Get Weird with It

Summer is the season of bad decisions you’ll laugh about later. Like staying up until 2 AM to watch a meteor shower. You’ll see three shooting stars and a lot of crickets. Still worth it. Or, try learning to skateboard at 28. Spoiler alert: your knees will hate you. But your ego? Glorious.

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Ever tried painting rocks? No, really. Find a rock. Paint a smiley face on it. Hide it in a park for a stranger to find. You’ll look unhinged, but imagine the joy when someone discovers a tiny, cheerful rock. You’re basically a summer superhero now.

And don’t sleep on the classic: running through a sprinkler. Optional: do it in your work clothes just to confuse your neighbors. Bonus points if you yell “I’m a free spirit!” at no one in particular.

Make It a Challenge

Turn everything into a game. Try to eat a watermelon slice faster than your friend. Spit the seeds like a human cannon. (Disclaimer: check your lawn for angry neighbors first.) Or, attempt to read a whole book in one afternoon. A paper book. Smell the pages. Feel superior to your phone.

Another challenge: people-watching at a local coffee shop. Make up dramatic backstories. That guy with the dramatic sunglasses? Secret agent on vacation. That lady with three dogs? Running a tiny mafia. It’s free entertainment and zero calories.

If you’re feeling brave, host a pool party with a blow-up flamingo. Set the vibe with a playlist of songs that make you feel 16 again. Burn a burger on the grill. Laugh about it. That’s summer.

The Lazy Option

Let’s be honest: sometimes the best summer activity is doing absolutely nothing. Lie in a hammock. Stare at clouds. Point out which ones look like bunnies or old men with mustaches. Don’t check your email. Let the dishes wait. They’re not going anywhere.

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Take a nap in the middle of the day. Wake up confused about what year it is. Eat a popsicle while still groggy. That’s self-care, baby. Summer-approved self-care.

And if you get bored? Blast music and dance in your kitchen. Badly. No one’s watching. Or if they are, they’re jealous of your commitment to joy.

Do Something You’ll Write About Later

Here’s the secret: summer memories are made of small, weird moments. The time you caught a firefly in a jar. The impromptu water balloon fight with a neighbor’s kid. The sunset that looked so fake it felt like a screensaver.

Make a list of ten things you want to do before fall. Don't overthink it. “Eat a hot dog at a baseball game.” “Go to a drive-in movie and talk through the whole thing.” “Camp in the backyard and pretend you’re in the wilderness, even if there’s a streetlight three feet away.”

And please, take photos—of the stupid stuff. You’ll look back in December, shivering, and think, “Oh wow, remember that time we were warm and alive?” Yes. That’s the goal.

So go on. Grab your sunscreen, your terrible playlist, and your sense of adventure. Summer is short. The fun is right there. Just try not to set anything on fire while you’re at it. Unless it’s a marshmallow. That’s allowed.