Long Days + A Laid Back Attitude.
Summer is all about fun, sun and filling longer days with laid back enjoyment. With the gorgeous warm weather, it’s the perfect time to make a list of things to do to keep things low cost and high energy. We’ve compiled a list of 20 ideas to get you outside, enjoying the summer sun and connecting to community, nature, your inner child, friends and family.
Attend Outdoor Summer Concerts.
Almost every city has some sort of outdoor summer concert series happening. Connect with your community websites for summer dates and enjoy warm nights and outdoor live music.
Take a Hike.
Look for hikes in your area that you’ve never tried. AllTrails.com has loads of information on hikes in every area with difficulty ratings and length of hikes and even parking information.
Be a Tourist In a Neighboring Town.
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re far away. Visit a nearby city you’ve never been to before and spend a day or two exploring, getting to know the local vibes and feeling like a tourist.
Beaches and Bonfires.
If you can, grab a spot at a beach - especially one with bonfire pits, pack up some SPF and s’mores ingredients and get salty for a day. There’s nothing like the smell of campfires, surfboard wax and sun screen to boost your summer mood.
Road Trip!
Plan a 4 or 5 hour road trip from wherever you are. Pull up a map, pick out a new spot, pack up the car, roll down the windows and drive. Nothing feels as free as a spontaneous weekend road trip.
Backyard BBQ.
It’s BBQ season! Plan a backyard pot luck with your friends to bring watermelon and sides while you man the barbecue. Keep it casual and easy so everyone enjoys. If you have kids, or it's adults only, plan some classic outdoor games like corn hole, badminton or a friendly volleyball game with the whole crew.
Picnic in the Local Park.
When is the last time you went to a local park, sat on a blanket and set up a proper picnic? It's the epitome of a laid back summer day.
Attend a Summer Festival or State Fair.
Give your inner child a boost and have fun at a local festival or county fair.
Most city tourism websites will have all the info you need to find one near you!
Star Gaze.
Whether in the backyard, or a local campsite — pack up some night time snacks and sleep under the stars.
Hit The Farmer’s Markets.
Plan to hit your local Farmer’s Market for fresh, local goods and great "people watching". It’s a fantastic way to get out, be environmentally conscious and support local farms and growers.
Backyard Movie Night
Get that old drive-in movie feel in your backyard. You can rent a blow up screen, or a projector and invite friends for a classic movie night, complete with popcorn and boxes of movie candy.
Visit Botanical Gardens.
Spend an afternoon wandering your local Botanical Gardens getting a big dose of plant energy. Take some nature pics and listen to the birds sing.
Outdoor Yoga or Fitness Class.
Summer is the perfect time to take an outdoor exercise class. Check your community center for low or no-cost options.
Camping!
Good old, camping and being one with nature. Get your tent and enjoy the gorgeous art that is mother nature. If you're not one for roughing it out doors, try glamping! There are many glamping alternatives that will allow you to appreciate nature while still in your comfort zone.
Good old, camping and being one with nature. Get your tent and enjoy the gorgeous art that is mother nature. If you're not one for roughing it out doors, try glamping! There are many glamping alternatives that will allow you to appreciate nature while still in your comfort zone.
Staycation
Sometimes it's hard to get away, but why not get a hotel room or rent an airbnb for a weekend for a nice, fun staycation? It's like a home away from home. Be somewhere new so you can enjoy, relax, and reset.
Visit National Parks.
Rent an RV and hit the road for a tour of National Parks. After the winter’s rains, you’ll likely be able to see waterfalls and rivers flowing.
Rent E-Bikes For a Day.
There’s nothing like bike riding with the wind in your hair to feel like a kid again. E-bikes are a great way to get as much exercise or as much fun as you want.
Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Board, or Float
Depending on where you live, rent a kayak, a canoe or a paddle board for the day and hit the water to keep things cool. You can also grab an inner tube and just float!
Take Advantage of Free Local Museums or Aquariums.
Lots of local museums and aquariums have special events and even some free admission days. Perfect for a low cost, cultural outing. Sometimes, you might even find pop ups in your area that are only around during the summer - don't miss out!
Ride The Rails.
Park and ride the rails to a destination you’ve never been before. Train rides are a fun way to sit back and watch the scenery. It’s a special treat for kids too. Ride, hop off for lunch and a summer ice cream cone. If you can swing it, plan an overnight at a local hotel with a swimming pool.
