What Can We Do In Summer
Summer! Just saying the word makes you want to ditch everything, right? The sun is out. The days are loooong. And suddenly, your brain is buzzing with a million possibilities. What can we even do in summer? It's a question as old as… well, as old as sunscreen and ice cream!
Seriously though, it’s almost too much choice. Like standing in front of a giant buffet. Where do you even start? Don't worry, I’ve got your back. We’re diving into all the super-fun, slightly-bonkers, and downright awesome things you can cram into these glorious months.
Embrace the Great Outdoors (Duh!)
Okay, this is the obvious one. But there’s a reason it’s obvious! The weather’s begging you to get outside. And let’s face it, our screens can wait.
Picnics: More Than Just Sandwiches
Picnics are a summer staple. But let’s jazz them up, okay? Forget sad, squished ham and cheese. Think gourmet. Think fancy. Think watermelon and feta salad. Or maybe some spicy grilled chicken skewers. And for dessert? Miniature pies. Because everything is cuter when it’s mini, science says so. (Probably.)
Did you know that the word "picnic" likely comes from the French word "pique-nique," which was a social gathering where everyone brought a dish to share? So, it's basically a potluck, but with more grass and less awkward small talk. Win-win!
Hiking: Sweat Your Way to Serenity
Hiking is great. You get to see cool stuff. You get exercise. You feel like a nature explorer. Even a short walk in a local park counts. Bonus points if you spot a particularly fluffy squirrel. They’re the undisputed kings of summer park life.
Pro tip: Pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. And water. Lots of water. Dehydration is NOT summer fun. Unless you're talking about the dry desert landscape, but that’s a different kind of fun, and probably requires more planning than a spontaneous picnic.
Water Fun: Make a Splash!
Water. It’s the best thing about summer. Beaches, lakes, rivers, swimming pools, even a kiddie pool in the backyard can be pure magic. Just the sound of water is instantly calming, like a tiny, liquid zen master.
Have you ever tried skipping stones? It’s a forgotten art! Or building a truly epic sandcastle? Forget those little bucket-and-spade jobs. Go for moats, turrets, and maybe a tiny, shell-encrusted flag. You're a castle architect now.
Quirky fact: The world’s largest sandcastle record is over 170 feet tall! Imagine that! You might not break any records, but your effort is still valid. Your sand empire matters.
Get Creative: Unleash Your Inner Artist (or Mad Scientist!)
Summer is the perfect time to try something new. Something you’ve always said you should do. Now’s the time!
Crafts: Get Your Hands Dirty
Tie-dye! Tie-dye is the ultimate summer craft. It’s messy. It’s unpredictable. And you end up with something totally unique. Every swirling pattern tells a story. Your story. A story of bold colours.
Or how about painting? Even if you can’t draw a straight line to save your life. Grab some cheap paints and a canvas. Paint the sky. Paint a grumpy-looking pigeon. Paint your feelings about too much sunscreen. No judgment here.
Gardening: Grow Something Awesome
Even if it’s just a few herbs on your windowsill. Watching something grow is incredibly satisfying. Plus, fresh basil for your pizza? Yes, please.
Fun fact: Some plants can actually grow at astonishing speeds. The bamboo, for instance, can grow up to 35 inches in a single day! Imagine that kind of growth spurts. You could have a mini-jungle by the weekend.
Cooking/Baking: Sweet Treats and Savory Delights
Summer fruits are ripe and delicious. Think fresh berries for pies, jams, or just straight out of the punnet. And grilling! Grilling is practically a summer sport. Master the art of the perfect burger. Or attempt some grilled pineapple for a sweet, smoky kick.
Did you know that the world’s largest cookie ever baked was over 100 feet in diameter? That’s a lot of chocolate chips. Maybe stick to a slightly smaller batch for your next bake-off.
Chill Out: Sometimes Doing Nothing is Doing Everything
Let’s be real. Summer isn't all about frantic activity. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is… nothing. And that’s perfectly okay.
Reading: Escape into a Different World
Books are portals. Especially in summer. Find a shady spot, grab a book, and let yourself get lost. A thrilling mystery? A heartwarming romance? A deep dive into the history of ice cream cones? Whatever floats your literary boat.
Try reading outside! The fresh air can make stories feel even more vivid. Plus, you might get some interesting tan lines. A badge of honour for the dedicated reader.
Stargazing: Look Up and Wonder
Summer nights are perfect for stargazing. Lie on a blanket, away from city lights, and just look up. The sheer vastness of it all is breathtaking. And maybe you'll spot a shooting star. Make a wish! It’s good luck.
Fun fact: The constellation Ursa Major, which contains the Big Dipper, is visible from most of the Northern Hemisphere all year round. So even if you don’t see a shooting star, you’ve got reliable celestial neighbours.
Outdoor Movies: Cinematic Serendipity
Many towns have free outdoor movie screenings in the summer. Grab some popcorn, a blanket, and enjoy a movie under the stars. It feels so much more magical than watching it on your couch.
Imagine the scene: the warm breeze, the gentle murmur of the crowd, the flickering screen. It’s pure summer nostalgia fuel. Even if the movie is terrible, the experience is usually fantastic.
Explore Your Local Scene: Hidden Gems Await
You don't need to travel far to have an adventure. Your own backyard might be full of surprises.
Farmers Markets: Taste the Local Goodness
Farmers markets are bursting with fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious treats. It’s a great way to support local businesses and discover new favourite foods. Plus, the atmosphere is usually super cheerful.
Try something you’ve never seen before. That weird-looking squash? That strangely shaped berry? Be brave! Your taste buds will thank you. Or they’ll stage a protest, but at least you’ll have a funny story.
Local Festivals and Events: Join the Fun
Summer is festival season! From food festivals to music events to quirky local celebrations, there’s always something happening. Check your local listings. You might discover a hidden gem.
Quirky fact: Some towns have very specific festivals. Think the Gilroy Garlic Festival or the Michigan Apple Festival. Embracing the weirdness is part of the fun.
Just Wander: The Art of Aimless Exploration
Sometimes, the best plan is no plan. Just go for a walk. Explore a new neighbourhood. Take a different route home. You never know what you might stumble upon. A cool mural? A secret garden? A surprisingly friendly stray cat?
This is how true discoveries are made. Serendipity, my friends. It’s the unsung hero of summer.
Embrace the Spirit of Summer
Summer is a feeling. It’s about freedom, fun, and making memories. So whether you’re planning epic adventures or just enjoying a quiet afternoon, make the most of it. Because before you know it, the leaves will be changing, and we’ll be asking ourselves: What can we do in fall?
So go out there. Be bold. Be silly. Be you. Summer is calling. And it sounds like a party.