During the summer, I always find myself running out of fun activities to do. I love relaxing with my time off, but sometimes I feel I’m just wasting time and missing out on potential opportunities.
As I am sitting in my State College apartment, I am dreaming of summer tan and some heat. If you’re also trying to find things to do this summer, here is a list of my favorite activities.
Top Golf
Top Golf is a indoor golfing experience where you can be competitive while you play, or just laugh at how bad your swing is. They have great food and drinks, and it’s fun for all ages.
While it can be pricey, there is half-priced unlimited golf from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on weekdays (except on Tuesdays, when everything is half-priced).
Due to COVID-19, there can only be six people per bay, so plan accordingly. There are many other versions of Top Golf, so do some research and find one near you!
Hiking
Hikes are so underrated, especially during the summer. While on a hike, you have the perfect opportunity to talk and really get to know someone, or just take in the views.
The hike doesn’t have to be long and hard, you can just walk anywhere! It’s also an activity that can have any time frame that you want, so it can easily fit into your schedule if you have busier days.
Finishing a hike the best feeling ever, similar to waking up after a good workout. You could even bring a blanket and some food to have a picnic once you reach your final destination.
Bringing food also works as an incentive to keep climbing! If you hike to a great view, you can also take some cool pictures for Instagram.
Swimming
There is nothing better during the summer than the refreshing feeling of jumping into a body of water. Find a place near you that allows swimming, whether it is a lake, ocean or pool, and make a day out of it. Bring snacks, chairs, floats, games and a speaker and spend the day lounging and swimming.
If you already live near a body of water, research somewhere new and adventurous that you haven’t been to. You might be surprised with what you find!
Camping
If you haven’t tried this before, make this the summer where you try camping. If you live near a camping site, you’re one of the few people who don’t need to camp in their backyard to experience nature. Even so, camping in your own backyard is still so fun.
Bring out blankets, a tent and snacks, and find some activities to occupy you throughout the night. To make it more realistic to an actual campground, try not to go inside!
The beauty of camping at your own house is that you can use your own bathroom and kitchen appliances. Having a bonfire with marshmallows is a must for camping. Don’t forget the bug spray!
Movie Marathon
On a rainy day when you are stuck inside, have a movie marathon! Movie marathons can be the perfect group activity, but they work just as well when you’re on your own.
Pick out all your favorite snacks and select a handful of movies. After you watch all of the movies, give them ratings and decide if you’ve found your new favorite movie.
Pick some classics, movies you’ve never heard of, or recommended movies! I like to check TikTok for the latest recommendations when I’m in the mood for a movie marathon.
Pizza Night
Pizza is super easy to make if you’ve never made it before. Not to mention it’s super cheap and totally customizable!
I love making pizza — the process never seems to get old and it’s always a great time. However, making pizza takes some time, so it’s definitely an activity that will last all night.
You need to account for making the pizza, baking the pizza and eating the pizza. This is super fun to do with someone, especially a date.
Try out some cute decorations with traditional or non-traditional (candy, fruit, etc.) toppings! If you are interested, check out YouTube and TikTok for some fun ways to elevate your pizza experience.
Whenever you are bored this summer, refer back to this list! If you have a bucket list already for this summer, definitely add these activities. You can create memories doing just about anything. I hope this list helps when you are in a funk and can’t figure out what to do.