Summer is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty of time to pack in as much fun as possible. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:
Have a Picnic
Take some time out of being inside to venture out for lunch. Grab a blanket, some friends, your favorite finger food, and some cold drinks and you are all set for summer memories. Super size your fun by picking a theme and dressing the part.
Hide and Seek
This is the time of year where it is easy to track down glow sticks at just about any dollar store, which means this is the time to grab a bunch and start a night game of hide and seek with your friends or neighbors.
Drive-In Movie
Take a trip back in time and enjoy a double feature all from the comfort of your car. This is a unique experience that you should definitely take advantage of while the nights are warm. Check out the Badin Drive-In in Albemarle.
Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle
You would be surprised by how enjoyable an afternoon or two spent puzzling can be. If you lack the space, or just prefer to remain connected, here is a link to Free Jigsaw Puzzle Games.
See Wildlife
One of my favorite places to get out to in the summer is the zoo. I love animals, and our local zoo in Asheboro has plenty of beautiful and newly renovated spaces where the animals can find pleasure in their day. For more info check it out here: North Carolina Zoo.
Visit A Museum
You might be surprised at just how many museums we have in our state. Whether your interest is History, Science, Art, or something more niche like Nascar, we have it here. Check out 35 of North Carolina’s Most Unforgettable Museums as rated by Our State magazine.
Enjoy a Classic Past Time
When I think of classic hobbies I think bowling, roller skating, mini golf, or a trip to the arcade. Lucky enough we have access to all of these now as arcades and roller rinks are making a comeback. There are even multiple mini golf courses close by that vary in theme, and whether they are indoor or outdoor. Here is my favorite: Monster Mini Golf.
Water Fight
Grab your water balloons and water guns and get ready to throw down and get wet! There is no better way to combine cooling off and having fun.
Make Homemade Ice Cream
Everyone should have to try this at least once in their life. Not only is it delicious, but it gives you some serious appreciation for ice cream.
Stargazing
Grab a blanket, and find a place out in the country devoid of light. Take some time to lie back and take in the stars. Check out Skymaps for an idea of what you will be able to see.
Enjoy a Sunrise
While it may seem difficult to rise early in the morning, especially over Summer Break, but the beauty of the colors that make up the morning sky are well worth it, plus you can go back to sleep right after, just remember to grab a sleep mask.
Stay Up All Night
I cannot remember the last time I got a chance to do this, but it used to be one of my favorite things to do in the summer. The world is a completely different place when everyone is asleep, and is an experience I suggest to everyone, especially while you are young and can handle it.
Tie Dye
Grab all of your old towels, shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, and anything else with space to dye, and give them new life with a tie dye makeover.
Street Festival
This is the time of year where small communities all over are hosting festivals to promote their big claim to fame. From apples, to tomatoes, these festivals show you all the ways you can enjoy something seemingly benign in both ordinary and unimaginable ways. Check out a list of NC Festivals here.
Slip n Slide
It doesn’t matter how old you become, nothing will be as fun as hurling yourself down a slip n slide. I have fond memories of one particular summer with a slip n slide made out of a few tarps laid together down a hill, a water hose, and dish soap. Needless to say, you can really get some speed going.
Karaoke
To be fair, karaoke is always fun, but something about singing in the bright summer sun just adds to all the hilarity.
Attend a Baseball Game
For most people, baseball seems like the most boring thing invented to watch, and that is sort of true if you are watching it at home on a television. To really enjoy the thrill of baseball, you have to be out at the game in the stands! It’s about the nachos, and the yelling, the fans, and the Wave. Try to catch a game that ends with fireworks if you can.
Check out two minor league teams right down the road, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers or the Charlotte Knights.
Firefly Catch and Release
With so many beautiful nights so far, it is hard to believe there is anything that could make the summer feel more magical, and then you look out over the field as fireflies dance and light up the horizon. Join in their dance and see how many you can catch and release before they disappear for the night.
Glamping in the Backyard
Camping is great fun, but being close enough to your house to enjoy sleeping out under the stars but also the indoor plumbing , well that is a bit of a game changer. You are even close enough to connect with the WiFi most of the time. Just pop up a tent, grab all of your most comfortable pillows and blankets, a face mask or two, and slip away to the outdoors.
Summer Themed Photoshoot with Friends
There are very few times in life where you take the time to dress to impress for the purposes of pictures, there are even fewer times where it is by your choice and not an obligation of sorts. Take back the power of the photoshoot and plan a fun set up for you and your friends to capture the memories of summer. Grab props like swim floats, tiki torches, sunglasses and leis and get those camera shutters snapping.
Whatever you do this summer, make sure that you are out there making the most of your time. Whether you use your time to give back, or just rest up for the coming school year, do it for you.