Summer is officially here!

I always have the best intentions of getting out and enjoying summer to the fullest, but more often than not, I get busy and summer ends up passing me by.

I always do best when I have a plan and schedule the fun things I want to do throughout the summer. And there’s so much to do! 

Whether you live in a big city or a small town, fun times can be had this summer. I’m excited to share a few ideas with you, some I’ve done and some that are on the bucket list this year.

7 Fun Things To Do This Summer

1.Go On A Picnic

Picnics may seem like a simple thing, but they can be a lot of fun and very relaxing! 

During the summer, my husband and I like to head to a local park (we prefer to be close to the water), with picnic blanket, dinner (or lunch), and a couple good books. We usually do this on Sunday evenings (our church has one afternoon service on Sundays), and it’s a great way to end one week and start the next. Sometimes we pack a picnic, and other times we grab takeout on the way to the park. 

Check out some local parks and lakes this summer and just lay back, enjoy the sun, and catch up on your reading. (We also love listening to audio books, so sometimes we listen to something after eating.) 

2. Plan A Family & Friends Bike Ride

A couple of years ago, a friend introduced me to biking. 

Bicycling of course!

Yes, I learned how to ride a bike when I was a child, and I’ve ridden around a neighborhood or two, but she took me on a several-mile ride through Seattle.

I loved it! 

The funnest part was seeing the city from a different perspective. It’s completely different from just driving through the city, and I saw parts of Seattle I might not have seen otherwise. 

This summer, plan a family and friends bike ride through your town or a neighboring city you’ve been wanting to explore. You can check for existing bike trails or paths and plan your route. Many cities even have bicycles you can rent by the hour, like Lime Bikes, or you can check out a local rental shop.

Plan a couple stops for food or to enjoy the view from a particular spot along the ride. (Make sure you take bike locks in case you stop and go inside a shop or restaurant. You don’t want your bike to get stolen!)

3.Host A Summer BBQ

This is always a fun way to bring friends and families together! It’s also a great way to connect with your neighbors or the new family that visited your church on Sunday. 

Set up some tables and chairs in your yard, add lawn games like corn hole and jumbo jenga, provide the kids with some water guns or sprinklers, then all you need is the food! 

Pull out the grill for hamburgers and hot dogs, or smoke some brisket and ribs. You can provide the meats and have your guests bring the side dishes and desserts. Don’t forget the watermelon!

Food and friendship. These are the things that make summer so great!

4.Head For the Water: Kayaking, Canoeing, or Paddle Boarding

If you live within driving distance of a lake, river, or the ocean, then head for the water! 

Kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding are fun ways to enjoy the water on warm summer days. And Dainty Jewell’s has the swimwear to keep you looking adorable, no matter how many times you fall into the water!

I just ordered this Tropical Swim Dress and the Sweet Hummingbird Swim Set, and I can’t wait to try them out!

If you’ve never done one of these water activities, then add it to your summer bucket list. 

5.Pick Your Own Fruit

Fruits like strawberries, cherries, and blueberries are all in season during the summer. These fruits are fresh for the picking at Pick Your Own Fruit Farms. 

Is there one close to you? 

If so, plan a day to go pick your own fruit and then make something delicious out of your harvest. Jams, pies, tarts . . . there so many yummy things to make with fresh fruit!

Check out this Sweet Summer Galette recipe Anyssa shared, or add fresh fruit to these Summertime Breakfast Oats like Alexis did. 

6.Go On a Nature Scavenger Hunt

If you’re wanting to get outside more this summer, then a nature scavenger hunt might be just the thing for you!

There are so many free and inexpensive nature scavenger hunt printables available online. Check out Etsy.com and Pinterest for ideas! You can also find out which plants or animals are unique to your area, and make your own list of things to find. 

Grab some friends, pick a local hiking trail, pair up, and plan to meet at a coffee shop at a set time to see which team won. The team with the least amount of items checked off can buy the team with the most an iced coffee.

7.Make Homemade Ice Cream 

This one is on my bucket list! Summertime is made for ice cream, and we have several great ice cream shops in Seattle, and they’re always coming up with unique flavors that I enjoy trying. Flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Toast & Jam, Lucky Charms, and more!

You can find an ice cream maker for a decent price at a local store or on Amazon. Your grandmother may even have one you can borrow (along with a few tips on how to make the best ice cream). 

Use some of the fresh fruit you picked at a local farm, or get adventurous with some unique flavors, and make some homemade ice cream. 

You can take this idea a step further and host an ice cream making contest! Invite some friends to make ice cream, and others to be judges, then enjoy the variety of flavors that’s sure to pop up! 

Have some fun this summer!

The summer months don’t last long, so get the most out of them! 

Try one of these ideas or come up with your own. Every town or state has its own unique opportunities to enjoy summer. 

What are some of the fun things you love to do? What’s on your bucket list this year? Let us know in the comments so we can get in on the fun, too!