42 Things To Do Over The Summer
Summer is here and I’m ready for it. That’s a lie – I’m not, but I don’t want to miss out on the fun that summer has to offer. We’ve been thinking up ideas and talking to friends, so here’s our start of a lengthy list of things to do over the summer!
Summer has the magic of impromptu fun, late nights, outdoor activities, and lots of community events. That’s all before you do any travel – day trips or somewhere on a plane. This list of what to do in summer has options for real life—busy schedules, hot days, limited budgets, and the desire to actually enjoy the season instead of rushing through it.
But while summer has that potential, it’s easy to have it pass all too quickly, leaving you regretting missed opportunities come August and September. The days of summer may feel long, but the season will feel all too short. So with a bit of intentional planning – not too much – we can all have a fun-filled summer.
As a parent and longtime seasonal-living advocate, I’ve learned that the best summer memories come from simple, repeatable experiences—not packed calendars. Lest you worry we’re about to plan it all out, I think it’s important to remember that summer memories are made during those planned activities but also just as much during those unplanned moments and experiences.
These ideas of things to do over the summer are simple, creative, and memorable activities. They are written as if you’re staying home and planning things nearby, but any of these can easily be transferred to your destination. A visit to a friend’s place or grandma’s house has the same potential!! I share more local ideas, seasonal recipes, and simple home rhythms throughout the site for anyone looking to build a summer that works for real life.
If you want these ideas in an easy, printable format, I’ve created a simple summer checklist you can save or print. It’s linked below and designed for low-effort planning.
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35 Things to Do Over the Summer
Summer is quite short – at least for us (just 8 weeks off school this year), but the flexibility allows for a lot of fun. Whether or not you have kids and whether or not your Monday-Friday are still the same no matter the season, let each of these ideas inspire you to find fun!
During this warm season, embrace connection, creativity, rest, and exploration. Except rest, we adults sometimes forget about the others. Creativity and exploration are fun for everyone (and good for everyone)!
Meaningful experiences often come from a balance of simple, everyday activities and memorable outings. And since the last thing I want to do is add stress to my summer (or yours), let’s go for a low-key balance of structured plans and wiggle room for whatever comes our way!
How to Enjoy Summer
Plan a few anchor activities each week
Have 2-3 activities planned each week (no more). You really don’t want to overdo it – then you’re forced to say no to new plans.
Say yes to spontaneous plans when possible
This is a hard one for me at times, but I’m trying to embrace saying yes to spontaneous plans more often. For us, evenings and weekends are best for being flexible, so we try to lean into it then. Other days just don’t give us that wiggle room as much – and that’s ok!
Spend more time outdoors daily, even in small ways
Summer inspires images of swimming pools, hiking, and maybe amusement parks, but if you live in a hot place, then you know time outdoors can be limited.
If you live in a hot place, prioritize your time outside – usually in the morning. This is one of those things that might push you to switch up your schedule, but later-you will be happy having been outside and gotten some movement.
My usual work routine is to work a bit to check in and then head out for my walk or workout class. In the summer, walking happens before I even sit down to my computer! And these are the summer outfits I’m in on repeat.
Balance busy days with slower rest days
Years ago, my husband started asking for weekends without plans. He grew tired of constantly having to be places at certain times. Since then, I’ve been mindful of over-planning weekends. And since having a child, I’ve learned that we all benefit from something fun/planned each weekend and the rest is left open (obviously with things like laundry and clean up mixed in).
It’s sometimes hard to look at a calendar when you’re trying to live your best summer life, but it can help you keep busy days and slower rest days more in line. We all need downtime – to physically and mentally recoup, but also to fully enjoy the activities more.
Create simple seasonal traditions like weekly walks or cookouts
Summer can be a great time to create new weekly traditions (that only last the summer). Maybe it’s a weekly ice cream outing or a Friday night pizza and a movie. Use ideas like this to ensure there’s a weekly bit of fun without stress or planning.
Focus on experiences over expensive outings
When making plans, it’s easy to find all the advertised and popular things that are super expensive, but I encourage you to prioritize experiences. It might be new experiences or repeated fun experiences.
Mix social time with solo downtime
It’s so easy to plan everything with other people, but time on your own is good too. For us as a family of three, we like to be with others and be just on our own – at home or out. Even at home, we usually have an hour or so per day when we’re all doing different things (and I freely admit that my time includes reading and napping)!
Keep plans flexible to match weather and energy levels
Weather is out of our control, but we can be smart in planning around hot times.
Energy levels are another thing you want to be mindful of. Some great experiences are exhausting and you also want summer to be a time of rest.
It’s great to say yes to fun, but it’s just as important to say no when you’d be better skipping an event. Remember all summer plans are about you and your family, so prioritize your needs and wants first.
Prioritize activities that feel easy to start
The best laid plans are usually the easiest. The weekly get-togethers or the daily chat with friends. Often the most memorable experiences come from simple-to-start practices and then they build to be exactly what you need.
In all, you need to prioritize you and your experience (each of you in a family).
Free Things to Do in the Summer
Library day (AC, new books, zero pressure)
The public library is the absolute best. Request books to pick up, browse the movie or bookshelves, and check out their free activities.
Sunrise or sunset walks
If you need to avoid the heat during the day, why not be up for those beautiful, early hours. And on days (or places) where it isn’t so hot, let sunset (so much later in summer) be your call to take a slow walk before you wind down your day.
Community concerts or movie nights
Ask around and do some online searches for fun activities going on in your town (or the next one over)! They might take you to some new (to you) fun spots around your town. These are often family-friendly but check for details!
Pack a picnic
Impromptu picnics are fun for kids and grownups alike – even if it’s just to your back yard. Grab some basics from your fridge and cabinets for a spontaneous meal outdoors! We like to take card games for days out like this!
Explore a new neighborhood or town nearby
A fun one that feels a little like a vacation (but with your bed at the end of the day). Pick a single destination and see what else there is to enjoy while you spend time in new surroundings. Maybe it’s a museum or a restaurant that you’ve heard good things about. Perhaps its just a cute downtown you always want to stop at.
For those of you in Sacramento, check out my day trips from Sacramento roundup!
Free museum days
Many museums have a free day or time slot each month. You can also ask at your local library for museum passes – Sacramento Library has passes for museums around the state!
Check this out for state parks and national parks as well – you might be pleasantly surprised!
Beach or lake day with snacks from home
Plan a low-key day by the water!
Borrow puzzles, games, or gear
Reach out to friend and family or post to your local Buy Nothing Group about borrowing a puzzle, game, or gear. Maybe a frisbee, corn hole boards and bags, or even a soccer ball to take to the park!
Bookmark this for the days you want plans without spending.
If planning feels overwhelming, the printable version of this list breaks everything into checkboxes so you don’t have to hold it all in your head.
Fun Things to Do in the Summer at Home
Backyard dinner or mocktail night
Oh yeah – call your friends and plan a little get-together. Pick whatever theme or focus you like. You may need to reach beyond your go-to crew with differing summer schedules!
Declutter one drawer (10 minutes max)
Your goals don’t need to go by the wayside for summer, get your house in order with some light decluttering. Use my decluttering checklist for some guidance and to get started.
Start a simple summer playlist
Playlists take time to make, so start now and add songs as you come across them. I always like to have one mix good for background music when friends are over – and a mix for just our family when we’re doing “the things” (whatever that entails)!
Read outside with iced coffee
These are the quiet traditions and moments that make memories and can keep you going in winter.
Try a “use what we have” pantry dinner
Dinner can get tiresome. Well, coming up with what to have for dinner can be tiresome. Use what you have for dinner and see what you get. These nights have led to the creation of tuna pasta and peas and pasta – two favorites!
Garden, even if it’s just herbs on a windowsill
Gardening is one of my favorite things about summer – all that fresh produce. Start small if you’re new to it. Herbs on the windowsill is a lovely way to fall in love with gardening.
If you’re ready to move on to a full garden, see this Eartheasy garden bed review.
Movie night with popcorn + blankets
Inside or outside (I always love a floor picnic for watching movies) – plan a movie night. I always go for the classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sandlot, or Mamma Mia!
Screen-free evening challenge
This is a good one for couples, families, and roommates – see who can last the longest! Or maybe the person who lasts the least amount of time does dishes!
DIY At-Home Facials
Grab your skincare items and make a little DIY at-home facial. Invite friends over, do it with family members, or just enjoy it on your own. These are my summer skin care essentials and this is the exfoliating face mask I swear by!
These are the nights that end up feeling the best.
Best Things to Do in the Summer
Day trips within an hour or two of home
After a fun day trip to Reno a few weeks ago (a 2 hour drive), my desire for short road trips has been restored. We just may be picking cooler destinations as the weather heats up here in Sacramento.
You can also look at hiking trails or scenic views near your city. See if there are some places you’ve been missing!
Farmers market + easy lunch
We’re fortunate enough to have farmers markets year round here in California, but I know most places are not. So don’t miss out on this season of abundance at your local farmers markets. Try to make it a weekly habit if you can. Go with a friend to help keep you accountable!
Beach mornings before the crowds
If you’re near a beach, get there early to enjoy some peace (and cooler temps). Pack up before the crowds arrive, or relish in your well-staked-out spot.
Evening walks when it cools down
At the end of a day inside, an evening walk can be just the mental reset you need. Head out at sunset or at least when the sun is going down, so it’s cooler. Bike rides are also fun this time of day.
Outdoor dining with friends
Outdoor dining (al fresco dining) is one of my most treasured summer activities. Whether it’s a simple potluck with little work for you or you put on the whole dinner – enjoy the warmth with friends. See my summer dinner party menu with make-ahead options and yummy plates that assemble (without cooking)
Seasonal cooking (tomatoes, peaches, corn)
Me all year long. Seasonal cooking is the best way to really soak up summer. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that have summer produce front and center. Wondering what’s in season? See my summer seasonal recipes with fruits and vegetable list.
intentional weekends with no plans
Many of my friends have their whole summer planned before it even starts. If this might be you, take a look at your calendar right now and plug in some “no plans” plans! Something fun will happen, I promise!!
Say yes to fewer things, on purpose
Yep. We actually slow down in summer and it’s wonderful. We’re still doing some small travel and making memories, but we don’t have the summer jam-packed nor are we away from home a lot.
Summer doesn’t need to be packed to be full.
Things to Do in the Summer with Kids
A fun idea if your kids are in the right age range is to create a Summer Bingo card for them. This DIY summer bingo is a good example and they offer a blank one to maks your own (you can cheat and add some in you already know about). This helps keeps your kids excited about new activities.
Kids can also make their own bingo card like a summer bucket list, so they can be part of the planning!
Library scavenger hunts
Ask your local library about their kids activities. Many have activities like scavenger hunts. Ours has biweekly kids programs and monthly events.
The library is also a great place to go for air conditioning. Look for books or movies, bring your laptop to get some work done, or let your kiddos play in the designated areas!
Sprinkler + popsicle afternoons
If you don’t have a pool (like we don’t), sometimes you just need to improvise. We have a small blow up kiddie pool that we all enjoy. Add some popsicles or lemonade and you have a short cooling activity on your hand that everyone can enjoy.
For more fun, you can try to create an obstacle course or a challenge! Or let your kiddos make the challenge for you!!
Nature walks with a simple checklist
If you search for nature walk bingo or something of that sort, you’ll find some great printables for your kiddos to use out on a walk!
Free splash pads
I didn’t know about splash pads until I became a parent, but they’re amazing. They’re mini water amusement parks – that are free and open everyday!!
Backyard campouts
A fun one for staying close to home is a backyard campout.
Baking days (simple, messy, memorable)
Kids usually love baking. Whether it’s something simple like rice krispie treats or a cookie decorating afternoon, have some fun in the kitchen with your kiddos.
“Yes day” with clear boundaries
Set this up however you’d like, but let your kiddos make some of the decisions about fun summer activities (you don’t need to do all the hard work). You’ll probably be surprised what they pick and what they remember most!
Let them plan one day a week
Since summer is a little more flexible, let your kids have some say. Maybe they pick dinner or dessert. Perhaps they pick the movie or the game.
Less planning. More presence.
Low-Effort Summer Traditions
I mentioned the importance and ease of adding in a weekly ritual to keep things structured and fun but not rigid.
- Farmers market + simple lunch
- One evening walk after dinner
- Weekly library stop
- Friday night movie night at home
- Popsicles or fruit bowls on the porch
- “Use what we have” dinner night
- Sunday reset (15–20 minutes, timer on)
- Backyard dinners when the weather allows
- One screen-free evening
- Iced coffee or tea ritual you look forward to
Nothing fancy. Just familiar, grounding rhythms.
Summer doesn’t need to be packed to be meaningful. A few simple plans, flexible rhythms, and space to rest often lead to the memories that last the longest. Save this list, revisit it as needed, and let it support the kind of summer you actually want.
