Fun Summer Activities to Try for the First Time

The weather is warm and sunny. Days are longer, and towns come alive with outdoor activities, events and festivals. It’s the perfect time to get out there and try something new. No matter your budget, you should be able to find something that fits your finances. Grab a friend or partner (or go it alone) and find a new pastime to enjoy.

• Attend a local festival - Many towns and cities have festivals and fairs during the summer. If yours doesn’t have one, you can probably find one nearby. It’s a great time to meet people who live in your area and enjoy local crafts, food trucks and bands. 

• Pick strawberries - There is nothing tastier than fresh picked strawberries. Strawberry picking season is usually from April to June, depending on your location. Ask your local farm when the optimal picking season starts.  

• Shop a farmer’s market - Check your village’s website to find the location of your farmer’s market. They’re usually once a week and include locally grown food. Some even include crafts and prepared food and drinks. It’s a great way to support your community and connect with neighbors.  

• Catch an outdoor concert - Warm summer nights are the best time to listen to music under the stars. Just grab your lawn chairs and blankets. Look for free concerts during the week in your area.  

• Go to a drive-in movie or create one in your backyard - If you’re lucky enough to have a drive-in theater nearby, this is a nostalgic experience that can’t be beat. If you don’t have one, simply create one in your backyard with a projector and an inflatable screen or white sheet.  

• Attend a paint-and-sip class - Look for a studio that offers wine and painting classes. They provide everything you need to paint your own project while sipping wine. Most of them also offer take home projects if you’d rather do it at home.  

• Visit a Renaissance faire - Take a step back in time to see lords and ladies, watch shows and jousting, eat turkey legs and ice cream, and shop for jewelry and other wares from the time period. Dressing up is encouraged. 

• Plant a flower garden - With all the flowers in season, there are so many varieties to choose from. Your local gardening center carries the flowers that grow best in your region. Pay attention to labels for each one to make sure you know the height and how far apart to plant them. If you don’t have your own yard, use planters to create a vibrant display. 

• Ride a horse - Look for an equestrian center that offers trail rides, so you can enjoy the scenery along the way. Trail horses are trained to follow each other on a designated path, so it’s easy for beginners. Make sure you wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and long pants to prevent chafing.  

• Sketch outdoors - Visit your local hobby store for a sketch pad and pencil set. Then find a scenic place to relax and draw what you see. You don’t need to be Picasso. Just have fun with it!  

• Go to a water park or swimming pool - When temperatures soar, cool off at a swimming pool or water park. There are slides for all ages and levels of adventure.  

• Go ziplining - Not afraid of heights? These thrilling journeys take you through forest treetops, and some places also offer obstacle courses.  

• Attend a yoga in the park class - Some cities offer free community yoga classes in public parks. Relieve the stress from your week and try a class with a friend or family member.  

• Try Geocaching - This is an app-based treasure hunt. Create a free account, search for one near you, and start hunting. Don’t forget to bring a pen to sign the log when you find one. 

• Learn photography - Have you always wanted to take pictures like a pro? Start with using your smartphone to get a feel for composition. Read how to take better pictures with your phone. Then if you’re enjoying it, invest in an entry-level camera with more options. Photography Life has good tips for beginners or you can take a photography class locally. 

• Go river tubing - Spend a relaxing afternoon floating down a river. Experiences vary, so research where you’re going to make sure you pack properly for the day.  

• Visit a wildlife safari - Did you know there are wildlife safaris in the U.S.? You can see animals from around the world without leaving the States. They can include walking paths, petting zoos, driving courses and guided tours. Just check to make sure the one you visit has accreditation from the AZA to ensure the animals are treated humanely. 

• Go camping/hiking - Find a scenic trail to hike and combine it with camping or visit a national park to enhance your experience. Make sure you bring the proper gear for the area and the weather forecast.  

• Start a scrapbook - With all of the fun things you’re going to try this summer, you’ll have lots of material to put into a scrapbook. Visit your local hobby store to pick out a blank scrapbook and some extra pages, then start journaling your experiences. Add in some dried flowers, sketches, ticket stubs or stickers to showcase your activities.  

Summertime is perfect for trying new things, but there may be some endeavors you like to do over and over again. Here are some simple and inexpensive activities that bring back childhood memories:

• Watch a sunset 
• Collect seashells  
• Paint rocks and decorate your garden 
• Have a water balloon fight 
• Draw on the sidewalk 
• Bike around the neighborhood 
• Fly a kite 
• Go on a scavenger hunt 
• Have a picnic 

Hopefully you found something to spark your interest. Maybe it’s something you always wanted to try or something you just learned about. There’s no right or wrong when trying something new. Half of the enjoyment is making mistakes and laughing about them. So, get out there and make some memories this summer.