62 Fun Things to Do This Summer to Make It the Best One Ever
Consider this your ultimate warm-weather bucket list.
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Hello, summer! Bring on all the fun and sun. How should you best spend these long and bright days though? Here we give you lots of ideas with a list of 62 fun summer activities to keep your family entertained all season long.
Whether you are looking for things to do for teens, for kids, or for adults, we've got you covered for both activities to do at home and excursions to take around town and beyond from the beginning to the end of summer.
If you're in the mood to play outside, setting out an inflatable backyard pool and serving up some ice cream are never bad ideas. Or, if air conditioning is calling your name, you might want to try a DIY summer craft or have a classic summer movie marathon. And, of course, no summer activity is complete without food, so pick out one of our favorite grilling recipes and no-bake desserts to make too. Plus, who ever said summer reading was only for school? These great summer books are almost as enjoyable as a beach vacation itself.
And now for our summer bucket list. Time to start making yours!
Discover wonderful ideas, recipes, and travel guides to plan the best summer ever:
Embrace Peach Season
Nothing says summer like biting into a juicy peach. Be sure to pick up a fresh basket from your local farmer's market or fruit stand and savor all its sweetness. Better yet, bake some up in a Peach Cobbler, and don't forget the ice cream!
Host a Lowcountry Shrimp Boil
In this season of outdoor dining, it doesn't get any more relaxed than throwing down some newspaper and gathering around a table for a Carolina-style lowcountry shrimp boil. Don't forget the extra rolls of paper towels!
RELATED: How to Cook a Lowcountry Shrimp Boil
Go Antiquing
Whether you plan to hit up outdoor flea markets or that one backroad antique mall that's always been on your bucket list, summer is the perfect time to start a vintage collection.
RELATED: Go Antiquing Like a Pro With These Designer Tips
Check Out Camp Country Living!
If you need to find engaging things to do with your children, browse our inaugural session of Camp Country Living, a virtual summer camp with more than 60 badge-worthy ideas across four categories: Food & Drink, Arts & Crafts, Fun & Games, and Gardening & Outdoor Pursuits. From crafting family time capsules and cooking popcorn on the bonfire to writing fill-in-the-blank campfire songs and making tin can telephones, our unique guide will help with planning an exciting season!
RELATED: 60 Fun Ways to Enjoy an Old-School Summer at Camp Country Living!
Learn How to Hang a Hammock
Enjoy a breezy weekend day with a nap outside in your very own backyard hammock. Follow our easy to follow instructions for how to hang a hammock and you'll be relaxing in no time.
Celebrate Freedom for All
Head to a Juneteenth parade or host a friendly cookout on June 19. Get inspiration to celebrate the important federal holiday with a Classic Gullah Geechee Meal from Michiel Perry of BSB Media (a marketing and content platform for the Black Southern Belle).
RELATED: What Is Juneteenth? Here's What You Need to Know About the Holiday
Grill Fruit
Topped with whipped cream or ice cream, fresh from the grill peaches, pineapples, and bananas are a fun alternative to traditional summer desserts.
Fly a Kite
Grab a set of pretty kites in a local toy store and make your way outside for a "model flight" with your family or friends. If you have little ones, let everyone select a colorful kite to enjoy plenty of airplay in your backyard or a park.
RELATED: Learn How to Fly a Kite
Throw an Ice Cream Social
Set up a serve-yourself bar filled with unique ice cream flavors, toppings, and soda pairings, then invite friends over to create their own root beer floats, banana splits, ice cream sundaes and more.
RELATED: Best Ice Cream Festivals Across America
Toss Out a Fishing Line
If you're an outdoorsy person, take a weekend day to pack up your tackle box, favorite lures, and fishing poles for some quality time with a fellow outdoor enthusiasts near the water.
RELATED: DIY Your Own Fishing Pole
Fire Up the Grill
When it comes to cooking a summer meal outdoors, that usually means grilling. Everyone should know how to make the perfect burger, but don't forget about the best summer sides and even grilled desserts.
Create an Easy Craft
Calling all DIY lovers! Our exhaustive roundup of fun summer crafts includes dozens of easy-to-make ideas, including this cute and functional multitiered herb stand made from a collection of vintage bowls.
Pick Up New Summer Sundresses
These easy-breezy frocks are the unofficial outfit of warm weather season. Browse some of our favorite sundresses to find new additional for your dress collection.
Tackle a Scavenger Hunt
Lovers of interactive challenges, download Country Living's free printable scavenger hunt for your next family trip. The fun and challenging summer game will make time on the road fun! The winner gets to pick a prize at the next truck stop.
RELATED: Go on a Country Scavenger Hunt
Try a New Watermelon Recipe
Sweet and refreshing, it's no wonder watermelon is considered by many to be the official fruit of summer. Find a new favorite way to eat watermelon with these creative watermelon recipes.
Go Camping
Head to a local state park or stay close to home by organizing a camping trip with friends for a fun summer activity. Pack up your tent and best camping chairs, and set out for an adventure in the great outdoors. Try some of these best campfire recipes on a camping stove—you'll be hungry after setting up camp!
...or Go Glamping
If your ideal version of being outdoorsy involves a cozy bed and a massage, consider adding glamorous glamping trip to your annual travel plans.
RELATED: 32 of the Best Glamping Destinations Across the United States That Are Seriously Gorgeous
Take the Karaoke Party Outside
Buy a mobile entertainment setup to host a spectacular karaoke gathering at home with family and friends! Fire up the grill and setup in the backyard or on the deck for a long day of singing, esting, and bonding with your circle.
RELATED: 40 of the Best Karaoke Songs for Your Next Night Out
Pack a Picnic
Food just tastes better when you're eating outdoors, whether you're in a park, at the beach, or even in your own backyard.
RELATED: Delicious Packable Recipes to Help You Plan the Perfect Picnic
Hit Up a County Fair
Your local county or state fair is sure to provide fun for the whole family. Where else can you eat funnel cake, ride a ferris wheel, and win prizes while playing games?
Janece Maze is the former Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covered DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
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