Make this season a summer to remember.
In Disney’s iconic High School Musical 2, Troy Bolton and company asked “What time is it?” and the answer was, indeed, summertime. While technically the summer solstice officially marks everyone’s favorite vacation season on June 21st this year, summer break starts much earlier. For college students, it’s around the middle of May. For everyone else, the first or second week of June kicks off two months of pretty much no responsibilities for kids, teens, and some young adults, and significantly less responsibility for those who don’t enroll in college courses or summer school. Chances are, if you’re a regular old adult, you work most weekdays and only have a couple of days off, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fantastic summer! Take a look at these 25 weekend activities to pack your calendar this sunny season!
1. Going to the Pool/Beach
A summer staple! Going to the pool or beach is one of the most classic ways to officially kick off the two-month vacation, and for good reason! If you're not the biggest fan of swimming, there's still so much to do at the beach! Build a sandcastle, work on your summer tan, or settle down in the shade with a glass of lemonade and a good book. There's something for everyone at the beach.
2. Backyard BBQ
There's no denying that barbeque is the best when it's coming straight from your grill or someone else's. Restaurant barbeque is nice, but there's something special about gathering with your family and friends in the backyard and having a cookout.
3. Bonfire
Bonfires are certainly not an exclusively summer activity, but if you ask me, I say they're the best when it's warm out. You and your friends and family can keep the bonfire going late into the night making s'mores, telling ghost stories, and even having a drink or two (drink responsibly).
4. Go-karting
Go-karting isn't for everyone, but it's so much fun! If you have a need for speed, this will be the perfect summer activity for you!
5. Mini Golf
Mini-golf courts are only open when the weather's nice, so take advantage when you can! Games are typically inexpensive, and they last for at least an hour or so - make a day out of it by playing a game or two of mini-golf and going out to eat afterwards!
6. Drive-in Theater
If you work during the day, the drive-in is a great evening activity! Catch a classic movie or see something newer, all from the comfort of your car!
7. A Day Downtown
Whether you're visiting a small town square or a big city, you're sure to find lots of neat shops, restaurants, and activities!
8. Going to the Park
Going to the park isn't just for kids! If you're not into the playground, there's still plenty for you to do. Pack a lunch in a picnic basket, play a game of ultimate frisbee, or take a stroll down the walking trails. No matter what you're doing, it's sure to be a fun time.
9. 4th of July Party
Technically the 4th of July is on a Thursday, so this may not be a weekend activity, but many places of employment will give workers the day off. Host a 4th of July get-together (Pinterest will be your lifesaver) or hop on over to a friend's party for food, fireworks, and fun!
10. Graduation Parties
Even though May is the official graduation month, many families will host parties late into June and July. Graduation parties tend to be on the low-key end of the spectrum, as far as parties go, so if you're in the mood for a simple cookout and somecake, stop by if you have a friend or friend's teen/college student hosting a graduation party.
11. Music Festival/Concert
Music festivals can be fun no matter the size. The larger ones can be expensive, but smaller, more local music festivals can also be fun. They tend to be held in downtown areas, so if you don't want to watch the bands the whole time, you can always look around the shopping and food stands.
12. Carnivals/State Fair
If you're anything like me you look forward to the one time a year where it's socially acceptable to chow down on all the fried food and soft serve your stomach can dream up. Rides, games, horse races, demolition derbies, and all kinds of fun activities await in county and state fairs!
13. Renaissance Faire
Love dressing up but don't want to wait for Halloween? Go to a renaissance faire! Or, if you can make it to Wisconsin, go to THE Bristol Renaissance Faire! Some faires will let you in at a discounted rate if you come in costume, so get to shopping! Renaissance faires are typically held in late June - early July, so hurry up and plan to experience one before you miss the chance!
14. Water Balloon Fight
Who says you have to hit up the public pool to stay cool? Fill up some water balloons and have a water balloon fight in your backyard -- just make sure to pick up all the pieces afterward!
15. Amusement Park Day
Six Flags, Disneyworld, or anything in between, you can easily make a day trip or even a whole weekend trip to an amusement park! You might have to save up a bit for it, but it'll be worth it!
16. Planting a Flower/Produce Garden
If you've ever wanted to grow your own fruit, veggies, and flowers, this is a great time to get started! Depending on the weather, you might be able to start in the spring, but you can still get results by starting in the summer. Strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, and a variety of flowers are just some of the many things you can grow yourself!
17. Road Trip
Take a weekend to take a road trip. Go all the way to the other side of your state, or to a neighboring state just to spend some time out in a new town.
18. Going to Museums
Museums are a great way to spend the day because you get a chance to stay inside and cool down while looking at some amazing pieces or art and interesting historical artifacts. Pick a museum that looks interesting to you and go nuts!
19. Going to Aquariums
Aquariums are so much fun -- a thousand steps up from looking at fish in the pet store. Some aquariums will have specific days where you can come for free, so keep on the lookout for those deals and take advantage of them!
20. Camping
There are so many different levels of camping, from getting a luxury cabin to just roughing it out in the woods with a tent, so you can camp to your desired comfort level. Bring a friend or two (or a few) to experience the great outdoors with you!
21. Game Night
Board games, video games, any games really! For those days or nights when the weather's not so fun, host an indoor game night.
22. Croquet
Croquet is the perfect outdoor game for those days where you just want to hang out in your backyard with friends.
23. Bike Ride
Bike rides can be fun either alone or with a group, and you can ride a bike almost anywhere! In the park, by the beach, in your neighborhood, or around town!
24. Go Kayaking/Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are great activities for those times when you want to be on the lake but don't feel like swimming. Head out to the waters by yourself to relax, or grab some friends and make a day trip out of it.
25. Go to a Baseball Game
If you can't make it to a big leagues game, don't sweat it. Many cities have games at the lower level that are still fun to go to! While many are held during the day, there are also evening games you can attend, so no worries if you aren't usually available earlier in the day.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, so if you can think of any more fun summer activities, leave a comment down below! Happy summer!