Summertime. It seems people either love it or hate it; but then again, I guess the same is true for all seasons!
Thankfully, these 100 fun summer activities have something for everyone; whether you are soaking up the hot sun or hiding in your cave until Autumn arrives! 🙂
I’ll admit it, Summer is not my favorite season where we live. It gets insanely hot and humid here on the coast in the USA. Ugh. It’s the kind of heat that suffocates you as soon as you walk out of the door.
I’m officially putting in my formal request for cooler weather to come back…quickly. 😀
There are a lot of things to enjoy about Summer though, so in this post, we’ll be having fun with the positives!
What about you? Are you a hot weather lover or anxiously awaiting the return of cooler temps?
Either way, I’ve got you covered with inspiration for your next fun summertime memory! Which will you pick?
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Are you basking in the summer sun or hiding from the heat in your cave? Either way, these 100 fun summer activities might inspire you to make new memories! #summer #summer2021 #summerfun #activities #fun #blogs
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100 Fun Summer Activities
Here at Wholeness Haven, we celebrate what makes us all different. That’s why this post of 100 fun summer activities will hopefully have something for everyone.
It will be divided into 50 outdoor and 50 indoor ideas. That way, if you love the heat or hate it – there’s still something to enjoy!
We’ve faced a lot of challenges and hardships in our mental and physical wellbeings, haven’t we? It’s time we remember the simple beauties and joys in life.
In times of uncertainty like we’ve been living in, it’s more important than ever to create moments we cherish.
I pray we all find more reasons to smile until it hurts our cheeks, laugh until our sides ache, and find pure joy in the simplest pleasures of life!
…So how about we get to it?…
1. Visit a “pick your own” farm
If you aren’t familiar with “pick your own farms,” they’re worth looking into for your area! How could a handful of freshly picked berries to snack on or a beautiful bouquet of freshly picked flowers not cheer you up?
If no locations are available near you, what about flowers in bloom in your own yard or in a nearby park? Just don’t be cutting blooms off your neighbor’s favorite flower without permission, you rebel, you! 😅
Just a thought: if you really love growing flowers or produce yourself – have you ever considered starting a “pick your own” to boost the morale in your neighborhood or earn extra income?
2. Support your local farmer’s market
If pick your own farms aren’t your idea of fun, what about your local Farmer’s Market? It’s not just about produce. Around here, small business owners of all types come to offer their goods for sale. You might be surprised what you’ll find & you’ll be supporting your local businesses too!
Plus, depending on where you live – many Farmer’s Markets have outdoor entertainment and refreshments for you and the family.
3. Fire up the grill and dine outside
Whether it’s by yourself, with a partner, or with friends and family; enjoying a perfectly grilled meal outdoors is hard to beat! Make it warm, romantic, and relaxing with solar powered outdoor fairy lights. Bring your Bluetooth speaker and play your favorite music.
If biting bugs are an issue where you live, I have got a treat for you! Try “No-Bite-Me” cream. Where we live, mosquitoes and other flying pests are terrible. They LOVE me. Now, my husband and I both swear by this stuff. We can be outside and not be eaten alive. They still swarm but don’t land.
Best of all, it is natural and safe, made with essential oils. If biting bugs love you too – please do yourself a favor and try this stuff!
4. Sky watch
Watch the clouds lazily float by during the day while lying on your back (goodbye stress!) or head out on a clear night to do some stargazing.
Have a truck or know someone who does? Put the tailgate down, lay down a soft blanket, and get lost in the magic of twinkling stars. Grab a stargazing app and learn something new. I’ve used “Skyview” quite a few times and it’s pretty neat!
5. Create backyard fun for the kids
Not only will the kids have fun but you can catch a break too! Take a look at this list for ideas.
6. Play water balloon tag
Looking to cool down and have fun with friends or family? Have a friendly competition of water balloon tag! Up the fun by creating an obstacle course with items around the home and yard. You can even make a “points system” for different targets! Let the laughs begin!
7. Volunteer to do good
Walk the dogs from your local animal shelter or take food and water to the homeless in your area. Take a look at your local newspaper or online for ways you can go out and make a difference. The options are limitless! You’ll feel better and you can make a difference in someone else’s life!
8. Go for nature walks
Few things can de-stress you like walking in nature. It’s one of my absolute favorite things to do! You’ll get healthier and find your stress melting away. Focus on nature until those “other voices” of distraction disappear.
9. Get your hands dirty gardening
Never gardened before? Take a look at this masterclass on “How to start a backyard garden.” It doesn’t matter if you’re naturally good at it or not. There’s something very healing about the dirt in your hands and working with plants. Give it a try!
10. Visit a botanical garden
Even if gardening just isn’t for you, that’s okay! You still might enjoy visiting a botanical garden where you can enjoy the beauty of blooms without the work!
11. Grab a sweet treat
Do you have a local dairy farm that makes its own ice cream? What about a snow-cone stand? Go grab a sweet treat and support local business too! Don’t have one nearby? That’s okay. Take a look at these yummy recipes to make your own.
12. Arrange a scavenger hunt
Have a friendly competition with neighbors or friends. You might be surprised what you’ll find! Not sure how to arrange it? Take a look at these scavenger hunt tips. The best part is you’ll be walking around and having fun too!
13. Fly a kite
There’s something so relaxing about watching your kite soar through the air. It’s another fun activity that doubles as physical exercise too!
14. Let rocks do the talking
In our area, people paint small rocks with encouraging messages and leave them in random places. It’s a nice way to make someone’s day a little bit brighter.
Inspire Kindness has mastered this art.
15. Plan a picnic
Picnics can be a lot of fun! Plan a fun outdoor getaway by yourself with your favorite foods, a romantic picnic for two, or a fun-filled family day. Whether it’s a local spot in nature – or a drive away for a view – picnics are guaranteed to bring fun, laughter, and memorable moments.
16. Create the landscape of your dreams
Spring and Fall are usually the best time of year to introduce most new plants, but there are so many other things you can do to create a luxurious landscape that you love. Take a look at these great ideas from This Old House for your summer landscape.
17. Make a solar oven with your kids
A solar oven made from a pizza box? You’re kidding, Holly! No, I’m not. 😊 This DIY science project is sure to be lots of fun!
18. Slip and slide silliness
When I was a kid, we had a version of this that was dangerous as all heck! 😀 It wasn’t much more than some trash bags and a garden hose! They’ve come a long way since then…thankfully!
19. Lounge in a hammock
It doesn’t have to be expensive! These nylon camping hammocks are less than $30!
20. Rent a kayak
Lazily floating in a kayak? Yes, please!
21. Find an outdoor concert
Even if you have to travel a little ways – it’s hard to beat great music!
22. Help your local churches do outreach
So many people need help! Are there any local churches or organizations that are reaching out and helping folks in your neighborhood? Offer to help them help others in whatever way that’s needed most.
23. Set up a community donation spot
Here, one of our local churches has a little outdoor “drop-box” where people leave non-perishable goods for people who can’t otherwise afford them to come grab whenever they’re needed. Consider setting up one of these donation boxes or locations for gifts of water, non-perishable food, kid’s toys, jackets, and new/gently used clothing. Advertise in your local post office, radio station, or with local outreach. You can save a life!
24. Collect items from the beach to make DIY windchimes
25. Have a yard sale
What’s that saying? “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” It’s true. Consider decluttering your home and having a yard sale after. You can make a little extra cash while making someone else happy!
26. Go for a hot air balloon ride
I’ve never done this but I’ve always wanted to! Google “hot air balloon rides near me,” to see if any are available where you are!
27. Watch a sunrise and sunset
There is something so magical about these times of day, isn’t it? Kick back in your favorite lawn chair and take in God’s breathtaking handiwork. Don’t forget your camera!
28. Fun family games
No list of 100 fun summer activities would be complete without these (often) hilarious family fun games! Create your own games and rules or use these for inspiration. There is no limit to creativity!
29. Go scuba diving
If you’re not able to go in person – there’s still hope! Virtual scuba dives are available too!
30. Play laser tag
Whether you have kids or you’re a kid at heart – laser tag can be a lot of fun! Set up an obstacle course and tag away! It’s another fun way to be active!
31. Drive in movies or outdoor plays
This classic form of entertainment can be a lot of fun – by yourself or with others. Sadly, the nearest one to me is a long way away, but that may not be true for you! If no drive-in theatres are available – what about plays in the park? Check your local listings for fun ideas!
32. Create art outdoors
Grab that canvas or sketch pad and go get inspired by the nature view around you! Not naturally gifted at painting or drawing? Try paint by numbers. It’s a fantastic way to de-stress and be creative!
33. Try your hand at photography
Grab your phone’s camera or a digital camera and search for what inspires you. You don’t have to be a professional. The joy is in the capturing of a beautiful moment in time. Pick your favorite photos and turn them into art with these fun apps!
34. Journal in nature
Sometimes, getting outside of our normal routines and spaces can really open up our thoughts to flow. Pick your favorite relaxing spot and start writing down what comes to mind. Pour your heart out. It’s just for you. All you need is a pen and paper – or maybe a guided gratitude journal. Whichever you decide, take this time to breathe in deeply, write it down, and let it all go.
35. Go bird watching
Birds are absolutely amazing creatures with fascinating songs and habits. You might be surprised how addicted you become to this new hobby! If you’re interested but don’t know where to start, check out this guide, “Bird Watching 101: A Guide for Beginners,” from Audubon New York. Don’t forget the free Merlin Bird ID app so you can easily identify your favorites from now on!
36. Go for a walk with your cat
Yes, really! Adventerous kitties can easily be trained, which includes walking on a harness leash. Don’t think your four-legged best friend is up for a walk? I understand! We LOVE this 3-in-1 pet stroller, carrier, and booster seat. It’s perfect for small dogs too. I don’t know what we did without ours!
37. Try your luck with metal detecting
You might be amazed what you can find with a quality metal detector. I bet these people weren’t expecting to find these fascinating finds when they went out that day! Who knows what you could find in your own backyard!
38. Tie Dye T-Shirts
I did this once years ago and it was a lot of fun!
39. Go zip lining
What a view! If you are the adventurous type looking for a thrill – zip lining might be for you! Google “zip lines near me” to see what’s available. You might be surprised at your options!
40. Mini-golf mania
It’s low-key, fun, and available in most areas. Who can resist some rounds of mini-golf?
41. Enjoy the classic S’mores by a campfire
You know we had to throw some classics into our list of 100 fun summer activities! S’mores are always a crowd favorite and this list of 15 creative s’mores recipes are sure to please!
42. Try white water rafting
It’s a great way to cool down in the summer heat and try something new! There’s everything from easy trips to advanced. An experienced guide can help you with any concerns!
43. Turn your trampoline into a summer hangout
Who knew an old trampoline could be given such awesome new life? These parents transformed their old, unused trampolines into quite the space to relax under the stars!
44. Play water balloon volleyball
If video doesn’t play for you, here’s the link on Pinterest.
45. Build a fairy garden
Fairy gardens have really gained in popularity over the years. People are finding them to be a great outlet for creativity and relaxation. What kind of world will you create? Take a look at these 15 DIY fairy gardens for inspiration!
46. Make a butterfly feeder and watch them flutter
I adore butterflies, don’t you? They are so symbolic of our struggles and new beginnings in life. We also need them to help pollinate and to control pests. So how do we show them love? Take a look at these 10 amazing DIY butterfly feeders. You’ll love watching them come feed on what you created!
47. Play glow in the dark backyard ring toss
I love this idea from The Krazy Coupon Lady. She turned Dollar Tree items into a fun Summer nights game. It’s #6 on her list and she will show you how it’s done. Looks like fun to me!
48. Nature crafts for kids
Spend a day gathering items from nature to create a work of art! It’s a great way to bond with your kids and make new memories. You might even enjoy doing these all by yourself! What I love most about this is that it’s a great way to teach kids how to respect and appreciate the Earth we live in!
49. Visit an outdoor flea market
It is unbelievable what kind of unexpected deals you can find! They don’t make stuff like they used to, ya know!
50. Find a hike with a waterfall
Isn’t there something so amazing about the power and natural beauty of a waterfall? Challenge yourself physically with a beautiful hike and let your refreshing reward be some fun splashing under the waterfall!
What’s your favorite?
Well there you have it, friends! Our first 50 of 100 fun summer activities – for the outdoor lovers among us!
Stay tuned for next Tuesday because we will be posting our 50 fun indoor summer ideas
If there’s one thing we know for certain – fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune! For more great ideas on a budget, take a look at my friend Michelle’s post, “35 Totally Fun & Free Summer Activities.”
Now I’d love to hear from you!
- What’s your favorite on this list?
- Do you have anything planned this summer?
- Do you have a summer bucket list?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts! As always, please share this post with your social media family if you found it fun! Thank you!! Your support means so much. ♥
Until next time…
Blessings To You & Yours,
This is a fabulous list, Holly! No excuses for being bored 😂
😂 You’ve got a point there Sean! Haha. Thank you for the compliment. I’m glad you enjoyed!
What a great list! I love the “pick your own farm” idea. I’ve always wanted to do that. Maybe this year I should finally get out and do it!
My daughter and I loved to volunteer at the local animal shelter. We always helped out in the kitten room. She would play with the kittens and feed them while I cleaned up the room. I always hated to leave! Now I need to check out the shelter closest to us and see if they need volunteers, too. I miss it.
Metal detecting sounds like a lot of fun, too! My dad recently bought a metal detector but he hasn’t found anything yet. I think I need to borrow it for my backyard. Maybe I’ll find a really cool treasure buried back there!
We just bought t-shirts to tie dye outside when it cools off some, so I loved that this was on your list! I remember tie-dying t-shirts when I was in elementary school. The “Tie-Dye Guy” came to our school and taught us how to do it. What a fun day!
Thank you so much for including my link! It makes me smile that we both had this idea! Shared and pinned!!
I think you would love a “pick your own” farm day. You should definitely try it. 🙂 It’s so relaxing too!
I can see why you’d miss volunteering in the kitten room and why it would be so hard to leave. Those little faces grab ahold of your heart and don’t let go, don’t they? I can only imagine how much the staff appreciated you and your daughter’s help too. So sweet!
Ooooh, how cool that your dad recently got a metal detector. I used to have people ask permission to go treasure hunting in my yard. Seems to me I remember them mentioning finding some rings of value. You might be surprised what is hiding around there. 😉 You’ll have to tell me what you find! In that area, it could be a lot of things… 🙂 (especially with the questionable previous owners, lol, only kidding…)
“Tie-Dye Guy,” I love that! Isn’t it funny how we can remember some memories so vividly? I hope it’s as much fun this time around. I don’t know about you, but I had no idea you could create so many designs!
Michelle, you are so sweet. Thank you for adding my link to your post. ♥ It was my pleasure to add yours. You always have the best ideas. I also linked to you in the Indoors Edition – one to Creative Blogging 101, one to your free grocery planning printable, and a few of your other posts. You’re awesome. 🤗 Sending lots of love & hugs your way.
Haha!! You’re right about what you might find around my house. The previous owners may have hidden some things I don’t want to find! 😀
Aww..thank you so much for linking to my posts! That means the world to me! Every time I feel like giving up on blogging you encourage me to keep going. I appreciate your support soooo much!! Hugs and love!!
You know, it’s funny that you should mention how every time you have felt like giving up on blogging, I’ve done something to encourage you. That’s *exactly* how I feel about you. Blogging can be a tough business, as you know. There’s an endless amount to do and since we don’t see results very quickly when we try something new – it can feel discouraging. Plus, it’s easy to linger in self-doubt. Having a friend that knows what you’re going through and supports you through the process is a treasure. You are that friend, thank you! To know that I’ve been that for you too makes me smile. I hope I can continue to be that for you.
Sending you much love and many hugs, my friend. You are a brilliant blogger, creative mastermind, called and chosen by God. You are also a dear friend, HUGE supporter, genuine blessing, and you have got this …. you’re amazing. ♥
Aww…thank you! It’s so wonderful to have that friend that gets it! 🙂 You are so sweet!
Oooo these are fantastic! I smiled reading through them – so much fun, simple joy to be had! I’ve seen another blogger do one of those 100 day challenges with stone painting and she came up with amazing designs. I really want to give it a try but I’d have to order stones online somewhere, which seems a bit of a strange thing to do but there’s nowhere nearby you can get good stones 😆
I love the brand name for that insect stuff – “No-Bite-Me”. Brilliant!
Fab ideas lovely. In the times of the pandemic, any of these activities could help you enjoy the summer, make the most of your time and bring a smile when it’s desperately needed.
Caz xx
“I smiled reading through them – so much fun, simple joy to be had!” — Perfect! You couldn’t have said anything better. That’s exactly what I was hoping for. 😊 I feel like we all need some lightheartedness these days right?
I can only imagine how incredible the stone painting designs were you saw. Some people are seriously talented. I was surprised to hear that y’all don’t have any good stones around there? Interesting! I wonder if there are any craft stores or the like around you that would have them for cheap? I think you’d find it relaxing. 😊
Ha ha, “No-Bite-Me” is a great name, isn’t it? That stuff really is amazing. Bugs eat me alive but that cream works! Thank God!
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, Caz! You’re amazing. And I agree with you – it’s more important than ever that we create good memories for ourselves and others. A smile goes a long long way. ♥
[…] you are looking for more ideas for fun summer activities, check out my friend Holly’s list of 100 Fun Summer Activities Everyone Will Love! She’s shared some amazing outdoor activities that are sure to help you beat the heat and […]
Lot’s of great ideas here, thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I’m glad you found some inspiration here. 😊 That’s my goal!
I tried flying a kite, but it kept getting caught in the ceiling fan! 🤪😂
🤣 That darn ceiling fan will get you every time! Ha ha!
Like you, in Kentucky, the humidity is enough for a daily sauna! Snow anytime!
Amen, my friend, amen! That humidity makes even what should be a comfortable temperature almost unbearable! Snow is beautiful and so are slightly chilly temperatures. Perfect for working out in the yard. 😊
What a fun list of summer activities , loved them all .Trying to make most of summer with family time and these ideas are all great. I would love to try the DIY butterfly feeder and the windchimes sometime. The fun family game ideas for the get togethers are awesome! Lovely share Holly.
Hi Nisha! ♥ Aw! It’s SO good to hear from you! I love when you weigh in with your thoughts and feelings. I agree with you – summer is a good time of year to make family time a priority. We think a lot alike because that DIY butterfly feeder looks interesting to me as well. If you try it – will you let me know how your project goes? I’d love to hear!
Sending endless love and many hugs your way, Nisha. Thanks for being you!
Sure Holly will let you know when I try it, have been busy with short trips with the kids to the beaches and nearby places. Have a wonderful summer ..lots of love and hugs .
Awesome summer post!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! 😊
What a wonderful list of summer activities! I haven’t even thought of doing several of these so thank you for the inspiration.
Hi Jodie! It’s lovely to hear from you! I’m so glad you enjoyed this list. 😊 I just shared 50 more for people who’d rather be indoors during summer heat season! Hopefully, you will find some inspiration there too. Please do come back and share more of your thoughts! Take care!
Some cool ideas here. I’d “like” it but unfortunately your Like button isn’t loading.
Thanks, Mitch. I’m glad you liked some of these. 😊 No worries about the like button. I’m not for certain but I believe it’s a technical glitch between my SEO plug-in and the WordPress theme I’m using. It has been like this for many months. (sigh)
Love all your ideas Holly. I am a summer person, but I sure don’t like it to get out of the 80s and we have had some crazy hot days in the Pacific Northwest for sure. Our winters are long and rainy so we all look forward to summer. I love going to the beach in the summer.
Hi Michele. ♥ It is so great to hear from you again! I bet you do have some crazy hot days where you live, especially with the bizarre weather patterns we’ve been experiencing! I hope you can find some time to get out there and enjoy a little beach time to unwind and relax. That is, if it’ll stay in the 80s or below — and believe you me, I’m in full agreement. 😀
[…] 100 Fun Summer Activities – Outdoors Edition […]
WOW this post is packed with lots of fun activities. For myself I love that you’ve included such simple things such as cloud watching and checking out rocks – what simple ways to connect with nature and enjoy the summer weather. Thanks for sharing this awesome list!
It’s so good to hear from you! Thank you for stopping in! I agree with you; the simple ways to connect with nature are often the very best. Fun and relaxation don’t have to cost a dime, right?
I hope you’ll come back and share more of your thoughts. Take care! ♥
Another great list, Holly! Just like you, I’m not a big fan of summer. I just read your indoors edition and I definitely do a lot more similar activities on there! We do book a few lake days and camping trips in the summer with the whole family which is always fun and we go all out. We love grilling our food! Thanks for sharing xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
You are so sweet Lynn, thank you! I smiled when you said that y’all enjoy grilling your food. My hubby and I agree with you there. That smoky perfection is hard to beat, isn’t it? Yum!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I hope you’ll come back again soon. ♥
I pinned this and saved it for later. Great ideas, and I like your blog.
Aw! Thank you so much! Your comment made me smile! And thank you for sharing too. Very sweet! ♥
Thanks for these, Holly! I will definitely keep them in mind when Summer rolls around here! We’re heading into Spring soon 😉
Hope you and yours are well xx