We all spend months looking forward to the stress free days of summer vacation. But inevitably, relaxation will turn to boredom. In these moments we need inspiration to get us out of that summer-time rut to avoid wasting the beautiful days and warm nights parked on the couch binge-watching Netflix.
1. Go for a hike
After months of slaving over papers and cramming for exams, take a break from being trapped inside and find some nice wooded trails for you and your friends. If you're feeling really adventurous, hike up to a hut or lodge and spend the night. Hut hikes are a fun way to get out of the house and spend the night away from Netflix and social media to reset yourself after the stress of finals.
2. Take a road trip
Put together a killer playlist, stock up on the best snacks, set a destination, and go. Road trips with friends are the perfect way to shut down any summer boredom. Whether its just to the beach, or to visit someone in a different state, hitting the road is guaranteed to mix up the same old day to day schedule.
3. Explore a city
All cities have fun tourist activities that can be a blast, even as a local. If you want to be more independent, head into the closest city without any plans and just see what happens. The best adventures are the spontaneous ones.
4. Go to an outdoor concert
What better way to take advantage of the summer weather than enjoying music, friends, and the outdoors all at once. Try a country concert, a wild music festival, or even a simple local band- whatever type of music you're into will offer the perfect nighttime escape from summer jobs.
5. Spend the day at a water park
Pack a swim suit and lots of sunscreen, find the nearest water park, and spend a hot day zipping down slides and lounging in the lazy river.
6. Reach out to an old friend
As we grow older it's easy to drift apart from the people who used to be major parts of our lives. Use being home for the summer as an excuse to re-connect with those you've lost touch with.
7. Try out a new recipe
As college students, we only get a few months of the year to relish home-made meals. Amp these meals up even further by using fresh, in season ingredients to make fun meals the dining hall never serves.
8. Hit up a drive-in movie
Take watching a movie to the next level by reliving the 1950's classic pass time. Drive-in movies are a unique way to relax and spend time with friends.
9. Have a bonfire
Nothing says summer time like hot dogs on a stick and s'mores!
10. Go star gazing
Grab a blanket, find an open field, and search for constellations. Look up when the next meteor shower is for a more exciting show.
11. Have a BBQ
Summer weekends call for friends, burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. Fire up the grill, plug in some speakers, and start the weekend on a good note.
12. Take a bike ride through an unfamiliar neighborhood
Go exploring and get exercise all at once! Find a community with pretty houses and quiet roads and just ride.
13. Have a picnic dinner on the beach
What is summer without spending time on the beach? Avoid the daytime heat and crowds of beach goers by having a picnic as the sun sets.
