Throughout the school year, we all say that we wish summer would get here already. Tan lines, shorts, hanging with friends every day... Sounds like a blast, right? Well, instead of doing everything that you normally do during the summer, check out this list and see if you can branch out!

1. Go on a hike at the Garden of the Gods.

Nature is beautiful and is something that should be enjoyed.

2. Go on a late night drive with friends and crank up the music.

3. Take your dog for a walk.

4. Go to Warped Tour.

5. Take a road trip to an unexplored area.

6. Go to the cross or caves in Alton, Ill.

7. Make a scrapbook.

8. Learn a sport that you’ve never played before.

Swimming, golf, or even soccer are some great things to get your heart pumping!

9. Bask in the sunlight.

This year has already flown by, and the seasons are going with it.

10. Help out your family, don’t take them for granted.

You never know how long you will truly have with them.

11. Join a charity organization.

There’s nothing better than helping others out and knowing that you made a difference.

12. Bake something delicious (like all the recipes that pop up on Facebook lately!)

13. Take as many pictures as you can!

You’ll never get those moments back, so you might as well do everything you can to remember them.

14. Make a change.

Whether it be your hair, your health, or your lifestyle in general! It’s never too late to create a better you!

15. Redecorate your room.

16. Read as much as you can!

Jojo Moyes is always my go-to!

17. Update your wardrobe.

18. Go to Carlyle Lake (the largest man-made lake in the world).

19. Have a bonfire with friends.

20. Do paint twister!

It’s such a fun, messy way to enjoy hanging out with friends outside!

21. Get your legs pumping at the STL Color Run!

22. Work a bunch and save up for something you’ve always wanted.

23. Take a few days to turn your phone off and connect with the world around you.

24. Go cliff jumping at the Offsets.

25. Take a week to be completely natural!

Do nothing to your hair, wear no makeup, and be your beautiful self!

26. Pull an all-nighter.

27. Make the summer of 2016 count.

Although some of these things might not be possible for you, make sure to take a second and get out of your comfort zone. The most memorable times happen when you decide to let loose and try something new! With that being said, have a fun, crazy summer of 2016 that you will never forget!