Whether this is your first summer off since going to college or your last before you enter “the real world”, summer vacation during college is always epic. 4 months can fly by or drag along, depending on how you choose to spend them, how well you get along with your parents, how many friends you have at home, and how much you miss your friends from school.

I know most of your friends and family will probably be telling you to get a job or get an internship to help you make some money and build your resume to “increase your chances of landing a job” (I know, I know) however, I think it is more important to make sure you unwind and focus on enjoying your summer after working so hard for an entire school year.

Because I am more than envious of my little brother who is enjoying his very first college summer break, I’ve created a list of ideas of fun things you can do this summer so you don’t waste away those precious, precious 4 months. I’ve already completed most of these things on the list because I like to stay active and be outdoors, but if you need any ideas – take it from me:

1. Play volleyball at the beach
2. Go to the beach
3. Swing on a swing set
4. Play basketball
5. Get ice cream
6. Go on a walk with your dog
7. Go on a walk on the phone
8. Go fishing
9. Go swimming
10. Begin exercising
11. Get a FUN part-time job (like working on a boat or at a camp)
12. House sit at a house with a pool
13. Make homemade popsicles
14. Go on vacation
15. Travel for an extended period of time
16. Do a work exchange in another state or another country
17. Travel alone
18. Go to concerts
19. Draw with chalk
20. Go cliff jumping
21. Go zip lining
22. Run further than you ever have before
23. Try a new sport or activity for the first time (skateboarding)
24. Go pool hopping
25. Visit your friends from school in their hometowns
26. Go on a day trip or week trip with your friends from school
27. Have your friends from home meet your friends from school
28. Have a pool party
29. Play pool basketball
30. Write a song
31. Have a water balloon fight
32. Pick peoples’ brains for career ideas
33. Try out multiple jobs and internships – NOT for experience but to see what you ACTUALLY LIKE
34. Roam the library on a hot day
35. Do a scavenger hunt with friends
36. Go to a beer festival
37. Go to a carnival
38. Go to music festivals
39. Foster a dog that needs a home
40. Have a picnic
41. Watch fireworks
42. Go to a theme park (Six Flags)
43. Make grilled pizza
44. Have a bonfire at the beach (or in your back yard)
45. Roast marshmallows or doughboys
46. Go camping
47. Do a Tough Mudder or race
48. Make a reading list (or read at least 1 book)
49. Take a nap in the grass
50. Climb trees

Do you have any other fun ideas? Comment below!