You may have a job or volunteer over the summer, but that doesn't mean you can't still set aside some free time to enjoy yourself before the school year begins. Often times, I don't want to spend a lot of money on traveling expenses, and I don't want to have to plan in advance. So here are some activities that I do in place of vacationing, and I'm still just as satisfied.
1. Go kayaking
Last summer, I went kayaking at Hudson River Park, and it was one of the best experiences that I've had in a long time. Kayaking there is free during the summer, and I recommend going during the evening when it's a little cooler. They offer kayaks for one person or for two people, and I was initially afraid to go on the single one, but once I got out there in the water, I no longer felt scared. My friends and I kayaked side by side, and we raced each other once we got more comfortable with our paddles. Even though we only kayaked for about 45 minutes, it was one of the best 45 minutes of my life.
2. Plan a picnic
A picnic is a great way for you and your friends to just chill. In my opinion, the best way to plan a picnic is for everyone to bring a food item of their choice, and then once you guys get together, you pool all of your food and share what you brought. Someone should also bring a speaker so that you guys could jam out to some music (but not too loudly or else you'll annoy your fellow picnic-ers like I did). Bringing a volleyball, frisbee, playing cards, or board games are some other options to consider, as well, but bug spray and sunscreen are definitely a must.
3. Scout out new dessert places
What better to eat during the summer than dessert, especially ice cream. There are always new dessert places that open up, and it's always been a personal goal of mine to find at least two new dessert places every summer. I've found several ice cream places in the past such as Soft Swerve and Taiyaki (even though they're a little pricey, I still recommend going there at least once). Not to mention I love to get bubble tea (I get bubble tea no matter what season it is, but still, it tastes better in the summer). Kung Fu Tea is my go to bubble tea shop, and I try to get a new drink every time I go, which is why I'm broke).
4. Go to the beach
I probably don't even need to say this, but everyone should go to the beach at least once during the summer. Make sure you pick a clean beach though, because the one I usually go to (just because it's close to where I live) had shards of glass poking out from the sand. Go swimming in the ocean and get a nice tan. Start a seashell collection and build yourself a sandcastle. Walk along the boardwalk and soak in the summer sun before you get buried in snow during the winter time.
5. Read a book
Okay, before you say anything, hear me out. When I say read a book, I'm not saying read one for your school's summer assignment, I'm saying read something that you're actually interested in. I remember when I used to get so hooked on a book that I would just read for several hours straight, and before I knew it, it was time for dinner. I would read it in the car, on the train, and at home before I slept. Reading is a great way to not only pass time, but also to allow yourself to learn about someone else's life, experiences, or perspectives.
