Summer may be on its last leg, the bittersweet start of August sending thoughts of packing and school swirling through our heads, but it isn’t over yet.
Depending on when you go back to high school or college, you still have a good chunk of time left; spend it with friends going on mini-adventures prior to the setting of the summer sun. Here are 17 things you can do—some worth a pretty penny, others completely free, choose what works for you, and enjoy August!
1. Go for a hike.
In the summertime, it's a necessity that you go outside. You don't have to every single day—I, too, relish in those lazy days on the couch—but don't miss out on catching those summer rays and getting some GMA in the process. If you hate hiking, simply go for a leisurely stroll by a pond or through your town. 
2. Have a spa day.
Take time to pamper yourself with facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, face masks, and anything else that eases your muscles and mind. You can do this at home or at a real spa, whichever floats your boat. I'd post the unattractive photos of me and my friends in our face masks, but they'd probably kill me, so instead, here is Martin Freeman getting his relaxation on.
3. Go sunflower picking.
This is next on my own summer bucket list, and should be on anyone's who adores flowers. You can take gorgeous pictures, admire the flower that embodies sunshine, and then pick some to bring home to your family!
4. Have a baking day.
Who doesn't love testing their culinary skills with a friend or two? Get on your apron and get baking! My friend and I made our own chia seed pudding, which was delicious!
If you are a hazard in the kitchen, try something simple, like a refreshing summer drink (lemonade?) or a smoothie bowl!
5. Have a photo shoot.
In your backyard, at the beach, in the woods, downtown, anywhere that has good lighting and some space for you to strike a pose! Get silly and creative with it!
We decided to try a yoga pose by the pond!
6. Play mini golf.
Mini golf may traditionally be seen as a kiddie game, but if you have impaired hand-eye coordination, it can be just as challenging for adults, and just as fun.
7. Have a TV/movie marathon with friends.
Create a list of movies you and your friend(s) love or pick a Netflix show to binge-watch until the wee hours of the morning!
8. Attend a festival.
A music festival, a food festival, a film festival...any festival you can find! A couple of my friends and I went to a lantern festival in June, and it was the most magical experience of my life!
9. Have a picnic.
(It doesn't have to be this fancy looking)
10. Go to a play.
It can be a local play or one that forces you to venture into the nearest bustling city. Grab a bite to eat afterwards to discuss the sheer brilliance (hopefully it was brilliant) of the show you saw. (Hamilton was brilliant, indeed.)
11. Take a class together.
Dancing, spin, yoga, cross fit, self defense, Pilates, kickboxing, barre...there are dozens to choose from. You don't have to be a professional, just have fun learning something new and getting a good workout.
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12. Have a game night.
Game nights are a blast! Sometimes I might be overzealous when it comes time to break out the board games, but I'm convinced my friends still love them after all these years. My personal favorites are Scrabble, Scattergories, Pictionary, Gotcha!, Balderdash, and Dogopoly (Nope, not Monopoly, Dogopoly is far superior because...cute dogs :))
13. Go to an amusement park.
If you hate the long lines, try going at a time that is less busy, or deal with the crowds and experience the exhilaration that comes with the hurtling and spinning and dropping of terrifyingly amazing rides all day.
Six Flags in Agawam, MA
14. Have a barbecue.
Throw some chicken, burgers, and veggies on the grill, and gather outside with your friends for a good time! (And wish Zac Efron was the one barbecuing.)
15. Go to a concert.
Concerts are incredible. You feel an electric energy pulsating throughout the room as hundreds of fans sing out the lyrics of their favorite songs. Small venues or large ones, both provide the same musical magic.
Pre-Ed Sheeran concert at Mohegan Sun
16. Go to a museum.
The summer can be a time for learning, too. And while reading isn't the most social pastime, a museum outing certainly is.
The Wayside, Concord, MA
17. Go to the beach or a lake.
Summer practically begs you to take a trip to the refreshing, rippling waters of the world. Lakes, ponds, oceans, and rivers alike are serene and breathtaking. You can sit and stare at the mesmerizing blue, go for a swim, go kayaking, or partake in numerous other water activities that are sure to rejuvenate you.
Tip: If some of these things are hours away, don't immediately decide not to go, make a mini road trip out of it, with snacks, good music, and even better friends!
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pink and white flowers with green leaves
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person's feet on seashore
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