Sometimes summer can feel monotonous, boring, and overwhelmingly hot when you do not have plans. Luckily, I have complied a list of fun summer activities for you, along with friends and family. So, get off the coach and enjoy the free time you are going to wish you have when fall rolls around.

1. Go stargazing on a warm summer night.

This may seem so simple but it can be really fun. You can stay right in your own back yard, or explore your hometown for a nice open field to lay a blanket with a friend and just look up at the sky. It can make for a good time to reflect, or have a great conversation.

2. Go canoeing.

There are tons of lakes around, some you may not even know about. Look them up and gather friends or family. Take a picnic lunch and have a day out on the lake. Canoe rentals are decently inexpensive and it is easy to learn. You can get a nice tan and explore the outdoors.

3. Host a BBQ with friends and family.

You do not even have to leave the house. Start the grill or build a fire and have a delicious and fun outdoor meal. If you do not want to break the bank, have a pot luck style BBQ. Each guest can bring along their favorite dish. You can plan outdoor games, like horseshoes or corn-hole. To end the night, gather everyone around the fore for the classic summer treat, smore's!

4. Play mini golf.

I prefer to call it "putt-putt." Either way, this game is a cheap and fun way to get outdoors and have fun with your favorite people. Even better, most places have ice cream stands too. So enjoy a sundae after those 18 holes!

5. Take a hiking trip.

There are many places to hike that are most likely near by your home. Explore the trails near by and find new places you have never seen before. Summer is the time to explore nature.

6. Make a tie-dye t-shirt.

Tie-dying is an inexpensive way to be creative and add a classic piece to your wardrobe (yes I called tie dye a classic). If you are feeling even more artsy, tie-dye blankets or towels, headbands, or socks!

7. Visit a museum.

Many museums are free and you can come across hundreds or even thousands of fun facts! Visit local museums or take a trip to a larger city like Washington, D.C. There are many different types of exhibits for all interests.

8. Take up yoga.

Yoga can be relaxing and is a healthy hobby to pick up. Even better for summer, you can practice outdoors in the warm weather.

9. Visit family.

Jump in the car and visit a relative you have not seen in a while. It is always good to connect with those closest to you. Take an old photo album or cook a meal together, maybe an old family recipe.

10. Try new recipes.

Look up some of your favorite foods and find new ways to make them. Maybe make homemade ice cream or a summer style pizza.

11. Organize a water balloon fight.

As kids this was always a must during summer so why not add it to the list now? Water balloons are a fun way to play a game and cool off at the same time. Gather friends for a fun war! Be sure to clean up afterward so no animals get sick.

12. Write a poem.

This may seem odd if you have never tapped into the author inside you or you may feel you are not a writer, but you never know until you try. Plus, no one said it had to be any good. Writing can be a good way to release emotions. Go outside and get inspired. Sometimes it is fun to try new things and you never know, you may learn to love it.

13. Sketch a tree or flower.

Staying on the creative track, take a walk in a part and find something fun the sketch. Summer is the perfect time to pick up new hobbies and if it is not any good, do not worry, practice makes perfect. Just do it for fun.

14. Volunteer.

This can be a good way to help your community and give you something to do. There are many opportunities in your community. Help at a summer camp or a local library. Use your interests to determine where you want to help.

15. Clean your room.

Do not worry, I am not trying to be your mother. Clean your room if it is actually dirty, you have the time, but organize your things. It can be fun to move the furniture around. Give your room a new look without spending a dime. Summer cleaning can also be good for the soul.

16. Create a summer playlist.

Use Spotify or YouTube and create a playlist full of your favorite summer anthems.

17. Try photography.

Summer is the perfect time for nature photos. Maybe even set up a fun photo shoot with friends. With most smartphone cameras being good quality these days, there is no reason to drop money on an expensive camera (yet). You may even find the perfect place on your day trip hike.

18. Create your own natural art.

Collect flowers or other plants and press them in a book. Use them in DIY wall decor or find other things like twigs and leaves to create other fun DIY projects.

There are many fun activities to do in the summer if you just have a little imagination and you are not afraid to try something new!