Some of these activities may seem like really trivial things to do during this summer, but Illinois can be kind of mundane. This summer, my goal is to really live in the moment and spend quality time with loved ones. These are all fun things that can be done at a low cost so that memories of a lifetime can be made!
1. Spend a day completely barefoot (even when outside).
This is kind of a weird one, but my old yoga teacher used to tell us that keeping shoes on all day can really make you feel less grounded, so this is a way to combat that. It just sounds like a cool experiment.
2. Have a water balloon fight.
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3. Go to the lake and paddle board with friends.
I live in the middle of a cornfield, so the nearest option for a beach day would be either Lake Michigan or Lake Geneva. A day at the beach is much needed and I have never paddle boarded before. It looks like surfing but for more lowkey people. Kayaking is also a feasible option. I have done this with my cousins before and it is one of the best times we have had. Bumping into each other and splashing are fun ways to reconnect with people you haven't seen for a while.
4. Go to a drive-in movie.
This has a built-in road trip requirement and allows you to not only get outside, but get cozy with friends too.
5. Pay it forward.
I was also thinking about ways to give back this summer. I realized how there will probably be a greater emphasis on carryout/drive-thrus, so this is an awesome thing to do this summer to not only make you feel better but others as well.
6. Eat from a food truck.
I've heard that some of the best food comes from food trucks, so this was a must on my list.
7. Throw pennies in a fountain (and maybe swim in it too).
I always see people making a wish with pennies and I don't know why, but I have always wanted to do this. I was also reminded of how much fun fountains can be from the "Friends" intro.
8. Wake up to watch a sunrise.
Sunsets are apparently really overrated. Also, I've heard there's something about being awake when everything is so quiet that is really awesome.
9. Make a fort in the backyard.
I used to do this when I had a treehouse, but I am willing to accept this fun challenge so that I can feel nostalgic about my childhood.
10. Go to Chick-fil-A.
I need to see what everyone is talking about. Why is their chicken so good???
12. Sleep under the stars.
I am completely into astronomy and this sounds so amazing. Plus, light pollution is better at home right now, so it's a win-win.
13. Run through sprinklers.
I miss doing this. I have to do it as a young adult. Maybe it will be as fun as it was when I was a kid?
14. Climb trees.
This one is another childhood throwback. Plus, it gives you a great view.
15. Pull an all-nighter and run the streets of my town at night.
I have never actually pulled an all-nighter, (I've always given into falling asleep), so this combination sounds so fun and adventurous. Also, city lights are cool at night.
16. Get tan.
A summer necessity! I have seriously been craving some Vitamin D after being a hermit the last few months.
17. Have a paintball fight.
I was watching "10 Things I Hate About You" and this sounds like so much fun, even if it is a DIY project.
18. Road trip with friends to a national or state park.
Keeping a connection with nature is essential and this sounds like an awesome option to get out of town. For me, Starved Rock State Park is always a destination for my friends and I during the summer with its exciting waterfalls and thrilling cliffs. You don't see a lot of that in Illinois.
19. Feed ducks.
I have also never done this, and it sounds like a good way to get out and enjoy the local animal life.
20. Go thrift shopping.
If you are sick of going to Urban Outfitters and want to find unique retro clothes on your own, you should definitely do this. It is better to have your own style that no one can copy.
21. Learn to skateboard or longboard.
Tired of using your childhood bike for short distance errands like me? This is the perfect solution.
23. Play tag in the pouring rain.
This just seems like it would give off a different kind of vibe.
25. Learn guitar (or another instrument).
This could be a valuable skill for the future, especially if you want to start an indie band like I do.
27. Visit a sunflower field and take a photoshoot of my friends.
If you are like me, taking pictures of my friends and getting their best angles is one of my favorite things to do. Sunflower fields are the perfect backdrop for this.
28. Take a night swim.
Whether its in a pool or at a beach, the atmosphere of swimming at night is something that cannot be matched.
29. Go camping.
I never have been a true fan of camping, except for when it was required in my Girl Scout days. I am trying to change my mindset on this because it is an awesome way to connect. No internet to get in the way of things, just true bonding.
30. Explore Chicago for the day.
Chicago has so much to offer and I think that a lot of us that live in the suburbs often take it for granted. It's got Navy Pier, so many museums, so much good food, and so many other activities to offer. The lakefront itself is teeming with things to do. Concerts like Lollapalooza are energizing and fun and it is just a great place to invest some time especially when it is fairly close to home.
I hope this list gives you some inspiration on how to live up your summer 2020! Go make it the best summer yet!
Christmas and New Year gift card
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butter cookies on plate
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boy holding Holy 
