So this happens every time. At the beginning of the summer you make this long list of everything you're going to do with friends and you imagine it's going to be the best summer ever. But then work and responsibilities take over and suddenly your calendar is telling you that you have three weeks until school starts and you haven't done anything on your summer bucket list. While you may have to save traveling the globe for a different time, there are still plenty of adventures to get up to on a smaller scale before going back to school!
Go to a drive-in movie
This is something that more people haven't done than I realized. Whether your hometown has one or not, there is bound to be one in a neighboring town near you. Pack some cozy blankets and pillows, a basket full of snacks and head out to see the movies with your friends under the stars. Plus it helps that drive-in movies are way cheaper than the actual movie theater!
Spend some time at a local farmer's market
Just relax and enjoy walking around and getting some great local produce. You can make something fresh and yummy with everything you bought when you get home!
Spend a day playing summer sports
Playing sports that you may not usually play can be interesting and incredibly fun. Soccer, tennis, volleyball or baseball; you don't have to be amazing at any of these sports to enjoy playing a game with friends! If you'd rather watch than actually play, go to a game for a local team around your area. No need to hit up the MLB if you can't get out of town.
Go camping in your backyard
So you weren't able to go on that amazing camping trip you had planned with all your friends, but you can still go camping...just in your backyard! Have a bonfire, make s'mores and stay up until four in the morning. I promise you'll have just as many funny stories as you would if you did the same thing in a different town.
Go to a museum
This could be a museum in your hometown or you could plan a day trip to head to a bigger city. One museum that everyone should checkout is COSI in Columbus, Ohio. It is an interactive museum where you can view the stars, become a detective or even feel electricity. Who said museums have to be boring?
Treat yourself
Have you ever wanted to get a massage but always told yourself no? Or get a pedicure? A face mask? Well since you weren't able to get out of town for the summer, now is your chance to treat yourself on all those things you've always wanted to do. You worked hard this summer and definitely deserve that massage!
Have/go to a pool party
Pool parties are vastly underrated. Grill some hotdogs/hamburgers, play some volleyball, have a water balloon fight and play some music and hang out with friends. Oh, and of course swim. If you don't have a pool, a pond or lake works as well.
Go to an amusement park
You got a weekend free, finally! Plan a day trip to an amusement park and let yourself have some fun. If you still can't get out of town, try going to a local county fair. It may be no Cedar Point, but admission will be cheaper, which means more money for fair food!
