Summer has just one month left, and that means that friends will soon start leaving for school again. As college seniors, the leaving and separating gets easier, especially when everyone is basically working two jobs trying to get ahead on student loan payments. But with what little time we have left as students before we become official adults with degrees is very precious, so why not make the most of it with these ten activities to do with your friends before summer ends.
1. Go camping
What better way to enjoy the warm weather than to sleep under the stars and eat a good old fashioned s’more on the campfire? Whether you go all out and sleep in tents, or stay in a cabin, spending time outdoors and up north is a sure-fire way to create some awesome memories.
2. Go to a theme park![]()
Theme parks always have something for everyone. Whether it be roller coasters, spinning rides or even the water park, everyone will have tons of fun. Depending on the theme park, this may be a bit of a splurge, so save it for the last time you and your friends get together -- that way you end your summer with a blast.
3. Movie marathon
Whether you are up for all eight "Harry Potter" movies or just a couple Disney singalongs ("Mulan" is obviously a must for this), spending a night in with your pals is also a great way to catch up and relax from your crazy summers.
4. Go to a museum
Any museum will do! The Minnesota science museum is very interactive, it may be childish, but since we’re not really adults yet, it should be okay! Art museums are also fun, especially looking at all the big name artists and discovering smaller name artists.
BONUS: Make a scavenger hunt list before going for extra fun!
5. Make a meal together
Not just a potluck gathering, but an honest start to finish project with food. Go the extra mile and make something more complicated that burgers on the grill or a pasta dish. Have everyone contribute ingredients as well as parts in putting the meal together, it tastes all the more better when everyone takes part.
6. Go to the beach
For some real fun in the sun bring a net and volleyball for a competitive match, then cool off in the water. Don't be shy in bringing a beach ball or frisbee to throw to each other in the water as well.
7. Attend a live production
Whether it is a play or comedy club, a live production is always a blast and is such a different experience than going to the movies. Plus the playbills make an awesome souvenir, and if you go to enough you can turn them into an art project!
8. Seek out your state’s ‘must see’ sights
San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, New York has the Statue of Liberty, and Minnesota has the giant Spoon Bridge and Cherry. Even if there isn’t an iconic building/item or if you are too far away, find something awesome near you to go take a day vacation and take tourist-y pictures.
9. Attend a drive in movie
What better way to spend an evening than watching a movie and being outdoors! My family used to pop three to four bags of popcorn and dump it all in a garbage bag for easy sharing in the middle of everyone (personal bags are great too!)
10. Make a time capsule
When it’s all said and done, you will realize you had an amazing time this summer with even more amazing people. In the fall you will all start school again (some of us for the final time) and that can be a little scary and a little sad. But preserve the happy times in a container and bury it in someone’s backyard or in a special spot only your friends know about. Come back in five or ten years and relive the happy memories together and remember the good ol’ days.
The list can go on and on, but these ten activities are sure fire ways to make sure everyone has a blast, as well as making the memories last. Here's to summer 2016, cheers!
