With the weather getting warmer by day and exams finishing up, it is almost officially summer! Luckily for us, Grand Rapids is full of cool activities and is within short distance of fun adventure spots. In order to stay positive throughout exams and make plans for the season of sunshine, I've devised a bucket list of my top five summer adventure ideas.

1) Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (Downtown GR)

There's no better feeling than meeting up with friends and taking a step back in time. This intricate and exuberant dancing style will keep you smiling for hours. They even do lessons the hour beforehand in order to get beginners into the "swing" of things (pardon the pun). If you've ever wanted to go dancing outside of the club setting, these nights are for you! For more information, be sure check out their website, https://www.grandrapidsoriginalswingsociety.com/ .

2) The Getty Drive-In Theater

Speaking of taking a step back in time, one of my favorite parts about Michigan is the drive-in theater! Not a far drive from Grand Rapids, the theater has four giant screens, delicious treats, and starts every evening at sunset. Grab a group of friends and road-trip out to Muskegon for the day. While you wait for the sun to set, you can visit the next stop on my list!

3) Michigan's Adventure

This one is pretty self-explanatory! Every Michigander has heard of the great fun that is Michigan's Adventure. With an amusement park and a water park, this place is perfect for a family or friend mini-getaway. There are tons of roller-coasters, water rides, and even a petting zoo! For a thrilling time for all ages, be sure to take a day-trip out to this exciting park.

4) The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Circle Theatre

If you're looking for a night of entertainment, but have seen all the latest flicks, head out to the theatre for a night! Both Grand Rapids based theatres offer many shows during the summer, and are full of extremely talented actors and actresses. Do you consider yourself to fit this category? Head over and audition for a show! Show times and audition periods are listed on their websites, which are as follows:

http://www.grct.org/

http://circletheatre.org/

5) Pentwater, Michigan

I may be biased on this one, due to the fact that I go there every summer, but it is one of the best places to spend warm days! A quaint beach town on Lake Michigan like Pentwater features a plethora of mini-golf courses, ice cream shops, and sand-dunes. The small town feel is relaxing, and there are plenty of little shops and restaurants to visit. Apart from the town itself, there are campgrounds situated on the beach, on which you can spend your days laying in the sun or playing volleyball. Take a day or two off this summer to visit Pentwater!

Although there are a million things to try out in Grand Rapids during the summer, take the time to do a few things on my list! May your next few months be filled with sun and endless adventure in the best state out there.