Do you ever count the days until the school year is over and yet spend all summer scrolling instead of doing anything that makes the two month break worthwhile? Well, I promise you, I have too. To be honest, it’s kind of a drag sitting there and realizing you’re not using your time well. So, are you looking for fun and affordable summer activities? Here’s 20 fun ways to make sure you have the best summer ever at your fingertips!

1. Have a picnic with your friends! 

Simply bring a blanket, some food and some of your favorite people and you have yourself a chill, and enjoyable time out in the sun. 

2. Go thrift shopping!

Finding good, affordable clothes is getting extremely difficult. However, it doesn’t have to be. Just pop down to your local thrift shop and you’ll be shocked at what they have to offer.

3. Bake something!

Ever get curious on how you would do in culinary school? Well, you have free will! Go bake something fun and colorful and share it with your family, even if it’s a fail.

4. Sunset viewing! 

Sometimes after being pent up on our phones, we need a little mother nature. Go outside and walk to the park or boardwalk and watch the beautiful colors of a sunset melt in the sky. 

5. Make friendship jewelry! 

A fun way to put your creativity into something cute and tangible! Get your besties and listen to music as you put together a beaded masterpiece. 

6. Movie marathon! 

Sure it’s still a screen, but you’d be shocked at how much fun you can have watching the classics in the comfort of your home with your little dopamine inducer set aside. 

7. Go on a walk! 

Fresh air and sunlight is crucial for a peaceful and joy filled summer, so why not do just that? Go out, put your headphones in, and walk through the city!

8. Start a journal!

Every school year definitely leaves many emotions behind, and they only keep building as we get deeper into our break. Don’t keep it inside! Get a journal and talk about all the great or not so great things happening in your day to day lives.

9. Pinterest DIY!

For the crafty ones, do something a bit more productive on your phone. Go to Pinterest and attempt a fun DIY project! Some can be disasters, but that’s what makes it fun!

10. Visit your local public library! 

Despite what you may believe, reading is actually very entertaining. And if you still don’t plan on zipping through a novel just yet, the library is always a great place to chill, listen to music, draw and just hang out!

11. Make a summer playlist! 

We all know that music keeps us going on a daily basis so why not make a tropical, upbeat and vibey playlist for the summer days ahead?

12. Go Biking!

It’s great exercise and really puts four walls to shame. And if you don’t know how to ride one, go cheer for your marathon bikers or learn how to on your own!

13. Take pictures!

Almost anything and everything is a “photo op.” Find the best lighting inside or outside and have your very own photo shoot!

14. Learn a dance! 

Not only is it a workout, but it’s a fun and silly way to satisfy the urge for excitement. Especially for my KPOP fans out there!

15. Try painting/drawing!

Many people don’t realize they have the talent till they give it a try! And if you still can’t tell what it is even after having drawn it yourself, at least you have a fun creativity outlet!

16. Have a water balloon fight! 

Sometimes the air conditioner doesn’t do enough. Go out and gather your friends for a water balloon brawl!

17. Volunteer!

We all need community service hours and this is a great time to make progress! Go somewhere local and volunteer to make someone’s day.

18. Have a karaoke party! 

Whether it’s with your buddies or completely alone, let that voice shine! Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent!

19. Explore our town!

You know that one part of the neighborhood you always eye but never dare venturing? Now’s the time! Go out and walk around the buildings you’ve never seen before.

20. Have an in person one on one!

No texting, I know crazy. But talking to someone in person rather than over the phone is scientifically proven to be more enjoyable psychologically. So get together, it’s not as hard as you may think. 

Despite all of us finding ourselves stuck to our screens more often than not, it’s never too late to change those habits to make sure you have a memorable summer experience!