Fitness Classes
One great thing to take advantage of in the summer is outdoor fitness classes. Yoga is a great option for an activity that allows you to relax your mind and work out your body in the fresh air. Many cities offer outdoor classes, but you can always bring a mat to a park and practice your movements on your own. Working on your physical and mental health simultaneously under the sun is a great summer activity.
Recommended by Lisa Odenweller, Founder and CEO of Kroma Wellness
Sky Walk
While we have beautiful, rugged beaches in our North Coast location and great opportunities for kayaking, surfing, and other water activities, there are awesome alternatives as well. One favorite is the Redwood Sky Walk at the Sequoia Park Zoo. The Redwood Sky Walk is a series of platforms and bridges that rise as high as 100 ft. up into the redwoods, allowing visitors to experience the redwood forest in an entirely new way.
Recommended by Sherry Wallace of Visit Eureka
Bike Ride
You can go riding with other families. You can go bike racing with friends or family members. You can ride to the grocery stores or to get ice cream. Set up a racecourse with obstacles, and try some few jumps with friends.
Miniature Golf
Setting up a miniature golf for the family can be a great summer activity. Try out different playing styles like playing with a blindfold on or playing with the hole to the back. Allow kids to hit their balls again even before it stops rolling.
Make Ice Cream Outside The House
Putting a small batch ice cream maker outside a shade in your front yard can be so much fun. Let your kids enjoy the privilege of making ice cream under your guidance. Invite friends and family members, and set up barbecue. They can race with the ice cream, and can let it melt into their hands under the summer sun.
Recommended by Span Chen, Founder of Thekarateblog
Gardening
Gardening can be a great summer activity as long as you do it safely. If you’re starting or maintaining an outdoor garden, be sure to have plenty of water and sunscreen on hand. If no natural shade is available, a wide-brimmed hat can help. Routinely placing a cool, damp cloth on your forehead or the back of your neck also helps tremendously.
Don’t want to deal with the summer heat? Consider an indoor garden! Planting a window herb garden is a fun activity kids can engage in that doesn’t require long hours in the hot sun.
Recommended by Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love
Outdoor Movies
Every summer I look forward to breaking out a white sheet and a projector for outdoor movie nights! Any backyard can host one of these, and I love inviting over family and friends to join as well. We usually pick a movie and send out the time everyone can come over. We provide snacks and beverages, and guests typically bring additional treats as well. We always provide blankets and pillows for comfort, but encourage guests to bring their own as well. This is such a fun way to spend time with folks outdoors without worrying about the sun, but still enjoying those long summer nights.
Recommended by Guna Kakulapati, Co-founder and CEO of CureSkin
Paddleboarding
A fun, full-body workout, stand-up paddleboarding is a summer sport that’s soaring in popularity. Rentals are available at many lakeside marinas, and can often be deflated to suit any size vehicle. Balancing on these wide boards isn’t as tricky as you may think, and paddling on your knees is always an effective option. Beginners looking to catch a ride can also consider two-person paddleboards, ideal for children and dogs, too!
Camping
With so many modern options, camping is a summer pastime that all can enjoy. Glamping rentals range from luxurious cabins and yurts to stylish camper vans and spacious RVs. For a little more adventure, families can stay at comfortable campgrounds with amenities like running water and electricity. Of course, those willing to rough it will find primitive sites in the scenic backcountry.
Climbing
Though often thought of as a mountain sport, you don’t need to live in any particular destination to enjoy climbing. Air-conditioned climbing gyms offer a great way to stay cool while getting in some exercise. However, bouldering can be enjoyed all throughout the country, even in areas known for flat land. Top-rope rock climbing routes are great for beginners, followed by sport and traditional routes for more experienced adventurers. Though specific to certain regions, canyoneering is another climbing discipline to consider trying this summer season.
Recommended by Abigail Nueve, Editor of Travel Lemming
Boat Rentals, Jet Ski, Manatees
Planning for summers can be disorienting and even a little overwhelming. Especially with inflation on the rise, the cost to travel, or even stay in a hotel can be more than you expect. Yet, summer is still the best time of the year to really embrace the mid year reprieve. This is why we are listing some alternative summer activities that can still bring the thrills, and getaways, without the cost and expense.
Most people love boating on the waters, but not everyone has the luxury of being able to afford one, or the cost of storage and upkeep. That’s why renting a boat is unbelievable fun for the whole family.
More of a loner, or a couple? Try renting a jet ski! Their fast, fun, keeps you cool, and still gives you the freedom of the open waters.
Love the wildlife? Consider swimming with Manatees. They are sure to wow you with their grace and presence.
Recommended by Rockon Recreation Rentals
Kayak Excursion
There are plenty of ways to experience the water without packing up a beach bag and heading to the ocean. One of my favorite summertime aquatic adventures is embarking on a kayak excursion. It’s a great way to experience the water and reconnect with nature while also getting your blood pumping. One of my favorite examples is the newly-minted Scenic Blueway Trail in Martin County, Florida. This paddle trail is perfect for kayakers or stand-up paddleboarders, spanning over 37 miles across two river systems with plenty of launch sites to choose from. I also recommend looking up local tour operators and outfitters. You can usually find a reputable company to rent equipment from or even join one of their tours! It makes for an incredible eco-friendly activity that allows you to meet the locals and learn more about the destination you’re visiting. Some of the top outfitters in Martin County include Zeke’s Surf, Skate & Paddle Sports and Paddle the Pointe.
Recommended by Ian Centrone of Discover Martin
Farmer’s Market
Check out your local farmers’ markets and support your local growers! Not only is this a great way to get fresh, seasonal produce, but it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about different types of foods.
Hiking
Take a hike! There are plenty of trails all across the country that offer stunning views and some much-needed time in nature. This is a great activity for families or groups of friends.
New Skill
Learn a new skill! Whether it’s cooking class, painting, gardening, or anything else that interests you, summer is the perfect time to explore something new.
Recommended by Maryam Ahtasham, SEO Executive of Streaming Digitally
Build your own garden
Summer is the perfect time to finally sow the seeds of your favorite fruits, veggies, and flowers. Make your kids spend more time with the plants by learning about them and taking care of them. Watch your plants grow throughout the summer and enjoy the results during the next seasons!
New Hairdos
Experimenting with new hairdos is a great way to keep kids engaged during the summers when the sun is shining hot outside and the humidity is at its peak. This is when you want your kids to stay at home and have fun by exploring different kinds of hairdos.
Cooking
Start cooking. Summers are a great time to explore new dishes from the internet. Get your grocery supplies loaded and make a commitment to prepare fun, healthy and delicious dishes every day.
Recommended by Garth Watrous, Chairman and Second Generation Owner at American Hat Makers
Goals, Carnivals, City Tours
Set goals to complete home projects during the summers. Be it cleaning the garage or organizing the basements and redecorating the bedrooms. Pick one room each day, take some time out to plan out everything, and start with transforming your rooms this summer!
Visit the local carnival or county fair to explore the different things people of various countries sell while enjoying the delicacies served!
Take a road trip to the nearby city and explore its culture and savories with your loved ones. Spend days exploring different parts of your country and learning more about different parts of the world.
Visit the local farmer’s market and explore the natural and local fruits and veggies offered here. Enjoy the locally made treats while helping farmers in their work. This is a great summer activity for kids as they get to learn more about the importance of fresh fruits and veggies.
Recommended by Lori Taylor, Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms
Staycation
Plan a staycation by yourself, or with your friends. It doesn’t have to be in your house or even your hometown. You can make your summer filled with adventure by planning a staycation in another town, and experiencing a change of scenery.
And if you go with friends or family, this is your opportunity to have those late night drives with the windows down, singing at the top of your lungs.
Recommended by Claire Grayson, Co-founder of Personality Max
Paddleboarding
Rent a paddleboard for the day and find a lake or a river to explore! Paddleboarding is great exercise that just feels like fun, and it’s an awesome way to get outside but also stay cool during hot summer days. You can also pack your ice chest and tow it along with you to keep you fed and hydrated all day. I love paddleboarding as an alternative to floating because I love being able to really get moving along the water to discover all kinds of sights and private spots for beaching or laying out on the board. Paddleboarding is a great way to get moving and to have fun while also keeping cool, which makes it the perfect summer activity.
Recommended by Karim Hachem, VP of eCommerce at La Blanca
Local Museums
One great alternative to outdoor summer activities is visiting local museums. Often, museums will have summer exhibits or programs to enjoy, and it can be a pleasant, cool way to spend the day. Since many people will be looking to escape inside during the heat of the day, I recommend visiting museums during the morning or late afternoon in order to beat the crowds.
Recommended by Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters Plano
Coastal National Parks
A lot of folks don’t realize that there are 11 US national parks outside of Alaska situated on the ocean.
Three great West Coast National Parks to explore are Olympic National Park in Washington which has over 100 miles of rugged wilderness coastline, Redwood National Park in northern California, and Channel Islands National Park (often referred to as the American Galapagos) for great scuba diving..
On the east coast check out Acadia National Park in Maine for a rocky coastal experience, Biscayne National Park for tropical diving, Dry Tortugas National Park for scuba & snorkeling, & Everglades for kayaking, canoeing & fan boats.
If you’re looking for an island national park escape check out Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands, Haleakala National Park on Maui, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the big island of Hawaii
Recommended by Will Pattiz, Co-founder of More Than Just Parks
Crafting
When it gets too hot to be roaming about, getting crafty is the perfect relaxing summer activity. From crafting with driftwood collected at the beach, to creating an adorable photo display to showcase your summer memories, there are so many creative activities you can try during the summer. Some other beautiful summer crafting ideas include making luminaries from pressed flowers, a cute popsicle garland, or mason jar wind chime. The trick with summer crafts is to choose projects that are simple and can be completed in a couple of hours. This will give you that sense of accomplishment and completion rather than another to-do! Even if you’re on vacation you can take along a great craft kit that includes everything you need to make something beautiful.
Recommended by Jane and Sonja of Sustain my Craft Habit
Farm to Table
Enjoy the sunshine while you handpick your own fruit, or stroll through one of the many Farmers Markets. Nearly every community has at least one outdoor Farmers Market from spring until fall, and there are even some indoor markets that operate year-round.
If you feel like getting your hands dirty, then come enjoy a day on the farm picking your own fruit and produce, pet the farm animals or participate in one of our many local farm festivals.
Recommended by Adam Stewart, Communications and Travel Trade Manager of visityakima.com
Jeep Tours
Miller Off Roads Adventures will take thrill seekers on guided Jeep tours via the back roads of Tuolumne County through the Stanislaus National Forest. Tours range from tree lined forest roads to rivers and deep canyons. Each tour is run by a knowledgeable and professional guide, but patrons get to drive their own rented Jeep on the tour. There are designated stops to take in the scenery and snap the perfect picture to cherish memories made.
Recommended by Katie Kirkland, Sales & Marketing Director of Visit Tuolumne County
Farm Staycation
While I work to promote our farm stay members (overnight lodging on their farms), many of them also offer farm tours to locals during the day. These are fun as well as informative. You are likely to go home with fresh veggies (seasonal) and/or stories of the goat that sat in your lap or the donkey that hee-hawed as you passed by looking for a hand-out.
Recommended by Scottie Jones, Founder of U.S. Farm Stay Association
RVing
If you’re looking for a summer activity outside of swimming or going to the beach, try RVing. This activity is good for people of all ages, and you can base your trip around what you and your family are interested in. Even if traditional camping is not your thing, there are a plethora of other cool options.
If you enjoy gambling, there are campgrounds with casinos on site. This unique trip is the perfect adult getaway. People who enjoy golfing can go to several highly rated golf courses that are RV friendly.
You can even center your RV adventure around cars. Car enthusiasts can take a road trip up the east coast to visit some of the best automotive museums in the country. If you are interested in beachfront camping, there are plenty of beautiful RV parks to choose from.
Recommended by Ronnetha Morman of campersinn.com
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