Memorial Day is behind us, my kids are out of school, and it’s the last day of May. In my mind that means that summer is (un)officially here! I love summertime but I know many parents dread the endless whine of–“I’m bored!” If that sounds familiar to you, I’ve compiled a list of 101 things to do this summer! Check it out, and be sure to pin, save, and share!

fun things to do this summer

Whether you have a jam-packed summer schedule, or want to take things slow and easy, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the warm weather and long days. If you’re looking for ways to stay active, have fun, or just relax, there are plenty of things you can do this summer to make it one to remember!

take in the sights

Now is the time to get outside and explore! With less obligations and longer days it’s easier to become a tourist in your own town or visit a new National Park. Don’t feel like you have to plan a summer-long vacation, but pick a new spot or two to cross off your bucket list!

1. watch fireworks somewhere
2. go to the library
3. see a new movie
4. go on a road trip
5. visit a farmer’s market
6. go to a drive-in theater
7. explore a new park
8. take a train ride
9. get wild at the zoo
10. visit an old fashioned candy shop
11. go to an aquarium
12. go to the fair
13. be a tourist in your own town
14. bowl a few frames
15. go mini golfing
16. go on a bike ride
17. visit a museum
18. go to a National Park
19. beat the heat at an indoor playground
20. plan a staycation
21. go on a camping trip
22. take a hike
23. go on a bike ride
24. skate around a rink
25. go on a wall crawl

make a splash

You don’t need to have access to a pool to stay cool in the summertime! There are so many ways to make a splash–why not make it a weekly activity? Always remember your sunscreen under the bright summer sun though!

1. have a water balloon fight
2. run through sprinklers
3. visit a splash pad
4. visit a river or lake
5. have a beach day
6. tube down a river
7. review water safety and first aid
8. cruise around in a boat
9. make a splash in a pool

get your craft on

The blue skies and sunshine can be very motivational so go get your craft on! Plus, if you live somewhere that has hot summer afternoons, crafts are the perfect way to stay cool indoors! Check out the clearance aisles of craft stores or the dollar store to save some money.

1. make your own book of mazes
2. make friendship bracelets
3. paint a masterpiece
4. create a nature-inspired art project
5. send handmade cards to loved ones
6. make a fun craft
7. make a piñata
8. get creative with tie-dye

do some good

Summer is a great time to do some good for others. Whether you’re doing a service for a neighbor or a random act of kindness for a stranger, you can have some fun doing some good!

1. plan a day of random acts of kindness
2. improve a good habit
3. clean up trash in the community
4. hold a car wash for charity
5. learn a new skill
6. do service for a neighbor
7. organize and donate

get social

Some schedules are crazy in the summer, but some people have a lot more time on their hands! Take advantage of the shift in routines and the long days and invite some friends over. Summer is more fun when spent with good friends!

1. attend a community movie night
2. invite friends over for a sundae bar
3. plan a play date
4. host a bbq with friends
5. sign your kids up for summer camp
6. organize a summer supper club

things to do this summer at home

You can have plenty of summer fun without leaving the house or spending a dime. There’s nothing wrong with having a good, old-fashioned summer of reading and puzzles. If you don’t have a library card yet now is the time to get one as you can often also check out games and videos!

1. have a dance party
2. complete a 1000 piece puzzle
3. make a drive-in movie theater
4. create a chalk masterpiece
5. blow some bubbles
6. have a movie marathon
7. read a book
8. plan an outdoor game night
9. work on an outdoor project
10. construct a box fort
11. play an old-school board game
12. get a pet… rock
13. meet a pen-pal
14. have a Mario Kart tournament
15. snuggle in a hammock

take a bite of summer

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean it’s too hot to make something delicious! Get outside and grill or cook over a campfire. Better yet, make some no-bake treats like ice cream or root beer to help you stay cool!

1. make s’mores
2. make your own ice cream cake
3. eat and play at a fast food play place
4. have a picnic
5. make ice cream sandwiches
6. have breakfast outside
7. make your own grilled pizza
8. plan and shop for dinner together as a family
9. decorate a gingerbread sandcastle
10. make butterbeer
11. make homemade ice cream
12. make homemade root beer
13. make homemade salsa
14. try a new restaurant
15. host a lemonade stand
16. make popsicles
17. make some no-bake cookies
18. make salt water corn on the cob
19. have a watermelon seed spitting contest

things to do this summer outdoors

There’s no better time to head outside then the summertime! Get your outside exploring done early in the day to beat the crowds and the heat. Or, plan a special late night activity once temperatures start to drop.

1. go fishing
2. make a “sandman”
3. have story time outdoors
4. build a sandcastle
5. go geocaching
6. go on a scavenger hunt
7. plan an obstacle course outdoors
8. camp in the backyard
9. try ice blocking
10. go berry picking
11. jump on a trampoline
12. plant something outside

When you’re done don’t forget to compile a video of all your Summer shenanigans!

What are some of your favorite things to do in the summer?