June 21st marks the summer solstice \u2014 the sun will set at its latest time all year in the northern hemisphere, and we officially move into the summer season. Whatever your favorite summer activities are, it\u2019s a season for us to enjoy the wonderful weather, spend time in the sunshine, and celebrate life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ready to get the most out of your summer? Tick off every item on this bucket list and enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is there anything more quintessential to summer than enjoying an ice cream on a hot day? Sundae or cone, the vibe still remains \u2014 ice cream on a hot day is the pinnacle of summer. Whatever your flavor, you can opt to hit an old-school ice cream parlor, visit the grocery store, or even make some homemade ice cream<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n No dairy? No problem. There are tons of non-dairy alternatives for vegans and other individuals who don\u2019t eat dairy. Consider this frozen treat your first stop on the summer bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Picture this \u2014 it\u2019s a sunny day, you\u2019ve got a pair of Wayfarers on, and the smell of glowing charcoal floats in the summer breeze. Not bad, right? There are few better things to do on a summer day than have a barbecue with your friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re hosting on your Weber Genesis or using the cast-iron charcoal grills at your local state park, almost everybody loves BBQ. Searing steaks and Beyond Burgers at a barbecue is a great way to socialize, bond with your pals, and even perfect new recipes! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re barbecuing in a park, be sure to pack out what you pack in \u2014 especially food wrappers, aluminum cans, and any paper plates or napkins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swimsuit? Check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Towel? Check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunscreen? Got it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you want to beat the heat, perfect your cannonball, or just grab a few laps as exercise, hitting the pool is a can\u2019t-miss on your summer bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have a pool in your backyard or apartment complex? No sweat \u2014 the good folks at SwimmersGuide have put together a pool-finder database<\/a>! Just put in your zip code, find the pool closest to you, and go for a dip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ahh, the summer road trip \u2014 a favorite pastime from the likes of Jack Kerouac, baseball fans, Jason Sudeikis (you know the film), and many, many more. Itching to see lakes, deserts, and everything in between this summer? Hop in your car and hit the road<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you go, be sure to create a budget, check-in with your vehicle (make sure you\u2019re up to date on routine maintenance), and have a plan in place. Whether you want to drive cross-country or just take a day trip in your own state, the freedom of the open road offers you your own little slice of adventure in the summertime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s something really special about an outdoor gig on a summer\u2019s night. Who doesn\u2019t want to watch the stars come out on the heels of twilight as their favorite band takes the stage for set two? It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re a live-music nut or a casual listener, seeing an outdoor concert can be downright magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at the schedule for any amphitheaters in your area \u2014 there are literally hundreds of summer tours happening until September. Whether you\u2019re seeing Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium, Dead and Company at Alpine Valley (don\u2019t forget your tie-dye), or a jazz quintet at a pavilion in the center of your town, be sure to get outside for some music this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are few things as refreshing as falling asleep beside a babbling brook as the crickets chirp, far away from city lights and sounds. You can usually find campsites in your area at local parks or KOAs, just be sure to book in advance \u2014 summer is the busiest season!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to camping and are unsure about what to bring, you can take a look at REI\u2019s checklist here<\/a>. Be sure to plan for inclement weather \u2014 being sopping wet can quickly ruin a camping trip. Also, don\u2019t forget a first aid kit, especially if you\u2019ll be doing any sort of hiking or climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scratch that daredevil itch and get your adrenaline fix at the local amusement park! If you\u2019ve got a Six Flags nearby or you\u2019re making a trek to Disneyland or Cedar Point, visiting an amusement park is a classic summertime activity for kids and adults alike! Hop on a rollercoaster, zip down a water slide, or catch a show \u2014 all while enjoying the warm weather. Many have traditional rides and a water park, giving you the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not into the Tilt-A-Whirl or water slides that climb into the mesosphere? Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re in good company. Amusement parks have tons of other activities for people who don\u2019t love rides \u2014 like lazy rivers, good restaurants, bars, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Ted Lasso<\/em> has you wondering which Premier League club you support, double down on that energy and go have a kick! Whether you live near a proper pitch (\u201csoccer field\u201d in the US lexicon) or you have a beautiful, open park nearby, all you need is a ball, a friend, and some room!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to play on an actual team, look into local rec leagues \u2014 you can hone your skills and meet new friends. Whether you\u2019re a football newbie or you can bend a screamer under the woodwork like Beckham at United in \u201801, going out for a kick is a great way to enjoy a summer day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s step back in time for a minute \u2014 it\u2019s 1993, Michael Jordan just led the Bulls to their third title in three years, you\u2019re blasting chart-topping \u201cWhoomp! There It Is\u201d by Tag Team, and you\u2019re about to break a land speed record on your backyard Slip \u2019N Slide. Sweet, sweet nostalgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This summer, dare to hearken back to early 90s summer glory and set up a Slip \u2019N Slide. Whether you have kids or just want to invite some adult friends over for some backyard fun, the Slip \u2019N Slide is a timeless summer classic. Bonus points for a sprinkler set-up adjacent to your slide operation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, maybe not all<\/em> of them! The point is to get outside at night this summer to enjoy the warm weather and bask in the glory of the cosmos. Stargazing is a wonderful summer activity \u2014 especially if you can get away from the city and excessive light pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you really want to embrace your inner astronomer, consider downloading an astronomy app to help you spot constellations, identify planets, and look for other cool astronomical events, like shooting stars, supermoons, or eclipses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to fruit, watermelon is practically synonymous with summer. Whether you like your fruit deseeded or natural, eating a few slices of watermelon is a healthy rite of passage for the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you haven\u2019t yet mastered the skill of picking the perfect watermelon, head over to the grocery store or your local farmer\u2019s market. You\u2019ll want to find one that\u2019s heavy for its size (these are generally sweeter), uniform in shape, and darker and duller in color<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only are watermelons delicious, but they\u2019re also high in nutrients like vitamin A and C \u2014 and have great water content to help keep you hydrated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the call of \u201cIce cold beer here!\u201d from the concession vendors \u2014 make no mistake, summer is baseball season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider adding a game to your summer bucket list this year. It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re watching the Brewster Whitecaps on an August night in Cape Cod or seeing the Houston Astros defend their title at Minute Maid Park, attending a baseball game is one of the high points of summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Between the 30 teams in the MLB and the 120 minor league affiliates across the US and canada, you\u2019ll be hard-pressed not to find a game to catch. Get yourself a ball cap and a hot dog, and prepare for a good 7th inning stretch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in an area where water sports are popular, you\u2019ve probably seen people stand-up paddleboarding (also known as SUPing). For the uninitiated, SUPing involves either an inflated or solid surfboard, a large paddle, and an open body of water (the calmer, the better).<\/p>\n\n\n\n SUPing is not only a fun summer activity for the water, but it\u2019s also a great workout! To get the most out of paddleboarding, you\u2019ll need to engage your legs and abs for balance, as well as your obliques, chest, and arms to propel you through the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not super into breaking a sweat on a hot summer day? Stand-up paddleboards are also great for practicing gentle yoga on the water, simply hanging out, or tethering to some friends in tubes! Just remember a personal flotation device and waterproof bag for your phone and car keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Golfers rejoice \u2014 the season is in full swing and you can play anywhere from Chambers Bay to your local 9-hole course down the road. The summer months can be a great time to get in 36 holes with a foursome of your best buddies \u2014 just be sure to start early, especially if you\u2019re in the south!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your game needs work, hit the driving range with a bucket of balls and see how far you can crush them. Who knows, maybe you\u2019ll unleash your inner Happy Gilmore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, mini-golf always provides another golf(ish) avenue to get outside and enjoy the great weather. First date? Fun with the whole family? Outing with some pals? Mini-golf will check that box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunny days wouldn\u2019t be as special if they weren\u2019t balanced out by rainy days, right? Invariably, we can expect some days when the weather doesn\u2019t permit us to spend much time outside. So, what\u2019s the fix? If you\u2019ve not sat with a favorite book on a covered porch as the summer rain falls, you\u2019re missing out the sublime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t happen to have a library full of classic volumes, no problem. Start by getting a card at your local library and just browse at your leisure \u2014 see what catches your eye. You can also find cheap books at thrift stores and deep-discount bargains at your favorite digital retailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you find something you like, go ahead and save it for a rainy day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Double down on the great outdoors and spend some time kayaking this summer. If you don\u2019t own a kayak, you can rent one for fairly cheap \u2014 day rates often range from $30-50, depending on where you\u2019re going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to kayaking, you\u2019ll want to start off on calm waters \u2014 choppy lakes and rivers with rapids can put you in hot water, especially if you\u2019re still learning! But a leisurely paddle along tranquil waters can be incredibly peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever body of water you settle on, be sure to keep anything valuable (like your phone, wallet, and car keys) in a waterproof bag. Also, make sure you apply sunscreen to your arms and face \u2014 you won\u2019t have any shade coverage once you\u2019re out on the water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watching the incredible patterns and pyrotechnics of a professional fireworks display is truly an unrivaled experience. Whether it\u2019s a small community get-together or a metropolitan gala, be sure to enjoy the awesome views on Canada Day as well as the 4th of July. If you happen to live near Niagara Falls you can enjoy fireworks on both days \u2014 or any other day all summer long<\/a>, starting at 10:00 pm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While exhilarating, remember that fireworks can be dangerous. Unless you\u2019re going with snakes and sparklers, leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals. Also, remember that fireworks can trigger PTSD in certain individuals and terrify dogs, so please be respectful and courteous!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1893, RPI-educated engineer George Ferris unveiled his new creation for the World\u2019s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. A 250-foot wheel, it was built to rival the Eiffel Tower, hoisting riders high into the air for pure exhilaration. While the original one was torn down two years later, the concept lives on around the world to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a bird\u2019s-eye view of your city, just hop on a Ferris wheel! From the waterfront in Seattle to Navy Pier in Chicago, hopping on a Ferris wheel is a great way to see beautiful cityscapes and natural vistas wherever you might roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If watermelon is the official fruit of summer, then lemonade is surely the official beverage. Sugar, water, and lemon \u2014 it\u2019s the trifecta of all things good, refreshing, and delicious. If you live in a family neighborhood, perhaps good fortune will fall upon you and the local kids will set up a lemonade stand. Don\u2019t miss out on a classic summertime tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Have a barbecue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Hit the pool<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Go for a <\/strong>road trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. See an <\/strong>outdoor concert<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Go camping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Visit an <\/strong>amusement park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Play soccer at a <\/strong>local park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Set up a Slip \u2019N Slide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Count the stars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Eat a <\/strong>watermelon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Go to a <\/strong>baseball game<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
13. Try stand-up <\/strong>paddleboarding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Hit the links (or <\/strong>mini-golf<\/strong> course)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. Read on a rainy day<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Go <\/strong>kayaking<\/strong> with friends<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17. <\/strong>Watch fireworks<\/strong> on Canada Day and the <\/strong>4th of July<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. Ride on a <\/strong>Ferris wheel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
19. Find a <\/strong>lemonade stand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n