To ward off the potential “we’ll do that someday” (and never doing anything) rut, here's a bucket list of activities for your ~ four-month long summer break. Get out of your internship/work/studying grind and challenge yourself to do something new and creative! This summer should be all about self-improvement and wish fulfillment, and this bucket list can be your head start on that journey.
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Plant a vegetable garden - Own your inner green thumb in the absence of tight exam and class schedules. If you're living at home for the summer, commandeer a plot in your back or front yard. If you're subletting or renting a smaller space, pick up a couple herbs at the local farmer's market and you'll have fresh seasoning on hand for your next home cooked meal!
Find an organization to volunteer with - When is the last time you volunteered on your own accord and not for a course credit? There is undoubtedly an endless roster of organizations and non-profits looking for help this summer in whichever city you're in, so start researching and dedicate a couple days to helping out a cause in need!
Read lots of "trashy" books - One of our writers has already compiled a short and sweet summer reading list for you, but don't let her recommendations limit you! Peruse the New York Times bestseller list or swing by your local bookstore for the latest and greatest. If you're sticking around Hyde Park for the summer, Powell's has an enormous collection to choose from at really reasonable prices.
Give up social media for a week - Social media cleansing isn't just necessary for the Insta-famous among us. Take a break from all the apps cluttering your phone to refresh and reset your state of mind.
Keep a memory jar to read on the last day of summer - Whether you keep them in a memory jar, a bullet or photo journal or pick up one of those question-a-day books, tracking your summer adventures for yourself–or with friends–is a fun way to reminisce after the end of a very long summer break.
Go to the state fair or street festival - Who doesn't crave funnel cake or snow cones? If you're in New York for the summer, stroll down 6th Ave. on any weekend to peruse an endless array of stalls selling everything from corn on the cob to leather-made goods and nail polish.
Spend an evening at a drive-in theater - Lots of cities have movie series in the summer, so don't pass up the opportunity to catch a free flick with friends under the stars.
Thrifting! - Summer is the perfect time to trek out to a massive vintage fair or flea market, so make a day of it! Head out with a clear list in mind so you know what to look for and don't feel too overwhelmed. That being said, don't limit yourself either–you never know what you might find!
Go hiking in the forest - Take advantage of lovely weather (most of the time) and enjoy the great outdoors! Whether a beautiful scenic hike is only miles away or a bit of a road trip, dust off those hiking boots and enjoy a workout with a view.
Visit a botanical garden with your friends - Better yet? Bring your camera and stage a photoshoot against the backdrop of beautiful flowers and landscaping. There's something about being surrounding by flowers that makes most people feel automatically rejuvenated, so take a day off to reconvene amongst flora and fauna.
Pick berries - So much is in season this time of year! Whether it's peaches, berries, watermelon or some other delicious summer fruit, head out to your local orchard or farm and grab some fresh fruit and berries with friends and/or family in tow!
Root for your team at a sports game - Whether you're an avid fan or casual observer, head on over to a stadium and catch a live game! If you're not looking to spend too much money on sports tickets, check out a local sports bar and you're bound to catch a snippet of the World Cup on any monitor.
Kayaking and canoeing - Not near a body of water? Road trip out to one! Own your inner Boy Scout/Girl Scout and venture out into the great outdoors. Bring a fishing line or some inflatable pool floats for added fun.
Take an class in something new - Quarter system cramping your style? We get it. Take the time to learn a new language, try a new workout or cooking class or even learn a new party trick and take a class in bartending!
Become a tourist of your own city - Summer is the perfect time for exploration, so venture out to a museum or gallery you've never been to, try a new restaurant or hit up the local monuments and tourist attractions you never thought twice about when growing up in your hometown.
Stay up all night to watch the sun rise - Better yet? Drive a little out of town so you can catch an impeccable view of the night sky before the sun rises.
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