It’s almost summer! For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice—marking the official arrival of summer—takes place tomorrow at 10:58 ET. Are you excited? To celebrate the long hot days ahead, read on for 25 simple and fun summer activities that won’t break the bank.
We love summer in Canada
Most people around the world think of snow, ice and hockey when they think of Canada. When I was young, I heard legends of Americans coming to Canada in summer with skis on top of their cars. I’m not sure where they thought they were going but I sure hope they were water skis.
It’s understandable that people see us as winter people. Our winters are long and harsh. But, with the exception of the far north and the province of Newfoundland, we are usually blessed with hot summers.
The joy of warm weather after a long, cold winter makes Canadians go a little crazy. When the snow finally melts in spring and temperatures rise above 10C, the shorts come out and patio season is officially on! But it happens every year…a tease of hot weather in April or sometimes even March, and then the cold and snow return with a vengeance. This year has been no different.
By the time the summer solstice rolls around, we can usually be assured of hot summer weather in most parts of the country until mid- to late-September. Our summers are relatively short, so we’ve learned to make the most of them!
25 simple and fun summer activities
Here’s my list of simple and fun summer activities. There’s something here for the whole family and, the best part is, most of these are inexpensive and won’t break the bank.
- Go for a picnic.
- Take a walk in the park.
- Read a book outdoors.
- Find a local trail to hike.
- Enjoy your morning coffee or tea on your porch, balcony or patio.
- Head for the beach.
- Plan an outdoor movie night.
- Camp in your backyard.
- Find a comfy chair and spend some time stargazing. The meteor showers in late summer are a spectacular show.
- Be a birdwatcher.
- Visit a local farmers’ market or farm store.
- Pick seasonal berries or other fruits.
- Have a water balloon fight.
- Enjoy local festivals like the Kitchener Blues Festival, Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, or Busker Carnival.
- Watch a sunset.
- Grab some chalk and make some sidewalk art.
- Plant some flowers from seed.
- Play frisbee.
- Go for a bike ride.
- Make s’mores. If you don’t have a campfire you can make them in the microwave.
- Make some homemade iced tea.
- Have a garage sale.
- Visit a local playground.
- Blow bubbles.
- Take some time to breathe fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.
And when the rain comes, you’ll find ideas for fun rainy-day activities in It’s Rain Day – How will you celebrate?
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I wish everyone a happy solstice and a wonderful summer. When you’re tempted to complain that it’s too hot, remember that winter will be here before long.
What’s on your summer fun list for this year? Tell me about it below.
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Great suggestions! I would love an outdoor movie night. Nothing beats fresh air in summer.
Yes, It’s nice to get outdoors as much as possible when the weather is nice!
I have planned to try gardening this summer. With sun blazing it’s heat, I thought growing a plant that needs sun is a good idea. I am reusing the washed coffee glass jar and plan to grow mint.
Hi Ranjana. I love that you’re reusing your coffee jars. What a great idea. Good luck with your planting.
Thank you, Michelle. 😊
Such a great list and a great reminder that having fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
I recently bought a little bench for my balcony and having coffee out on the balcony or reading out there has been so wonderful.
Thanks! Yes, it is so nice to just sit outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. How’s your balcony garden doing this summer?
Great suggestions, Michelle. We just did an backyard camp out this weekend so I love that is on your list! Bubbles, water balloons, picnics and reading. Wonderful!
There are so many fun things to do that are simple and don’t cost a lot of money. My girls LOVED bubbles and sidewalk chalk when they were little.
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Great list, here’s one more: Bee kind – let a bit of your garden go wild, or build a bee hotel for your local pollinators
That’s a great idea Tim. I’ve been researching plants that attract pollinators. I’d like to turn the corner of our garden where our girls’ play house is currently located into a pollinators’ patch.
So many great things on your list Michelle! I think that I’ll be doing many of them this summer 🙂
Thanks Deb. Have fun and if you think of any other items to add to the list, let me know.
Love this…you’re right – time to savor and enjoy because summer IS fleeting! Thanks, Michelle! 😎
Thank you Vicki! I love the slower pace of summer. Even when you’re working, it just feels less rushed. Maybe that’s a throwback to when my girls were in school and it just felt good not to have to make school lunches, and help with homework.
Oh gosh, yes – those simple things…being relieved of the rush of packing lunches, needing to move quickly in the morning when the kids are little. I remember. What a great gratitude thought, Michelle. xo! 🥰