Summer holds endless hours of sun and fun. For some, it’s a time for jobs and community service, and for others, it spells out weeks of free time. We all remember last year’s quarantined summer, where many of us took on new passions and activities, but what’s there to do this year?

1. Hiking Trips!

Looking for something more active? Lucky for you, California is filled with scenic hiking trails all throughout the state. Pack some snacks, water and sunscreen, and head out with your friends to any trail of your choosing. While Google can tell you some great trails, there is an app called “AllTrails” that can give you various routes, biking areas and more. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer morning with little expense.

2. Park Picnics!

Never underestimate the tranquility of a good old-fashioned picnic. The parks in our town all have great areas to spread out blankets and food on a summer afternoon. Whether you go with friends or family, these are great ways to get outside the house, and you can also practice social distancing measures as needed. The best part is, if you’re a hermit, take a book or any small activity and hang out with yourself at the park.

3. Redecorate everything!

This year has been a long one, so what better way to have a fresh start than to redecorate your entire room? This can mean moving all your furniture around, purchasing a few knickknacks from Target or just getting through some good spring (or summer) cleaning. If this sounds enticing, Pinterest will be the best source for ideas, especially if you’re on a budget.

4. Letter Writing!

Before you sigh over “writing” outside of school, hear me out. There are a lot of people who’ve been struggling through this year in ways we may not fully grasp but can sympathize with. With numerous programs across the country that send letters to senior citizens, children with medical afflictions, soldiers and more, take a few moments this summer to add some words of encouragement. Whether it’s through a bright card or heartfelt writing, an act of kindness is a great way to spend some time. Here’s a resource with links to various organizations:  https://medium.com/swlh/volunteer-from-home-opportunities-that-writers-and-creatives-will-love-f548f1efab5a

5. Craft Night!

We’ve heard the phrase “try something new” over and over, so I’ll instead rephrase it as “Craft Night.” This can be a group or a single event, where you use a night to attempt some new activity. Whether it’s sewing, embroidering, painting (I’d recommend decorating rocks or jars), etc., it’s never too late to try a new activity. You may not continue long-term, but there’s a lot to learn about yourself.

There’s so much to do out there, and plenty of summer to capture some great memories. My last suggestion is to document as much of it as possible with pictures or journal entries – it’s great to later reminisce over good times. Good luck adventuring out there!