18 Fun Things You Need to Do This Summer

POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

There's something about the hot sun and warm air that makes you crave adventure. And really, it's the perfect time to dabble in new hobbies and expand your list of experiences. That said, ahead are 18 things you need to do this Summer. It'll be the greatest one yet!

01

Try a crazy flavor of ice cream.

Head to your local frozen yogurt store — or travel great distances for the best ice cream in America — and try an outrageous flavor.

02

Visit a national park.

America's home to several stunning national parks. Take your pick, and make it a Summer trip!

03

Dance at a jazz bar.

Sip a creative cocktail and twirl to a funky beat at a jazz bar.

04

Ride roller coasters at a theme park.

Crave a Summer thrill? Hop on a roller coaster at one of the best theme parks in the US.

05
POPSUGAR Photography | Sisilia Piring

Have a sprawling picnic with friends and family.

Organize a giant picnic with loved ones in a nearby park or your own backyard. Blast an upbeat playlist over some portable speakers.

06

Swim in a Great Lake.

The sunshine sparkling on the vast waters of the Great Lakes is a sight every American needs to see.

07

Read a book in a forest.

Pack up your favorite novel, along with a can of bug spray, and head to the woods. The Summer reading experience will feel even more magical.

08
POPSUGAR Photography | Sisilia Piring

Take a road trip.

Your road trip destination can be close by or nine hours away, whichever you choose — or you can just drive and see where life takes you. The taste of freedom is exhilarating.

09
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Indulge in street food.

Grab a little street grub during the warm weather. Fancy vendor not required — the Home Depot hot dog cart, for example, is downright delectable.

10

Attend a music festival.

Check out all of the music festivals slated for the upcoming season!

11

Snap photos of space.

Tap into your inner astronomer and capture the beauty of outerspace this Summer. Track the moon cycles; star-gaze in the wilderness.

12

Go camping.

Get away from the hubbub of daily life with a tent, a sleeping bag, and a few other essentials. You can brave it alone or bring a friend.

13

Get a pen pal.

Sign up for a random pen pal from anywhere around the world, or write letters about your Summer escapades to a friend who lives faraway.

14
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Take a staycation with your best friend.

Book a night at the best hotel in town and have fun with your best friend. Feel free to include a few glasses of Champagne in your evening.

15

Pick fruit.

Collect the sweet Summer gems at any available fruit farm. Here's a full list of fruits and veggies that ripen in the dog days.

16

Sightsee a waterfall.

Waterfalls are a Summer staple. If you're not able to travel far, check out these ones within the United States!

17

Gather seashells at the beach.

Don your favorite bathing suit, slather on SPF, and chill out on a serene beach.

18

Keep a scrapbook of your Summer adventures.

Finally, you'll want to cement all the amazing memories you made — document every fun activity in a scrapbook, and you'll never forget.

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