*This is a partnered post
We are nearing the end of summer, and it sure feels like it went by fast! Although this summer has been unlike any other we have known before, because of a particular virus (I think you know which one I’m talking about…the one that has changed the way we do everything?). We may not have done things the way we have in the past, but it doesn’t have to be all negative. Summer isn’t over. It’s winding down, sure, but there is still time for us to have some fun before the warm sunshine and endless days leave us for another whole year.
Below you’ll find some fun end of summer activities that will allow you to look back on this summer fondly.
Explore Your Local Area
It is easy to forget what is in our own backyard, in our neighborhood and our towns. Ask around – you might be surprised to find a few hidden gems that you’ve missed, but that are incredibly fun! Soon we will all be hunkered indoors when the weather gets colder. Make the most of the warm, beautiful weather, and explore while you can! Is there a nearby nature park or similar space located within a an hour or so of where you live? Now is the time to check it out!
Summer Nights
There’s always a buzz in the air during the summer months, isn’t there? In our book, there’s nothing better than going for a stroll downtown, in one of the scenic corners of the city, and doing nothing but getting an ice-cream and enjoying all there is to love about being out in the community. It may not be possible in your area this year, due to the pandemic, but if you’re able to do so safely, then it would be a fun thing to do.!
Outdoor Cinemas
And talking of summer nights: what about an outdoor cinema? One of the great things about the summer season is that it allows you to be out after the sun has set, without being cold. Rather than spending time in your home, you could be unwinding outside, under the stars, watching a classic family movie with your loved ones. You have two options. You can find one in your local area, or you can make an outdoor theater yourself. There’s usually one organization or another hosting outdoor cinema screenings during the summer; hopefully that’ll be the case this year. If not, then set it up in your yard. This is something that’s a lot easier to do than you might think. Indeed, you can create one with just a few supplies (the projector is the main thing — but no problem, they’re not expensive).
Take a Trip
Or how about a late-summer trip to another country? The coronavirus pandemic has meant that there are some travel restrictions in place, but there are many places that are still receiving tourists. If you’ve found that this summer hasn’t been quite as memorable as you’d have liked it to have been, then this is a chance to really end the season in style. Not that you necessarily have to travel overseas to have a good time: domestic travel also poses plenty of opportunities, too. It could be time to load up the car and go on a long road trip!
Perfect the BBQ
There’s still plenty of grilling time left in the final weeks of summer. Hosting a BBQ for your family and friends is one of those things that we all think we’ll do before summer has begun, but when we’re in the middle of it, it passes us by. But it’s not too late now! All you have to do is schedule the time, get some supplies, and hey presto, you’re on your way. It’s best to be adaptable just in case some late summer rain falls. I just have to brag on our Beef Tri-Tip Marinade if you will be BBQing. It is amazing! It is one of our most popular posts, and so easy to make. I hope you’ll try it!
End of Summer Party
Or if you think that a BBQ won’t quite do it, how about a gathering of friends and family? Of course, you’ll need to make sure that it’s safe to do so. You don’t want people to transmit the dreaded virus! But there are ways to host gatherings, safely. It’s important to check with your local government; they’ll have expert advice from medical professionals about the best way to gather safely. If you’re able to host one, then you’ll find that this provides a great opportunity to wave goodbye to summer and welcome in the fall months.
Onto the Water
There are many things that you can do in both summer and the fall/winter. But there are other things where it’s really all about the warm season. Take getting out on the water, for example. While there are other recreational activities you can do year-round, getting out onto the water isn’t something you’ll want to do when the temperatures dip. So now’s the perfect time to go kayaking/canoeing/surfing/whatever it is that floats your boat. If you’ve never done it before, then get in touch with a school. They’ll be more than happy to show you the ropes — and once you know how to do it, you’ll probably find that it’s something you want to do again and again.
Other fun ideas
Read – Put the phone down, find a shady spot and grab a good book. It’s always fun to get involved in someone else’s life for awhile!
Catch a Sunrise/Sunset – this is one of the best things in the world, if you ask me. We have some beautiful sunsets here in the Pacific Northwest. We like to grab a glass of wine, sit on the deck and enjoy the beauty.
Ride a Bike – not only is it a very “freeing” feeling, but it brings back feelings of childhood (for me at least)
Conclusion
Hopefully you’ll find something on this list that appeals to you and that will put a smile on your face. Chin up – the summer of 2021 will hopefully be much more normal!
