68 Fun Summer Activities for Your Best Season Ever
Prepare for the most unforgettable summer to date, thanks to these recipes, craft projects, trips, and more.
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Ah, sweet summertime! Finally, warm sunshine and longer days to linger outside. This season of easygoing, laid-back living is chockfull of fun things to do. In the fun-loving spirit of this favorite time of year, we came up with a can’t-miss checklist for an unforgettable summer. Because summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, look no farther than your backyard for the simplest of summer pleasures. From best backyard ideas to best grilling recipes for summer backyard barbecues, now's the time to transform your own patch of green into a summertime haven for kids and a place for parents to enjoy downtime as well. Outdoor games for the whole family like corn hole and lawn Scrabble will keep your entire crew entertained. And a pro tip: Hanging backyard string lights adds instant charm to any outdoor space. Dining alfresco under twinkly lights will quickly become the new norm!
Looking for more ways to beat the heat? Ice cream makers are all the rage right now, and you can always stir up these refreshing summer drink recipes to cool off. There's no shortage of fun to keep you, your family, and your friends busy this summer. We’ve rounded up our favorite summer activities right here. Check out these creative ideas, and try to cross as many off your summer bucket list as possible.
Transform a Stock Tank Into a Swimming Pool
Always dreamed of having your own pool? Use a stock tank from the hardware store for an affordable way to cool down in the privacy of your own backyard.
Make Homemade Ice Cream
When made from scratch with the season's sweetest ingredients, ice cream captures the essence of summer. Give everybody something to scream about with these yummy ice cream flavors you can make at home in your own ice cream maker.
Build the She-Shed of Your Dreams
Start with a gambrel-roofed backyard shed, then pile on the personality with furniture, pillows, and even a whimsical wallcovering.
Have a Picnic
Browse our selection of summer picnic recipes, then pack up these delicious sandwiches, side salads, drinks, and desserts for a meal outdoors.
Take a Stroll Through a Sunflower Field
Just looking at these yellow beauties is enough to brighten anyone's mood. If you're lucky enough to live near one of prettiest sunflower fields in America, spend the day picking flowers and taking photos.
Update Your Porch or Patio
Freshen up your porch and patio spaces with pretty plants, patterned pillows, and comfortable outdoor furniture or a new swing. You'll be porch-party ready in no time!
Stock a Bar Cart
Bar cart equals portable party, which makes summer happy hours a breeze. Stock a multi-tiered cart with pre-made punches, acrylic drinkware, straws, and cute paper napkins, and let guests help themselves. Bring out a record player and a stack of albums—someone is sure to fill the role of DJ!
Make a Pretty Wreath
Fill a watering can or other vintage vessel with fresh flowers. Hang on the front door for an easy exterior upgrade.
Set Up an Outdoor Dinner Date
Dreamy porch dinner for two, right this way. Set the table with a runner, flowers, and a bottle of your favorite wine. While you're at it, light candles or turn on the outdoor string lights for a romantic mood.
Try Out a New Dessert Recipe
Homemade ice cream sandwiches—yes, please! Make an afternoon out of it and enlist assistance from your favorite little helpers.
Drink Lemonade on Your Porch
It wouldn't be summer without this refreshing and classic drink. Try these other summer drink recipes, too.
Set Up a Backyard Potting Station
Assemble two upside-down metal trash cans beneath an old door or other large, solid surface. Stack terra-cotta pots and other planting supplies, then pull up metal stools or other comfortable seating. Now get to gardening!
Sip on Summery Drinks
Cool off with summer drink recipes featuring seasonal ingredients., like this Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler.
Cook More Meals on the Grill
Aiming to impress at your next barbecue, or just trying to get out of the kitchen? Check out our best grilling recipes for endless meat, sides, and dessert recipes to cook on the grill.
Paint a Summery Scene
Summer's natural beauty—think blue skies and seaside settings—offers endless artistic inspiration. Even if your talent starts and ends with stick figures, camp out in a scenic spot and try your hand at watercoloring or sketching. You may surprise yourself with a masterpiece!
Hang String Lights
Add some twinkle to your outdoor space by hanging string lights on your front porch or deck.
RELATED: Dreamy Ways to Use Outdoor String Lights in Your Backyard
Try a Foil Packet Recipe on the Grill
Perfect for grilling season, foil packet recipes are mess-free, making them an ideal choice for a backyard barbecue.
Decorate Your Home for the Fourth of July
Hang patriotic pleated fans from your front porch for the holiday.
Make a DIY Backyard Connect Four Board
While there are several outdoor games for you and your kids to play this summer, they will be obsessed this life-size Connect Four game you can have in your yard all summer long.
Get the tutorial at Home Depot.
Savor Strawberries
Summer is peak season for strawberries. Try strawberry recipes to make all summer long, and you may just discover a new favorite, like this Strawberry Limeade Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting.
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
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