17 Ways to Ease into Summer
We’re sharing 17 Ways to Ease Into Summer to help give you a jump-start on planning all your favorite activities.
With Memorial Day behind us, the littles out of school, and the last of the graduation activities complete, we’re officially ready to dive into the summer season.
I literally cannot believe how fast this year has gone by!
It makes me so excited to hear a lot of you have big travel plans or you’re working to finish house projects like we are at Loblolly.
No matter what you have planned, I wanted to share simple and easy ways to enjoy everything from planning a day on the water to hosting a backyard movie night with your family.
Summer feels like such a short season, so the best way to capture its magic is to be intentional with your time.
Here’s a look at 17 Ways to Ease Into Summer…
Make a Summer Bucket List
My baby sister started making a summer bucket list several years ago when her kids were in kindergarten.
Each year, she gathers her family together over dinner and lets the littles who are now teenagers help create a family summer bucket list.
This list usually contains everything from spending the night in a hotel to attending horse camp to swimming with pigs in the Bahamas.
They use a themed hashtag so family and friends can follow along on Instagram and I’m always amazed at what they accomplish each summer.
Making a bucket list is a super easy to way ease into summer.
So, take the time now to decide what you want your priorities to be in the months to come!
Attend a Night Hike at a State Park
Almost every summer we’re at the cabin we enjoy a night hike at a state park.
It’s totally spooky and totally fun as everyone turns on their flashlights and headlamps for a guided hike all at the same time.
Most state parks require a reservation in advance so make sure you check their local events page for requirements in your area.
Plan a Family Retreat, a Sisters’ Summit, a Girl’s Getaway, or a Summer Slumber Party
Sometimes you just need to decompress with your people and relax without any distractions.
Planning intentional time for family definitely takes a bit of planning and creativity.
That said, being able to enjoy each other and reconnect will help you relate to each other in ways you probably haven’t been able to for a while.
Host an Ice Cream Social or a Cake Decorating Contest
Several years ago, we set up an ice cream bar for S’s birthday and it was a big hit. It was so much fun to see all the different flavors and topping combinations people created.
While we usually make our ice cream, cakes, or cookies from scratch, bakery-bought items work just as well. Especially, if you include lots of toppings!
Be sure to have disposable gloves, parchment paper, cones, and spoons on hand as this idea can get messy quickly.
Create a Fabulous Sparklers Display, Use a Bubble Machine or Confetti Cannon
If you’ve ever had the chance to watch the fireworks over the bayfront in St. Augustine, you already know it’s a Florida rite of passage.
Thousands of people gather on the lawn of the Castillo de San Marcos to watch the fireworks display synced to patriotic music over the water.
It’s truly such a treat!
If your area doesn’t have a big fireworks display or you don’t want to fight the crowds consider using sparklers, bubble machines, or rent a confetti cannon to make your patriotic display at home feel festive.
As always, be sure to check city and county ordinances as you’re planning these activities.
Have a Silly String Fight or Water Balloon Fight
When we were younger nearly every summer, we had a maypop, water balloon, or a silly string fight and it was always a blast.
We also made flour bombs much to my Mom’s dismay because they were SUPER messy!
I know it seems like kid stuff but it takes family fun to a totally different level. Especially, if you can get the adults involved.
As always, use caution and care anytime you’re playing these types of games.
Host a Family Baseball or Kickball Game
Summer was made for baseball, peanuts, and cracker jacks!
If you don’t have a major or minor league baseball team in town, consider hosting a family baseball or kickball game at home.
Make it an event with gourmet hot dogs, salty chips, and all the fixings.
Take a Picnic Lunch to the Beach and Build a Sandcastle
Creating a picnic lunch doesn’t have to be involved at all!
Simply throw some sandwiches, chips, fruit, and veggies in a waterproof lunch bag with cool packs and enjoy the day.
Remember to bring your sunnies, sunscreen, a good beach read, and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Host a Backyard Movie Night or Visit a Drive-In
Hosting a backyard movie night or visiting a drive-in movie theater is a super simple way to ease into summer.
I know a lot of cities offer movies on the lawn near the town square. So, check your local events page to see if those are still being offered this summer or host your own event.
Make sure to pack your favorite movie snacks, drinks, blankets, pillows, and bug spray so you’ll be comfortable no matter what the venue.
Do a Walking Tour of Your Favorite Town
When is the last time you spent a leisurely afternoon walking around your hometown or favorite coastal city?
If it’s been a while, grab your camera, slow your pace to a relaxing stroll, and take a moment to remember why you fell in love with the destination in the first place.
Go Bold and Try Something New
Summer is a great season to try out new makeup products, hairstyles, or clothing styles.
It’s also a great time to shop your house and move things around. Consider adding unexpected prints, fresh patterns, or color palettes.
If you feel like you’ve been in a style rut lately, now’s the time to get out of it!
Learn a New Skill
I know a lot of you are adjusting to having the littles home from school while continuing to work full-time. The transition is not always an easy one, I totally get it!
That said, it’s still important to carve out time for your own goals and dreams.
So, ease into the summer by trying a new hobby you’ve always wanted to learn but keep putting off for whatever reason.
We have a MasterClass subscription and love it! But if that’s not in your budget consider taking classes at a local studio or big box craft store or dive into free YouTube videos.
Tackle a New Project or Complete a Project You’ve Been Putting Off
How many times have you looked at your Pinterest boards and thought, “I really need to get started on that” but never commit to making the project an actual priority?
No judgment at all, I’ve been there too.
The thing is, it’s not about having the time – it’s about making the time!
Let this summer be the season you stop putting off those projects you’ve been dreaming about.
Make an Entire Meal on the Grill
From chicken and fish to veggies to peaches, there’s just something that screams summertime whenever the BBQ is involved.
We love summer grilling because the meals are simple and flavorful and the clean-up is easy-peasy!
Send a Message in a Bottle or Create a Time Capsule
I can honestly say we’ve found some pretty crazy things on the beach. Especially after a hurricane.
Finding a message in a bottle is always at the top of the treasure hunt list. But it would be so much fun to make and launch one of your own.
In addition, there is really no better time to create a time capsule. After all, these past few years have been quite adventurous already.
Lead a Bike Parade
Living in Florida offers our family the chance to have a bike parade multiple times of the year, most especially for the 4th of July and at Christmas.
It’s not always easy to coordinate a bike parade with varying ages but when we do it’s always so much fun.
Some of the bikes have streamers, some of them have baseball cards in the spokes and some have a bell.
No matter how the bikes are decorated though you can be sure there’s going to be a race home, which gives us a major case of the giggles.
Watch the Sunset with Your Favorite People
Have a clam bake on the beach, a bonfire at your favorite campsite, or take the boat out on the lake and watch the sunset.
Then spend the next few hours making memories no one in attendance will ever forget.
I hope this list of 17 Ways to Ease into Summer has given you a few ideas on how to make the season full of adventure.
While it definitely takes a bit of effort and creativity, taking time to make special memories will always be worth it.
Let us know how you plan to celebrate the summer season!
A Few Other Summer Inspired Posts You Might Enjoy:
French Country-Inspired Summer Bucket List
Simple Summer Camp Activity Ideas for Adults
Budget-Friendly Summer Decorating Tips
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
I love St Augustine. Two college friends & I went there after school was out in 1979. It was wonderful. My sister & her family have made their home in St Johns. I live in Ky. That is where our family is from. We have Florida heat & humidity without the ocean. I truly enjoy your blog with all the pictures, stories and ideas. Enjoy your Memorial Holiday & God Bless.
Such sweet and thoughtful words, Janet, thank you so much! It’s super exciting to hear you love St. Augustine and that your family has roots there too. Although it is growing like crazy, it is still very charming. The coastal breeze definitely makes the heat and humidity a bit easier, I must say 🙂 I hope your week has been a blessed one and thank you again for your kind words. They mean so much! Hugs, CoCo
Such a fun post, CoCo! We are feeling like summer today…81 and humid, and I am ready for it!
Me too, Linda! It’s been raining like crazy here the past few days but we really need it and you know how much I love snuggling up 🙂 I hope your week has been fabulous and you’re enjoying the rest of what May has to offer and looking forward to an adventurous June. Hugs, CoCo
CoCo – this is a wonderful list. We agree, this summer looks very different from years past…so why not create a very different to-do list. We will be trying out a couple of new fun things, since our vacation plans have been altered. Much love.
Yes ladies – so true! Adapt to overcome is going to be our summer motto this year. Can’t wait to see what you guys are up to! Hugs, CoCo
I so enjoyed your post CoCo! It really did put a smile on my face! Thank you so much for sharing with Charming Homes and Gardens Party!
Thank you so much, Kim! I really appreciate your sweet words. Sending you hugs and hoping your weekend was fantastic, CoCo
Beautiful Post. thanks for sharing with us at Charming Homes & garden Link Party.
Rachel
Thank you so much, Rachel! Hope your weekend was tons of fun, CoCo
What fun ideas! Pinned! Thanks for sharing with Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Thanks so much, Kathleen, I really appreciate it! Hugs, CoCo
I always love your posts, but this one feels especially right for this crazy year!
Thanks for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace! I’m featuring you this week.
Thank you so much for the sweet feature, Richella, I really appreciate it. In a million years I never imagined 2020 would be like this. It’s been such a year of pruning and growth. I can’t wait for the slow and steady pace of summer. Hugs and thank yous, CoCo
That was a great tip for creating a summer bucket list. A bucket list is a great way to prioritize the summer calendar and to make the most of our time!
These are great ideas. I love the idea of making a summer bucket list. If it isn’t down on paper, it usually doesn’t happen for me.
WOW such fun ideas, will for sure have a go at some of them.
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