5 Fun, Safe and Inexpensive Outdoor Ways to Spend the Last days of Summer

I know I’ve said summer has been cancelled for a while now, but this time it’s not a warning but a fact. Like most of us, I’ve only seen about 10 out of these 90 days of summer. Many of us are starting to think about Fall and layers, when we haven’t even scratched the surface of summer fun. Well with more restrictions being lifted, I wanted to share some ideas of ways we can enjoys the last bits of the sunny season. Here are 5 ways you can spend outside with friends and family these last days of summer.

1) Potluck Picnic– A picnic is still a fun way to spend time outdoors and get some well deserved Vitamin D. The best part is that it is inexpensive and allows you to have ample space to social distance outdoors. Another great factor; it’s applicable to different groups of people. Grab your spouse for a fun date night, just the two of you. Bundle up the kids, pack a few snacks and games and park it at a nice shady spot. Or my favorite, call up your besties and have a potluck picnic. Each of you bring can bring your dish, to alleviate costs and burdens of one person (it also alleviates doing dishes). Just pick a spot to meet up and bring your own chairs and blankets. You can even have a theme to amp up the fun factor. The possibilities are endless.

2)Drive In Movie – This is such a classic, but by no means outdated, outdoor activity that has recently resurfaced in popularity. The movie theaters have been closed for months, so this is the perfect way to catch a flick. Not to mention the safety factor is addressed as you are in the comfort of your own car. You can also sit in your trunk or with the top down to catch some fresh air. If you want to double date with a couple or family, they can park right alongside you. The best part is you can bring your own snacks and save on the $20 popcorn. Check to see if your city or town has one; there are many theaters still left out there.

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3) Ice Cream Social– What screams summer more than ice cream. Yes there are some shops open, but how fun would it be to have your own mini ice cream parlor. This would be especially fun for a family; you can even set up in your backyard. Pack a cooler and ice with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings. For a small group of kids or adults, you can have a buffet of toppings, where people can build their own sundaes. You can also have guests build their own special flavors and name them. Everyone can vote on the best on. Just be sure to keep the ice cream covered and cooled. This is another activity where people and guests can socially distance and still have good summer fun. I would suggest planning for later day or evening when the sun is not at its hottest.

4) Bicycle Challenge– Being cooped up in the house all summer has not only deprives some of fresh air, but exercise. Bike riding is a great way to spend out doors and see the city. Meet up with a friend to bike a trail, or make it an activity for your family. If you can’t meet up together, find a separate trail and talk on the phone (using earpods of course) to keep each other motivated. Add to the fun by giving yourself mileage goals or adding your own biking playlist.

5)Scavenger Hunt– Who says scavenger hunts are only fun for kids. This can be a fun way to do date night, spend time with your family, or to hang out with a group of friends. First come up with a theme for your hunt; this can make it easier and more fun. For example, all red items or landmarks. Divide into teams, preferably with people who came together to keep with social distancing guidelines. Pick a central location to start and come back to once you’ve completed the hunt. All you need now is a discovery list. This can be created by the host with list of items and points assigned to each item. The winning team usually has either found all of the items or has gathered the most points.

Now scavenger hunts usually consist of physical items, but you can add a safer twist. Have guests digitally take pictures as their proof of finding items or landmarks so there isn’t constant handwashing needing to happen. If you choose to do physical items, just make sure everyone has some hand sanitizer handy. I think this is a super fun idea and can’t wait to do one myself.

I hope you found some of these ideas helpful and plan on getting out to enjoy some summer fun. There are still a few weeks left before we have to think about jackets and hats, so enjoy while you can. As always, let me know if you try any of these ideas or if you have some fun suggestions of your own. Drop a comment below, and please continue to be safe and wear your mask! See you in the Fall.