15 Things You Must Do Before Saying Goodbye to Summer

August is here, which means that summer days are waning fast. But, don’t let too much time pass you by without experiencing some fun things to do in the summer. Some of life’s simple joys are hallmarks of the summer season. You might not need to travel far or spend much money in order to make this August memorable. There are lots of ways to bring the fun to you. Try our suggestions for yourself or for the kids, or share with us your own!

1. Eat an ice cream cone. There’s nothing better on a hot, sticky August evening than the cool, refreshing feeling of sweet cream on your tongue. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, cold ice cream in the dog days of August can’t be beat.

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2. Take a night swim. Ahhh… whether you prefer the salty ocean for its healing properties or a cool dip in a freshwater lake or pond, a night swim is an invigorating experience. If you’re spending time at the beach with friends and family or taking a solo excursion, the serenity of a splash in the water under cover of darkness will be a great addition to your summer.

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3. Go to a drive-in movie. Ever feel nostalgic for the “old days”? So do we! While drive-in movie theaters might be hard-to-find relics these days, they do exist. So, grab your sweetie or some friends and choose a feel-good movie (or a good horror flick if you prefer) and head over to the nearest drive-in for an evening of old school-style summer fun.

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4. Jump off a dock. This favorite August activity could be one and the same with diving into the ocean, but it doesn’t need to be. If you’re fairly land-locked and can’t get to the ocean so easily, try to find a lake (or even a large pond) with a pier. Either way, the exhilaration and freedom of taking an uninhibited jump off a pier is sure to get your blood pumping. Just make sure you look before you leap!

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5. Take a long hike. There’s no disputing the fact that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get some good exercise and fresh air. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman and hiking enthusiast or more casual, taking a nice long walk and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature is a great way to spend an August day.

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6. Go to an amusement park. Whee! What makes you feel like a kid again? Maybe watching cartoons… or eating cotton candy… or riding a roller coaster. You can watch cartoons or eat cotton candy any time, but amusement parks are part of the quintessential summer experience. You’re never too old to feel the rush of the air whizzing past you as you fly 100 miles per hour, usually upside down! Hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

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7. Go berry-picking. If you’ve never tasted berries fresh from the vine, you’re missing out. Of course, if you eat too many fresh from the vine, you won’t have as many to bring home for later (and you could get a stomachache). But, eating while you pick is one of the great joys of berry-picking. With those berries that do manage to make it home, you can bake a fabulous pie, or serve them with some ice cream or whipped topping. Mmm. But, don’t take our word for it — August is a great time to catch some fresh picks, so find your local farm and bring a big basket!

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8. Roast marshmallows. Summer night. Bonfire. Sweet, gooey goodness. Need we say more? Roasting marshmallows is a classic summer activity, right up there with catching fireflies and singing campfire songs. While the nights are still warm and summer’s still in full-swing, grab a bag of marshmallows and light up the fire pit or bonfire for a sweet, sweet evening.

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9. Eat watermelon. Delicious and nutritious. Well, also sweet and juicy. Watermelon could just be the ultimate summer snack. Have a napkin handy for the drips that are sure to roll down your chin, but sink your teeth into this perfect August treat.

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10. Have a barbecue with friends. You don’t need an excuse to hang out with your friends, family or coworkers in a relaxed summer atmosphere. Don’t miss your chance in August to have a casual barbecue. It need not be fancy or expensive; although everyone will enjoy some classic hamburgers and hot dogs (or whatever you prefer). If you want something different, you can try these delicious hot dog topping ideas too, but this barbecue is really more about the company than the food.

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11. Take a nap in a hammock. Depending on where you live, there could be relatively few months during the year when you could comfortably nap outdoors. For many of us, August is one of them. Don’t wait another whole year for this opportunity — grab a spot in a cozy hammock and fill your lungs with fresh air as you take a snooze outside. You’ll feel so relaxed that you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

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12. Take a bike ride. Bicycling might be one of the best ways to exercise, sightsee and enjoy the outdoors, all at the same time. This is another activity that just feels like summer. So, whether you own a bike or need to rent or borrow one, spend some time in August exploring the world on wheels.

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13. Play frisbee. Whether you’re a skilled athlete or not, frisbee is a game that can be as simple as a catch between friends. It gets your blood pumping and fresh air in your lungs, all while enjoying the outdoors. Get a whole group together, or go to the park or beach with just one friend (or even your dog) and spin the disc a few times.

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14. Have a water balloon fight. What’s your water balloon style? Sneak-attack on an unsuspecting loved one? A carefully coordinated team effort? Or, a wild free-for-all where nothing stands between your balloon and a friend’s getting drenched? Regardless of how you play, a hot day and a bucket full of water balloons is sure to lead to some merriment and laughter that your friends will remember for years to come.

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15. Play miniature golf. There’s nothing not to love about a good game of mini golf. It’s fun, fanciful and can be played alone or with friends. A perfect August activity!

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All in all, August is a great time of the summer — and a great time of year, especially for getting outside. You don’t want to let the summer pass you by without having taken the time to participate in some of these classic activities. These are some of our favorites — what are yours? Please share your August delights in the comments below.