Summer is in full bloom and it’s time to get out your floral dresses and sun hats. While you’ve been busy matching your nails to your bright red summer lips, I’ve been coming up with a list of fun summer activities. Why? Why not? I know many of us work through the summer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace the wanderlust attitude of our youth and take summer by the horns. Recall back to childhood when every summer night was full of possibility and every summer day was full of adventure. This season try something new and exciting, make sure you take the time for yourself, and find the beauty in the simple things.

Go Rollerblading

Starting off with a bang! I don’t know about you guys but rollerblading used to be one of the most fun things ever. After my mother covered every inch of visible skin with padding, I set off to race around the boardwalks and imagine myself as a speed skater. Not only is this an incredibly fun way to stay in shape, but it’s a great activity for people of all ages. Take it from me—my roller buddy used to be my grandma. You don’t necessarily need to be pro-level and own your own blades, as most places have somewhere you can rent them. So, what are you waiting for? Throw a roller disco party and glide into the summer heat.

Go Camping

This is something I reminisce about, being a staple of my childhood. Every summer I went to sleep away camp and on top of that, every summer my family went camping. These days, however, I seem to have fallen off the wagon. I haven’t been camping in years and that isn’t right. I think it’s important to get away from civilization and hear the crickets chirp and the trees rustle. Being able to breathe in fresh natural air and disconnect from technology is something that is so precious in our modern world. That’s right, I’m suggesting that you go out into the wilderness, set up your tent, sleeping bags and all. Spend the weekend snoozing amongst the beavers and bees and pine trees and come back to work Monday morning centered.

Make Popsicles

Ok, now’s the time to get creative. There’s no fun in eating a popsicle from your local corner shop (ok ok there’s some fun), but it’s way more fun to make your own, not to mention healthier. Summon your inner master chef and mix and match flavors to get the most delicious popsicle of them all. You can honestly put anything in a popsicle. I remember sitting on the hot tar of my childhood home’s driveway, sun blazing in the azure sky, savoring an ice cold pop that my mom had made me from frozen fruit. Who ever said popsicles were only for kids has clearly never had one. I think these make the perfect snack for a hot summer’s day and, depending on what you put in them, they can be low-cal&healthy too. Add some booze and bring these to a summer BBQ or to a pool party—call them “poptails”.

For a fun popsicle recipe, check out our Quick Kitchen here!

Hike a Mountain

You might think UGH…hiking seems like so much work. Or perhaps you’re an avid hiker. Either way I think it’s an under-appreciated, easy to access, satisfying activity. My dad used to bring my brother and me hiking every summer. I remember always initially dreading it, knowing that I’d be running after the sight of the back of my dad’s head as he bound up the steep trail. But there was nearly nothing as satisfying as reaching the summit, breathing in the view, and enjoying a well-deserved gulp of water and perching on a boulder. It’s a fact that people feel a surge of happiness from A. physical activity and B. completing small goals. Treat yourself to a healthy dose of seratonin and pull those ugly brown hiking boots on.

Casa di Legno, Berlin

Go to an Outdoor Cinema

Depending on where you are, you might find a drive-in movie, an outdoor cinema, or you may have to make your own little outdoor theatre with a white sheet. The first time I actually went to an outdoor cinema was once I moved to Berlin, but the experience left it’s mark. There was something really unique about spreading out a blanket and getting cozy to watch a movie (as if at home), but being surrounded by a mass of other friends doing the same… outdoors! The best part is being able to look up and see the starry sky. In Berlin there are many venues to watch films outside, called “Freiluftkinos”. They show recently released films and films from all over the globe. This way, you can stay cultured and stargaze at the same time.

From my inner child to yours, wishing you an amazing summer.

Whatever you do this summer, whether it’s starting a veggie garden or planning a lavish picnic (pull out all the stops), just make sure you enjoy the beautiful weather and embody the free spirit of the season. What’s your favorite summer activity? Lemme know in the comments below.