50+ Summer Activities to Keep You Busy in 2025: At Home or Out & About
Summer’s the season to finally tackle those summer activities you’ve been meaning to do — or try something new entirely. It’s the perfect time to step out of your routine and make the most of every long, sun-filled day. What activities have you been putting off? What adventures are calling your name? With the right weather and a little inspiration, summer activities are the perfect opportunity to break free and create unforgettable memories.
Jump to Section
- Summer Fun at Home
- Outdoor Summer Activities
- Adventure and Travel
- Free Summer Activities
- Memorable Summer Parties
- Activities for Students and Students on Break
- Summer Activities FAQs
Summer Fun at Home
1. Hang a Hammock
Why not learn how to hang a hammock and turn your backyard into your own little oasis? It will be the perfect spot to enjoy other summer activities, like relaxing, reading or napping, all season long.
2. Make S’mores
No list of summer activities is complete without homemade s’mores. And the best part? You don’t even need a fire pit — just pop them in the oven (or microwave in a pinch) and enjoy the gooey goodness.
3. Blow Bubbles
Blowing bubbles is one of those simple, nostalgic summer activities that everyone can enjoy. It’s just a chill way to spend time, watching the bubbles float in the wind.
4. Have a Water Balloon Fight
If you’re looking for summer activities this weekend, a water balloon fight is always a good call. And for extra fun, turn it into a foam party for even more laughs.
5. Try DIY Crafts
Sometimes, it’s just too hot for outdoor summer activities and that's when DIY crafts come in. Make a wreath, try painting or even create your own soap bars for a creative, cool indoor escape.
6. Make Your Own Ice CreamÂ
Crafts aren’t the only DIY summer activities. Making your own ice cream is the perfect summer project. You can either use an ice cream maker or do it old-school with milk and rock salt.
7. Eat Watermelon
Summer isn’t complete without watermelon. Enjoy it fresh, add a sprinkle of salt and lime or experiment with a fun watermelon salad recipe. Refreshing, juicy and perfect for hot days.
8. Run Through a Sprinkler
No matter how old you are, running through a sprinkler will always be one of the best summer activities. It’s pure, simple fun on a hot day.
9. Bake a Pie
The smell of freshly baked fruit pie is the essence of summer activities. Just make sure to bake it before the heat sets in. The sweet aroma filling your home is a sign of summer’s best flavors. Top it with vanilla ice cream for the perfect summer treat.
10. Watch Clouds Go By
Sometimes, the best summer activities don’t involve doing much at all. Lay back, enjoy the sunshine and watch the clouds float by.
11. Make Sidewalk Chalk Art
Need summer activities for kids? Make up a batch of sidewalk chalk and let their imagination run wild. It's the perfect way to keep them entertained for hours.
Outdoor Summer Activities
12. Visit Your Local Farmers' Market
A great way to enjoy the summer season is by visiting your local farmers' market. You’ll find fresh, seasonal produce perfect for cooking up something delicious. Sign up for an online cooking class and learn how to make the most of your ingredients.
13. Make Painted Rocks for Your GardenÂ
Looking for summer activities that will add a personal touch to your garden? Painted rocks are a great way to add charm. Brush up on your painting skills with paint and sip classes near you and create beautiful designs that will make your garden truly stunning.
14. Have a Backyard Dance PartyÂ
Invite your closest friends over for a backyard dance party. Virtual dance classes can help you learn some new moves and keep the fun flowing, even if you end up tripping over each other.
15. Make Frozen Cocktails
Beat the heat by learning to make refreshing frozen cocktails with online mixology classes. Once you've mastered the skills, you'll have delicious cocktails perfect for sipping while you relax outside on warm summer days.
16. Host a Dinner Party
Take advantage of the summer nights by hosting an outdoor dinner party. Set the scene with candlelight for a special, memorable evening with friends and family.
17. Pick Your Own Fruit
A trip to a u-pick fruit farm is a fun way to spend the day, and the best part is coming home with baskets of fresh berries. You can even use them to create a homemade cheeseboard for a virtual wine tasting.
18. Host an Outdoor Movie Night
Grab the popcorn, candy and a projector for an outdoor movie night under the stars. For an extra layer of fun, add a virtual game show for an unforgettable evening with friends and family.Â
Adventure and Travel
19. Cool Off in a Waterfall Swimming Hole
Swimming is one of the most quintessential summer activities. Instead of hitting up the neighborhood pool, take a trip to a waterfall swimming hole for an epic adventure.
20. Go Whitewater Rafting in the Grand Canyon
Looking for places to visit during summer in the USA? A trip to the Grand Canyon is one of the most highly rated summer bucket list ideas. Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River with the canyon walls towering above you is an unbeatable, thrilling experience.
21. Float the River
Summer activities don't have to be action-packed. Take a leisurely float down a river for a laid-back summer day.Â
22. Hike the Narrows at Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the best places to visit in the USA with family. Hiking the Narrows is an adventure like no other. Walk through a narrow, 2,000-foot canyon and feel the grandeur of the natural landscape surrounding you.
23. Cruise Down the Pacific Coast Highway
Looking for summer activities in the USA for couples? Take a ride down the Pacific Coast Highway and stop for romantic strolls along the beach. It’s a beautiful way to spend the summer together.
24. Learn to Surf in Hawaii
Hawaii is a top summer destination in the USA. Plan ahead to avoid the peak season and enjoy unforgettable surfing lessons. Catching waves and soaking up the sun is just one of the many ways to make lasting memories on these beautiful islands.
25. Go Ziplining
Feel the rush of adrenaline as you zip through the trees. It’s one of those thrilling summer activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
26. Get SCUBA Certified
Need things to do in the summer with teenagers? Make this summer unforgettable by getting the whole family SCUBA certified.Â
27. Explore an Ice Cave
Escape the heat with a visit to an ice cave. These cool retreats stay chilly year-round and offer an exciting, unique experience, from Alaska to the northern states.
Free Summer Activities
28. Play a Nostalgic Game
Summer activities like hopscotch or four-square tag bring back sweet memories of carefree childhood days.
29. Build Sandcastles
A beach day should definitely be on your summer activities list. Bring the whole family and build an impressive sandcastle together.
30. Catch FirefliesÂ
Spend a warm summer evening catching fireflies — no need for nets, just your hands (and then release them, of course).
31. Volunteer
Looking for free summer activities in the USA? Volunteer at a local nonprofit or animal shelter and give back to your community.
32. Explore the French Quarter
Jazz music fills the air in New Orleans' French Quarter. It’s one of the top places to visit in the USA with family, rich in history and culture.
33. Attend a Parade
Most parades, whether part of a festival or holiday celebration like July 4th, are free to attend. It's a fun and easy summer activity to enjoy this weekend.
34. Read Under a Tree
Head to a local park, find a tree with lots of shade and spend the afternoon devouring a good book.
35. Catch a Sunset
Sometimes, the simplest summer activities are the most memorable. Find a quiet spot to watch the sunset and soak up the long nights before they’re gone. It's a great choice for summer date ideas.
36. Tour a New CityÂ
Gas money aside, one of the best free summer activities in the USA is visiting a new city to take in the sights.
Memorable Summer Parties
37. Pool Party
You can’t go wrong with a classic pool party when it comes to summer party themes. Dive in and enjoy the sun.
38. Karaoke PartyÂ
Grab the mic and belt out your favorite songs at a karaoke party. It's a great way to spend breezy summer evenings in your backyard under some twinkling string lights.
39. Backyard Cookout
Grilling is a must on your summer activities list. So, gather your friends for an epic backyard cookout filled with delicious food and great company.
40. Roller Rink Party
Want to relive some nostalgic summer activities? Head to the roller rink, lace up your skates and groove under the disco ball with your best pals.
41. Lawn Game TournamentÂ
Roll out the lawn games and enjoy some of the more classic summer activities. From cornhole to badminton, there’s no shortage of fun to keep everyone entertained.
42. Cocktail PartyÂ
Whether you dress it up or keep it casual, cocktail parties are a must on your list of summer activities for adults. Bonus points if they’re served in coconuts with umbrella straws.
43. Luau Party
Hula skirts, leis and limbo sticks — host a luau party that’ll transport everyone to a tropical paradise.
44. Flower Arranging Party
Invite friends to bring their favorite flowers. Then, together you can create beautiful bouquets together that capture the essence of summer activities.
45. Summer Pizza Party
Pizza parties are fun year-round, but for a summer activities twist, use fresh ingredients like tomatoes, basil and pesto.
Activities for Students and Students on Break
46. Visit a Local Fair or Carnival
Riding roller coasters, playing ring toss and chowing down on funnel cake is practically the definition of summer activities.
47. Build a Fort
Whether it’s an indoor blanket fort or a backyard treehouse, summer activities like this never get old.
48. Start a Lemonade StandÂ
A lemonade stand is one of the best summer activities for kids. It teaches work ethic and money management, plus they’ll make some extra cash.Â
49. Frequent the Neighborhood Ice Cream Truck
Summer just isn’t complete without at least one visit to the ice cream truck. It’s the ultimate treat for kids (and adults, too!).
50. Pack a Picnic
A picnic in the park is an ideal summer activity. Pack up sandwiches, snacks and drinks and head to the park.
51. Go Camping
There’s a reason camping is one of the most popular summer activities. It’s great for family bonding, a getaway with friends or even some time solo.
52. Have a Scavenger Hunt
Need summer activities for kids that they'll actually love? A scavenger hunt is perfect for keeping them entertained in your backyard or at a local park.
53. Host an Ice Cream SocialÂ
An old-fashioned ice cream social is the perfect way to enjoy summer activities with friends and family.
Summer Activities FAQs
What Is the Most Popular Summer Activity?
According to the National Recreation and Park Association, the most popular summer activity in America is having a picnic or barbecue. Around 55% of people say it’s their go-to, with walks or hikes and beach trips taking second and third place, respectively.
What Activities Can You Do in Summer?
There’s no wrong answer when it comes to summer activities (except maybe snowboarding). From making s’mores in your backyard to taking the trip of a lifetime, summer offers the perfect mix of relaxing and exhilarating options.
What Do Americans Do During Summer?
Summer activities in America are all about spending time outdoors, especially near water. Popular activities include going to the beach, visiting national or state parks, attending music festivals or outdoor concerts, picnicking, hiking, swimming and camping.
Where To Go In the Summer in the USA?
National parks like Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion and the Grand Canyon are some of the best places to visit during summer in the USA. They’re perfect for family vacations and each one offers a uniquely awe-inspiring landscape. Michigan’s car-free Mackinac Island is also a great choice, as are waterfront cities like Miami and San Francisco. Look up "summer activities near me" if you don't want to travel too far.
Summer activities are a chance to make memories with the people you care about. From simple joys like ice cream cones and picnics to more adventurous trips, these moments stay with you long after the season ends.
For even more fun summer ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
