Easy Summertime Activities

If you want to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air this summer, sitting in a lawn chair won’t keep your attention for long. There can be plenty of activities for kids, but what are you going to do? If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money for entertainment, you might be out of ideas for things to do. Below is a list of summertime activities that can be easy and cheap (or even free!). If you don’t live in a city where you have sidewalks or a lawn you can use, nearby parks are a great resource.

1. Events at parks – Check with your local park to see what events they have to offer. Many are cheap and even free. Lots of parks offer music, plays, games and other things to do for everyone.

2. Ride a bike – Enjoy the warmer weather by going for a bike ride. Parks can have trails for biking as well as walking and hiking.

3. Walk, hike or jog – Get out and spend time with mother nature on the trails, or simply just take a walk. If you’re the more active type, you might like to go for a run to stay active.

4. Swim – If there isn’t a nearby pool or lake you can use, visit your neighborhood park or beach. There’s no better time of year than the summer to take a dip!

5. Go to the park – Relax, have fun, play a game….the options are endless.

6. Pick up a hobby – Write, paint, draw, crafts. Hobbies don’t need to be costly or elaborate. A simple sketch book or journal is all it takes to start a new hobby.

7. Read – Outside on a blanket or in a lawn chair, your surroundings and a little fresh air make all the difference

8. Cookout/grill – Hot dogs, hamburgers, fresh veggies, you name it! Don’t let the summer pass you by without tasting delicious food on the grill!

 

Beach Bag Essentials

It’s a beautiful sunny day outside and it’s time to hit the beach! But what should you take with you? You might already know the essentials: sunscreen and a beach towel. But if you really want to enjoy your time in the sun and be prepared, there is a list of other things to pack.

Before Going to the Beach

As always, you will need your swimsuit, cover-up and flip-flops. You also might need a change of clothes if you will be going somewhere after the beach, and a plastic bag for a wet swimsuit or towels.

Apply sunscreen before going to the beach and take it with you to re-apply after swimming. It’s easiest to apply when you have privacy, and without being covered in sand in the process.

What to Bring

First, you will need a beach bag to carry your things to the beach.

Next, you will need a towel to sit on or dry off with. I like to take at least two towels, one to lay on and one to dry off with. This way, you always have a clean towel to lay on, or an extra towel to dry off with.

Another useful item to take with you is a beach roll or beach mat. A beach roll provides extra padding between you and the sand and makes laying on more comfortable. Also, bring a beach chair if you want to be more comfortable sitting up on the beach. If sitting in the shade is more your thing, bring a beach umbrella to get out of the sun’s rays.

Now that you have your things to make your spot in the sand, you will need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat, and lip balm. I prefer lip balm with sunscreen in it.

Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated and bring snacks or a lunch in a cooler if you will be staying longer.

Other essentials that you might want to consider taking with you are your cell phone, ID, and some money for buying things from concessions.

Now, other than relaxing on the beach, you might want to bring some things with you to keep you busy while you’re there. Books and magazines are popular, as are games such as frisbee and volleyball. I always like to make sure I have my iPod and headphones for listening to music.

Plan a Day or Stay Prepared

Keep an eye on the weather forecast when you’re thinking of going to the beach. This helps you choose the best weather and day that fits your schedule, and helps you avoid rainy days.

I like to keep my beach bag packed so I always know where my beach things are and I’m ready to go for a spur-of-the-moment day at the beach.

Before Going Home

It’s always a good idea to dry off and brush off the sand before going home. You might want to use an extra towel to sit on while in the car if your swimsuit is wet.

Below is a numbered  list of things to take to the beach. You may take away or add other things as you wish.

1. swimsuit
2. cover-up
3. flip-flops
4. change of clothes
5. plastic bag
6. beach bag
7. towels
8. beach roll or beach mat
9. beach chair
10. beach umbrella
11. sunscreen
12. lip balm
13. hat
14. sunglasses
15. beverages
16. snacks or lunch
17. cell phone
18. money
19. ID
20. iPod
21. books, magazines or games