7 Things You Can Do This Summer for Moments of Fun and Joy

Here are some ways to savor summer’s delights.
7 Things You Can Do This Summer for Moments of Fun and Joy
Splashing around in a pool is so much fun during summer. (FamVeld/Shutterstock)
Barbara Danza
Updated:
0:00
For those of us living fast-paced, demanding lives, stopping to smell the roses may not be something that comes naturally. But that’s just the sort of simple delight we can enjoy during this lovely season of summer. Don’t let this beautiful season pass you by without taking a moment to enjoy the simple things, like the following.

Make a Splash

Whether you prefer to just dip your toes in, ride the waves, or splash around all day; whether you have access to a pool, a lake, or the ocean—make a splash and enjoy the summer pleasure of cool water on a hot, sunny day for the quintessential summer joy.

Water Fun

Of course, swimming isn’t the only activity that the water will beckon you to partake in this summer. Perhaps you’ll find yourself sailing on a boat or scuba diving beneath the surface. Perhaps you’ll practice paddle-boarding, surfing, or parasailing. Perhaps you enjoy fishing, kayaking, or rafting. There are so many fun water activities that the warm summer weather allows.

I Scream, You Scream!

What summer would be complete without at least one ice cream treat. However you prefer it—a cup or a cone, a sunday or a milkshake—order your favorite flavors from your local creamery and enjoy a must-have summer dessert.

Walk in Nature

The weather is glorious, the wildlife is active, and the trees are in full bloom. Get yourself outside and take in the natural wonders all around you. Walking is wonderful for the body, mind, and spirit. Don’t let summer pass you by without stepping out into nature.

A Good Book in the Sunshine

What better season than summer to carve out some time to sit in the sun or the shade, perhaps accompanied by a tall glass of lemonade, and enjoy a good book. Choose a book that you’ve always wanted to read, one that will inspire you, or one that is just for fun. Allow yourself to slow down, unwind, and disconnect from the busyness of life for some time alone with a good book.

Fresh From the Farmer’s Market

Stock your kitchen with the freshest ingredients local farms have to offer by heading over to your local farmer’s market. These delightful markets often feature fruits, vegetables, eggs, specialty items, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more. An outing in and of themselves, grab a sturdy shopping bag or two and enjoy a stroll through at least once this summer, if not regularly.

Vacation

Everyone needs a break from the everyday grind and time spent with family. Solidify the details of your summer vacation, whether it’s a long-awaited trip, a last-minute weekend away, or a staycation, and pencil in some well-deserved rest and relaxation. It’s summertime after all.
Barbara Danza is a contributing editor covering family and lifestyle topics. Her articles focus on homeschooling, family travel, entrepreneurship, and personal development. She contributes children’s book reviews to the weekly booklist and is the editor of “Just For Kids,” the newspaper’s print-only page for children. Her website is BarbaraDanza.com