6 Ideas for Making This Your Best Summer Yet

When you were a kid, did you eagerly await the final bell on the last day of class before summer? For kids, summer is a treasure to look forward to the rest of the year. As a grown-up, why not find ways to make it just as fun as those nostalgic days?

1. Adopt a Dog From the Pound

As you kick your summer off, consider finding a companion to share the joy of some of the activities you embark upon. Adopting a dog gives a home to someone in need, but may also bring you a great deal of fulfillment as well. Once you have picked the perfect pooch, be sure to provide your dog all he or she needs to live a long, healthy and happy life. Durable toys to gnaw, quality dog food, supplements such as Nutra Thrive, fresh air, exercise and plenty of love and attention are all important considerations.

2. Find a Drive-In Theater

For some good throwback fun, see if you can hunt down drive-in theaters near you. Sometimes there’s nothing better on a temperate summer evening than lying on the hood of your car, sitting inside a convertible with the top down or even just cozying up with all the doors and windows closed, and then watching a movie with your favorite people.

3. Plan a Water Park Vacation

When you need a cool reprieve from a hot day, a water park is a great way to go. The world has some truly amazing water parks, leaving little doubt that you will find one to thrill and delight you. Some boast the tallest and fastest waterslides, others offer massive simulated waves for learning to surf. A South Korean water park even offers nap rooms for weary guests to regain some energy before getting back to the fun!

4. Acquaint Yourself With Your Local Farms

If you are looking for a great activity to do with the kids, set up farm visits in your local area. Summer is a great time to teach children where their food comes from, and even get them participating in the process. Some farms provide the opportunity to harvest fruits and vegetables yourself, not only saving money but also getting the freshest and most nutritious version available.

5. Experiment With Summer Treats

When it’s time for a cool refreshing treat, try seeking out interesting and creative recipes you have never tried before. Pick a new summer Jell-O salad, or use a watermelon shell as a fruit bowl.

Other ways to help you chill are smoothies and sorbets, which can be simple enough to make in a blender. Go for something elaborate if you’d like, with nuts, fruit, coconut milk, spinach, yogurt and a long list of other options. Alternatively, if minimal is preferred, you can blend as few ingredients as two, such as the surprisingly satisfying pairing of frozen honeydew melon chunks and water.

If you don’t have a blender handy, you can certainly fall back on the timeless classics like iced tea and fresh-squeezed lemonade. If you’re still yearning for a blend of flavors for your drink, break out the handheld masher and some strawberries or raspberries.

6. Give in to Grilling

Barbecuing in the backyard with a group of family and friends is one of those things that really says “summer.” If you’ve been considering getting a backyard grill for a long time, giving into that splurge would be a great way to top off your summer. You and your best buds can gather around, grab some skewers and tongs and gorge on some of the best food you’ll have had all year.

Whether you hope to see every country across the world or you prefer to be a homebody, you can make this your best summer yet. Discovering the right activities to pique your interest may even get you as giddy about the start of summer as you were all those years ago when school let out.