First Day of Summer

The day is Saturday, June 20th, 2020. Midsummer Day. It is officially the first day of summer. After many long and tedious months, Spring is finally over. It seems a little crazy, doesn’t it? I don’t feel like it should be summer already. We didn’t end the Spring as we’ve always done with parties and graduations due to the current virus pandemic. Even with that knowledge, it still doesn’t feel like summer. Maybe it’s because half the year has gone by and we’re entering into the second half. You know what’s funny, I’ve even started planning Christmas presents. Now to be fair, I’m a terrible gift giver so I need all the extra time I can get.

So maybe we didn’t get to send Spring off with a blast like normal. Nothing about this year will be normal. I think we just have to accept that and move on. How do we propose to start our summer then? There are loads of fun summer activities that can still adhere to some semblance of social distancing. While you, your friends and family are out having loads of fun, you can still stay safe and be respectful of others’ personal space.

What are some fun activities that you can engage in with your loved ones that don’t mean you’re stuck in large crowds around a multitude of strangers?

Take a Hike.

You can check out my other story about National Hiking Day from earlier this month. It’s a great way to exercise, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy nature. The best part is you can be as distanced from strangers as you want to be. With how hot the summers are, getting into the woods in the shade of the forest is a splendid way to keep cool.

Go on a Picnic.

I mention this as we just celebrated International Picnic Day – which you can read about on my profile. Combine your lovely hike with an awesome picnic and you’ll have an unforgettable day. Any good activity is also a cheap/free activity. Of course, you have to spend money on the food you want to eat for lunch and any gas you may have to use to get there, but the picnicking itself is free. Throw in a free hike and you’re a money guru!

Draw with Sidewalk Chalk.

At the beginning of this virus craze, you could go up and down every street to find sidewalk chalk everywhere. People were having so much fun being outside and enjoying the sun. All the while writing encouraging and inspiring messages to their neighbors. Who says that has to end? You can do silly patterns and make the funniest looking zoo. You can make your own little world, right there on the ground. It’s an outlet for a wild imagination that shouldn’t be caged.

Go camping.

This sort of fits in with hiking. Camping is a great activity to do with your closest loved ones where you can enjoy nature, spend quality time, and best of all – avoid strangers! I went camping all the time as a kid and I loved it! Haha, it was always a great trip as we got to travel somewhere new and exciting. Break out the old tent poles and hit the mountains! Being higher up is also a great way to keep cool in the hot temperatures.

Get a pet.

Okay, I know this one is a little far-reaching. But come on, look at those cute ducks in the picture. And they were all named after cheeses, only adding to the adorable factor! Now is a great time for a pet. Getting a new pet is hard because you have to spend so much time training as a youngling. Working from home and no more school means a lot of at-home time. If you haven’t already wanted to kill each other, you will. A pet will help distract your murderous thoughts towards the family you love dearly and keep you and your kids occupied in training and loving on a new friend. Your children will, of course, have awesome, “during my summer,” stories.

These are just a few activities that you can do this summer. Some are extremely cheap, bordering free. Others cost a little bit more. You can find activities from free to expensive and everything in between. Let your imagination run wild and explore something new. This year has been weird. Only we can determine the course our lives take. What will your summer look like? Don’t let anyone else tell you how you have to live your summer. Make a new path and enjoy it every step of the way.

Happy first day of Summer!