Outdoor Picnic Party:

Organize a picnic at a scenic park or in your own garden with friends or family, complete with delicious homemade sandwiches, salads, and refreshing drinks. Plan your garden party with style and make floral ice cubes, add edible flowers in salads, and bring out tablecloths and china and candles and cushions! Pamper yourself and your guests in nature. More than just an ordinary BBQ, this is an event.

Nature Walks and Hikes:

Explore nearby nature trails or parks on leisurely walks or more challenging hikes, appreciating the beauty of nature and getting some exercise along the way. Make your own hiking bucket list and look outside of your immediate town to try new places and scenery. For me, as long as it is within 2-hour drive (and has a place nearby to get food and drinks after!) it’s worth traveling to.

Outdoor Meditation:

Most of us know by now that meditation isn’t hoo-ha, it’s science and we should all be trying it. since nature is one of the most peaceful places on earth, it makes sense to try meditating here! Here is a quick primer on meditating outdoors. I try to find a more secluded spot for a little more peace, but I also have a secret for when there are people around so I don’t feel insecure. I wear sunglasses. No one can even tell my eyes are closed, and it also gives me a feeling of semi-anonymity so I can relax more!

Road Trip Adventure:

Plan a scenic road trip to visit nearby attractions, charming towns, or natural wonders, creating unforgettable memories as you explore new destinations with friends or family. The trick here is to pick a spot you haven’t been to before. Don’t just go to the same spots you’ve been visiting for 20 years because they are familiar.

Summer Concert or Outdoor Theater:

Attend an outdoor concert or theater performance under the stars, enjoying live music, theater productions, or movie screenings in a festive summer atmosphere. So many cities offer free outdoor summer concerts now you are found to be able to find one near your home. My hubby and I sometimes go even if it isn’t the type of music we normally listen to. The vibe and feeling of peaceful community under the trees or on the lawn are just so nice.  Take my advice, comfortable folding chairs are a must!

Stargazing Night:

Spend an evening stargazing in your backyard or at a nearby observatory, identifying constellations, planets, and shooting stars while sipping on hot cocoa or chilled wine. Make sure you have good binoculars, maybe a good star gazing app on your phone, and dark conditions. Turn out your patio and indoor lights, or find a place in a nearby park away form light pollution. The difference in how much you can see is astounding.

Farmers’ Market Tour:

Visit local farmers’ markets to shop for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats, supporting local farmers and discovering delicious seasonal delights. If the one in your town is small, branch out to nearby towns to see new booths. Make sure to take some cash as a lot of vendors don’t do credit cards. Then cut up that fruit, make some dip with that fresh honey, and enjoy that homemade bread on the back patio that evening. Make sure you bring out those fresh flowers you picked up as well! If you are lucky, you will end the day with a colorful sky!

Beach Bonfire Gathering:

Host a beach bonfire gathering with friends or family, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and enjoying the warmth of the fire as the sun sets over the ocean. Don’t live near a beach? Maybe you do! Check out lakes and rivers near you. Or set up a fire pit in your backyard. You can even spread a bag or two of sand from the home improvement store to dig your toes into!

Paddleboarding or Kayaking Adventure:

Try paddleboarding or kayaking on a tranquil lake or river, enjoying the serene beauty of the water while getting a workout and some Vitamin D. You can rent one for very little money. They even have inflatable kayaks that are easy to transport!

Al Fresco Dining Experience:

Dine al fresco at a charming outdoor restaurant or cafe, savoring seasonal dishes and specialty cocktails while basking in the ambiance of a summer evening. This doesn’t have to be expensive. We often go to a more expensive place with a beautiful outdoor seating area, and just order appetizers and a glass of wine. No one says you have to order a full entree.

Book Club Nature Retreat:

Organize a book club nature retreat where members can relax, discuss their favorite summer reads, and enjoy the soothing peace of the outdoors as they exchange literary insights. Make it a summer series, on repeat! Have everyone bring their own picnic basket and BYOB, and enjoy time with the people you love. (Your friends will thank you!)

Sunset Picnic:

Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and drinks, then head to a nearby park to watch the sunset while enjoying a tasty picnic on the grass. Pour yourself a glass of whatever your drink is, and just be. Watch the colors change, feel the air cool, and listen to the bird’s evening song. Magic for the soul.

Camping Retreat:

When was the last time you went camping? Escape to the great outdoors for a camping retreat with friends or loved ones. Pitch tents (or rent an RV, that’s what my choice would be!) build a campfire, and spend the night stargazing, telling stories, and roasting marshmallows for s’mores. This is a great way to connect with grandkids as well.

Scenic Bike Ride:

Rent bicycles or dust off your own bikes and embark on a scenic bike ride along a picturesque trail or through charming countryside, stopping for a picnic or to explore local attractions along the way. You don’t have to start from home… Make your starting point strategic so you can see all the best things before you get tired!

Fruit Picking Adventure:

Visit a local orchard or farm to go fruit picking together, whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, or peaches, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor by making homemade jams, pies, or smoothies. I used to take my kids to an apple farm that had an antique barn, a petting zoo, and a bakery that made mile-high apple pie! (Ala Mode, of course!)

Outdoor Movie Night:

Set up a cozy outdoor movie theater in your backyard with a projector, screen, and blankets, and snuggle up together to watch your favorite films under the stars. Here is a tutorial on how to DIY a Backyard Movie Night.

Canoeing Excursion:

Rent a canoe and spend a day paddling a serene lake or river, enjoying the tranquility of the water and the beauty of nature.

Winery Tasting:

Take a leisurely tour of local wineries or breweries, sampling a variety of wines or craft beers and learning about the production process, followed by a wine and cheese picnic.

Cooking Class Adventure:

Sign up for a cooking class to learn how to prepare summery dishes like seafood paella, fruit sorbet, or grilled vegetable skewers, and then enjoy your culinary creations with loved ones.

Take a Scenic Drive:

Plan a scenic drive along a picturesque route in your region, whether it’s a coastal road, a mountain pass, or a countryside lane. Roll down the windows, feel the wind in your hair, and admire the beauty of the landscape as you drive.

Botanical Garden Tour:

Explore a local botanical garden or arboretum and marvel at the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms of summer flowers. Take a leisurely stroll through lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and shaded pathways, and enjoy a peaceful escape into nature.

Creative Writing Retreat:

Plan a solo creative writing retreat at a secluded cabin or retreat center in the countryside. Dedicate time to writing, journaling, and reflecting in a peaceful and inspiring setting surrounded by nature.

Sunrise Hike and Breakfast Picnic:

Rise early to catch the sunrise on a scenic hike with friends or loved ones. Pack a breakfast picnic with fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee, and enjoy a leisurely meal as you watch the sun paint the sky with vibrant colors.

Local Food Tour:

Embark on a culinary adventure with a local food tour, exploring the flavors and cuisines of your city or town. Sample delicious dishes from food trucks, markets, and hidden gems while learning about the culture and history of the area.

Outdoor Dance Party:

Host an outdoor dance party in your backyard or at a local park. Create a playlist of your favorite summer tunes, set up speakers and lights, and dance the night away under the stars with friends and loved ones. Most of you will feel out of your comfort zone with this one (I do anyway!) but try to work past it. Dance like no one is watching! Or hire a dance teacher and have couples over for a dance lesson outdoors.