It’s easier than ever to waste time sitting around – you’ve got beer to drink, Netflix, and realer-than-ever video games on your hands. But it’s summer. And it’s gorgeous outside. There’s more to do than chill inside in front of a fan or at the pool. Here are 15 ways to get un-bored this summer.
- Go to a national park.
They tend to be free or damn close. And if you want to camp for free, check out a national forest – all you have to do is pull of the side of the road and there’s no fee whatsoever.
- Check out a state fair.
They’re classic. Reconnect with your inner kid, ride the dorky rides, win a bear for your sweetheart. If you’re looking for a real adventure, go to one in Texas.
- Go to a farm.
It’s not always common knowledge, but plenty of farms are open to the public – go wander the grounds, feed some horses, and pester chickens.
- Go to the aquarium.
Because sometimes you forget how cool jellyfish, sharks, and sea turtles are.
- Better yet, go to the beach and help out the sea turtles.
If it’s baby sea turtle season, you can help the babies along by clearing a path in the sand (activists literally do this).
- Join a team.
You don’t have to go all out with soccer or rugby or football. Almost everywhere has volleyball, dodgeball, kickball, and even corn hole teams and competitions.
- Go surfing.
You could be lame and lay around on a towel all day. Or you could get a sexy, natural tan while building muscle tone and balance. Is there any sport hotter than surfing?
- Get an Airbnb somewhere you’ve never been.
It could be somewhere forty-five minutes away or five hours down the highway. Either way, it’s refreshing to get a change of scenery, even if it’s only for the weekend. There are plenty of great cabins, tiny houses, and beach houses to choose from.
- Trivia.
Check out a community calendar – there’s trivia at a bar or restaurant almost every day of the week. A big plus is that if you win, usually there’s money to be made and, at some places, free shots.
- Tap into your artistic side.
Ever been to an art walk? Maybe it sounds boring. It’s not. Think free food, wine and beer, and, in most places, a banging countercultural scene of art that’s affordable and stretching the boundaries.
- Travel for free.
If you’re traveling and you want more than the touristy experience, go to workaway.info. Generally, you work in exchange for a place to sleep and food to eat, as well as a stipend at some places. These aren’t typical jobs, though. You could grow weed in Hawaii, raise horses in Iceland, or pick grapes on a vineyard in Italy. The world is your oyster, man.
- Impromptu Slip ‘n Slide Party.
All you need is a long tarp, a hose, a Facebook event page, and BYOB.
- Go trail running.
It’s more of a challenge than the treadmill or road running, and it’s a lot more scenic.
- Volunteer.
Because what everyone says is true: it’s rewarding.
- 15.Okay, fine. Netflix and chill.
At least you’ll be getting some sort of exercise.
