Although I am a personal development blogger by profession, I am in no way a mental health professional. See my disclaimer for more info.
Looking for ways to take care of yourself this summer season? Here are 41 free, fun, and adventurous summer self care activities to have the BEST summer!
Is summer your favorite season? I sure know it’s mine.
When I think of summer, I think of a crisp breeze, fruit, road trips, family outings, and overall joy. It really is the best season! But sometimes I want to try new things. I don’t always want to go to the park or go on a walk. That’s definitely fun and all, but I like to practice self care in many different ways and get out my comfort zone.
So, I made a list of 41 activities for you to enjoy this summer. There’s all kinds of ideas, including free, adventurous, and even productive activities. If you want to take care of yourself this summer, keep reading!
This post is all about summer self care.
Why is summer the best season for self care?
Sure, you have other seasons like fall, spring, and winter to do fun stuff. But I think summer is the best for a few reasons:
- You’re more motivated to go outside and enjoy the crisp air
- There’s good vibes all around
- You get to go swimming outside
- There are so many different events and activities to enjoy
- You’re on spring break, so you have more free time to do what you want and need
With the combination of the amazing weather and good vibes, I don’t think any other season can compete.
You don’t have to wait on other people to do fun things. If you have a plan, go ahead and do it on your own! It’s so freeing to do what you want and not have to worry about fitting other people into your schedule.
Things to remember this summer:
Before we get into the self care activities, I want to give you a few reminders. Like I said, summer is a fun season, but you need to keep a few things in mind. You want to have the best time, right?
Remember this:
1. WEAR SUNSCREEN
No matter if you’re outside for 30 minutes or 2 hours, you need to protect your skin.
You might think that you only need to wear sunscreen if you’re at the beach. But you’d be wrong! Even if you’re relaxing in the house, you must protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
Don’t feel like you’re excluded from the convo if you’re a POC. If anything, we really need suncreen. It helps to reduce our chances of skin cancer and dark, rough spots.
We want to keep our beautiful melanin!
I talk more about sunscreen in this post.
2. STAY HYDRATED
When you’re exposed to the sun for so long, you’re going to feel dehyrated. This is when you need to drink water. It’s so important that you stay hydrated because you don’t want to have a heat stroke.
This happens when your body can’t control its temperature anymore. In other words, your body overheats.
Sounds scary, right?
You can avoid this and other heat-related issues simply by drinking some nice, cold H20. I know you might not like it, but it could seriously save your life.
To make it more fun and tasty, add things like:
- lemon
- mint
- watermelon
- strawberries
- kiwi
- pineapples
Your water will look prettier and taste better. (Water definitely has a taste, by the way!)
3. DON’T COMPARE YOUR BODY OR EXPERIENCES TO OTHERS
I get it; it’s summer and you want to have the time of your life. You scroll on Instagram and see people in their swimsuits in Miami, LA, and Mexico, and you start to feel sad.
Please don’t do this!
Instead, go out and enjoy your summer. Do what truly makes you happy. Because I bet comparing your experience to someone else’s doesn’t fulfill you.
Also, try not to compare your body to someone else’s. I know it can be hard and it will take time. But, when you change your mindset about your body, you’ll start to love yourself more.
4. DON’T FEEL OBLIGATED TO ALWAYS SAY “YES”
You might be tempted to accept every plan that comes your way. But I advise that you don’t do this. You might start to feel tired after a while.
Here’s what you should do instead. Unless you actually want to accept the invite, say “no” or “I’ll think about it.” You shouldn’t feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to do!
Sometimes, you want to just sit back and relax at home. And that’s totally fine! We all need time to rest and rejuvenate our mind, body, and soul.
If not, we’re going to feel burnt out and won’t feel like doing anything.
5. STAY SAFE
I want you to stay safe this summer. Don’t do anything that you know will get you in trouble or cause danger.
I think we both know that the world is getting scarier each and every day.
With that being said, here are 41 summer self care ideas to enjoy this season!
Summer Self Care:
Free Summer Self Care Ideas:
1. CHECK OUT LOCAL FREE EVENTS
Do you like to explore different things around you? You should check out some events in your area.
This is a great option if you’re on a budget, but still want something fun to do. You can do this either on your own or ask someone to tag along with you.
Try some activities at your local:
- Parks
- Community colleges
- Community centers
- Churches
- Nonprofit organizations
- Restaurants
What are you waiting for? Get up, put on a nice outfit, and find something fun to do in your area!
2. WATCH THE SUNSET
You can’t end the summer without seeing the sunset at least once. It’s so beautiful to sit outside and watch the sun go down.
There’s something really healing about it. I can’t put my finger on it, but it definitely feels good.
You can do this either at the beach or from the comfort of your home!
Plus, you get a nice picture to use as your wallpaper for your phone.
3. DONATE
Do you have any items that you’re not using anymore? Donate them!
Sure, you could try to sell them for some quick pocket change. But you’ll probably feel better inside if you decide to be a blessing to someone in need.
That blessing will come right back to you! So don’t hesitate to donate something you don’t find useful anymore.
This could be:
- Clothes
- Devices
- Art supplies
- Home decor
- Furniture
Free Self Care Activities List
Would you like a free self care activities list?
I know it can be difficult to think of different self care ideas, so I did the work for you!
I created a FREE list of 81 self care activities that you can enjoy.
To get the list, simply click here.
4. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Along with donating your items, you can donate your time. I’m sure there are tons of volunteering opportunities near you.
All you have to do is search this on Google: volunteering near me.
You can volunteer at a:
- Library
- Soup kitchen
- Daycare
- School
- Hospital
- Museum
- YMCA
- Theater
The options are limitless. So the next time you don’t know what to do for the day, consider volunteering. You’ll feel good knowing that you helped someone out.
5. BROWSE THROUGH PINTEREST
What better to do than to scroll through Pinterest? When I’m bored, I like to scroll on here and look for outfit ideas while I listen to music.
It’s so simple, too. Just download the app, make an account, and start scrolling.
If you want to avoid drama and comparison, it’s probably the best social media app out there. You go on Pinterest for inspiration — I mean, it’s in the name!
There’s good vibes all over, so check it out.
6. WALK DOWNTOWN
Sure, you could walk around your neighborhood. But that gets boring after a while.
Switch it up and explore your downtown area. Maybe there’s a coffee or bagel shop you’ve been eyeing. This is the perfect chance to try it out!
Not to mention, this is a great way to get some steps in. If you have an Apple Watch or similar device, put it on and get to stepping!
By the time you get back home, you’ll be shocked at how many steps you’ve taken. I mean, it’s crazy how many steps you can take in just an hour!
7. GO FOR AN EARLY MORNING JOG
Are you an early bird? I can’t say that I am. But if you are, you should use that extra time to get a run in.
This can give you some energy to get through the day. Especially because you got up so early.
8. MAKE A BUCKET LIST
What’s a good summer without a fun bucket list? This is going to give you a list of things you want to do before the season is over.
You definitely don’t want to stress yourself out if you don’t get everything done. But it is fun to have these things to look forward to.
If you think about it, everything activity in this post is something that you can put on your bucket list. So keep scrolling to find more things to add to it!
9. WRITE A LETTER TO YOURSELF
I enjoy writing letters to myself from time to time. I like to remind my childhood self that I’m still persevering even through some of the hardest points of my life.
You can do this, too! Don’t think that this has to be anything too serious or hard.
Just sit down with a pen and some paper. Think about whether you want to write to your past, current, or future self.
What are some things that you want to update them on? What are some goals that you’ve been working on? What is something you feel like you need to tell them?
Consider making it funny, too. That will make it less “serious” and instead make it more light-hearted.
When you’re done writing, you can save it and come back to it in the future. That’s the best part! You get to see how you’ve grown since then.
10. SPEND SOME TIME OFF YOUR PHONE
Yes, TikTok and YouTube are great and all, but it’s summer! It’s the best time to be outside and spend time with the people you love. You don’t want to spend all that precious time on your phone, do you?
I hope not.
This is a great time to do a social media detox. Figure out what app is stealing most of your attention and money. Then, make a plan to spend less time on there.
If you compare yourself to others on social media, you should definitely do this. It helps to cut down that comparison and lets you enjoy what you have instead.
11. REFRESH YOUR FEED
Once you do finally get back on social media, you should clean some things up.
Unfollow people who don’t serve you anymore. If you’re constantly comparing yourself to them, that’s not healthy. Sometimes it’s better that you just unfollow them.
Or other times you just don’t relate to a certain creator anymore. Maybe they changed their content and you don’t vibe with it. That’s okay!
Spend some time finding people that you like. Do you relate to them? Do they inspire you to be a better version of yourself?
These are the kinds of people who deserve your follow, subscription, and/or money.
12. HYDRATE YOURSELF
You already know that summer is the hottest season. With all these fun activities and outings, you might forget something super important.
Drink water!
Please remember to hydrate yourself. You don’t want to suffer from a heat stroke or anything like that.
13. READ BY THE BEACH
If you like to read, you should consider reading by the beach. It’s a whole step up from reading in your room or in a library.
You get to enjoy the fresh breeze and ocean waves right in front of you.
Talk about aesthetics and vibes!
That sounds like the absolute perfect reading setup to me. Grab a chair, a good book, and get lost in your book for a few hours.
It’s also a chance to get a tan if that’s what you’re going for. I mean, it couldn’t get any better!
Fun Summer Self Care Ideas:
14. HAVE A SOLO BEACH DATE
Going off reading at the beach, you can have a full-on solo date! This is great because you don’t have to worry about waiting for other people to show up.
I know how stressful it can be to wait for other people to confirm plans and all that. I’ve been through it so many times.
The plans just don’t get out the group chat! Haha.
So, how about you just have your own date instead?
Here are some things you need:
- Lunch (including some water)
- Blanket
- Some form of entertainment
- Beach shoes
- Bathing suit
- A chair & an umbrella for shade
And there you go! Just like that, you’ve planned your very own beach date!
15. HOST A BOOK CLUB
Is there a book series that you’re interested in? Gather a few friends and start a book club.
Every week, you guys can come together and talk about your favorite moments in the books. Try a different theme each week to really make it exciting.
But remember to offer refreshments. Make sure that you offer them snacks and drinks. You don’t want to be hungry and parched while talking about books!
16. SEE AN OUTDOOR MOVIE
Yes, indoor movies are great and all, but have you ever seen an outdoor movie? It’s a totally different experience!
You watch the movie inside your car! Yes, the movie plays on a big screen outside and the audio plays from your radio. How cool is that?
I love watching movies when I don’t have anything to do. It’s a great way to sit back and relax with my family.
I haven’t seen an outdoor movie in ages, but I think it would be fun to experience one soon. It just gives me old-school vibes and I’m all for that!
This summer is all about trying new, fun things. If you haven’t seen an outdoor movie before, this is a great way to get out your comfort zone.
17. SIT IN YOUR FAVORITE PARK
As a child and even a young teenager, I loved to spend time in the park with my family.
I couldn’t tell you how many times we’d ride up to our local park every week. We’d always be the last ones to leave because we’d enjoy being there so much.
Man, if only I could go back to the old days.
If you have a favorite childhood park, spend some time there for a day. You probably wouldn’t be interested in swinging on the swingset or hanging on the monkey bars. Although that would totally be okay if you did.
Instead, either sit and reminisice on your favorite memories there or walk on the trail.
Even if you don’t have a favorite park, you can easily find a nearby park to go to. Just Google ‘parks near me‘ and I’m sure tons of options will pop up. That includes nature parks, which are my favorite!
18. ENJOY SOME ICE CREAM
Another summer must-do: enjoy a scoop or cup of ice cream!
Whether you go to an ice cream shop or the grocery store, you have to get some ice cream. It’s the perfect cold, sweet treat to cool down on a hot day.
THINK: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mine is cookies & cream. Tell me yours in the comments!
19. MAKE A SMOOTHIE
I love a good smothie. But not just any smoothie. I only like homemade smoothies because I can control how much of each ingredient goes in them.
Have you ever had a smoothie from Smoothie King and didn’t like it? Yeah, that’s probably because they put LOADS of sugar in it.
A smoothie is supposed to be somewhat healthy. And the last time I checked, fruit already has natural sugar in it anyway. So why do they add all that sugar in their smoothies?
You can save money by making your own. Plus, it’s so much more fun and customizable!
Go the grocery store, buy some frozen fruit and your liquid of choice.
I like to put these ingredients in my smoothies. They always come out PERFECT:
- Frozen unsweetened mangoes
- Frozen unsweetened strawberries
- Strawberry lemonade, orange juice, or pure pressed apple juice
- Spinach (sometimes)
- A hint of sugar
20. TIE-DYE SOME SHIRTS
Do you like to get creative and artsy? Tie-dying some t-shirts is a great way to express your artistic side.
I did this back in 2022 with my cousins and it was surprisingly fun. We got some plain white t-shirts from a local thrift store. I also bought a cheap tie-dye kit from Amazon.
Then, one afternoon, we went outside and started tie-dying. Setting it up took a bit of time. But once we got the hang of it, everything else was a breeze.
Sadly I don’t have the shirt anymore but they turned out pretty nice. I would definitely do it again!
21. GO BOWLING
I love bowling. It’s my favorite “sport” if you want to call it that. I actually like to call myself a champ…
Am I anywhere near that? No! But that’s what makes it fun!
When I went on vacation to Virginia in 2022, we went bowling several times a week. That was our family activity and we got to bond over it.
It can get a bit pricey, so I recommend getting a membership if you go bowling often. That way, you don’t have to pay for your lanes and shoes every time.
22. MAKE REFRESHING TREATS
It’s the perfect time to get experimental and make some fun treats. Unlock your inner chef!
You don’t have to be the best cook. Just look up some summer recipes on Pinterest. You’ll be bombarded with tons of cool recipes to try.
23. ATTEND A CONCERT OR FESTIVAL
Summer is the time for concerts. Around February and March, artists start announcing their concert tours. Festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza get announced also.
It’s really exciting.
You have to attend at least one concert! It’s such a fun experience and so worth saving the money for. From the moment you buy your ticket to when you walk out of the arena, it’s all so exhilarating.
Here are some concerts to attend this summer:
- Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
- Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday 2 World Tour
- Olivia Rodrigo: Guts World Tour
- Tate McRae: Think Later Tour
- Megan Thee Stallion: Hot Girl Summer Tour
- Noah Kahan: We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour
24. GO TO A LOCAL FAIR
Are there any fairs around you? Check them out! Fairs are so fun to go to with a friend or your family.
Even if you don’t get on the rides, you can still enjoy the experience.
Don’t forget a pretzel or funnel cake! I would go there just for a good ‘ole funnel cake.
25. SHOP AT YOUR LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET
Check out your local farmer’s market for some fresh fruits and vegetables. You most likely get them from the grocery store. But switch it up and get them locally!
My family and I used to live within walking distance from a farmer’s market. We’d go there pretty often and get all kinds of fruits. I think that’s why I love strawberries and bananas so much!
26. DYE YOUR HAIR
Have you ever gone through a midlife crisis? Did you resort to dying your hair to express that frustration?
Yeah, I might’ve done that a few times myself. BUT, that doesn’t always have to be the case (haha).
If there’s a style or color you’ve always wanted, now’s the time! You can either get it professionally done or do it yourself. I will say, though, you probably want to leave it to the professionals.
You don’t want your scalp to burn or lose any of that precious hair of yours.
27. HAVE An at-home MOVIE NIGHT
I know we talked about outdoor movies earlier, but maybe indoor movies are more up your ally. Pick a day that you can sit and enjoy a good movie. It can either be a childhood favorite or something new.
Don’t stress too much about it. Keep it simple! I know it can be hard to plan a movie night because you want it to be perfect.
Instead, just pick a movie, get a few snacks, and enjoy the experience.
RELATED POST: 23 Best Relaxing At Home Self Care Activities to Enjoy
28. GET A MASSAGE
Treat yourself to a massage at your local spa. You deserve it!
It doesn’t have to be super fancy. Just something that relaxes you for a good hour. You’ll walk out feeling refreshed and calm.
29. HAVE A DANCE PARTY
Put on some music. Use your bedroom or living room as the dance area. Show off your best moves.
Dance like nobody’s watching!
I told you: we’re having fun this summer! That means doing things that lift your spirit and make you feel good inside.
30. go to trivia night
Trivia night is so fun! I love educating and testing myself, so trivia night is a great way to do that.
There’s different themes every night, so make sure you know that beforehand. Here are some topics you might be interested in:
- Celebrities
- Music
- Pop culture
- Food
- Sports
- Movies
- Art
- History
31. LEARN A NEW DANCE
Look, I’m not the best dancer, but it is fun to learn a TikTok dance.
Gather with a few friends or family members and scroll through TikTok. Once you find the right video, start learning the dance.
All TikTok dances are pretty similar. That makes them really easy to learn. You could learn any of them in just 10 minutes or less.
It’s seriously that quick and easy!
If TikTok isn’t your thing, you can check out some dance classes around you. There are so many different genres of music and dance. You can easily find one that you like!
The best part? It mixes music and physical activity. The best of both worlds!
32. MAKE A SUMMER PLAYLIST
Summer is probably the best time for music. Especially if you’re more of an uptempo person. Artists release “summer bops” that we play at parties and even while we’re getting ready.
Make a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs! When you want to feel good, put this playlist on and vibe to it.
If you don’t want to put in all that work, look for some on Spotify. They have all kinds of really good playlists. I’m sure you can find the perfect one for you!
Adventurous Summer Self Care Ideas:
33. GO HORSEBACK RIDING
I went horseback riding in Pennsylvania in 2023. It was scary at first, but I got the hang of it. I definitely want to do it again!
Even if you only go for a 10-minute ride, it’s so worth it. It’s a great way to get out of the house and explore nature.
34. HAVE A SOLO PICNIC
Another summertime classic: have a picnic. But not just any picnic; a solo picnic.
You get to have some well-deserved “me-time” and inhale some fresh air.
Go to the park or even enjoy your picnic in the comfort of your home. Whatever suits you, do just that!
35. HAVE A LATE-NIGHT DRIVE
Late-night drives are elite. You get to listen to your favorite music and explore your area.
It’s also a good way to de-stress if you need to get something off your mind.
Make sure you stay safe! It’s late at night, so you don’t want anything happening to you.
36. TAKE A WEEKEND TRIP
Maybe you don’t have the time or money for a full-on vacation. That’s okay! Plan a weekend trip that you can enjoy.
It doesn’t have to be anything over the top. Consider a staycation, where you spend the weekend at a nearby hotel or AirBnB.
This is a great, affordable little getaway!
Free Daily Journal
This journal is my favorite because it includes a section to mark how you’re feeling before you start writing, plus just enough lines to let all your feelings out.
Journaling is absolutely one of my favorite ways to practice emotional/mental self care, and my free daily journal can help you do just that.
Click here to get the FREE journal now!
37. GO HIKING
Get some steps in by going hiking. Test how long you can go before you get tired.
Make sure you stay hydrated, though! I know I keep saying this but it’s so important. I don’t want you to pass out or have a heat stroke.
This type of thing is serious!
38. GO ON A CAMPING TRIP
Camping is a fun way to test your survival skills. Okay, maybe that was a little deep. But seriously!
You get to see how long you can go without your phone. And you’re limited to certain foods and you don’t have a soft mattress to sleep on at night.
Ironically, that actually sounds pretty fun to me. I’ve never been camping before, but I’d be down to try it!
Productive Summer Self Care Ideas:
39. DO A DIY PROJECT
When you’re on summer break, you have quite a bit of free time. This is the perfect time to start a DIY project!
Have you been wanting to start a garden? What about decorating your space? Scrapbooking?
This is another thing you can go to Pinterest for. Just look up ‘DIY projects‘ and scroll until something catches your eye.
40. WORK IN A CAFE
If you usually work at home, switch it up and work in a cafe. I like to change my environment for inspiration and creativity. I find that I get all sorts of new ideas when I do this.
You’ll be surprised how much work you get done before you even think about leaving!
41. START A BUSINESS
I started this blog around summer of 2022. It mainly was a creative outlet and now look: I share my personal growth journey with you.
You can do the same and start your very own blog! Or, start another business like selling digital products or catering food.
The options are limitless. Don’t let anyone (even yourself) convice you that it’s impossible. Prove them wrong through your perseverance and success.
And no: just because thousands of other people are doing it, that doesn’t mean there’s no space for you. If anything, that’s a good sign. It means that your idea will work!
So go ahead and do what you want. You never know where your dreams can take you. It starts with taking action!
Let’s recap!
We made it to the end of the post!
Today, we talked about some fun summer self care activities.
I’ll be doing some of these things right along with you! Remember: don’t feel pressured to do everything. Just pick a few things you like and have fun!
Also, don’t forget to stay safe and hydrate yourself.
And remember to take time to take care of yourself! You must appreciate yourself before you can dedicate time to anyone else.
I preach about the importance of self care. But what if you don’t have all that extra money to spend? Don’t worry: here are 7 free self care activities to try today. I know you’ll enjoy them!
In the midst of chaos, don’t forget to smile,
DeMarcus – your self care buddy
Pin it for later!
This post was all about summer self care.
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