Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Having fun indoors
• Method 2 of 3: Enjoy your time outside
• Method 3 of 3: Explore your environment
• Tips
• Warnings

When summer arrives, it is all too easy to get a little bored after the first few weeks. Keep your summer exciting and full of fun things to do whether you're indoors or out.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Having fun indoors

1. Go outside and bake all kinds of goodies. If you don't know how to bake, now is a good time to learn! Grab a cookbook or get one from the library, or search online to learn the basics of baking. Choose a favorite treat, such as cookies or cupcakes, and spend an afternoon making these delicious treats.
   • For a fun summer treat, make waffles as a base for waffles with ice cream.
   • This is a fun activity that you can do yourself or with friends. Make sure you have permission to use the oven before you start.
2. Camp indoors for a fun overnight stay in bad weather. Instead of letting the rain spoil your camping plans, bring the tent inside and mimic all the activities you normally would. Set up the tent, get out a sleeping bag and grab some snacks to enjoy. If you have friends with you, tell ghost stories or play a card game.
   • You can even make S'mores on the stove or in the microwave, just make sure you have permission to use the stove first!

   Tip: Instead of turning on the main beam or other lights, use flashlights to mimic the feeling of being outside.

   
   
3. Run a game marathon to compete with friends. Video games, board games, or card games are great for when the weather is bad and you need to do something fun indoors. Have plenty of snacks and drinks ready for your friends.
   • Play the same game all day long, or alternate between different games depending on what everyone likes the most.
4. Invite your friends over to a slumber party to watch movies, play games and talk. First ask your parents for permission and how many people you can invite. Plan a snack and treat for your guests, pick out a few games to play, and select a movie to watch together late at night.
   • Have a dance party, do makeovers, play video games, take pictures, play truth or challenge, tell scary stories or just talk about things to make it a great sleepover.
   • Set a time for everyone to be picked up the next day, especially if you or the rest of the family have other plans for the day.
5. Get creative and do something with your hands. If you have to be in during the summer, start a new hobby or learn something new to do, like painting, sewing, making a collage, string beading, origami, drawing, or even woodworking. Head to your local craft store for some supplies and start getting creative!
   • Being creative is something you can do yourself, but you can also ask a friend to craft with you.
6. Go to your local museums and art galleries to get out of the house. Many places have free admission on certain days, and many of them also have a special summer program that you can take advantage of. Visit their websites to see what's on and plan your visit. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera and some cash for snacks, and don't be afraid to ask questions about the exhibits.
   • If you go with a friend, speak softly and be respectful of the other people who visit the exhibitions.

Method 2 of 3: Enjoy your time outside

1. Invite your friends to cook outside and enjoy eating outside. If you don't know how to handle a barbecue, ask someone to help you. You generally eat burgers, hot dogs or sausages, snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables and chips and drinks outside, but you can be as creative with the menu as you want. If you don't have a barbecue, make it a picnic.
   • To make eating outside even more fun, everyone can bring their favorite dishes.
   • In addition to eating, you can also play backyard games, go for a walk, or even have a campfire once it's evening.

   Tip: If you are concerned about mosquitoes and other insects, light citronella candles to keep them away.

   
   
2. Have an open-air movie night with snacks and drinks. You need a projector, speakers and a screen or a room big enough to project the film on. Bring blankets, pillows and chairs for people to sit on. Make popcorn and provide some other snacks and drinks.
   • If you don't have a screen, project the movie onto a garage door or something similar.
   • This is also a fun way to watch baseball games with your friends if you can't go to the game yourself.
3. Keep it cool by having a water balloon or water gun fight. You can play without rules, which basically means that people can get hit multiple times and still not be "out" of the game. You can also impose some ground rules and say that once someone is hit, he or she is out of the game. Don't hit anyone in the face and make it clear that no one is allowed to run into the street.
   • If you are out longer, put on sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
4. Start a garden to learn how to grow your own food and grow flowers. Decide what you want to grow, be it flowers or vegetables, and research how to plant and maintain these things. Keep your garden well-watered and weed-free.
   • If you don't have a lot of space at home, you can plant your garden in pots as long as they get plenty of sunlight.
5. Go stargazing at night to learn about the constellations. Make sure to wear insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and other pests away. Choose a day that is bright instead of cloudy, and turn off all your outdoor lights if you can. If you live in a city, you may have to go to a park or elsewhere to get away from all the lights.
   • There are some cool star apps that can tell you what you are looking at, such as Star Chart, Night Sky Lite, and Sky Map.
   • Bring an extra blanket or sweater in case it gets cold.
6. Camp in your backyard for an exciting change of scenery. Invite some friends, set up tents and put down sleeping bags. Tell scary stories, play games, take pictures and eat tasty campfire snacks such as S'mores and hot dogs.
   • You can play music, watch a movie, make a campfire and do many more fun activities with your friends.

Method 3 of 3: Explore your environment

1. Volunteer in a zoo or at a nature center. Volunteering is a great way to give back to society, and you'll enjoy being outside and meeting new people. Look online or call to see what options are available to you in the summer.
   • If you are not old enough to drive, make sure you have transportation before volunteering.
2. Go to the pool or to a lake for a swim and hang out with friends. Bring your bathing suit, a towel, sunscreen, some cash for snacks and whatever else you need for a fun day in the sun. Make sure you go to a place where a lifeguard is on duty, especially if you don't know how to swim or if younger children are around.
   • Remember to keep applying sunscreen throughout the day to keep your skin protected from the sun.
3. Explore your city by staying in your area bicycles. Ask a friend or family member to come with you so that you don't ride alone, in case something happens to you or your bike. If your city is bike-friendly, this is a great way to learn more about where you live. If your city has parks and trails, bring your bike and start exploring new places.

   Warning: If you are driving on the road, make sure you obey all traffic rules to stay safe.

   
   
4. Support your local sports team by going to baseball games. Dress in comfortable shoes and a team T-shirt for the event (don't forget the sunscreen). Order some snacks at the stadium and cheer on your team along with the rest of the supporters.
   • Be safe and never go with a stranger, or accept drinks or food from strangers.
5. Take a trip to the nearest amusement park to enjoy the rides and games. If you are not old enough you may be able to go with your parents. Consider asking some friends so you have someone to go on the rides together. Please wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen and bring money for food, snacks and games.
   • Make sure you drink enough water so you don't get nauseous.
   • If there are water rides, wear a swimsuit under your clothes.
6. Go to festivals to eat well and play games. Music, arts and cultural festivals are a great way to have fun with friends and experience something new at the same time. Ask your parents to come or bring you if you can't drive, and make sure you have a cell phone with you so you can call if you need anything. Walk around and explore what's available, take pictures and have a good time!
   • Bring cash to buy food and play games - many festival stalls don't accept debit or credit cards.
   • Make sure you drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and stay with your friends. Don't go out with strangers or accept drinks or food from someone you don't know.

Tips

• Don't forget to visit your local library and community center to see what summer programs are available.
• Bring a small bottle of sunscreen with you when you are out in the summer.

Warnings

• Never leave someone you don't know. Do not accept a ride from strangers, do not give your phone number or home address to anyone, or accept drinks or food from people you do not know.