Summer is finally here and for many people, that means it’s time to dive into the pool and into fun warm-weather plans for the next few months. Whether you are a parent of young children that are about to be on summer vacation, or a couple that is looking to take some PTO together, we have tens things you will want to have on your summer bucket list that are sure to create great memories this season.
From the fun to the practical, here are some things to add to your summer bucket list to complete over the next few months:
1. Plan a road trip to a local destination for a day.
Road trips that take hours to get to your destination might not be practical when it comes to budgeting or if you have younger kids that aren’t ready to take on the road for hours on end. Let’s be honest, sometimes we just do not feel like going far from home as adults either! Search around on Instagram or Google for some fun destinations that are within an hour or two from your home that you have never visited or have not been to in a long time.
Some ideas could include a sandy beach with shovels and buckets for the kids or a good book for yourself. Another could be going to a local town with some fun dining options like a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try, or an ice cream shop that has every flavour you could dream of.
2. Go to the park for a picnic.
A pretty basic concept, we know. But when was the last time you made sandwiches or packed up some charcuterie essentials and went to a beautiful green space in your area to enjoy nature while really soaking in all of the vibes of summer? Whether you go to a park steps away from your home, bike across town or drive to a local botanical garden, this is something that is a great one to have on your list. Don’t forget to bring a polaroid camera or your phone to snap some pics of these memories being made!
3. Attend a Live Event
From live music to live sports, there is nothing better than an outdoor event in beautiful summer weather. There is something about hearing your favourite artist live or taking in a game with friends that gives all the feelings of summer.
4. Have a phone-free day.
Take it back to the days of summers spent outside in the sun with no interruptions. Of course with responsibilities not going away, you can keep your phone on standby with only your key contacts coming through on do-not-disturb mode to keep your mind at peace. Take out a colouring book, grab a volleyball or get into a good book. Whatever your non-digital activity of choice, enjoy the feeling of true disconnection from the online world and enjoy whatever is in front of you.
5. Host an outdoor movie with friends.
Whether your child’s favourite Disney movie to a new release you’ve been meaning to watch, take your movie outdoors to enjoy the beautiful evenings of summer. You can get really into it with a sheet and projector or keep it simple by bringing your laptop out on a blanket. Be sure to plan a selection of your favourite movie snacks to pair with it as well!
6. Try canoeing, kayaking or another water activity.
With warmer weather comes the desire to be close to water. Why not take it one step further by being on the water with a canoe or other water sport vessel! There are tons of options that are both family-friendly and beginner-friendly, including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. If you don’t have one of your own, you can look up local spots to rent from for the day or by the hour!
7. Check out local wineries or a brewery.
Is there anything better than enjoying a cold bevvy on the patio in the summer sun or under the shade of an umbrella in the warm weather? We think not. With so many dog-friendly patios and hotspots that are great for kids with menus made especially for them, you can take the whole family along (or plan a date with friends)! This one can go hand-in-hand with the first idea in this list too if you take a road trip to get there! We highly recommend checking out the Niagara Region for a great selection of world-famous wineries right here in Ontario, Canada.
8. Start a garden at home.
It is not too late to start a garden of your own in the comfort of your backyard! If you haven’t got into gardening before, an herb garden can be a great place to start. The best part about crossing this off your list this summer? You’ll be able to enjoy the fruit (or veggie) of your labour into the Fall months as well. You can even freeze some of your crop to be able to use until the next gardening season! Not into veggie gardening? Try a flower garden instead to enjoy beautiful colours surrounding your home.
9. Do nothing.
Yep, you read that right. It is easy to feel like you have to pack your summer full of fun and exciting activities, and we’re with you on that! However, it is also important to take some downtime to rest and recharge so that you do not come out of this season feeling completely drained. Perhaps you can take a day off from work here and there where you hang out at home and watch your favourite show, or take your dog for a walk. If you have kids, consider taking a couple of days to have a babysitter so that you can have some quiet alone time or see if grandparents want to have a fun grandkid day with them! No cleaning, no planning, no overthinking, just nothing.
10. Get your family covered.
We couldn’t go this entire blog without touching on a practical thing to add to your list this summer – applying for life insurance. While it is not nearly as exciting as the other things on this list, we definitely saved the most important for last. You can carry on with all of your summer fun with peace of mind by knowing that your family is covered, no matter what. Get started with a free, no obligation quote with our team of experts.
Final Thoughts
Here at Hometown Life, we are getting ready for an awesome season ahead. We will be enjoying time with friends and family while taking in the hot weather while continuing to provide you with coverage that is catered to you and your family. We are here to make you feel safe and secure through all of life’s twists and turns with our customized coverage options.
Need to figure out what coverage is right for you? Check out our blog post or get started with an online quote.
