20 Things To Do This Summer At Home

This blog is about 20 things to do this summer at home.

Not going anywhere this summer? No problem! Here are 25 things to do this summer at home (or nearby). Perfect for families, couples, or even if you’re solo!

Start a garden!

Grow your own vegetables, herbs, or flowers. This is coming from someone who lives in New York City! It’s a great way to spend time outside or bring the feeling of summer to your firescape! 

Some popular plants, herbs, and flowers to grow are: 

Herbs:

• Basil: Known for its aromatic leaves, basil is a favorite in many culinary dishes, especially Italian cuisine.
• Mint: With its refreshing flavor, mint is great for beverages, desserts, and savory dishes.
• Rosemary: This herb is perfect for seasoning meats and vegetables, and it thrives in hot, sunny conditions.
• Thyme: A versatile herb, thyme is used in a variety of dishes and prefers full sun.
• Cilantro: Ideal for summer salsas and salads, cilantro grows best in cooler parts of the summer or in partial shade.

Flowers:

• Marigolds: These bright, cheerful flowers are easy to grow and can help deter pests in the garden.
• Sunflowers: A classic summer flower, sunflowers can add height and drama to any garden.
• Zinnias: Available in a variety of colors, zinnias are excellent for cut flower arrangements.
• Petunias: These vibrant flowers are perfect for hanging baskets and containers.
• Lavender: Known for its soothing fragrance, lavender is a beautiful addition to any summer garden.

Plants:

• Tomatoes: A summer favorite, tomatoes come in many varieties and are relatively easy to grow.
• Peppers: From sweet bell peppers to hot chilies, peppers thrive in the summer heat.
• Cucumbers: Great for salads and pickling, cucumbers need plenty of water and sunshine.
• Squash: Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, grow quickly in warm weather.
• Melons: Watermelons and cantaloupes are summer classics that require space and warm temperatures to flourish.

Host a BBQ:

Invite friends or family over for a summer feast! Growing up I loved going to BBQs with my family and friends. It’s the perfect activity to do at home in your backyard or at a nearby park! Spending quality time with loved ones without breaking the bank!

Take up a new hobby: 

This summer, I’m all about trying new hobbies! You can enjoy hobbies in the comfort of your house or you can head outside and explore them!

Some hobbies to consider:

• Painting 
• Knitting
• Playing a musical instrument
• Dance Classes
• Workout Classes
• Learning a New Language
• Cooking Classes

Regardless of which hobbies you choose, they will help inject some spontaneity into your routine.

Explore local parks! Go for hikes, bike rides, or nature walks.

I love going to the local parks on my days off! You can bask in the sunny weather with a nice book, have a picnic, go for hikes, bike rides, nature walks, or simply people-watch! It’s always nice to get out of the house and be one with nature. 

Have a beach or pool day

The summer is my favorite season because I LOVE going to the beach! Relaxing by the water, soaking up the sun, and getting a tan are my favorite things to do! In my household, we try to go to the beach every weekend in the summer. I would live by the beach if I could. If you don’t have a beach by you, then going to your local pool is the next best option! 

Attend Outdoor Concerts or Movies

The beauty of summer is being able to enjoy the nice weather! Try attending an outdoor concert or movie! A lot of cities have free options for local concerts and movie nights. There’s also the option of going to a movie drive-in! Perfect for a date night or spending time with your families. 

Visit a farmers’ market

When I used to live in Portland, Oregon, we would go to the local farmers market every Saturday morning! It was amazing and they had fresh produce, great coffee, and small bites! It’s always such a fun time going to the farmers’ market and supporting local farmers! 

Have a game night 

Playing board games or card games with friends or family is a great way to spend nights in the summer, especially if you don’t feel like going out! It can be a weekly event that everyone can look forward to!

Go stargazing

If you live outside of the city or you’re able to get away from the bright lights, find a dark spot and marvel at the night sky. One summer, I was lucky enough to be in Australia and was able to stargaze at Bondi Beach, and it was truly an unforgettable moment. I wish I could see the stars more often!

Start a book club

This is actually a goal of mine! Grab some friends, pick a few books that you want to read, and meet as frequently as possible. You can also join an established book club if you don’t want to start your own. 

Take a day trip

Just because you might not be traveling far or out of the country, doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all! Explore nearby towns or attractions that you’ve never visited and make a day out of it! Perfect for families, and couples, or you can go on your first solo adventure!

Try paddleboarding or kayaking: 

If you live near a lake or river, rent some equipment and spend time exploring local waterways. Perfect after a day of work or on the weekends! 

Attend a local Sports Games

There are so many different leagues you can attend for a local game! I loved going to the Mets Stadium as a child and watching the Mets play the Dodgers. Even if you’re not a sports person, it’s fun to be a part of the crowd, eat some junk food, have a beer, and enjoy the atmosphere!

Have a DIY Spa Day

Summer is about relaxation. Pamper yourself with homemade face masks, bath bombs, and some calming tunes to help you relax. Perfect after a long day to rejuvenate yourself. You’ll look and feel better! 

Have a Paint and Sip!

Whether you do DIY or go somewhere local, you’ll have fun! Grab some friends, bring some drinks, and follow along with an instructor in person or online and see what you can create. It’s a nice break, and always a fun time. 

Take an Online Class

You can still be learning and growing in the summer. Learn something new for yourself!

Online Class Ideas:

• Drawing
• Learning a Language
• Cooking Classes
• Yoga
• Coding
• Sewing
• Mixology 

Volunteer

Give back to your community by volunteering for a cause you care about. Find some local causes and go by yourself or with a friend! 

Plan A Theme Party:

Invite friends to your house and plan a theme party! You can plan costumes, activities, and food and drinks that all go with your theme!

Themes to consider:

• 80s
• Hawaiian
• Y2K
• Disco
• Your Favorite TV show or Movie
• Toga 
• Christmas in July 

Organize a Potluck Dinner

Get together with your friends or family over and everyone has to bring one dish (in theme or a special cuisine they have). Perfect for spending time with loved ones, trying new foods, and you’ll have leftovers for days. 

Have a Backyard Campout

If you have a backyard (very jealous!), have a backyard campout. No matter your age, it will be a fun bonding experience with your friends or family! 

Final Thoughts: Creating Unforgettable Memories Close to Home

Staying local this summer doesn’t have to be a drag. Enjoy your staycation and look forward to all of these activities to do this summer! Let me know in the comments which activities you plan to do this summer.

Check out my other blogs here:

• 4 Best Spring Activities in New York City
• 5 Things To Know Before Studying Abroad
• 6 Best Cheap Places To Travel in April in Europe
• 8 Cheap Spring Activities in Brooklyn
• 5 Best West Coast National Parks