Unplugged Summer Activities

10 Unplugged Summer Activites

Sometimes we all get a little to married to our electronic devices. Summer is a beautiful season that shouldn't be missed because our attention is glued to our social media. It should be experienced to it's fullest! I want to share some of the summer activities I love that don't require any electronics. Most of these activities are kid friendly too and will fill your family's summer with happy memories. Just good friends, good times, and good weather is all you need for these outings.

1. Hiking

This is not only an excellent way to get some physical exercise, but the views are well worth it. Hiking has a way of clearing your head and putting things into perspective. If you are having a particularly stressful week, take a hike. It takes time and, if unplugged, that time is necessary to organize the thoughts in your head.

2. Kayaking/ Paddle boarding

Is it a hot one out? Kayaking or paddle boarding might be exactly what the doctor ordered. There are many places that offer rentals for both kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Throw on your swimsuit and some shorts, lather up on the sunblock, and take an afternoon on the water - channeling your inner Pocahontas and finding what's just around that river bend.

3. Floating

Not feeling like doing much exercise at all? That's OK. You can take a couple cold ones (not in glass) with you in your inner tube and float down the river for a couple hours. Make sure that your city doesn't have laws against floating in the river and be cautious about how fast the current is moving. Some rivers have "designated float paths" that are the safest. Choose a spot where it looks easy to get out of the river, and go park your car there. Then, order an Uber (or have a friend drive you) to where you want to launch your inner tube. If you have a group, you can find inflatable rafts for 4-8 people and you can all float together.

4. Pub Trivia

Need something to do with your friends on a weekday evening? Ask your local pubs if they do Trivia Nights! Drinking is never required. But it is a fun way to relax with your pals and test your knowledge. Many bars give away cash prizes to the top 3 winning teams. (This activity works year round.)

5. Baseball Game

It isn't called America's Favorite Past Time for nothing. Taking a trip to the ball park, enjoying a hotdog, peanuts, and a cold drink is just about my favorite thing to do. If you are not looking for anything too serious or maybe easier on the pocket book, check out the minor league teams. Many of the minor league games have a more relaxed attitude, have family deals, specials on food, engaging activities between innings, fireworks, etc. Take a look into checking out your local baseball team and enjoy the summer nights to the sounds of the crack of a baseball bat. Be sure to wear your ball cap and be ready to sing that 7th inning stretch. PLAY BALL!

6. Explore by Bicycle

There are many little things, even in your home town, that you might be missing because you jet on through in your car. Throw on a tank top and shorts, a ball cap, and some sunscreen and take a ride through your city. When I visited Miami, it was acceptable to bike in a swimsuit, so that's how I got my Vitamin D intake that day. If you live in a larger city, many have bike share options where you can rent a bike for less than $10 for the day. These bikes are an awesome way to pop around town trying new coffee shops, trying new foods, finding hidden artwork, etc. Helmets are STRONGLY encouraged.

7. Movies in the Park

Most cities have some version of movies in the park, and most of the time these events are free. Check into what your local parks offer, and take a couple bags of popcorn, some soda, and a blanket to put down on the grass, and enjoy! This is an excellent choice if you have kids or a big group of friends.

I apologize for the lack of picture. I could have sworn I had a picture from my movies in the parks experiences. Oh well.

8. Join a community sports league

When I first joined my community softball league, I was petrified. However, it probably created some of my fondest summertime memories, and strengthened my friendships with everyone on the team! If you have a group of friends you'd like to play with, that is awesome. Sometimes leagues have individual sign up options if you are hoping to make friends along the way.

9. Attend Festivals

I don't mean EDM Festivals, however, I've heard fun things from them. I mean art festivals, jazz festivals, Greek festivals, theater festivals, BBQ festivals, food truck festivals, pride festivals, movie festivals, etc. There are so many festivals throughout not only the USA, but all over the globe! If you happen to live in the Chicago area, you know that there are multiple festivals every week in different neighborhoods. Go to these festivals! Often times they are very cheap, or free, to get in the gate, and  then it only costs as much as you want to spend.

And last but DEFINITELY not least...

10. VOLUNTEER

There is no greater feeling than helping someone else. If you need things to do to keep busy in the summer months (or any month for that matter), find a non-profit near you, and ask how you can help. I've worked with The Humane Society, The US Postal Service, The Relay For Life, my local food banks, etc. There is so much you can do. This is also an awesome option for kids to help them learn about the needs of others and to focus on how they can help. It also makes them feel good by lending a helping hand. Take a little of your time to help someone who can't help themselves.

There is a common thread among all of these activities, and that is that all of them require you to get out of your house. Go explore, go learn, go laugh. There are so many amazing things in this world worth your time. Get your face out of your electronics and your butt off the couch and go experience life! Happy Summer to everyone!

Let me know below what some of your favorite summer activities are! What do you like to do with your family and friends? How do you unplug in the summer time? Comment below.

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Safe Travels!