The summer season is finally here, and for many of us, it means spending precious hours outdoors. After a long and cold winter, the warmth and sunshine are much-awaited. However, it is easy to get caught up in the feeling that we need to do extravagant things to make the most of this season. The truth is that there are simple things one can do to make the most out of summer. In this article, we will share some of those things with you.

1. Watch a Sunrise

One of the most beautiful ways to start your day is to watch a sunrise. Yes, the sun rises early, and you may need to make special arrangements to witness this spectacular show of nature. However, I assure you that the grandeur of the morning sky painted by the rising sun is worth the effort.

Watching a sunrise aligns us with the complexity and simplicity of life at the same time. The vastness of the sky, the morning sun peeking through the horizon, and the parade of colors that are exhibited are breathtaking. If you make the extra effort to catch a sunrise, your day will begin on a fabulous note.

2. Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

We live day-to-day viewing our surroundings with our eyes half-shut. The places that surround us are pretty much “old hat,” and we tend to take them for granted. In the summer, I encourage you to take the eyes of a tourist and look at your town and the towns surrounding you, in a fresh way.

Do a little research on what may be available in the area. Have you driven by a particular place time and time again, thinking, “I really should check that out”? One way to become a tourist in your own area is to pretend that you have guests coming and that you will need to be their tour guide. Find all the interesting sites and things to do in your area and make an itinerary for the visit.

Now go out and enjoy your town like a tourist. Make new memories while trekking familiar territory.

3. Fly a Kite

A sense of freedom overtakes us every time we put up a kite in the skies. From the moment of catching the breeze and releasing it higher and higher into the skies until we reel it back in, we have a childlike abandon. My tensions seem to release whenever I am flying my kite. Time stands still as I gaze upward. I feel emancipated.

I know it sounds crazy, and it is difficult to put into words exactly how it makes me feel, but I encourage you to grab a kite (it doesn’t have to be an expensive one), find a suitable place to fly it and set yourself free in the wind for a period of time.

Enjoy the refreshing feeling you get from a timeless activity.

4. Build a Sandcastle

Building a sandcastle is a daunting task yet so enjoyable, especially if you live by the seaside. Feeling the sea breeze, hearing the sounds of the waves crashing, and seeing the immensity of the ocean calms me in ways that nothing else can.

Another side to beach-life is to be carefree like a child. I used to think building sandcastles was just a thing for kids to do, until one day I joined in. In today’s world, which causes us to be so “busy” most days, a dose of sandcastle building is one of the simple things that can be so enjoyable. Go ahead and try it!

5. Go for a Nature Walk

Spending time walking among nature is a satisfying experience for your soul. So many articles and quotes have been written about the benefits of walking in nature. In fact, John Muir said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

If you want to make the most of summer, try adding a nature walk into your schedule. Not only will you be getting great exercise, but you will also be surrounded by the incredible beauty of nature. When you walk, take the time to be mindful of the moment. Bask in the raw beauty of all that surrounds you.

6. Plant a Garden

Planting a garden is a sensory experience that can nourish both the body and soul. Planning for bursts of color in your garden beds will brighten up each day’s view. Watching your garden grow will also bring about a sense of pride and satisfaction. In most things, the best part is the finished product, but in gardening, there is joy in all the stages; from planting the seeds, to seeing the blossoming of the buds, and to finally enjoying the freshness and taste of your harvest. You don’t have to grow vegetables, you can grow herbs or flowers as well.

7. Watch Fireworks

Fireworks are fascinating! The colorful display lights up the night sky and the eyes of all those watching. The powerful booming sounds echoing are equally mesmerizing. Many of the firework shows have displays timed to music, making it a sensory experience.

Young children have bright eyes and animated expressions on their faces when they see the sky light up. Even if you aren’t a child any longer, fireworks can make you feel like a kid again.

8. Go Camping

Camping refreshes the soul, and quality of life is added when we take time away from everyday life to simplify life and unwind in nature. In today’s world, we are always moving, living lives filled with frenzied activity, and packed with electronic devices. Camping is an excellent way to unplug and spend time connecting with nature and family.

In the quietness of nature, you can clear your mind. Camping shows the simplicity of life that is often taken for granted. Waking up to the morning light with the sound of birds and other wildlife starts the day off at a relaxed pace. Spending hours outdoors with the ones you love will create lifelong memories.

9. Go to an Outdoor Concert

Music is a moral law, and it brings soul to the universe. Going to an outdoor concert is a perfect way to enjoy the warm breeze, music, and great company. Lucky for some of us, there are a few places around town that set up outdoor concerts, and more often than not, you’ll find that admission is free. So, gather your friends, family, and loved ones and head out for a delightful evening of music.

In conclusion, there are many ways one can enjoy the summer season without having to spend a lot of money. Remember, it’s the simple things that give us the most joy. From watching the sunrise to going to an outdoor concert, there is something for everyone to enjoy this summer. It’s time to unwind and let yourself enjoy the warmth, sunshine, and fresh air. So, get out and do something simple this summer, and make it a good one!