With summer right around the corner, now is the time to start planning. With our usual day-to day-lives, packed with school and other obligations, the switch to days at home with nothing to do can quickly begin to feel like a burden rather than the opportunity it is. Here are a few ideas to take advantage of every second this summer and create unforgettable memories.
Have a picnic
After months of gray skies and rain, the sun is finally shining. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the nice weather with a picnic. Grab some fresh fruit, lemonade, cookies or any snacks you want in a picnic basket and head to your nearest park. Bring friends along or hang alone with a book, journal or sketchbook. Either way, a picnic is a great way to relax and soak in the sunlight.
Bike rides
Biking may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a bucket list, but it’s a fun and cheap way to get out of the house and explore the city. Fortunately, Portland is a city that, for the most part, is very accessible to bikers. If you can’t drive or are looking for a more sustainable method of transportation, biking is an option for you. The Springwater Corridor or the Banks-Vernonia State Trail are some great routes to try out.
Try a new hobby
Summer is the perfect time to experiment and grow as a person. With no school or homework, there is ‘all the time in the world’ to focus on yourself. A great way to do this is to get out there and try something new. The worst that can happen is you realizing it’s not for you. Some options are painting, crocheting or knitting, playing an instrument, baking or reading, though there are many more.
Beach day
What says summer more than a day spent at the beach? Although the Oregon coast isn’t the perfect candidate given the freezing water, it still offers a great time spent being dry and warm on the sand. Exploring tide pools, playing volleyball, reading a book or building a sandcastle, the possibilities are endless.
Hikes
Living in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place if you’re looking to spend more time in nature. With waterfalls, caves, mountains and more, there are many options to explore. Hikes, especially with friends, are a fun way to exercise next to beautiful views.
Whether or not bucket lists are your thing, it’s always nice to have ideas in mind for when you’re bored. Implementing some, or all, of these activities into your summer is an easy way to switch things up and have some fun.
