Well, that sucked. The absolute dumpster fire that was the first half of 2020 lingered way too long for most of us. But there’s good news: It’s finally over. It can only get better from here. Let’s hope. And right on schedule, summer has unofficially arrived in Seattle. The northwest has a well-earned reputation for holding out on summer weather every year until July 5, and this year was no different. So now that the sun’s out, it’s high time we cut our losses and think about a few ideas for summer fun during a pandemic.
We enjoyed a mostly gorgeous day for the 4th, and as I sat in the backyard lamenting the absence of fireworks shows and bike parades around town and the typical festive feeling that accompanies our homeland’s annual birthday celebration, I was instantly cheered by the next day’s forecast: Sun. And temps warm enough to be in cutoffs and a tee shirt without freezing my ass off. Huge win! You all know we all need a win right now. A little happiness goes such a long way these days. And it goes without saying that fun in the sun makes me happy!
Make Lemonade from the Lemon that is 2020 So Far
So, inspired by the sunshine and warmth today, I started thinking of ways to bring about happiness during this summer that lacks the usual anticipation and excitement around so much of what we love about this time of year: professional baseball, select baseball, lake and boat time with friends, road trips, beach vacations, sleepovers, dining al fresca at our favorite eateries, a backyard full of kids. We can still do a few of these things, but they all feel much more somber and are tempered with a high degree of unease and caution.
Regardless, here’s a list the fam and I came up with of things that spark joy in the summertime and give you some of that Watermelon Sugar High, especially when we’re staying home more than we’re accustomed to. There’s nothing too complicated here. Most of these are oldies but goodies. Good old-fashioned classics. My hope is that something here will spark memories of happy summers gone by and that you’ll scoop up an idea or two to try on these long days at home.
Making this list was a great reminder for us that we’re ultimately responsible for our own happiness, and that there are still a lot of opportunities for fun in the sun…weather permitting :).
Simple Ideas for Summertime Fun
- Popsicles
- Water balloons
- Sprinklers
- Root beer floats
- Strawberry shortcake
- Reading in a hammock
- Snapping fresh green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Watermelon
- Freshly squeezed lemonade
- Picnics
- Morning coffee outside
- Burgers and bratwursts on the grill
- Colorful fruits and veggies
- Going to the farmers’ market
- Paddle boarding
- Bike rides
- Ice cold sauvignon blanc
- Trampoline acrobatics
- Wearing flip flops
- Beach excursions
- Fresh berries (eating and picking)
- Glow sticks
- Churning homemade ice-cream the old-fashioned way
- S’mores around a campfire
- Kite flying
- Stargazing
- Kettle corn
- Backyard games: bocce ball, croquet, corn hole
- Floating on the lake or down the river
- Hanging the Stars and Stripes
- Cold beer
- Margaritas
- Sidewalk chalk
- Putt-putt golf
- Watching sunsets
- Making jam and berry pies
- Bubble wands
- Wading pools
- Water fights
- Hide and seek after dark
- Backyard camping
- Listening to the chorus of early morning birds and late night frogs and crickets
These ideas make up a quintessential summer for my people and me. What sunny season necessities are on your list? Let’s share the wealth – drop me a comment below to let me know how you do summer wherever you are. I’d love to find a few new fail-safe, must-do ideas for summer fun to add to our warm weather repertoire!
Happy summer, y’all, and hang in there!
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