Happy first day of summer! Although here the temperatures have been high for a while now, Today is officially the first day of summer and the perfect excuse to plan some fun summer leisure activities. Also, a little treat at the end of the post just for you…

Ah, summer! You’re my favorite!  But it’s not just me – a lot of people associate the summer with feeling healthier and happier. Studies show that sunlight has repeatedly been found to boost positive moods, dampen negative moods and diminish tiredness.

The 21st of June also marks the summer solstice, Which is the day of the year with the most hours of daylight. So the days are warmer and longer and you might find yourself with more free time or just more energy to do stuff. But if you’re planning a little summer getaway like me or just on a spending budget (like me…) here are 25 fun summer leisure ideas under 25$.

1. Go to the beach.

Number 1 summer activity for sure! It’s free and it’s so much fun. A perfect opportunity for some relaxation and a great summer tan. You really don’t need much for that- back up a towel, a good book or some good friends, water and some snacks and the beach will take care of the rest.

2. Read a book.

My favorite beach activity is actually reading a book. I find the beach (most of the time) a non-distractive environment and can spend hours just reading quietly next to the water.

3.  Try ‘Stand Up Paddle Boarding’.

SUP is a great core-strengthening, under-the-sun sport to try next time you’re near the water. It’s a great exercise and the perspective of the land-line from deep inside the water is unbelievable.

4. Play ‘Matkot’.

Another great summer beach activity – ‘Matkot’, a popular summer paddle ball game. Apparently many people consider ‘Matkot’ to be the national Israeli sport hahaha.
The goal of the game is to hit a small rubber ball with a wooden racket as many times as possible without dropping it. Trust me- it’s not as easy as it seems.

5. Have an ice-cream.

When it’s hot outside there is nothing like a good ice-cream to cool you off.

6. Rank all the ice-cream places in the city.

Pick your favorite ice cream flavor, take a friend and go to all the ice-cream parlors in your neighborhood, city or district and try this flavor out. Give the ice-cream scores from 1-10 and then rank your top 10 places. After you become an ice-cream expert share your list with friends and family and compare notes with them. (Also works well with French fries, cheesecakes, and pizza – trust me…)

7. Go to the movies.

If you’re tired of the heat and need to cool down a bit, the movie theater is a great place for that. Two hours of (free) air conditioner, Popcorn and some Hollywood style Escapism – Can’t go wrong with that.

8. Go to a museum.

Another great ‘cool’ option for hot summer days. Free air-con and some culture. Don’t forget to check out if the museums near you offer free admission on certain days/hours.

9. Make Popsicles.

It is super easy to make and such a great treat on those hot summer days. Just purchase an Ice Pop Mold Maker, pour into it your favorite juice and voilà! If you want to make it a little more special, try to infuse your popsicles with alcohol (!) for a delicious boozy treat or try one of these amazing recipes here.

Not into popsicles?

10. Freeze fruit and make super cool summer Smoothies.

11. Organize a Game night.

Gather some friends or family for a cool game night. Ask everyone to bring a snack or bottle of wine and you got yourself a party!

12. Take a road trip.

The University of Michigan study found that being outdoors in enjoyable climates can improve memory and broaden cognitive style, which is linked to more creative thoughts. Also, Being outside in pleasant weather really offers a way to reset your mindset. So pack up the car and head off to a little road trip. It can even be a short drive just for the change of scenery but if you’re planning an overnight road trip, You can try camping outdoors in order to save some money.

13. Hike.

Go out for a hike. If you can work in some kind of water source (waterfall, river, Lake etc.) to cool off in the end, is even better.

14. Have a picnic.

If you’re less of a hiker and more of an eater (like me) or just like to combine the two pleasures – Summer time picnic is just for you. Check out these 65 Picnic Recipes for some inspiration.

15. Do outdoor yoga.

Summer is also a great time for outdoor yoga. Find a cool rooftop/park near you and practice your inner Zen in the fresh air.

16. Get into Shape with an indoor workout.

Shake those ice-cream calories off with a workout in the cool gym. Spend some time at the air-conditioned gym and get your body summer ready at the same time.

17. Go to see the sunset.

There is something magical about sunsets that I just can’t explain but I’m totally obsessed with them. Now that the days are long and the sun sets pretty late, go after work to see the sunset and just chill.

18. Go to the Pool.

Tired of the sand? Try the public pool next to you for a chill day in the sun and a good swim.

19. Have a Pool party.

Lucky enough to have a pool at home or have friends with a pool? Awesome. Have a pool party! Sunshine, music and summer cocktails! Don’t forget to invite me ok?

Don’t have a pool?

20. Buy yourself an Inflatable Kiddie Pool and throw your own party!

21. Go shopping.

Spending the day at the mall is another great ac activity. Look out for summer clearance items that will be good for your next summer adventure.

22. Have a watermelon.

Need I say more…?

23. Stay at home.

Turn on the ac full power and get under the covers. Ok, now turn on your favorite TV show and just Binge watch! Catch up on all the TV shows from the early spring premiere season (March-April) that you haven’t seen yet.

24. Have a DIY spa.

If you’re at home, pamper yourself with a DIY facial mask like these ones from Marie Clair or learn how to Paint your own nails.

25. Plan a vacation.

You don’t even have to take it. Just plan it. According to this article just planning or anticipating your trip can make you happier than actually taking it.

Freebies!!!

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know how much I love lists! So to make it easier for you to plan your summer leisure you can download for free this “25 fun summer leisure ideas under 25$” list so you can cross things off or this blank printable summer bucket list so you can make up your own summer leisure bucket list. enjoy!

Hope you have a great summer!

Have other great summer ideas? Share with me in the comments below.

 

Disclosure: some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.