Is it just me or do the summer months fly by in a flash?
Summer is one of my favorite times of the year — but the old adage “time flies when you’re having fun” holds true in a big way.
While the days will start getting shorter and the evenings will begin to have that familiar crisp feeling that reminds us that fall is right around the corner, there is still plenty of summer fun left to enjoy.
Looking for some fun ways to make new memories before the sun sets on the season?
Here are some summer bucket list items to add to your yearly traditions:
• Embrace Classic Summer Fun: So many times, we focus on the big things that make summer special such as trips to the beach or big family vacations.
As wonderful as they are, there are some simple things you can do with your family or closest friends that can be very memorable too.
When was the last time you packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed a meal outside? This can be super fun with young ones as they can help you pack the basket!
Pick a fun spot — it can be a local park, open space or even your own backyard – and don’t forget to include a blanket to cop a squat, fun drinks and some summer tunes on your phone or device.
Bring bubbles, a frisbee or a quick scavenger hunt to make an afternoon of it!
Speaking of classic summer fun, why not have an epic water gun battle in the backyard?
Kids or no kids, pick up a couple of fun super soakers at the store, grab some sponges and plan an epic battle that will get your adrenaline pumping and cool you off from the summer heat at the same time.
No kids at home? Embrace your inner kid!
• Fall into Fitness: It is never too late to get your body ready for summer and adding a new fitness routine or exercise is much easier to do in the warmer summer months when there are so many outdoor options.
Research has shown that we digest our food more slowly in hotter weather, which leaves us feeling fuller longer.
Start with a walk in the morning before the heat kicks in or enjoy an evening stroll after work to watch the sunset.
If you are new to exercise, start with five or 10 minutes of exercise each week and gradually add to it.
You will find that by the time autumn arrives, you have a fun daily routine — and you will be well on your way to that summer ready body for next season.
• Summer concerts: One of the best things about summer is concerts.
One of my favorite things to do is sit outside after the sun has set and listen to live music.
Summer is a great time to go see an outdoor show.
A lot of artists tour during the summer and whether you prefer a large outdoor venue or a small festival, there are tons of options, typically within a reasonable drive from home.
Pack that picnic basket and enjoy some tunes under the moonlight!
• Enjoy the Bounty: When I was little, one of my favorite things to do was pick cherries from the trees that bordered my grandparents’ farmhouse.
We would clean and pit those cherries, which my grandmother would then turn into some delicious treats for us.
Whether you have a green thumb or not, there are many ways to take advantage of the natural bounty that the summer season brings.
Visit a local orchard or farm that offers you-pick options for a variety of fruits — whether it is strawberries in the Spring, blueberries, cherries or blackberries in the early summer, peaches in August or apples in the early fall, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a fun tradition.
Pick enough to enjoy now and freeze some of the fruits of your labor to enjoy at a later time.
While you are at it, take some time to smell the flowers — and pick a bouquet to take home and enjoy.
Summer sports: Whether you decide to play a game of horseshoes in your backyard or attend a local sporting event, there is nothing that says summer better than enjoying some outdoor sports on a summer evening.
Visit a local baseball league to see if there are any all star tournaments taking place — and cheer on the youth of your community.
Head to the closest race track and bet on the horse whose name makes you smile or simply pick up a volleyball net and invite a few neighbors over for an impromptu match in the yard.
Grab a wiffleball set and head to the sandlot for a game that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy.
No matter what you decide to do, it will be a fun way to enjoy those cool and comfortable August evenings!
(Editor’s Note: Kristine George is a freelance journalist who resides in Easton.)