12 Last-Minute Summer Fun to Beat the End-of-Season Blues

Let's face it: summer is the best time of the year, there is no competition and I will hear no arguments (sorry, Christmas). There's just one problem facing kids and adults alike during these warm and wondrous months: boredom.

Being free from school can be thrilling in and of itself, but the luster can quickly wear off when all there is to do is sit around the house. Whether you're a kid, a parent, or a college student on summer break, this can get real, old real fast.

Of course, there's always TV and video games. But do you really want to wake up one day to find it's September, and you spent all summer on the couch instead of making new memories? We've devised 12 exciting summer activities that are sure to drive away summer boredom — and make some fun memories in the process.

Miniature Golf

I've never been much of a golf guy. Tried it a few times, but it wasn't for me. So it may seem a little strange when I say that I love — and I mean LOVE — mini golf.

This game has it all: the great outdoors, the company of friends, the thrill of competition, and — most importantly — tiny windmills. There's even some physics and geometry involved if you like to keep things educational.

Fly a Kite

This might not be one of the first things to pop into your mind when you think “exciting,” but let me tell you right now: kite-flying is awesome. I always thought it was just a yawn-worthy relic from the Mary Poppins times until a college friend introduced me to the real-life version.

There's nothing quite so simultaneously exciting and relaxing as getting your kite to catch the wind and learning to keep it flying high by manipulating the string. If you're feeling particularly crafty, you can even design and build your own kite!

Beach Day

Perhaps the most quintessential of all summer activities is the tried-and-true trip to the beach. Whether it's an ocean or a small local lake, nothing says “cool time on a hot day” like visiting where the sand meets the water.

The beach is also the optimal place for a number of activities, ranging from sand sports like volleyball to ultimate water activities such as swimming and surfing. More artistic beach-goers can express themselves with slower activities like sand sculpting.

Camping

The summer months can also be an optimal time to take a break from the hustle and grind of the modern world and unplug with a camping trip. Nothing clears the mind quite like some time out in nature with a clear night sky.

For those who prefer to stay closer to home, a campsite can be set up right in your own backyard. Start a bonfire, cook some s'mores. If the weather takes a turn, you'll already be almost home!

Picnic

If spending the night in nature isn't quite your speed, you can take a more bite-sized approach by having a picnic with your friends or family members. Pack some sandwiches and other portable foods, and go find a unique setting to share a meal.

Some of my favorite places to spread the picnic blanket include public parks, wooded areas, and my own backyard. Bring along some games like horseshoes or cornhole and make a whole afternoon of it.

Nature Hike

Whether it's in the woods, the mountains, or a desert trail, there's always something new to discover on a nature hike. Wear comfy shoes and bring plenty of water.

To make things a little more interesting (or educational, if learning is your bag), bring along some reference materials and try to identify the local plants and wildlife. You just might pick up some survival skills that could help you one day.

Biking

Riding bikes is another great way to experience nature trails with a more fast-paced mode of travel. But even if your surroundings happen to be a bit more on the urban side, biking can be a fun and exciting way to get to know your city or town.

Exploring your community via bicycle is an activity that can be enjoyed alone or with as many friends as you like. You might even meet a few new pals along the way. Just remember to always wear your helmet.

Local Events

You might be surprised to learn how many free community events your city or town hosts during the summer. These can include outdoor concerts, movies in the park, craft fairs, and other activities. Best of all? Many of them have free admission.

Check your local community's online calendar to see what they have coming up. You can also browse your local parks department's website to make sure you aren't missing out on any other fun.

Water Balloons

If you find there aren't any local events that interest you, you can organize a neighborhood water balloon fight for yourself. This is a great way for kids and adults alike to cool off from the heat (not to mention one of the few socially acceptable ways for older people to get revenge on those pesky neighborhood youths).

Don't forget to clean up the burst balloons after the war has concluded to minimize the risk to local plants and wildlife. A wet-dry vac is a great tool for making this task easier.

Sports Clubs

A great way to keep busy and get some exercise along the way is to join a local sports club. This is a fun way for people of all ages to stay healthy and meet some new friends.

We might associate this sort of activity with kids' soccer and little league baseball teams, but adults can get in on the fun, too. Even classic playground games like kickball have become increasingly popular with adults over the last few decades.

Amusement Parks

If none of these options are quite exciting enough for you, you can get your fill of thrills with a trip to the nearest amusement park. There's at least one park in every state, with some states having many, many more (looking at you, Florida and California).

Check out the parks nearest to you, or make a vacation out of it and travel to the park that most suits your interests. If summer heat is your biggest concern, don't forget about theme parks of the water variety.

Libraries and Museums

If the great indoors is a little more your speed, check out nearby libraries and museums. Many museums offer free admission days during the summer months, and public libraries are free all year long.

A library might not exactly sound synonymous with “exciting,” but aside from the thrill of immersing yourself in the world of a book, many also offer a wide array of summer activities, including gaming sessions and classes devoted to various topics.