21 Simple Pleasures of Summer

Each season has its own simple pleasures. Summer is a time to kick back, relax, and soak up the sunshine. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to savor the pleasures that summer offers. Have you been making the most of your summer?

Here are 21 suggestions that will help you slow down and savor the simple
pleasures of summer.

1. Go out for ice cream. Yes, I know it is cheaper to buy it at the grocery store, but there is no substitute for the simple joy of a spontaneous Let’s-Stop-For-Ice-Cream moment. Don’t let the summer go by without enjoying a cone or two.
2. Savor an icy drink. Nothing says, “Ahhh” like a cold drink when you’re hot and thirsty. But don’t just gulp. Savor that icy goodness.
3. Eat outside. My mother and grandmother believed that eating outside was worth the effort of schlepping everything out to the porch or patio. They ate outside as often as possible. I think they were on to something. Try it.
4. Enjoy the sunshine. While soaking up too many UV rays is bad for you, moderate sun exposure naturally boosts your vitamin D levels. (Most of us don’t get sufficient vitamin D, which is essential for optimum health and helps prevent serious health issues such as osteoporosis and cancer.) So then, take a cue from my cat and try good, old-fashioned basking in the sun. It may be just what you need to slow down a little.  
5. Get wet. Cool down with some watery fun. What’s a hot summer day for if not an excuse to get wet? Have a Super Soaker battle, take a dip in the pool, fill a few water balloons.
6. Go wading. At the beach, a lakeside, or a local stream. Cool your toes, enjoy nature, and get some exercise all in one.
7. Soak up the scenery. When you are traveling, don’t forget to pay attention to the beauty as you pass by. Stop at scenic overlooks. Take detours to unique or quirky local spots. Savor the beauty and diversity of this world around you, not just the décor of a fancy resort.
8. Spit watermelon seeds. Not recommended for the dining room table, but lots of fun outside in the yard. Let your hair down and see who can spit the farthest or the most accurately.
9. Visit a farm stand. Summer means fresh produce, and the freshest produce can be found at farm stands or farmers’ markets. If you pass one on your travels, stop and see what’s ripe. Some of the best fruit and corn we’ve ever eaten came from a random roadside farm stand. (And in Maine you can find stands selling live lobsters. Yum!)
10. Pick your own. If you’ve never eaten a blueberry or raspberry right off the plant, you are missing out on a joy of summer. Find a pick-your-own-fruit place near you and make a point to visit when your favorite fruit is ripe. Be prepared for sticky fingers.
11. Eat peaches for dinner. After visiting a farm stand or pick-your-own spot, you will have an abundance of gorgeous, ripe fruit. I have fond memories of the special just-picked-fruit-for-dinner meals we enjoyed as children. On one special night, we indulged in an orgy of fruit scrumptiousness. Huge bowls of cut ripe fruit with shortcakes, waffles, ice cream, and other goodies to go alongside. It beats eating kale or Brussels sprouts any day.   
12. Go barefoot. When was the last time you felt grass tickling your toes? If it’s been a while, find a good spot and indulge in shoeless strolling. Brings back memories of lazy summer days with no schoolwork in sight. Oh yeah.
13. Enjoy a campfire. There is something mesmerizing about watching a fire. And then there’s all the yummy things you can roast over the coals (including veggies, for the more diet conscious). So, don’t let summer go by without a good campfire or two.
14. Go camping. I know it’s not for everyone, but for me summer isn’t complete without camping. Other types of vacations have their benefits, but there’s nothing quite like living close to nature for a few days.
15. Play a yard game. Gather the kids or your good friends and share a few laughs playing a round or two of croquet, corn hole, or some other outdoor game. Adult beverages optional.
16. Go on a picnic. Yes, it’s more work than simply eating at home, but picnicking opens up all sorts of possibilities to savor the season. Grab some sandwiches and find a cozy spot.
17. Hold a sing-along. If you or your friends are musically inclined, invite folks to gather in the backyard and sing some favorite songs. (Campfire recommended but not required.)
18. Attend a performance in the park. Many communities offer music and/or theater performances in a local park for free. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy free entertainment. Add a picnic dinner for even more fun.
19. Attend a nature program. State and national parks offer an array of nature programs. If you live nearby, you could stop in and learn a thing or two.
20. Go for a hike. Summer means a canopy of green in a million different shades. Get outside and find somewhere to take a walk under the trees. The beauty of a summer woods feeds my soul like little else. It will be good for yours as well.
21. Go stargazing. Find a spot with a clear view of the sky and minimal light pollution, and see how many constellations you can identify. (This post can help you find a good stargazing app.) Your local park or college may hold stargazing events where avid stargazers bring their telescopes for you to look through. Check out this list of National Parks that are ideal for stargazing. Or you can follow the example of my son and daughter-in-law and attend dark sky events. Find out more about them at this site. If you’ve never seen the rings of Saturn or a nebula with your own eyes, why not give it a try?

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Post updated 7/22/2024