Favorite Things To Do In Summer: A Practical Guide For Adventurers &

ByEric James Updated on

The long, sun-drenched days of summer are here, and the call of the wild is stronger than ever. It’s easy to feel the pull to get outside, but it’s just as easy to fall back on the same old routine of backyard barbecues and crowded public pools.

We promise this guide will change that. We’re going beyond the basics to give you a curated list of our favorite things to do in summer—activities designed not just for fun, but for building real, lasting outdoor and self-reliance skills.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to master foundational wilderness skills, plan more ambitious adventures, embrace sustainable practices at home and on the trail, and confidently handle common summer challenges. Let’s make this a summer of growth, not just getaways.

Master Foundational Wilderness Skills

Summer offers the perfect conditions—longer days and milder weather—to build a strong foundation in core survival skills. Mastering these basics will boost your confidence for any adventure, from a simple day hike to a multi-day backcountry trip.

Learn to Create Fire Reliably

Knowing how to build a fire without a lighter is a game-changing skill. It provides warmth, purifies water, cooks food, and signals for help. Summer’s dry conditions are ideal for practicing with different methods.

  • Why It’s a Great Skill: Fire is a cornerstone of survival and a massive confidence booster. It’s a practical skill you can use on every camping trip.
  • Essential Gear: A quality ferrocerium rod (like a Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel), a carbon steel knife for striking, and various tinders (cotton balls with petroleum jelly, jute twine, fatwood).
  • First Steps: Start by gathering tinder, kindling, and fuel wood. Practice creating sparks with your ferro rod, aiming them into a small, fluffy bundle of tinder. Once you get a flame, gently add kindling to build it up. Always check for local fire bans before you practice.

Build a Basic Debris Shelter

Your ability to create shelter can be the difference between a miserable night and a safe one. A simple lean-to is an excellent starting point and can be constructed with materials found in most wooded environments.

This is one of the most empowering benefits of Favorite Things To Do In Summer skill-building—turning nature into your ally.

  • Why It’s a Great Skill: It teaches you to see the landscape as a resource and prepares you for an unexpected night outdoors.
  • Essential Gear: A sturdy knife or folding saw (like a Bahco Laplander) can help, but you can also practice with only what you can find and break by hand.
  • First Steps: Find a sturdy ridgepole (a long, thick branch) and lean it against a tree or rock. Angle other branches along one side of the ridgepole, close together. Finally, pile leaves, pine needles, and other debris on top in a thick layer to insulate and waterproof it.

Practice Land Navigation with a Map and Compass

GPS is fantastic, but batteries die and satellites can lose signal. A map and compass are foolproof tools that every outdoor enthusiast should know how to use. Summer’s clear visibility is perfect for practicing.

This is a critical part of any Favorite Things To Do In Summer guide for aspiring explorers.

  • Why It’s a Great Skill: It grants you true freedom and safety in the backcountry, allowing you to explore off-trail or find your way if you become disoriented.
  • Essential Gear: A quality baseplate compass (like a Suunto A-10 or MC-2) and a detailed topographic map of your local park or wilderness area.
  • First Steps: Learn to orient your map to north. Practice taking a bearing from the map and then following it in the real world. Start in a familiar local park before venturing into more complex terrain.

Level Up Your Water-Based Adventures

Summer and water go hand-in-hand. Instead of just swimming, use the season to learn skills that open up new ways to explore lakes, rivers, and coastlines. This section provides tips on how to elevate your water experiences.

Plan Your First Canoe or Kayak Camping Trip

Paddling to a campsite combines the joy of being on the water with the solitude of the backcountry. You can carry more gear than backpacking, making it a comfortable way to access remote areas.

  • What You’ll Need: A canoe or kayak, paddles, a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) for each person, and waterproof dry bags (like those from Sea to Summit) to protect your camping gear.
  • Pro Tip: Start with an easy, one-night trip on a calm lake or slow-moving river. Plan your route meticulously, noting potential campsites and take-out points. Always check the weather forecast and tell someone your float plan.

Learn the Basics of Sustainable Fishing

Fishing connects you directly to your food source and deepens your understanding of local ecosystems. Learning to fish sustainably ensures these resources remain for future generations.

  • What You’ll Need: A basic spinning rod and reel combo, a small tackle box with hooks and lures appropriate for local fish, and a state fishing license.
  • Best Practices: Learn to identify local fish species and understand catch-and-release techniques. If you plan to keep your catch, only take what you will eat. Use barbless hooks to minimize injury to released fish, and always pack out any tangled fishing line.

Embrace Self-Sufficiency with a Homesteader’s Project

Summer is the peak growing season and the perfect time to tackle a project that moves you toward a more self-reliant lifestyle. These projects are scalable, whether you have a large property or a small apartment balcony.

Start a High-Yield Container Garden

You don’t need acres to grow your own food. A few well-chosen containers can produce an incredible amount of fresh herbs, vegetables, and greens right outside your door.

  • Why It’s Great: It provides fresh, organic produce, reduces your grocery bill, and connects you to the food you eat. It’s a fantastic way to learn about plant life cycles.
  • Getting Started: Choose containers with good drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix designed for vegetables. Start with easy, productive plants like lettuce, bush beans, peppers, and herbs like basil and mint.

Build a Simple Solar Oven

Harness the power of the summer sun to cook your food. Building a solar oven is a fun, educational project that demonstrates the principles of passive solar energy and provides a fuel-free cooking method.

  • Why It’s Great: It’s an off-grid cooking solution that works during power outages or at campsites with fire restrictions.
  • Getting Started: You can build a simple and effective oven from two cardboard boxes, black paint, aluminum foil, and a glass or plexiglass lid. Numerous free plans are available online. Start by cooking simple things like baked potatoes or nachos.

Our Favorite Things To Do In Summer: A Sustainable Approach

Enjoying the outdoors comes with the responsibility of protecting it. Adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practices ensures that the wild places we love remain pristine. This is a core tenet of the OutwardLab philosophy.

Master the 7 Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace (LNT) principles are the gold standard for outdoor ethics. Making them second nature is one of the most impactful things you can do this summer.

This is one of the most important sustainable Favorite Things To Do In Summer best practices you can adopt.

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research your destination and pack accordingly to minimize impact.
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to existing trails and campsites.
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. All of it.
  4. Leave What You Find: Let others enjoy the beauty of nature.
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use existing fire rings and be sure your fire is completely out.
  6. Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance; never feed wild animals.
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise down and respect their experience.

Reduce Your Waste on the Trail and at Camp

Go beyond just packing out your trash. Actively work to reduce the amount of waste you create in the first place. This is a key part of any eco-friendly Favorite Things To Do In Summer plan.

  • Pro Tip: Repackage food from bulky store containers into reusable silicone bags (like Stasher bags) or lightweight plastic bags. This saves space and reduces packaging waste.
  • Actionable Step: Bring a dedicated bag for trash and another for recyclables. When you get home, sort it properly. Challenge yourself to produce less waste on each successive trip.

Handling Common Problems with Summer Adventures

Summer’s heat and high activity levels can bring unique challenges. Knowing how to anticipate and manage these common problems is key to a safe and enjoyable season outdoors.

Preventing and Treating Heat-Related Illness

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious risks. Prevention is the best medicine.

  • Prevention: Hydrate before you feel thirsty. Drink water with electrolytes. Hike during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon). Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Recognition and Treatment: Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and a faint pulse. If you see these signs, stop all activity, move to a shady spot, and sip cool water. If symptoms worsen to include confusion or a lack of sweating, it may be heatstroke—a medical emergency requiring immediate cooling and professional help.

Managing Insects and Pests

Mosquitoes, ticks, and flies can turn a pleasant trip sour. A multi-pronged approach is most effective.

  • Gear and Repellent: Treat your clothing and gear with Permethrin before your trip. Use an effective insect repellent on your skin, like one containing DEET or Picaridin. For camp, a Thermacell device can create a bug-free zone.
  • Campsite Selection: Avoid setting up your tent near stagnant water. A breezy, open area is often a better choice than a dense, humid forest. Always do a thorough tick check after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Favorite Things To Do In Summer

What are the most important safety tips for summer outdoor activities?

The top three are hydration, sun protection, and communication. Always carry more water than you think you’ll need, use sunscreen and protective clothing, and always let someone know your itinerary and when you expect to be back.

How can I find beginner-friendly trails or campsites?

Apps like AllTrails and The Dyrt are excellent resources. You can filter by difficulty, length, and user reviews. Also, call the local park ranger’s office—they have the most up-to-date information on conditions and can recommend spots perfect for your skill level.

What’s a good “first” multi-day adventure to plan for the summer?

A one-night backpacking trip on a well-marked trail with a designated campsite is a perfect start. Choose a trail with a reliable water source and a relatively short distance (3-5 miles) to the campsite. This allows you to test your gear and systems without being too far from your vehicle.

How do I stay motivated to learn new skills?

Start small and focus on one skill at a time. Join a local outdoor club or online community to connect with others who share your interests. Setting a tangible goal, like planning a specific trip that requires the skill you’re learning, is also a great motivator.

This summer is an open invitation to do more than just travel—it’s a chance to build confidence, learn valuable skills, and forge a deeper connection with the natural world. Pick one or two activities from this guide and dive in. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn and accomplish before the leaves start to turn.

Get out there, be safe, and make this a summer of meaningful adventure.

Eric James
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