List Of Fun Things To Do In The Summer: 25 Skill-Building Outdoor

ByEric James Updated on

The long, sunny days of summer are calling, but it’s easy to fall into the same old routine. Are you tired of the usual backyard BBQs and looking for something more… adventurous, something that builds real confidence?

This isn’t just another generic list. We promise to give you a complete guide to unforgettable outdoor experiences that not only get you into nature but also help you build practical skills for a more self-reliant life.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from mastering campfire cooking and learning basic navigation to planning your first solo camping trip and exploring sustainable foraging. We’ll provide a comprehensive list of fun things to do in the summer with actionable tips, gear recommendations, and safety advice to help you explore confidently.

Master the Basics: Foundational Skills for Every Outdoor Enthusiast

Before you tackle a multi-day trek or go off-grid, you need a solid foundation. These activities are fun, rewarding, and build the muscle memory you need for bigger adventures.

Learn to Pitch a Tent Like a Pro

Your tent is your home in the wild. Knowing how to set it up quickly and correctly is a non-negotiable skill. Practice in your backyard before you head out.

  1. Choose Your Spot: Look for flat, level ground. Clear away any sharp rocks or sticks that could puncture your tent floor.

  2. Lay Out the Footprint: A tent footprint or ground tarp (like the MSR Universal Footprint) protects the bottom of your tent from moisture and abrasion.

  3. Assemble the Poles: Connect the pole sections, then match them to the correct sleeves or clips on your tent body. Don’t force them.

  4. Attach the Rainfly: Drape the rainfly over the top, making sure the doors align. Secure it and pull the guylines taut to create airflow and prevent condensation.

Build and Manage a Safe Campfire

A campfire provides warmth, a way to cook, and a huge morale boost. But with great power comes great responsibility. Always check local fire regulations before you even think about striking a match.

Start by gathering three types of fuel: tinder (dry grass, cotton balls), kindling (small twigs), and fuelwood (larger sticks and logs). Build a simple teepee or log cabin structure with your tinder in the center. Light the tinder, and as the flame grows, slowly add kindling, then larger fuel.

Safety First: Never leave a fire unattended, and always douse it completely with water until it’s cool to the touch before you leave or go to sleep.

Master a Few Essential Knots

Knots are the unsung heroes of the outdoors. You don’t need to be a sailor, but knowing three or four key knots will solve countless problems.

  • Bowline: Creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope that won’t slip. Perfect for securing gear or creating a rescue loop.

  • Taut-Line Hitch: An adjustable loop that’s ideal for staking out tent guylines.

  • Figure-Eight Knot: A simple and strong “stopper” knot to prevent a rope from slipping through a device.

Explore Your Local Wilderness: Day Trips & Weekend Adventures

You don’t have to travel far to find adventure. Your local parks, forests, and waterways are perfect training grounds for honing your skills and discovering the beauty right outside your door.

Go on a Geocaching Treasure Hunt

Think of geocaching as a real-world treasure hunt using GPS. It’s a fantastic way to make any hike more exciting and a fun introduction to using a GPS device or smartphone app for navigation.

It’s simple: download a geocaching app, find a “cache” near you, and navigate to its coordinates. You’ll find a hidden container with a logbook to sign. It’s a great family-friendly activity.

Plan a Sunrise or Sunset Hike

Experiencing the “golden hour” from a scenic overlook is a magical experience. Hiking in low light requires extra preparation, making it a great skill-building exercise.

Always pack a reliable headlamp (like the Black Diamond Spot 400) with extra batteries, even if you plan to be back before dark. Tell someone your route and your expected return time. The trail looks completely different at dusk, so pay close attention to your surroundings.

Try Kayaking or Canoeing on a Local Lake

Paddling offers a unique perspective on the landscape and is a peaceful way to connect with nature. Many local parks and outfitters offer rentals, making it easy to try.

Always wear a properly fitted PFD (Personal Flotation Device). Pack your essentials—phone, keys, snacks—in a dry bag to protect them from water. Start on a calm, small body of water to get a feel for paddling before tackling rivers or larger lakes.

Level Up Your Skills: The Ultimate List Of Fun Things To Do In The Summer

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to push your boundaries a little. This part of our list of fun things to do in the summer focuses on building true self-reliance and confidence in the outdoors.

Plan Your First Solo Overnight Campout

Camping alone can be incredibly empowering. It forces you to rely on your own skills and judgment. Start somewhere close to home, like a familiar state park campground.

The key is meticulous planning. Create a detailed gear checklist, plan your meals, and leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted friend. The quiet and solitude of a solo trip is an experience every outdoor enthusiast should have.

Learn Basic Land Navigation with a Map and Compass

GPS is great, but batteries die. A map and compass are foolproof. This is one of the most important survival skills you can learn. Grab a quality compass like the Suunto A-10 and a topographic map of a local park.

Start by learning to orient your map to north. Then practice taking a bearing from your location to a visible landmark and walking to it. It’s a skill that requires practice, but it’s deeply rewarding.

Practice Wild Foraging (Safely!)

Learning to identify and use wild edible plants is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency. However, this skill comes with a serious warning: Never eat anything unless you are 100% certain of its identification.

Start with “foolproof” plants like dandelions, cattails, or wild raspberries. Get a region-specific foraging guidebook and cross-reference with multiple sources. A great first step is to take a class with a local foraging expert. This is a perfect example of a sustainable List Of Fun Things To Do In The Summer activity that connects you directly to the ecosystem.

Homesteading & Self-Reliance Skills: Fun for the Whole Family

The outdoor mindset isn’t just for the backcountry. You can practice self-reliance and connect with nature right in your own backyard. These activities are fun, practical, and great for all ages.

Start a Small Container Garden

You don’t need acres of land to grow your own food. Start with a few pots on a balcony or patio. Herbs like basil and mint, or vegetables like lettuce and cherry tomatoes, are easy for beginners.

Gardening teaches you about seasons, patience, and the satisfaction of eating something you grew yourself. It’s a small but powerful step toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Learn Basic Food Preservation

Before refrigeration, people used natural methods to preserve the harvest. Try sun-drying herbs from your garden or making simple refrigerator pickles with cucumbers or green beans. These are simple, time-tested skills that reduce food waste and connect you to the past.

Build a Simple DIY Project

Working with your hands is incredibly satisfying. Start with a simple project like building a birdhouse, a small raised garden bed, or a compost bin. The process teaches you basic tool use and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any situation.

Sustainable Adventures: Best Practices for Eco-Friendly Fun

A core part of being an outdoor enthusiast is being a good steward of the land. Practicing sustainable and eco-friendly habits ensures these beautiful places remain for future generations. This is the ultimate List Of Fun Things To Do In The Summer care guide—caring for our wild spaces.

Embrace Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace (LNT) framework is the gold standard for outdoor ethics. The seven principles are easy to learn and should guide every decision you make outdoors.

  • Plan Ahead and Prepare
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  • Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Leave What You Find
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts
  • Respect Wildlife
  • Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Choose Reusable Gear

One of the easiest ways to reduce your impact is to ditch single-use items. Invest in a quality reusable water bottle (like a Nalgene or Hydro Flask), a travel coffee mug, and reusable food containers instead of plastic bags. These small changes make a huge difference over time.

How to Practice Eco-Friendly Camping

Think about the products you bring into the wild. Use a biodegradable soap for washing dishes and yourself, making sure to do so at least 200 feet away from any water source. Pack out all your trash, including food scraps like apple cores and orange peels, which can take years to decompose and attract wildlife.

Common Problems & Pro Tips: Your Summer Adventure Guide

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Here’s how to handle some common problems with summer adventures and some pro tips to keep you safe and comfortable.

Dealing with Bugs and Pests

Insects are a fact of summer life. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk. Use an effective insect repellent and consider treating your outer clothing with permethrin for extra protection.

To keep critters out of your food, store everything in airtight containers. In bear country, a bear canister or proper bear bag hang is mandatory.

Staying Safe in Summer Heat

Heat exhaustion is a serious risk. Hydrate constantly—don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Add electrolyte tablets like Nuun to your water to replenish lost salts.

Hike during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon). Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and know the signs of heat-related illness: dizziness, nausea, and headache.

What to Do When Plans Go Wrong

The most important tool you have is your brain. Stay calm and assess the situation. Always carry the “Ten Essentials,” including navigation tools, a headlamp, a first-aid kit, and extra food and water.

For remote adventures, consider a satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach Mini. It allows for two-way texting and an SOS function when you have no cell service. Most importantly, always be willing to turn back if conditions worsen or you feel unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Outdoor Activities

What are the most essential pieces of gear for a beginner starting summer adventures?

Focus on the “big three” for comfort: a quality tent, a comfortable sleeping bag rated for summer temperatures, and a supportive backpack. Beyond that, invest in good hiking shoes, a reliable headlamp, a basic first-aid kit, and a map and compass for the area you’re exploring.

How can I find safe and beginner-friendly trails or campsites near me?

Websites like AllTrails and The Dyrt are excellent resources with user reviews and difficulty ratings. You can also visit the websites for your state parks or national forests, which often have detailed maps and trail descriptions. Don’t hesitate to call a ranger station for current conditions and recommendations.

What’s the best way to stay motivated to get outdoors consistently?

Start small and make it a habit. Plan one small outing each week, even if it’s just a walk in a local park. Go with a friend to keep each other accountable, or try a new activity like geocaching to keep things interesting. The more you go, the more you’ll want to go.

Are there any eco-friendly considerations I should make for my summer activities?

Absolutely. Always follow Leave No Trace principles. Reduce waste by choosing reusable gear over single-use items. Stick to established trails to prevent erosion, and use biodegradable soap away from water sources. The goal is to leave a place better than you found it.

Summer is the perfect season to not just have fun, but to build valuable, lifelong skills that foster confidence and self-reliance. This list is just a starting point. Pick one activity that excites you, do your research, and get out there.

Every knot you tie, every trail you navigate, and every campfire you build is a step toward a more capable and connected version of yourself. Explore responsibly, and make this a summer of growth and adventure.

Stay safe and stay curious!

Eric James
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