17 Ways to Ease into Summer

We’re sharing 17 Ways to Ease Into Summer to help give you a jump-start on planning all your favorite activities.

It totally blows my mind the unofficial start of summer is just a few weeks away.

Truth be told, it’s actually been feeling like summer in Florida for a few months now.  We did have a short cold spell in April around Easter. But for the most part, it’s been ponytails, suntans, flip flops, and ceiling fans.

I know things might look a little different this year. Especially, since some of you might still be wearing masks and having social distancing orders still in place.

That said, these ideas are all simple and easy ways to enjoy everything from planning a day on the water to hosting a backyard movie night with your family.

Here’s a look at 17 Ways to Ease Into Summer…

Make a Summer Bucket List

My sister LiLi started making a summer bucket list several years ago when her kids were in kindergarten. And now, we all make our own list too.

Each year, she gathers her family together over dinner and lets the littles help create a family summer bucket list.

This list contains everything from spending the night in a hotel to a horse camp to swim with pigs in the Bahamas.

It’s good to dream big, right?

They use a themed hashtag so family and friends can follow along on Instagram. And I’m always amazed at what they accomplish each summer.

This is a super easy to way ease into summer. So, take the time now to decide what you want your priorities to be in the months to come!

Attend a Night Hike at a State Park

If there is one thing we’ve been missing since the pandemic started is our time at the cabin.

Almost every summer we’re there, we enjoy a night hike at a state park.  It’s totally spooky and totally fun all at the same time.  You bring your flashlights and wear your walking shoes and enjoy.

Most state parks require a reservation in advance so make sure you check local events page for requirements in your area.

Plan a Family Retreat, a Sisters Summit, a Girls Getaway, or a Summer Slumber Party

Sometimes you just need to decompress with your people and relax without any distractions.

Planning intentional time for family will definitely take a bit of extra creativity this year given each state and city has different social distancing rules in place.

That said, being able to enjoy each other and reconnect will feel fabulous and help you relate to each other in ways you probably haven’t been able to for a while.

Host an Ice Cream Social or a Cake Decorating Contest 

We set up an ice cream bar with 4 dozen cookies for S’s birthday and it was so much fun to see all the different flavor and topping combinations.

Each year we make our own ice cream and cakes from scratch. But store or bakery bought work just as well.  Especially, if you include lots of toppings!

This year be sure to have lots of disposable gloves, parchment tissue, cones, and spoons on hand. And create ways that lessen the chance multiple people will be touching the same items.

Create a Fabulous Sparklers Display, Use a Bubble Machine or Confetti Cannon

I know several towns have already canceled their fireworks display this year due to social distancing concerns.

If you ever have the chance to watch the fireworks over the Bayfront in St. Augustine though, it’s literally a Florida rite of passage.  Thousands of people gather on the lawn of the Castillo de San Marcos to watch the fireworks display synced to patriotic music over the water.

While it will probably feel super weird to ease into summer without a fireworks display, you can always pick up sparklers, a bubble machine, or rent a fun confetti cannon to make your patriotic display at home feel festive!

Have a Silly String Fight or Water Balloon Fight

Almost every summer we’re either having a maypop fight, making flour bombs, water balloons, or having a silly string fight.

I know it seems like kid stuff. But when you get your whole family involved, you’ll be laughing at a totally different level.

As always, use caution and care anytime you’re playing these types of games.

Host a Family Baseball or Kickball Game

Summer was made for baseball, cracker jacks, and peanuts, right?

If you’re unable to support your favorite major league baseball team or your favorite triple-A team with a trip to the ballpark in the stands, consider hosting a family baseball or kickball game at home.

Make it an event with gourmet hot dogs, salty chips and dips, and all the fixings.

Take a Picnic Lunch to the Beach and Build a Sandcastle

Creating a picnic lunch doesn’t have to be involved at all! Just throw some sandwiches and potato salad or salty chips, fruit, and veggies in a waterproof lunch bag and enjoy the day.

Just remember to bring your sunnies, sunscreen, and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Host a Backyard Movie Night or Visit a Drive-In 

Hosting a backyard movie night or visiting a drive-in movie theater is a super simple way to ease into summer.

I know a lot of cities used to offer movies on the lawn in the town square.  Check your local events page to see if those are still being offered this summer or host your own event.

Make sure to pack your favorite movie snacks, drinks, blankets, pillows, and bug spray so you’ll be comfortable no matter what the venue.

Do a Walking Tour of Your Favorite Town

I’m sure it’s been a while since you’ve been able to spend a leisurely afternoon walking around one of our favorite coastal towns. But if you get the chance, I highly recommend it.

Take your camera, slow down your pace to a relaxing speed and remember why you fell in love with the town in the first place.

Go Bold and Try Something New

Summer is a great season to try out a new clothing or hairstyle or to go bright with lipstick and nail polish choices.

It’s also a great time to move things around in your home and try something new.  Especially, where prints, patterns, and paints are concerned.

If you feel like you’ve been in a style rut lately, now’s the time to get out of it!

Learn a New Skill

I know a lot of you are still working and trying to balance having the kids at home.  Believe me, I totally get it when I hear people say it’s been a huge adjustment.

That said, it’s still important to carve out some time for your own goals and dreams.  So, why not fill some of your nights or weekends by learning something you’ve always wanted to learn but keep putting off?

Tackle a New Project or Complete a Project You’ve Been Putting Off

How many times have you looked at your Pinterest boards and thought, “I really need to get started on that” but then never commit to making the project a priority?

Me too, you guys!

It’s not about having the time; it’s about making the time!  So, let this summer be the season you stop putting off those projects you’ve been dreaming about.

Make an Entire Meal on the Grill

From chicken and fish to veggies to peaches, there’s just something that screams summertime whenever the BBQ is involved.

We love summer grilling because the meals are simple, flavorful and the clean up can’t be beat ?

Send a Message in a Bottle or Create a Time Capsule

I can honestly say we’ve found some pretty crazy things on the beach. Especially after a hurricane.

Finding a message in a bottle is always on the top of the treasure hunt list. But it would be so much fun to make and launch one of your own.

In addition, there is really no better time to create a time capsule because this year has been quite adventurous already.

Lead a Bike Parade

Living in Florida offers our family the chance to have a bike parade multiple times of the year but most especially for the 4th of July holiday and Christmas.

It’s not always easy to coordinate a bike parade with varying ages but when we do it’s always so much fun.

Some of the bikes have streamers, some of them have baseball cards in the spokes and some have a bell.

No matter how the bikes are decorated you can be sure there’s going to be a race home, which usually gives us a major case of the giggles.

Watch the Sunset with Your Favorite People

Have a clam bake on the beach, a bonfire at your favorite campsite, or take the boat out on the lake and watch the sunset.

Then spend the next few hours making memories no one in attendance will ever forget.

I hope this list of 17 Ways to Ease into Summer has given you a few ideas about how to celebrate this season of adventure.

This year will definitely take a bit of extra effort and creativity, but making the time to create special memories will always be worth it!

A Few Other Summer Inspired Posts You Might Enjoy:

• Spring Into Summer Porch Tour and Blog Hop
• Simple Summer Movie Night Ideas 
• 10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day 
• Quick & Easy Patriotic Party Cones 
• Tips & Tricks for Patriotic Tablescapes 

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo