This summer is shaping up to be a great one and with all the fun things happening, there are plenty of great outdoor activities to try your hand at. Summer is a wonderful time of year to relax poolside with a cool drink, or, go on an adventure! No matter which route you choose (or both?), there will be plenty of new things to try.
1. Watch Some Soccer
Did you know that the FIFA World Cup is going on right. now? If you are not living in the US, there is a pretty high chance that this has been on your calendar for years and you have already sang "Ole" at least once. If however, you live in the country where futball is spelt differently and means a different sport all together, you may have no idea this is going on.
Sure, it might be too late (and too expensive) to go to an actual game, but there will be tons of places showing live games outdoors, indoors, and anything in between. Pick a team, cheer them on the whole way through, and find a group of people who are cheering for the same guys you are. Chances are it will be a pretty epic time. Because really, there are no fans like soccer fans.
2. Gardening
Hehe, we go from soccer, a sport that Brazil had to ban alcohol from at games because too many people were dying to gardening... Talk about a jump! But, gardening is a really great thing to try your hands at this summer. No matter if you live on a sprawling acreage or a five-by-ten apartment in the city, everyone can garden. My biggest recommendation would be to start small. If you have never gardened before (somewhat guilty), start with a few herbs and a kitchen garden.
Something I am dying to try and a project great for those with a bit more gardening experience than my own would be a wall garden. These are epic and actually improve the air quality in your home. Whaat?! I know. They are also one of the prettiest accessories a person could put in their abode.
3. Go to a Music Festival
I think in the past six weeks alone I heard the word "Coachella" at least 40,000 times. No joke. I am, unfortunately, not quite able to make Coachella on a yearly basis (or ever). Maybe one day, but for now, there are plenty of local and national music festivals that will fit the bill just fine. Even if you are not crazy into music, a local music festival can be a fun place to meet people and see a different side of your community. I would highly recommend packing some waters and checking out one that is in your area.
4. Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is one of those activities that seems to always happen when I go to the beach with a large group of people. It is fun, somewhat competitive, and becomes a super great workout/way to get an even tan. This form of volleyball can also be a little more relaxed in the rules. Only have four people? No worries. Have no real idea how an actual game of volleyball works? Look up the main bits on Google and wing the rest. As long as your group agrees on whatever rules you have, there is no reason you need to be an expert at the game.
One of the best parts is that playing for only 20-minutes can burn about 115 calories! That is a pretty great calorie burn for 20-minutes of work. Now, who deserves that Mai Tai?
5. Diving or Snorkeling
Chances are pretty high that you have some plan of going to a wonderful, warm beach this summer. If you are, checking out what is under the water can be even more fun than staying above it. Diving was something that I inly got into a few years ago. The first time I did it I was petrified and ended up hoarding the dive master all to myself the entire time. Now, I love it and that is me in the yellow wet suit above! Yea, we swam with sharks in the Bahamas, it was epic.
Diving may be a bit intense for you, but snorkeling is an option that everyone can try! This is also a super fun activity to do with little kiddos. Most equipment can be rented at resorts or local activity centers. Or, you can bite the bullet and splurge on your own set of goods. As long as the water is clear, there will be plenty to see!