Summer’s finally here! Without school and extracurriculars, it can be hard to figure out how to make the most out of your summer. There are countless fun things to try and enjoy over summer break, but here are a few activities to try!
Tie-Dye
Feeling creative? Try tie-dye. It’s a super easy activity that takes only a few supplies. To personalize it, you can use a variety of colors, make different designs, or tie-dye other things like socks or headbands. You can buy a tie-dye kit online or try it on your own. Here’s a link for straightforward tie-dye instructions.
Mini Golf
Putt Putt Golf Course is right off of Rio Road East in Charlottesville. Putt Putt offers two different 18-hole courses to try. Don’t worry if golf isn’t your thing, mini golf is a simpler and more laid-back version. This is something that you can do with friends or family. Keep track of your score and see who wins! Or, play one course and try to beat your score on the second one. It’s one great outdoor option as the weather is starting to get warmer.
Baking
If you’re looking for a new hobby to try, baking is a great one. It’s fun to do on your own or with others. There are so many different things you can bake like cookies, cakes, or brownies. Not to mention, it’s delicious! One great source for simple recipes is https://www.joyofbaking.com/. This website has various dessert recipes with easy to follow instructions. You can make adjustments to these recipes or find another based on your preferences.
Make A Shared Playlist
You can create your own playlist on Spotify and share it with friends. Add some songs to your playlist then send it to friends so they can add a few. Both Spotify and Pandora have free and simple ways to share your playlists. This is great to spend more time with people and expand your music taste.
Make A Time Capsule
Something that you can do on your own is creating a time capsule. Time capsules are an easy project to show off your creativity. First, find a box or container that can easily be sealed. Then, find trinkets that represent you and your interests right now. Some examples are a picture of your favorite movie, food, or animal. Another thing to add in your capsule is a newspaper or something else that says the date and describes your life.
If you want to add in something extra, write a note to your future self. Ask questions about your future life and describe what life is like for you right now. Seal the box and write the date to open the box. This could be anywhere from five years to twenty or even a specific date that is meaningful to you. Finally, put the box in a space so you don’t forget about it, such as under your bed or give it to your parents so you don’t lose it.
Host A Picnic
Looking to spend more time outdoors this summer? Plan a fun picnic with friends and family. First, decide where you want to have it. Some ideas are in your backyard or at a nearby park. Albemarle County has many different parks, like Chris Greene Lake or Darden Towe. For more information, visit the Albemarle County Parks and Recreation website. Then, choose what food you would like to serve, such as a charcuterie board. Finally, invite your friends and have fun!
Rent A Bike
Bike riding is a great way to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. If you don’t already have a bike, you can rent a bike from many businesses in Charlottesville. Blue Ridge Cyclery is one option. There are numerous trails in and around Charlottesville, such as Preddy Creek and the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail.
