At the end of the day, humans are creatures of habit and that’s why when the heat rolls in we stick to our favourite summer activities – going to the beach.
I’ll be the first to admit it. Since the weather’s warmed up I’ve become a raging “beach gal.” I simply can’t do anything with my weekend but lie on the sand until I’m too hot, then swim, then lie on the sand some more. I’m one step away from buying a puka shell anklet, donning a few dreadlocks and smelling like a coconut for the rest of my life.
So if you too go a little “beach-mad” at the beginning of summer here are some other activities that will add a bit of flavour to your warm weekends:
Art and Crafternoon
This activity is 100% worth it for the sole reason that you’ll be able to make an FB event under the name of ‘Crafternoon.’ An arty evening is best held outdoors so suss out the friend with the best garden.
The next stop: the two dollar shop. You don’t need to spend big bucks on art supplies, watercolour paints and a simple art book can be turned into a night of live painting (you’ll need a model) or even drunk painting for the alcohol-inclined. If your friends are plant-enthusiasts head to Bunnings to pick up a few cheap pots to paint.
A Christmas-Themed Potluck
The basis of this one is simple: each mate cooks a different dish, then you all go to someone’s house to spend the day eating, resulting in feeling more stuffed than a Christmas turkey. Try to find a friend with a pool so that, after all the food, you can float around in total bliss. There’s a big emphasis on family time around Christmas but why not use a hot summers day to celebrate friendship – while wearing Santa hats of course.
Dog Watching
Because people watching was so last year. Step one: locate the dog park or dog-permitting beach near you. Step two: consider dog park prime time. Dog owners usually head out in droves early morning or late evening on Saturdays and Sundays. Step three: regardless of whether you own a dog or not, head to the area with a friend, snacks at the ready, to suss out all the good boys. This activity is boosted if you make it a thing to speculate about each doggos history and give them a name. Just remember to practice your best dog patting etiquette.
Flunky Ball
In Germany, Flunky Ball is a popular drinking game best played outdoors, in warm weather and it certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted. One or two rounds will do you – attempting any more is asking for trouble. The rules are simple: find a big backyard, form two teams and line them up on either side of the ‘field.’ All opponents crouch down on one knee with a beer is placed in front of them. The aim of the game is to knock over a water bottle in the middle of the field by pelting it with… you guessed it… another water bottle. If your teammate successfully knocks over the bottle you all drink until the other team places it upright again. The first team to all finish their drink wins.
Hula hooping, Frisbee Or Double Dutch
There’s something about being an adult that makes you averse to summer activities. We go to the beach to lie there or the park to sit. We lead such busy lives that getting active in our “down-time” is a pretty unattractive idea. So why not make free-time fun by reliving the childhood mems and picking up a hula-hoop or a set of skipping ropes? Even if you make this a once-off shebang, it’ll be a day more memorable than the 100 other times you’ve spent your summer days simply laying in the sun.
An Overnight Hike
This is for the outdoorsy ones amongst us. A lot of people like hiking but not a lot of people can say they’ve done the hardcore version – an overnight trip. Pick up a cheap, two-man tent, enlist a friend and check-out nearby national parks for a long track but one that suits your ability. The challenge will be worth it when you get a glimpse of the thousands of stars you’ll be able to see at night and waking up to the sounds of nature.
Don’t let summer roll past you and honestly, stuff the notion of “hot girl summer.” When winter creeps up, you won’t be reminiscing about your perfect beach bod or the countless days spent lying on the sand, you’ll be remembering the memories you made and the fun summer activities you did.