60 Free Things to Do this Summer (While Social Distancing)

Summertime is upon us and the combination of hot weather and recent reopenings has everyone eager to find ways to celebrate the season.

Stay at home orders and quarantines worldwide during the past few months have only amplified the need for some outside time. But unlike in the past, you’ll have to look for new things to do this summer while practicing social distancing.

Instead of listing all of the things you cannot do, it’s time to focus on the fun summer activities you can. There are plenty of free things to do during the summer that won’t empty your wallet. Whether you’re looking for ways to spend time with your family or want to use this time to accomplish a specific goal, our list of free things to do for summer will have something for you!

60 Free Things to Do for Summer

Okay, so your European vacation may be cancelled, no problem. There are plenty of ways to have an equally exciting summer without straying too far from home.

Get Outside!

Explore the world around you! Hike, bike, walk the dog or take up a new sport while hanging out in the summer sun.

1. Go on a bike ride
2. Set up camp in your backyard
3. Have a picnic at the park
4. Take a hike
5. Plan a walking tour of your neighborhood
6. Watch the sunset
7. Create an at home water park with sprinklers
8. Gaze at the stars
9. Feed the birds
10. Collect rocks, shells and flowers
11. Watch the fireflies
12. Adventure on a new trail

Crafts & DIY Projects

Spring cleaning was the start of the season of home DIY projects, but that doesn’t mean it ends there. Carve some time out to improve your home, get organized and be creative.

13. Start gardening or plant something new
14. Decorate or cut up clothing to make a new outfit
15. Take on a home decorating project
16. Organize every room in your house
17. Press flowers to make bookmarks
18. Tie dye an old shirt with natural dye made from fruit and flowers
19. Paint rocks for your garden
20. Draw a still life portrait
21. Decorate mason jars as candle holders
22. Learn how to make jam
23. Make memories by starting a photo album or collection (physical or digital)
24. Have a (small) face painting party

Connect with Your Community

As cities and hometowns alike continue to cautiously reopen, now is the time to give back to your community and reconnect with those around you.

25. Visit the library
26. Plan an outside movie night for your neighborhood
27. Host an outdoor acoustic concert for local musicians
28. Volunteer at a local nonprofit
29. Tune in to your town’s city council meeting
30. Have an outdoor potluck
31. Donate clothes and goods to a nonprofit
32. Host a virtual dance party
33. Start a virtual book club
34. Foster a cat or dog
35. Participate in a community clean up
36. Advocate for a cause close to you

Challenge Yourself

Though lounging poolside should be a part of your summer routine, take some time out to challenge yourself. Learn a new skill or set out for a different experience.

37. Swap books with a friend to read more
38. Work on your car
39. Take a free online course
40. Stick to an exercise routine
41. Start journaling
42. Keep track of something (like the weather)
43. Organize a virtual event
44. Bake something new
45. Make a meal with ingredients in your cabinets you don’t usually use
46. Get into extreme couponing
47. Learn how to build a budget
48. Practice mindfulness and meditation

Family Fun!

You can find fun things to do while at home too. Take this time to strengthen your bond with close family and friends.

49. Build an indoor fort
50. Make s’mores (inside or outside)
51. Take a scenic drive
52. Plan a game night
53. Make homemade ice cream
54. Try an at-home science experiment
55. Draw on the sidewalk with chalk
56. Have a backyard barbecue
57. Turn your bathroom into a spa for a day
58. Call family that is long distance to check in
59. Have an indoor fashion show
60. Draw portraits of each other

How to Stay Healthy during your Summer Fun

No matter how you choose to spend your time this summer, it is important to keep up to date with CDC guidelines to stay healthy and safe. In addition, check your state and local updates to make sure that you comply.

Of course, there are a few basic ways to keep you and your family safe during all of your free summer activities. To do so, you can practice the following:

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Keep hand sanitizer nearby (in your car, throughout your home, in your purse or backpack).
• Wear a mask when visiting a public place.
• Try to keep a distance of at least 6 feet from people.
• Pay attention to how you’re feeling. If you’re under the weather, stay home and rest.

When you’re not soaking up the sun, save money by shopping on RebateKey. With up to 100% cash rebates, you can add shopping to your list of free things to do during summer. Find kids’ toys, gardening gear and summer clothing amongst the long list of available products. Sign up with RebateKey today and start saving all season long!