30 Summer Pastimes That Are Ideal for Warmer Weather
June 3, 2025
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Although it may have taken a while, summer has officially arrived in Chicago. With the cold, snowy days now behind us, it's time to fully embrace the delightful warm weather. This means it's the perfect opportunity to tap into your creativity and explore new summer hobbies.
One insight I've gained about adulthood is that discovering a hobby can be more challenging than it seems. It often involves some experimentation to figure out what truly ignites your passion, but once you do, life becomes significantly more enjoyable. Whether you're looking to fill a void, escape from screens, flex your creative muscles, or simply try something different, we have you covered. Here are 30 summer hobbies to ensure you have a season filled with fulfillment:
1. Begin a junk journal
While you're out enjoying the summer, you’ll likely gather various items like restaurant receipts, ticket stubs, coffee sleeves, business cards, and perhaps travel postcards. Why not transform this "junk" into a cherished memory book? Junk journaling revolves around utilizing everyday items and scraps, creating a playful scrapbook. You’ll just need a blank journal, some double-sided tape or glue, and any odds and ends you have on hand.
2. Press flowers into art
Summer boasts an abundance of blooming flowers, and pressing them allows you to appreciate their beauty long after the season is over. Whether you want to preserve blooms from a bouquet, your garden, or wildflowers picked along a road, the process is easy: place them between parchment paper layers and beneath a heavy book. In just 2-4 weeks, you’ll have lovely pressed flowers to frame as artwork.
3. Experiment with watercolor painting
Watercolor painting is an ideal outdoor activity for summer. With just a small paint set, brushes, and a cup of water needed, you can easily bring your supplies to a park or your patio. Settle down on a chair or blanket and enjoy the sunny weather while painting.
4. Refine your at-home coffee recipe
One of the joys of summer is savoring iced coffee without freezing your hands. There’s nothing quite like that initial sip of a delicious iced coffee on a sunny day. If you find yourself regularly stopping at Starbucks for your caffeine fix, consider using this summer to perfect your own at-home coffee recipe. Your bank account will appreciate it.
5. Embrace meditation
Taking time for yourself is always a wise decision, yet it’s often more challenging than it seems. Clearing your mind sounds simple, but the demands of daily life tend to intrude. This summer, incorporate meditation into your routine and move closer to achieving your inner peace.
6. Try rock climbing
If heights make you anxious, this hobby might not be for you. However, if you’re comfortable off the ground, you could find a new summer passion. Start by visiting a local rock climbing gym to learn the basics. Once you're confident indoors, you can take your skills outside. It’s a fantastic way to challenge yourself while getting a great arm workout.
7. Enjoy a swim
Whether you have access to a pool, beach, or lake, spending time near water is a must during summer. This year, turn your leisurely floating into a full-fledged hobby by taking up swimming. If backstroke isn’t your forte, consider paddleboarding, kayaking, or engaging in water sports like water polo or volleyball.
8. Cook through a cookbook
Enhance your dining routine by selecting a cookbook to work through this season. Not only will you hone your culinary skills, but you’ll also collect new gourmet recipes to enjoy or impress friends at gatherings. Tune into "The Bear" for some chef-inspired motivation.
9. Explore outdoor patios in your city
When I envision a quintessential summer evening, I picture myself in a cute sundress, sipping a spritz on an outdoor patio. It’s a perfect way to soak in the sun while enjoying drinks and delicious food. Make it your summer goal to find the best outdoor patios in your area. Invite friends to join you in this quest and compile a ranking by the end of summer.
10. Master at-home nail care
A fresh manicure can quickly boost confidence. There's something about a lovely nail color that makes me feel like I have it all together, even if that’s far from the truth. This summer, learn to do your nails at home, ensuring that salon-worthy nails are always within reach. It might take a few tries, but by fall, you could find yourself saying goodbye to your nail technician.
11. Learn to play an instrument
For years, I've dreamed of strumming a country tune around a summer bonfire while my friends sing along. First, I’ll need to grasp a single chord on the guitar. Whether you're interested
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30 Summer Pastimes That Are Ideal for Warmer Weather
As the weather gets warmer, it’s an ideal opportunity to try out some new summer hobbies. Here are 30 you can begin today: