30 Epic Summer Things to Do With Friends!
We’re all counting down until summer break, and for me, warm weather and longer days mean one thing: time with my favorite people. Call me sentimental all you want, but summer is my ultimate excuse to press pause, meet up with friends, and make some core memories together. While I love a chill solo day once in a while, nothing beats the kind of fun that comes from being spontaneous, a little silly, and completely present with my crew. Feel the same? I’ve rounded up 30 epic summer things to do with friends that make the most of every sunny second.
When it comes to planning summer hangs, there’s one thing I always remind myself: I don’t need a packed itinerary or fancy setup to have fun. Whether it’s a backyard bonfire, a lakeside picnic, or a DIY movie night with a white sheet and a projector, the best moments are often the ones that weren’t planned at all. Still, I do like to keep a few fun ideas in my back pocket—things like sunrise hikes, road trips, or theme park days—just in case we’re all up for something a little extra.
If I’m in the mood for a low-key hang, I’ll suggest board game nights, sunset walks, or even crafting a summer vision board together (because why not romanticize the season a little?). Want to go bigger? I love planning themed parties with matching snacks and music, water balloon battles, or even throwing a mini Olympics in the backyard. The laughs, the teamwork, the random competitiveness—it’s all part of the magic.
Of course, no hangout is complete without good food and drinks. Whether it’s fruity mocktails, homemade lemonade, or everyone pitching in for a build-your-own taco bar, I love turning simple eats into something festive. Want more inspo to make this summer unforgettable? Check out my go-to summer party ideas, Summer bucket list activities, and can’t-miss summer drink recipes too.
30 Epic Summer Things to Do With Friends!
1. Plan a Beach Day
Load up the car with towels, snacks, and a speaker—nothing beats salty air and sandy toes with your favorite people.
2. Have a Backyard Bonfire
Grab marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for the ultimate s’mores night. Bonus: spooky stories and stargazing!
3. Go on a Road Trip
Choose a destination (or go wherever the road takes you). Car karaoke and gas station snacks are non-negotiable.
4. Host a Summer Picnic
Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruits, and lemonade, then chill at the park with blankets and good vibes.
5. Do a Sunrise or Sunset Hike
Wake up early (or stay out late) to catch golden skies together—totally worth it for the views and the memories.
6. Try a Water Balloon Fight
Unleash your inner kid and turn your backyard into a splash zone. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable.
7. DIY Tie-Dye Shirts
Pick up some plain tees and dye kits, then create colorful masterpieces you can wear all summer long.
8. Visit a Local Farmers Market
Walk around, try samples, and grab fresh fruit for smoothies or impromptu brunches.
9. Have a Themed Movie Marathon
Pick a theme—rom-coms, 2000s classics, or horror—and make it a night filled with snacks and commentary.
10. Set Up an Outdoor Movie Night
Use a sheet, projector, and some blankets to create your own open-air cinema under the stars.
11. Go Thrifting Together
Make a game out of it—find outfits for each other or hunt for the weirdest item in the store.
12. Create a Summer Bucket List
Sit down and dream big—then start crossing off those fun goals together one by one.
13. Take a Mini Road Trip to Nowhere
No destination, no plan—just see where the road leads and enjoy the journey.
14. Try Roller Skating or Ice Cream Crawling
Channel retro vibes with a skate date or hit up multiple ice cream shops to find the best flavor in town.
15. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Rent some gear and spend the afternoon gliding across the water—it’s peaceful and surprisingly funny if you fall in.
16. Host a Potluck BBQ
Everyone brings a dish and the grill is the star of the show. Don’t forget the lawn games!
17. Create a Summer Scrapbook
Document all your adventures with Polaroids, ticket stubs, and little mementos from your summer days.
18. Do a 24-Hour Challenge Together
Stay up for 24 hours and fill the time with fun dares, activities, and way too many snacks.
19. Go Stargazing and Make a Wish
Bring blankets and snacks, and spend the night spotting constellations or just laying around talking about life.
20. Try a New Coffee Shop or Restaurant
Make it a weekly thing—rate the drinks, food, and vibe at each new place you visit.
21. Make Friendship Bracelets
Yes, just like middle school! Sit down with some string, beads, and your favorite music.
22. Take a Fun Class Together
Pottery, dance, yoga, or even candle making—trying something new is always better with friends.
23. Visit a Fair or Carnival
Win each other prizes, eat way too much cotton candy, and take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
24. Host a Pool Party
Bring out the floaties, blast a summer playlist, and turn your backyard into party central.
25. Make TikToks or Reels Together
Spend a lazy afternoon recreating viral dances or just making goofy videos for laughs.
26. Volunteer for a Good Cause
Do something meaningful together, like helping at an animal shelter or organizing a local cleanup.
27. Do a Glow Stick Dance Party at Night
Turn off the lights, crack some glow sticks, and dance like no one’s watching.
28. Try Urban Exploring
Check out hidden gems in your city—murals, cool cafés, or scenic walking trails.
29. Build a Fort Indoors
Blankets, fairy lights, and all your favorite snacks—it’s cozy, nostalgic, and so much fun.
30. Throw a ‘Just Because’ Celebration
No occasion needed—bake a cake, decorate a little, and celebrate the beauty of friendship.
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