1. Friends

The feeling of hanging out without the pressure of school assignments is amazing. Enjoy long nights chatting, going to events, or driving around town without a plan or idea as to where you might end up.

2. Bonfires

Hanging around the fire after the sun sets inspires great conversation. You tell stories, laugh until it hurts and create memories that will last a life time.

3. S'mores

And what bonfire is complete until the marshmallows and chocolate have been opened?

4. Fireworks

Most commonly viewed around the Fourth of July, fireworks

are a beautiful nighttime spectacle. If you live in the country, you might hear them being shot off on any given night.

5. Baseball

The crack of the bat as it makes contact with the ball: there are few greater joys. Opening day truly signifies the beginning of the summer, for me. Whether you cheer for your favorite MLB franchise (Detroit Tigers!) or play for the summer league nearest to you, baseball is a sport that brings people together and builds community.

6. Sunshine and Sunglasses

We all know the feeling.

I can’t even begin to describe it.

7. A Good Book Under a Big Tree

Hours can be lost in the pages of a book. Especially if it is read under the comfort of a shady tree.

8. Fishing

A person can fish for sport, for fun, off a dock, in a boat, on the shore. No matter what kind of person you are, there is probably a style of fishing that suits you. Even if that means watching on the sidelines.

9. Stars

There is no better time for viewing stars than from the comfort of a warm night in the middle of summer. Best enjoyed with a comfy blanket and cool drink.

10. Iced Coffee

Let’s be honest: coffee is always delicious. This item could be on a list that pertains to fall, winter, spring or summer!

11. Swimming

Your location of choice could be either the ocean, a lake,or a pool. No matter what, swimming is a fun way to cool off during the heat of the summer months.

12. Gardens

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is lost during the winter (unless you’re lucky enough to live where it’s gardening season all year long). Berry picking is a great family activity, and it teaches young children the benefits of having a garden. So many yummy dishes can be cooked with a tomato and pepper picked right from the plant a few minutes before going in the frying pan.

13. Flowers

They paint the world with their beautiful landscape.