With the Fourth of July behind us and summer really heating up, many will seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings away from the sun. Worse yet, with summer internships and job opportunities keeping many chained to their desks during the peak hours of the day, enjoying the outdoors may not always be an option. On those weekends away from the office, however, be sure to check out this list of ideas to make the most of the nice weather!

1. Hit the Beach

This one may seem like a given, but when there’s a chance the entire population will head to the nearest beach come Saturday morning, many don’t care to sit amongst thousands on a hot summer day. If you head to the beach early enough, you can find some prime sandy real estate, and even take a nap to reward yourself for getting there ahead of the crowds. It’s the perfect way to relax after a week at the office.

• Take a Hike – For those that are more nature-inclined, hitting the trails at a local national park or mountain is the best way to spend a summer day. Be sure to bring some bug spray and sunscreen with you when you go so you’re prepared to face the elements!
• Go White-Water Rafting – A more adventurous option, many areas offer white-water rafting at varying levels of difficulty. Go with a group of friends or on a family outing and there’s bound to be lots of laughs!
• Check out a Local Rooftop Bar – If you’re looking for a way to unwind that requires less physical activity and more socializing, head into the city. Many restaurants and bars will have outdoor spaces during the summer months, and a few prime locations have rooftop options as well!
• Cheer on your Local Team – Nothing is more fun than a baseball game, especially with a couple of girlfriends at the end of a long week! Grab cheap bleacher seats online, a hotdog, a beer, and you are good to go!
• Volunteer for a Cause – Find a local cause you’re passionate about and put in some hours volunteering! It’s a great way to relax while feeling productive, and being able to do some good in the community at the same time is always a plus!
• Go on a Picnic - When you want the best of both worlds (eating and spending time outside!) grab a blanket, some food, and some friends and head to a park nearby! If a grassy picnic wasn’t what you had in mind, head to the beach in the late afternoon as the crowds start to thin out and enjoy dinner while watching the sun set!

No matter how you decide to spend those precious hours outside of the office, make sure you’re enjoying the beautiful weather while it lasts! Before we know it summer will be slipping away and we will be layering up again, so grab some friends and enjoy the outdoors!