So you know those days or even months during the summer when all your friends are on vacation, and there seems to be nothing to do. Well I am here to tell you that there is stuff to do! We all go through those weeks or days when they go by so slow and we sit, stay in bed all day, and Netflix is our best friend. All the things I am about to share... are free to do! I am also here to tell you... go outside.

1. Go on a hike.

Yes, go walk through the woods and take in every beautiful thing nature has to offer. Depending on where you live, there may even be hiking places or trails near your house. In North Carolina there are hiking places all across the state, my favorite ones start with Stone Mountain, and down through Asheville, North Carolina continuing all the way to Pisgah National Forest. Hiking is a fun, free way to have fun with your friends and to take in the world around you.

2. Go Swimming.

When people say "Swimming" I automatically think of summer. If you don't have a pool, or even a pool membership there are a lot of local community pools that don't charge much for day passes. If you are over pools and want something new.. Go Hiking and find a water hole, water fall, or even a creek to swim in! They are free, and you most of the time don't have to worry about too many people being there.

3. Having a Picnic.

Now, you may think having a picnic is for children but being older you can totally have more fun with it. You can gather all your friends in a field, local park, or again go find a place in the woods to have your picnic. Another thing to add to your picnic is bringing yard games like corn hole, a football to throw etc. One cool thing that I found from a famous blogger/YouTuber, names Zoella; you can make a teepee picnic, and gather all your friends this way. Being older means you can make really fun foods, desserts, and even decorate a lot more!

4. Go on a Drive.

Something to do when your bored, and there isn't much to do. Get in your car, and drive. Sometimes driving can get your mind off things and it gets you out and about. Grab your friends, turn up the tunes, and go on a mini road trip around your hometown. Going on a mini drive can lead you and your friends to go explore your local area around you, and find adventures!

5. Grab a good book.

READING! It can actually be so much fun, and make your mind go in a different direction. Getting outside, laying out and with a good book actually helps the mind be less stressed. Summer is all about relaxing when you have time to, and enjoying yourself. One of the books I am currently reading is called "Me Before You" you might have already heard about it because the movie just recently got released. Challenge yourself, also get your friends involved! You can have a mini book club, and if it is a book with a movie you can watch the movie afterwards!

All of these ideas cost next to nothing to do, and having a good summer is important because you have to be ready to go back to work, school, and our daily life. Even if you aren't going on vacation, or you work all summer these are things you can do one day and go on mini stay-cations as I like to call them. So, go on a hike, go swim with your friends, have a picnic, go on a drive, pick up a book, and go outside. Also Have a Great Summer!