How to soak up extra summer sunshine

Build an ideal longest weekend.

Every year the sun gets more and more airtime leading up to the summer solstice, and we’re here to help you take advantage of it. Whether you want to pack up the car and head somewhere new or just create some summer fun in your backyard, the recipe to build your ideal summer days awaits. 

Summer memories will be different for everyone, but it’s time to forge new adventures that will give you and your family stories to tell for a lifetime. One day you’ll look back and say, “Remember that time we spent the longest weekend of the year all together?” When planning your weekend, use these 3 buckets to help create a time you’ll never forget. 

It's game time

Nothing like some family rivalry to get a summer day started. Organizing some sporting games is a great way to get a weekend going. The possibilities are endless depending on the size of your group. If you have a smaller crew, sports such as pickleball, tennis, soccer or basketball might be the right option for you. Yes, soccer and basketball require a larger party if we’re getting technical, but you always have the option to do smaller teams or play games such as H-O-R-S-E and Around the World. If you have a big roster, you could try games of baseball, wiffle ball, football or kickball. 

Wondering where to play? Utilize whatever setting is most accessible to you! That might be a local park, a backyard, the beach or maybe a neighborhood recreation center. The most important thing is that you’re having fun and making memories, so don’t stress if you can’t find a regulation size court—the good times will follow regardless. 

Refresh and relax

Post-sporting events, there’s a good chance your group might be a little sweaty and maybe a little tired. Time by the water is the perfect next step to your longest weekend. Being by the water has so many meanings, so pick one that best suits your needs. If you’re itching for some new scenery, a quick trip to the beach, river or lake could check your box. You could simply set up a chair and take in the essence of the water, or you could stay moving with activities such as boogie boarding, boating, paddleboarding or tubing. 

If staying local is more your speed, an afternoon accompanied by water is still on your horizon. For a more relaxing option, a community pool or blow-up pool for your backyard might be how you spend a couple of hours. Some activities that will keep the kids energized and busy include Slip ’n Slide, a water balloon fight, running through the sprinkler and more

Nighttime leisure

After a day filled with extra sunshine, you might want to throw in the towel before the sunset, but consider winding down your day outside with your loved ones and one final activity. If it’s dark enough where you are, catching fireflies or stargazing is sure to become a core memory for all involved. Sometimes once the sun signs off for the day, the temperature can drop, so lighting a fire can be an option for sitting and reminiscing about the fun you’ve had this weekend and times before. You might even get wild and make some s’mores! One other way to cap off the day is with ice cream—this can involve either going to a local spot or making sundaes at home. Truly the perfect cherry on top of a memorable weekend. 

Make the longest weekend count

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you went or how much money you spent on new activities; what really matters is the people you spent the time with and the memories you made. Build a weekend that is authentic to your interests and budget, and an unforgettable, sunshine-filled weekend will be waiting. 

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