10 summer activities to enjoy over the long weekend

Is there anything better than enjoying a summer day off? Seasonal holidays and long weekends present the perfect opportunity to get outside and create lasting memories with friends and family. Make the most of the warm weather and get to know your local region with these fun summer activities and seasonal experiences.

[Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot]

1. Go for a swim
Head to a nearby lake, public pool, or beachfront and take a refreshing dip in the water. Summer is the best season to take advantage of your local swimming pools and the scenic natural bodies of water outside the city.

2. Play a round of mini-golf
Work on your putting skills at a local miniature golf course. Colourful putt-putt courses are built with thematic decor and challenging obstacles that make them a fun outdoor summer activity for kids…and the young at heart.

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Want to work on your short game?
Let YP help you find a local Mini-Golf Course for some putting practice

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3. Pick fresh summer fruit
Pick-your-own fruit farms are bursting with seasonal berries and fresh produce during summer, making them a great summer activity for adults and kids alike. Head out on a rural road trip and collect your own harvest to turn into delicious desserts or a batch of homemade jam.

4. Throw a backyard BBQ
Fire up the grill and invite your pals over for a Southern-inspired backyard BBQ. Plan a meaty menu featuring cookout classics like ribs, sausages, pulled pork, potato salad, and cornbread. Serve your tasty meats and sides alongside a homemade batch of boozy bourbon lemonade.
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Steaks, sausages, and shrimp, oh my!
If you need some meat for the BBQ, YP can connect you with local Butcher Shops.

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5. Listen to music outside
There’s just something special about enjoying live music in the open air. See if there’s an outdoor concert happening in your local area, or gather some friends for an impromptu jam session with instruments in a park or at the beach. In a pinch, you can always curate a playlist of your favourite summer jams to listen to while gazing up at the sky.

6. Create a signature summer drink
Channel your inner mixologist and create your very own signature summer libation. Use a mix of liquors, bitters, syrups, and garnishes to design a thematic cocktail that reflects your summer mood – or make a kid-friendly mocktail without the booze.

7. Play some lawn games
Classic lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, and pétanque have a timeless appeal and are a fun, low-tech way to spend the afternoon. Some local parks rent the necessary equipment on-site, or you can purchase a set to use in your own backyard.

8. Get creative with arts and crafts
Stuck inside with bad weather? There are plenty of fun summer activities to enjoy indoors – all you need is a few art supplies. Get creative with DIY crafts like tie-dying old clothing, mixing up a batch of slime, or making a custom kite for your next high-flying outing.
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Want to keep the kids entertained with some DIY crafts?
Let YP find local Arts & Crafts Stores where you can pick up creative tools for your next rainy-day project.

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9. Visit some animals
Sick of socializing with your household bubble? Get up close and personal with some friendly new faces. Visit a zoo to see exotic animals from around the world, check out colourful fish and aquatic life at an aquarium, or commune with furry creatures at a local petting farm.

10. Plan a globally inspired picnic
Take advantage of sunny skies and plan an internationally inspired alfresco feast. Choose a foreign locale and pick-up delicious picnic food, drinks, and decor items inspired by the destination. Use this as an opportunity to learn about another country’s distinct cuisine and culinary traditions.