32 Summer Hobbies That Are Perfect for Warmer Weather

If winter is the time to settle in and cozy up, summer is the time to play, explore, and try new things. This season brings extra daylight hours and gorgeous weather that just begs you to get outside and enjoy it. While I may have been content to spend evenings and weekends mindlessly watching Netflix during the colder months, my free time during the summer deserves to be filled with something a little more exciting and intentional. I’m determined to make the most of this season by trying out some new summer hobbies that’ll help me get outside my comfort zone, learn something new, and make the most of these long, sunny days.

IMO, the best kind of summer hobbies are ones you can do outdoors while enjoying the beautiful weather. Or, if you live in a place that gets super hot this time of year, activities that help you escape the heat might be more your speed. Either way, it’s the perfect time to experiment with a fun new hobby. Whether you want to get active, try something creative, or find something fun you can do with friends, these summer hobbies will help you take advantage of the best parts of the season:

1. Join a sand volleyball league

If you’re looking for a fun social hobby to try this summer, joining a sand volleyball league could be the perfect activity. Check your city’s parks and recreation department to find leagues at public parks near you, or look into bars, breweries, or sports complexes with outdoor sand courts. And don’t worry if you don’t have a full team of friends to play with! You can often sign up solo and get placed on an open team. Whether you’re a serious competitor or you’re just there for the camaraderie and the vibes, it’s a great way to get active and meet new people in your city.

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Volleyball

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2. Bake with seasonal produce

Baking may seem like an activity reserved for cozy season, but don’t forget about all the delicious summer desserts you can make! From berries to peaches to lemons, there are so many in-season fruits that taste even better in the summer—and make incredible additions to cakes, pies, bars, and frozen treats. Hit the farmers market to stock up on your favorite produce, then experiment with baking some yummy summer recipes. And if you want to avoid heating up the house, there are plenty of no-bake options that don’t require turning on your oven.

Amazon

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Claire Saffitz

Dessert Person

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3. Try watercolor painting

Watercolor painting is the perfect artsy activity to do outdoors this summer. Because all you need is a small paint set, some brushes, and a cup of water, it’s easy to take your supplies to a park or out onto your patio or balcony. Set up with a chair or on a blanket and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine while you paint.

Emily Lex Studio

Flowers Watercolor Workbook

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Amazon

Watercolor Paint Set

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4. Start a junk journal

While you’re out and about this summer, you’ll likely collect plenty of restaurant receipts, ticket stubs, coffee sleeves, business cards, and maybe even some travel postcards. Why not repurpose all this “junk” in a book of memories you’ll love looking back on? Junk journaling is all about using everyday items and extra scraps that would otherwise be considered junk into a fun scrapbook of sorts. All you need to get started is a blank journal, some double-sided tape or glue, and whatever scraps you have lying around.

Amazon

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Amazon

Double Sided Tape Roller

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Amazon

Summer Watercolor Sticker Set

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5. Go hammocking

Hammocking is quite possibly the most chill summer hobby out there. The whole point is to relax, whether that means taking a nap, reading a book, or just enjoying the sounds of nature while you kick back in your own personal cocoon. To get started, you’ll obviously need a hammock, which you can purchase inexpensively on Amazon or at sporting goods stores. Watch some YouTube videos or follow the instructions included with your hammock to learn how to set it up safely. Then pick out a couple of trees in a local park, near a body of water, or in your own backyard, and get ready to fully relax.

Amazon

Outdoor Hammock

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6. Learn to grill

This summer, grilling is for the girls. If you love a juicy burger or a good veggie kebab, why not master your own grilling technique? If you live in an apartment building or condo, you may have access to a community grill in your complex that you can use for free. Spend your evenings learning to grill all your favorite summer foods (chicken skewers and corn on the cob, anyone?). You’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous weather and some delicious food when you’re done.

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7. Get into roller skating

Although summer break isn’t a thing for adults, this season is the ideal time to try out hobbies that’ll make you feel like a kid again. If you loved zipping around your neighborhood on skates back in the day, you can totally revisit this classic summer activity as an adult. Grab a pair of roller blades or skates, and strap on a helmet along with elbow and knee pads (safety first!). Practice on a smooth, flat surface as you get your bearings, and be prepared to take a few falls—it’s all part of the process!

Amazon

Rollerskates

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8. Take up swimming

Whether you have access to a pool or live by a beach or lake, relaxing near a body of water is a summer requirement. This year, turn your passive enjoyment of floating on the water into a full-on hobby by taking up swimming. It’s the perfect way to cool off during the sweltering days of summer. Plus, swimming is a fantastic full-body workout that’s easier on your body than many other forms of exercise.

Amazon

Swimming Goggles

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9. Host regular summer gatherings

Summer is the season for hosting, and it doesn’t have to be something you only do sporadically or for special occasions. Become the designated host of the friend group, and get some dates on the calendar on a regular basis. Monthly get-togethers are a great place to start, or you could get really ambitious by hosting weekly gatherings! Between choosing a theme, designing invites, planning the menu or activities, and pulling off the event itself, hosting can totally count as a full-blown hobby.

10. Press flowers into art

Summer is the peak season for all sorts of flowers, and pressing them allows you to enjoy the beautiful blooms long after summer has ended. Whether you want to preserve flowers from a bouquet you received, blooms from your own garden, or wildflowers you picked alongside the road, pressing them is as simple as placing them between layers of parchment paper under a heavy book. In 2-4 weeks, you’ll have beautifully preserved flowers you can frame as art.

Amazon

Flower Press Kit

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Pressed Flowers Glass Frames

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11. Try out water sports

If backstroke isn’t your thing, water sports are another way to get out on the water this summer while doing something a little more adventurous. Try out an activity like paddleboarding, kayaking, or even surfing if you live near the ocean. You can often find relatively inexpensive rentals near your local body of water, so you don’t have to worry about investing in pricey equipment right away.

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12. Perfect your at-home coffee recipe

One of my favorite parts of summer is that I can finally enjoy my iced coffee without my hands freezing while I hold it. There’s just nothing like that first sip of a delicious iced coffee on a sunny summer day. And if you’re anything like me, you might be guilty of a daily Starbucks stop to get your caffeine fix because it just doesn’t taste the same when you make it at home. Instead of spending $7 on coffee every day, use this summer to finally perfect your at-home coffee recipe. Your wallet will thank you.

Amazon

De’Longhi Dedica Duo Espresso and Cold Brew Machine

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Amazon

Iced Coffee Cups

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Amazon

Torani Coffee Syrup

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13. Discover all the outdoor patios in your town

If you asked me to picture a quintessential summer evening, my mind would immediately conjure visions of me wearing an adorable sundress and sipping a spritz on an outdoor patio. It’s the perfect way to soak up the sun while enjoying a good drink and some tasty bites. Make it your mission this summer to discover all the best outdoor patios your town has to offer. You can recruit friends to try this with you and create a final ranking when summer comes to a close.

14. Try rock climbing

Girlies with a fear of heights: This hobby may not be for you. But if you feel comfortable without your feet planted firmly on the ground, it could be your new summer obsession. Start by visiting a rock climbing gym near you to learn the basics. Once you’ve mastered climbing indoors, you can even take your skills to the great outdoors. It’s the ideal hobby if you want to challenge yourself this summer, and, as an added bonus, your arms will get a killer workout.

Amazon

Climbing Harness Package

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REI

Climbing Shoes

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REI

Half Dome Helmet

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15. Cook your way through a cookbook

Level up your usual dinner rotation by choosing a cookbook to work your way through this season. Not only will you improve your cooking skills, but you will also have some new fancy recipes you can enjoy yourself or impress your friends with at your next gathering. Throw on The Bear for some chef inspiration and get cooking.

Meredith Hayden

The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook

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Dan Pelosi

Let’s Eat: 101 Recipes to Fill Your Heart & Home

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Ina Garten

Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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16. Learn to do your nails at home

A fresh manicure is one of the quickest ways to boost confidence. Something about a cute color on my nails just makes me feel like I have my entire life together, even when that couldn’t be further from the truth. This summer, learn to do your nails at home so that new-nails feeling is accessible whenever needed. It might take a few tries before your nails look salon-ready, but come fall, you might just break up with your nail tech.

Olive & June

At Home Mani System

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17. Make a scrapbook

By the end of the summer, your camera roll is going to be full of pictures anyway, so why not document those memories with something a little more special? Print out those photos and preserve your favorite summertime moments with a scrapbook. Stock up on colorfully patterned paper, stickers, washi tape, and other embellishments to decorate each page. If you work on it throughout the summer, you’ll have a full album of your favorite memories by the season’s end. 

Amazon

Self Adhesive Scrapbook Album

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Amazon

500 Sheets Scrapbook Paper Set

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18. Try your hand at flower arranging

Trust me: There’s more to it than taking off the packaging and plopping your blooms in a vase. Flower arranging is an art form in itself and one of the best summer hobbies to pick up as the weather warms up. After all, nothing screams summer like an arrangement of fresh flowers on the table. To hone your flower design skills, grocery store blooms will work just fine, or you could really go all in and try growing your own. Experiment with different types of flowers and vessels to create something unique and beautiful that you’ll be proud to show off.

Amazon

Floral Arrangement Kit

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Amazon

Wire Flower Arranging Grids

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19. Practice sketching

You don’t have to be an artist to make something beautiful. Sketching is a low-pressure form of art that anyone can pick up as a summer hobby. To get started, gather a blanket and some art supplies, and plop down in front of a good view. It could be a view of your city’s skyline, a fountain in a park, a tree in your backyard, your friend’s lovely face—whatever strikes your fancy! Then take your time sketching out what you see onto the paper in front of you. This is a great way to spend some time outdoors and really appreciate the world around you. 

Amazon

Sketch Pad

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Amazon

Sketching and Drawing Pencil Kit

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20. Get into fabric-dyeing

Tie-dyeing was THE summer hobby when we were kids, and we think it’s high time to bring it back. Working with dye can get a little messy, which makes this the perfect hobby to do outside. For an adult take on this favorite childhood activity, try shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that involves indigo dye. Once you get the hang of it, the sky’s the limit with what you can customize with new patterns of color—think clothing, beach towels, tote bags, bedding, and so much more.

Amazon

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21. Take your workout outdoors

Whether you’re into yoga, running, strength training, or something else, there’s just something about being outside that makes working out more fun. Take advantage of the warm weather by moving your usual workout to your backyard, a local park, or even the beach if you live nearby. You’ll get your daily dose of vitamin D in addition to all those great mental and physical benefits of moving your body.

23. Start a garden

Maybe you’re already a plant mom, or maybe you’re like me and can’t get within 10 feet of a plant without it passing away. Regardless of your previous skill level, gardening can be a super rewarding hobby to take up in the summertime. Start small with just a handful of pots or a couple of different plant varieties in a raised bed. If you need some guidance, head to your local garden center and chat up the staff to get tips on what grows best in your area. Getting your hands dirty and watching your plant babies thrive will be so satisfying!

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Gardening Tools Set

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24. Make your own jewelry

Arts and crafts have always been some of the most popular summer hobbies, but have you tried making your own jewelry yet? Capture your own design aesthetic in wearable pieces that you can make at home. Create custom pieces for yourself, gift them to a friend, sell them on Etsy—the possibilities are endless. Start with a kit that includes some of the basic supplies you’ll need, then have fun picking out beads and charms to get creative with.

Amazon

Jewelry Making Supplies Kit

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22. Mix up summer cocktails or mocktails

Why pay for overpriced cocktails when you can learn to whip up your favorite drink at home? With the price of nights out ever increasing, this summer is the time to make it happen. Find recipes for your favorite cocktails online, or check out a cocktail recipe book for inspiration. Then gather your ingredients, set out your cocktail-making accessories, and toast to trying new things.

Amazon

10-Piece Bar Tool Set

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Amazon

The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions

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25. Take a hike

Grab your hiking boots, ladies, because we’re trailblazing this summer. If you’ve been hiking before, you know that it’s one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Hit up a local trail in your area or road trip to a place with great heights and terrain—the world is truly your playground! Get lost in thought, get those endorphins pumping, soak up some vitamin D, and let the good times roll. Just make sure you’ve got comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and a good SPF.

Amazon

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26. Go camping

Ready to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors? Give camping a try this summer. You’ll need some gear before you head out (a tent and a sleeping bag are a good start), but you can often purchase the essentials inexpensively or may even be able to borrow from friends. Then pick out a campsite in a scenic spot and get ready to spend some quality time with nature. You’ll have so much fun toasting marshmallows and swapping stories around the campfire that you won’t even miss a roof over your head.

Amazon

Camping Tent with Rainfly

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Amazon

Lightweight Sleeping Bag

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27. Read in the sunshine

Name a better feeling than diving into a good book while basking in the sunlight. I’ll wait. The slow moments of summer serve as the perfect opportunity to finally tackle that ever-growing “to-read list.” And whether you’re looking for books that will keep you on the edge of your seat, transport you to a fantasy world, or suck you in from page one, we’ve got some page-turning recommendations for you. 

Caro Claire Burke

Yesteryear

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Rachel Khong

Real Americans

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28. Take up photography

Summer is the perfect time to pick up photography and learn how to use your camera beyond “auto” mode. You’ll be able to flex your skills while documenting your favorite summer sights or snapping the perfect golden hour pics of your besties. Whether you have a DSLR or just your phone camera, learning the basics of photography can make any picture exponentially better. Watching a few online tutorials on photography basics can help you understand the camera you already have or inspire you to invest in one.

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Canon DSLR Camera

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29. Hit the tennis court

Channel your inner Serena Williams because tennis is a phenomenal way to get outside, get your heart rate up, and get your sweat on. Do I personally know one thing about tennis other than the mandatory grunt that comes with serving? No. But do I enjoy the satisfying “plunk” that occasionally occurs when a tennis ball bounces perfectly off the center of my racket? You bet. Grab a couple of rackets and get a match going with a friend as you learn on the go.

Amazon

Tennis Rackets Set

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30. Go on bike rides

Speeding around on a bike with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face is an unmatched feeling. It takes me straight back to summer nights in my hometown as a kid and leaves me nostalgic AF. This summer, recapture some of that carefree childhood feeling by hopping on a bike and exploring. If you don’t already own one, many cities offer affordable bike rentals you can hop on for the afternoon. Just be sure to wear your helmet!

Amazon

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Amazon

Adult Bike Helmet

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31. Explore new places in your town

It’s never too late to appreciate the nooks and crannies of your own hometown. Between shopping small businesses, visiting farmers markets, and hitting up festivals, there’s plenty to do come summer that will help you rediscover the beauty of your own city. Challenge yourself to visit one to two new places a week to broaden your horizons and appreciate all that your city has to offer.

32. Learn to golf

Golf may seem a little intimidating if you’ve never hit the links before, but it’s a fun summer hobby that you can stick with for (pretty much) ever. There are so many components to golf that you can spend time mastering (putting, chipping, driving, driving the golf cart while looking cute in golf attire, etc.). While investing in a set of clubs can be expensive, a good set can last you a lifetime. But if you’re just getting started and not sure you’ll stick with it, renting clubs at the course might be your best bet.

Adidas

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Amazon

Women’s Golf Clubs Complete Set

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Managing Editor

Ashley’s first love in life is writing and, since working at The Everygirl, her passion has grown to encompass all forms of content creation. Since joining our company, Ashley has grown her creative instincts and merged them with metrics-driven strategy, bringing a fresh perspective to our team.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor

Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.

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