Top things to do in the summer

After months of exams and revision you're finally free to kick back and relax, but what are you going to do with all that spare time? We've come up with an A-Z bucket list to help you make the most of the summer!

It’s a collection of amazing experiences, activities, and adventures you can do by yourself or with friends and family during the holidays.

Why not try and tick a couple off? Let’s get started!

Summertime is THE time for festivals, but did you know there are loads of free ones that happen across the country? Do an online search for ‘free music festivals’ and see what’s happening in your area – you’ll be rocking out in no time!

Have you ever really explored your hometown or city? Maybe there’s a museum, monument, or historical site in your area you’ve never been to before? Take a day to visit all the top attractions in your area.

If you’re not sure where to start, visit your local tourist information centre for a free map or advice. You never know what you might discover.

Fancy camping under the stars? Well now’s your chance! There are lots of outdoor activity groups, clubs, and summer camps right here in the UK.

Ask your local Scouts group for the best places to camp with family or book a summer camp experience with friends with a local company. The summer of your life is waiting.

This one's going to sound bizarre, but hear us out. The last thing you want to do is look back on the summer and think you wasted it mindlessly scrolling in a dark room. But once you start it's hard to stop right?

So, why not set aside a day where you go device free? If you do find yourself reaching for your phone, why not text a friend and plan to go out and do things like swimming or going on a bike ride.

Ever thought about using your skills to earn yourself some goodies? Maybe you can sing or you love writing poems? Whatever your skill is, you’ll be amazed at what competitions are on offer.

How about composing a song for your local radio station? Or you could enter a young writer’s competition? See what’s out there and have a laugh with your friends – you never know you might win!

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh fruit and what better way to do that than supporting your local independent farm shop and ‘picking your own’.

Each farm shop offers different varieties of fruit to pick, from strawberries and raspberries to blueberries and blackberries. Some farm shops may even have vegetables you can pick too.

If you don’t live near a farm, you could make your own strawberry planter. Choose a planter that will fit on your balcony, patio, or windowsill. Buy some seeds from your local supermarket, plant them, and make sure to look after them according to the instructions.

Amusement parks can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways you can save money and enjoy a lower-cost day out with friends.

Look out for 2for1 vouchers or offers online – these can often be found in newspapers or on cereal boxes. You can also find offers online. Whilst we’re talking money saving, why not take a packed lunch with you on the day?

If you’d prefer to stay local, check out a funfair nearby – you might even win a prize or two!

Being outdoors and exercising is great for your mental health and summer is the ideal time to enjoy some fresh air.

If you fancy a challenge, there are lots of group hikes you and your family can join, led by qualified and experienced mountain guides. Push yourself and experience the thrill, but make sure you do it with someone who knows what they’re doing!

Whether it’s a movie box set or TV series, pick something fun, grab some snacks and get comfy in front of the TV!

If you want to keep busy this summer, join a club! Whether it’s performing arts, cooking, swimming, crafts, or sport – there’s something for everyone.

Head to your local information centre or theatre and spend some time looking at the flyers and brochures stand.

You could search online for 'clubs or activities near me'. Most clubs have a website with useful information, like contact details. Do some research with your parents and reach out to some club leaders. Who knows, you may even discover a new hobby?

Grab the mic (or your hairbrush) and get ready for a sing-along.

You don’t need a fancy karaoke machine to take part in this sing-along! Simply pop the radio on or find an instrumental track online and join in!

It’s time to de-stress with laughter. Get together with friends and make a list of the top ten funniest things that happened during secondary school.

Did you go to school in your uniform on non-uniform day? Or maybe your friend had an embarrassing trip in front of their crush. Reminisce and have a laugh together.

Let’s make some memories!

Take a two second video every day – this could be with friends at the park, lounging on the sofa with your family or eating ice-cream in the sun. Edit them together and ta-da, a video of your summer holidays to treasure forever!

Your exams have been full-on – no wonder you’re exhausted!

Summer’s not just about making memories – it’s also a time for rest. Enjoy a lazy morning or take an afternoon siesta. Your body will thank you for it later.

Pineapple on pizza…yes or no? Either way, everyone’s welcome at this party.

Grab some ingredients and have a go at making your own pizza from scratch. Experiment with flavours, try something different and discover some new recipes.Give the BBC Food pizza dough recipe a go!

It’s BBQ season and what could be better than a mouth-watering burger with a fresh, juicy salad made from your very own garden?

Have a go at planting your own herbs and vegetables. You could start with chive, basil, or lettuce. Pick up some seeds at your local supermarket or garden centre.

If you don’t have a garden, you can use a recycled jam jar or yoghurt pot. Simply plant your seeds and then pop your jar or pot on your windowsill near some sunlight and make sure to water daily.

Why not have a go at making your own quiz and hosting it for friends and family?

You could use traditional rounds such as sport, music, history, or entertainment. If you’re feeling really creative, you could make your own rounds using pictures. What about name that album cover or whose chin is this? Anything goes when you’re the quizmaster!

Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, reading is the perfect way to escape and unwind.

Don’t have any books? Visit a library. You could even look for your free local book swap point, these tend to be found in old phone boxes or bus stops. Make sure to swap your book back once you’ve read it!

Now you’ve finished your exams, it’s a great time to start thinking about new goals for the year ahead.

Find some old magazines, books, or newspapers and cut out any pictures, quotes or words that mean something to you. It could be a job, a new hairstyle, or a dream holiday. Set yourself three new goals for the year.

Stick them onto a board and keep it somewhere it will inspire you. Or why not make a digital vision board and use it as your phone wallpaper?

When was the last time you tried a new food? Exactly!

Visit your local food hall or farmer’s market and pick up some new ingredients to try. If you don’t have a food hall nearby, have a look online for some new dishes and recipes. Make a shopping list, then enjoy cooking, experimenting and impressing your family and friends.

Ever heard of journaling? It’s a written account of your thoughts and feelings.

Maybe you saw something interesting happen on your walk, or maybe you’re starting to think about goals and ambitions in your life.

In years to come you can look back on all the memories you made. If you had some difficult times at school, we've got some advice here about how writing a letter to your younger self can help.

Want to do more this summer? Are you looking for a summer project or volunteer programme?

There are lots of organisations who rely on young volunteers, for example food banks, charities, community clubs. You could help make a difference!

Volunteering is incredibly rewarding, looks great on your CV and can help you develop skills for life. So, what are you waiting for?

Use a weather app to find out the exact time the sun rises. Then, make a plan with your family. What time will you set your alarm for? Where will you watch the sunrise from?

If you’re not an early bird, why not watch the sunset instead? Or if you really want, watch both!

Have you ever tried running a 5K? What about the free local outdoor gym?

It’s important to keep fit and healthy – even over the summer holidays! You could dance to your favourite song, go for a walk with friends, or help your parents tidy the house.

Keep moving and be active. If you think exercise isn’t for you, think again!

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do? If so, now’s your chance. We’ve given you loads of inspiration with our A-Z Summer Bucket List, but if there’s something else you’d like to try, what are you waiting for?

Make a list of three things you’d like to tick off this summer, this could be a BBQ with friends, watching a particular film, or learning to juggle. Keep your options fun and achievable and make sure you have an amazing summer!

Your exams have been full on! It’s time to take a breather and have some YOU time.

You don’t need to fill every second of your summer holidays with activities. Take some time for yourself. Listen to a podcast, meditate, do some yoga, or take a nap if you’re feeling tired.

Rest and recover for your next adventure.

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.

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