The days are longer, hemlines are shorter, and ice is added to coffee. Bikini ready or not, summer is quickly coming upon us. Though we don’t like to admit it, we tend to get bored over the summer without school, but together we’ll make the most of the next 70 days.

Before summer actually kicks in, we daydream and expect our summer to be filled with parties and having the time of our lives. In reality, we lay in bed, eating chips and don’t even know what day of the week it is.

Every year, we end up telling ourselves that “this summer will be different,” but we always end up doing the same thing – binge watching Netflix or sleeping.

But this summer WILL be different. So without further ado, here are some things you can do this summer to terminate that typical summer boredom.

1) What is summer without the beach? You can’t resist a day laying out in the sun, feeling the sand between your toes and having a splash in the ocean. Just give me some music to play, a good book, and I might never leave. Get a nice tan, but don’t forget sunscreen, a cover-up, sunglasses, a floppy hat, and, of course, a towel.

Senior Fatima Naqvi says, “I love going to the beach because it is so relaxing and a great way to spend time with friends.”

2) Find a new hobby. This may be a sport, singing, playing an instrument, painting, writing, etc. Remember to keep an open mind about everything because you just might find your hidden talent. Don’t be afraid to try new things that you are introduced to.

3) Climb into your vehicle and hit the road for an iconic road trip. Remember to bring good company and download music or TV shows to keep you occupied. Do not forget a GPS, food (that is not going to go bad, like chips), and a camera to capture all your memories.

4) Throw a DIY (do-it-yourself) Movie Night. Call over some friends, lay out some pillows and blankets, pick out some movies, and enjoy a perfect night in. You could create a popcorn bar by placing snacks such as popcorn, chips, candy, and chocolate into separate bowls and have people make their own mix of popcorn. If you really want to get fancy, get a projector and screen the movie outside for your whole block to watch.

5) Try new recipes. Every time I open Pinterest and see the food category, I’m drooling all over the place and tempted to make each one! I just recently made s’more brownie bars that I found on Pinterest and it was basically heaven.

6) Play messy Twister. This is on my bucket list and definitely something I will try this summer! Just put the corresponding paint color on the circle of the Twister board. Soon, you and your friends will be covered in different colors of paint.

7) Do the Color Run. I know this summer I will be running it and I couldn’t be more excited. In Central Jersey, it will be taking place on September 5. This is such an exciting way to get a workout in while still having fun.

“I went to the Jersey Shore when we ran; it was really fun and family friendly,” says freshman Cyndill Sweat.

8) Travel. Pack your bags and go somewhere you’ve never been. Experience the different cultures, try new foods, and meet new people. Something about discovering a new city is really invigorating.

9) As they say, a picture can speak a thousand words. Good lighting and the perfect angle is all you need for the perfect picture. Summer is the ideal season for photography. The natural sunlight and good vibes beam through the photograph.

10) Amusement parks, carnivals, and festivals are in abundance this time of year and can kill boredom instantly. It’s the perfect weather to ride the ferris wheel and shamelessly enjoy some fried food. I would never miss out on spending a day at Six Flags or a carnival in town.

This summer, don’t be afraid; try something you’ve always wanted too. Do something you were always to afraid to and overcome a fear. This may be going on a roller coaster or dying your hair another color or flying. Whatever it may be, believe that you can overcome it and it will be a lot easier.

Whatever you end up doing this summer break, remember to have fun!

Make the most of this summer because soon enough Labor Day will make its way here and mark the end of another summer, and the beginning of a new school year.

What new activity will you try this summer?

Have an amazing summer!