Summer is finally here and it’s time to get some fresh air. Praise God for our family and friends, and for the opportunity to do life together, make memories, and have fun together.

Here are 10 ridiculously fun summer activities to try with your friends:

1. Favorite Things Party - Kickstart summer with a party of your favorite things. This can be anything from your favorite snack, drink, game, or even a movie. Everyone brings a favorite snack to share.

2. Go on a Hike - Get your body moving on a hike with the company of a good friend.

Here are a few fun hiking locations:

Eureka Lake - Enjoy a beautiful view as you walk around the lake. You can even find some trails in the woods close to the lake.
Forest Park Nature Center- Located in Peoria with great trails in the woods. Trails range in difficulty from beginner to experienced.
Ulrich Wildlife Preserve in Morton

3. Pickle Ball - Pickle Ball is another fun activity to try while getting exercise in for the day. Grab a friend (or three) to play singles or doubles.

4. Tea Party - This can be as fancy as having a tea set and dressing up with friends, or as simple as using a pitcher and sitting outside to enjoy snacks. Whether it’s tea, coffee, or lemonade you can pair it with scones, cookies, or sandwiches.

Below is a great scone recipe:

https://pin.it/2ShoHQ7OI

(Pinterest is a great place to find some wonderful recipes for these summer activities.)

5. Movie Night Outside - As nights start to get warm, enjoy a movie outside. You can use a projector, however, if you don’t have one, this is still possible. If you have a smaller, easily moveable TV, you can bring it outside and set it on the table. Something about watching a movie outside under the stars is just so much fun.

6. Paint Night - You do not need to be a talented artist to try this activity. Paint nights are for everyone. Grab your gals, some tasty treats, and start painting.

7. Beach Day- Grab a mini pool from Dollar Tree and pretend you’re at the beach. Get a lawn chair, put your feet in the water, sit back, and soak up the sun.

Favorite tropical drink to enjoy: 🌺🌴🍹

1 cup Coconut Water

1/2 cup Pineapple Juice

3 Mint Leaves

Ice

8. Picnic- Take a break from life's busyness and sit outside for lunch. Grab some fresh air and enjoy conversation with a friend.

9. Bonfire - Sitting around a fire with your friends is a relaxing way to end your day. To increase the experience, you could pair this with #5, or turn it into a worship night and sing songs around the fire.

10. Dance Night- One final summer fun activity is a dance night. Try something new and take a dance class with your friends. Sinclair Dance Studio in Peoria is a great place to learn.

10 Ridiculously Fun Things To Do This Summer With The Gals