Today is officially the first day of summer and I couldn’t be happier! I so enjoy the summer months and here in the Mitten the season just doesn’t seem long enough. I always try to maximize doing all the things to make it a great one. So today, I am sharing seven amazing ways to have a memorable summer. It’s also the day that some of my talented blogging friends are sharing some of their summer goodness with you too! A big thank you to our host Pasha from Pasha Is Home! So sit back, relax and take in all we have to share.

Before we get started, if you are coming to me from my friends, AnnMarie and Ann from Simply 2 Moms, wasn’t their affordable small porch decor SO good?! They are both so talented!

If this is your first time to my Cottage in the Mitten, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve have been blogging for two years and I’m a Michigander through and through. You will find me sharing my home, DIY’s, family and a fun lifestyle with my readers. I would love for you to join me here and it would also be great to learn more about you.
Even though today is officially the first day of summer, I’ve been working on all things summer for quite some time. If you missed my recent post on my Bright Summer Patio, I would love for you to check it out!
Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.
“I could never in a hundred summers get tired of this.” – Susan Branch
Now that you know a little bit about me, let’s get started with my summer list!
1. Take A Road Trip
I love to do spontaneous things. In my opinion, everything doesn’t have to be planned out by the hour. There is so much adventure in the unknown! So why not “plan” an “unplanned” getaway? Pick a destination spot that isn’t super far from home. One you can do in a weekend. Then get in your car and drive!
I do suggest booking a hotel but make sure it’s one you can cancel if something better comes up along the way.
Then have a general idea of what you would like to do when you get there, but be flexible.
Consider stopping along the way for lunch at a location you have never been to. It’s always fun to try somewhere new.
Semi-planned and flexible!

2. Plan A Picnic
When was the last time you were on a picnic? I mean a real picnic. Not the brown bag lunch on one of your kid’s field trips. I’m talking about a picnic with a real picnic basket and all the goodies in it!

My suggestion for this summer… find a park that you don’t typically frequent and plan what you’ll take in your basket. Picnics are great shared with your family for a date night or you could even make it a girl day with your favorite gal pals.
Big Al and I recently headed to the park after work. I filled the basket with simple snacks, beverages, some colorful melamine plates, and of course, some fresh flowers. I make blankets for a cause and I used one of the blanket tops that I never finished as our table cloth. If you don’t know about my cause you can read all about it in The Journey.
I found this cute picnic basket early in the season. Packing a traditional wicker picnic basket with your favorite picnic foods should definitely be on your summer bucket list!
If you need some ideas on what to pack, check out this Picnic Packing Checklist at Real Simple Magazine.

Something so simple can make a fun and memorable evening. Big Al and I had so much fun we plan to do weekly throughout the summer.
“In the end nothing we do or say in this lifetime will matter as much as the way we loved one another.” – Daphne Rose Kingma
3. Do A Random Act of Kindness
I love this one!
In case you don’t know, I’ve served on multiple out of country and in country mission trips over the years. I love serving and can honestly say that for me there is no better feeling than serving others.
There are so many places you can serve and many people who currently would benefit from a random act of kindness. It’s a great way to serve as a family, too! The suggestions below can be done alone or as a group.
- Donate food
- Work at a food bank
- Clean-up someone’s yard
- Give someone a gift card for gas
- Make a meal for someone elderly or in need
- Pay for someone’s groceries
The options are limitless!

“A dark night lightened up by thousands of glowing fireflies…it’s magical.” – Ana H. Vanniavachchy
4. Catch Fireflies
Fireflies. When I was growing up we called them lightning bugs. I loved trying to catch them.
Truly, there was something magical about it. Being out late. Seeing the twinkle. The victory of catching one.
I’m sure most of you have a mason jar laying around. That’s all you need for this memory maker!
It’s that time of year when they arrive, so grab your grands, your children, nieces or nephews and head to the open fields!
I’ve got my mason jar ready!
Do you?
5. Create A Summer Playlist
I think we can all agree that there is no denying certain songs remind us of specific times in our lives. A song remembers when.
Am I not right?
Every new season deserves a new playlist and there are so many ways to get free music these days. There is nothing like listening to good music on a nice summer day!
So get started on that new playlist. You’ll be glad you did when those memories start flowing in!
“The summer night is like a perfection of thought.” —Wallace Stevens
6. Take a Camping Trip
Are you a camper? Do you prefer a tent or travel camper? I would love a travel camper but we have always been a tent family.
Camping is relatively inexpensive and you can do it easily on the weekend. Your meals don’t have to be extravegant. Take things like, bagels, cereal and donuts for breakfast. Sandwiches and burgers work great for the rest of your meals.
When our sons were little we would camp in our backyard. There is no rule book that says you have to head out to a park or campground. Camping in your own backyard is the perfect activity for those of you with small children. It’s also a great way to entertain your grands when they spend the night. They will think you’re the coolest ever and I know from experience they will always remember their backyard camping days!
Wherever you decide to camp…don’t forget the s’mores!!
7. Get A Bike & Ride
My family really enjoys a good bike ride. We always have. Here’s my pretty aqua ride! She doesn’t have a name but I defintely think she should!
I love this ride from the basket, the fancy seat, right to the decorative fenders!

Believe it or not, our sons’ childhood bikes still hang on the wall in our garage. I can’t seem to part with them. Those bikes have so many memories attached to them and they love seeing them too! To this day, the boys still tell stories about them!
Good memories.
Biking is a great way to make fun summer memories. If you haven’t biked in a long time, no worries! You don’t have to go long distances. Just taking a nice casual ride is so good for you. It’s a great way to get out and about with your family and friends, too!
We have a 16 mile trail very close to our house. My family went for the first time last weekend and we promised to do that trail once a week throughout the summer. Stopping half way for a burger and beverage at an outdoor restaurant was fun too! That may be too aggressive for you and that’s ok! Do what you can and at your pace. If there isn’t any place to bike near you, consider investing in a bike rack for your car. They are affordable and the perfect accessory to get you to where you want to start.
If you don’t have a bike or you are looking for a new one, I’ve shared some really fun ones below. They’re relatively inexpensive and remember, they are totally worth the investment.
Seven Amazing Ways To Have A Memorable Summer
There they are! My seven suggestions to fill your summer with fun memories!
I hope I’ve given you some great options to make your summer amazing. One full of memories with family and friends.
The kind of memories you wish you could relive.
The kind of memories music remembers!
Next on the tour is my friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse. She is sharing her DIY star neutral wreath. You won’t want to miss it!

Summer Inspiration from Eleven Talented Bloggers

Small Cottage Guest Bedroom, Vintage and Delightful // Dabbling & Decorating
Five Simple Things That Look Good on Your Summer Mantel // Robyn’s French Nest
Five 4th of July Party Ideas That Will Sparkle // Pasha is Home
DIY Summer Disco Ball Planter // Tater Tots & Jello

Lemon and Floral Summer Kitchen Decor // Willow Bloom Home
Five Minute Simple Summer Centerpiece // Midwest Life & Style
5 Affordable Summer Decor Ideas for a Small Front Porch // Simply 2 Moms
Seven Amazing Ways To Have A Memorable Summer // Cottage in the Mitten

DIY Star Neutral Wreath for Summer // The Pond’s Farmhouse
An Outdoor Summer Tablescape Using Blues and Terracotta // The Tattered Pew
5 Ways to Set An Everyday Summer Table // White Arrows Home
Kim,
I’m loving all your ideas for Summer. I loved catching lighting bugs when I was a child but we hardly ever see one any more and I’ve looked. My one camping experience wasn’t the best but otherwise I’d love to try all you other ideas. The spontaneous road trip is such a great idea. We have done that many times and they are the best trips. No stress and always an adventure. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Rachel! Glad to know you call them lightning bugs too! Unplanned trips are always the most fun. Happy summer!
Such great ideas! Hugs to you, my friend.
Thank you so much, Renae!
Love this post! So many good ideas (including the random act of kindness)!
Happy day friend!
KariAnne
My favorite! Thanks friend! Happy summer!
This post is soooo much fun! I want to come along with you for ALL of it!!!!
Come on along! We’ll have great fun!
Kim, I love these reminders! Summer days pass much too quickly, don’t they?!
It does go by so quickly!
Oh Kim, I want to try every single one of these this summer. Why must it be so short? And all those wonderful bikes you picked out. I want 3, LOL. Happy hopping with you my friend!
I’m so glad you liked my list!Aren’t those bikes so much fun! Always great hopping with you!
Kim – these suggestions are awesome! We have a lot in common too – I grew up tent camping with my family and then proceeded to do so with my kids! Not sure my body can still handle sleeping on the ground (it’s been a while since I have slept in our tent) – but I will always remember the way the tent makes me feel ;)!
xx-Pasha
What awesome memories! Cheat, grab an air mattress and go this summer! I use one…no shame!LOL 🙂 Happy summer, Pasha!
So fun, Kim. I love all of these ideas to create memories for the summer. Catching fireflies was one of my favorite things to do as a little girl, and man fond memories of family road trips too. Happy to be hopping with you! Hope you have a wonderful summer!
Thanks Jen! Grab your mason jar, girls and happy firefly hunting! 🙂
Kim, these are all great ideas and I hope to do as many as I can this summer. Thanks for sharing these fun ideas.
Glad you enjoyed! Happy summer, Shawna!
What are the pinkish bushes on the right side of your house behind the bunny?
Hi Nancy! They are a variety of a barberry. I am honestly not exactly sure which one. Hope that helps!
Kim I could not love this post more! So many great ideas and I wish we had lightning bugs here. I guess I will just have to come visit you in Michigan now. Happy Summer!!!
Thanks Kelly! I’ll send you a pic when I catch my first one!😘
I love all of your summer ideas, Kim! I want to do them all. I’ve been trying to get my husband excited to get a tandem bike. I think that would be so fun to do in the summer! I pinned your ideas to my summer board to share 🙂
xoxo
Awe, thanks Jen! Let me know if you get the tandem! I think that would be a blast! Happy summer, friend!
This is a fantastic post!! I am working on my Spotify playlist now… Howie’s Summer Jams…gonna be fire!!!
Thanks!! Oh, I’ll need that playlist! LOL
So many great ideas, Kim. It reminds me of my childhood. I love your pink and yellow picnic items. You know, I have not been on a picnic in a long time. I need to make that a priority this summer.
Thanks Tammy! Yes, you and Jim need to take a picnic. You’ll have so much fun!
You have some great ideas for summer Kim! We are avid bike riders- in fact, we just pulled ours out of the garage for their yearly tune-up! We love to take a packed lunch and eat if we go on a long ride. Your bike is adorable!!
It’s such a great hobby! Even a nice ride around the neighborhood is good for the soul! xo
What a great post with so many great summer ideas ! I have that yellow bike ! I love riding my bike!
You do?? That’s awesome! I love a good bike ride!
I remember my family road-trips as some of the best summer memories. Some great ideas, Kim! Watching the fireflies in my yard tonight!
Thanks, MaryKay! I will be trying to catch some this year with my sweet grand! xo
Great ideas Kim! Most of them I enjoyed as a kid or young adult and they’ve fallen to the wayside from too much “adulting”. Thank you for reminding me to keep that kid inside alive. xoxo
Yes, keep that kid alive! I was catching fireflys last night! xo