The first official day of  summer is June 20,  but our summer vacation usually starts before that.

Summer is by far my favorite season of the year. It is a time to stay up all night and sleep all day.

In the words of Alice Cooper: “No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.”

Here are five activities that are perfect for summer.

Beaches

There is something amazing about the feel of the sand between your toes and the sun’s rays kissing your skin. Beaches are essential for summer. They are the one activity that you can do by yourself and still feel content.

There are many beaches around the area that are affordable, such as Bluebell and Buttercup beaches.

Cookouts

Is summer really summer without a cookout?

This is one of my favorite activities to do with my family, but cooking out with friends is fun as well. Grab your favorite food and cook it on the grill. It doesn’t take long and it always smells good.

Bonfires 

Bonfires are another essential for summer.

Grab a comfy sweater, a blanket, and a chair and sit around a fire. Just make sure that you have a full bottle of bug spray within reach because mosquitoes are the worst at night, and no one wants bug bites while trying to enjoy a good night.

S’mores are a necessity to have while sitting around a bonfire. Just make sure you have plenty of chocolate and graham crackers because one s’more will not be enough.

Water fun

Jet skies, tubing, boats, and swimming.

Those are only a few of the many things to have fun with in the water.

On a nice hot summer day while you are sitting at home alone and bored, call a friend and plan a day in the water.

Playing in the water is the easiest way to cool off while having fun and enjoying the outdoors.

Camping 

If you are not a woodsy kind of person, then I recommend not going camping. But if you want something new to do or want to get away for a little while, I believe that camping is the most relaxing way.

Make sure that you plan for the trip and always have an extra pair of warm clothes, bug spray, and all the necessities that makes for a perfect trip.

I hope that these activities help to keep you enjoying your summer vacation.