Summer inhabits a magical space in the year—the extra hours of sunlight and warmth in the air free us from routine and instill a new sense of adventure. As school wraps up and fireflies make their debut, potential abounds. Yet this season can also be a time of pressure, to fill up any spare moments with a survey of bucket list items and to-dos to check off.
It can be tempting to compare our plans with someone else’s, but summer doesn’t mean going on the longest trips or being the most productive. At the heart of it, this season is about embracing the moment and spending time with those you love. Which is why, with this list below, we invite you to create new spaces for community that tap into summer’s boundless spirit.
01. Begin a Book Club
A book club is more than a reason to read; it’s an invitation to share perspectives with people you might not otherwise cross paths with. Whether cozying up with a classic or on the edge of your seat with a mystery, reading is a great way to spark imagination and inspiration. Plus, it’s the perfect thing to do when you’re relaxing by the pool. If you want to start your own club, many local bookstores and libraries have the resources to get your group started and can be hosted in-person or adapted to meet virtually. The best stories, after all, are the ones we experience together. For a place to start, we recommend looking at Chip + Jo’s books, which always lead to great conversation.
Tip: Another way to foster community and learn what people are reading is to take a walk and try to find a Little Free Library. These spaces uncover potential new reads that your neighbors have been loving and once you start looking for them, you'll notice them popping up everywhere.
02. Create a Craft Night
From the cool, smooth feeling of clay on your hands to the calming rhythm that comes with each crochet stitch, working with your hands can become a regular practice for your summer days (plus, you can find refuge of the air conditioning).
Try a new skill—there are so many: pottery, floral arranging, cooking classes, furniture upholstery, and gardening to name a few—and see where it takes you. Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, gives you the chance to find a new hobby and a new edge of personal growth. A sense of delight coupled with your imagination can be the perfect fuel for summer, revealing another layer of who you are and what you have the potential to create. Kindle your imagination and allow your creativity to flow. For extra guidance and inspiration, be sure to check out our Magnolia WorkshopsOpens in new tab on YouTube.
03. Take It Outdoors
With the extra hours of sunlight and comforting warmth that lasts well into the evening, summer is a great time to switch things up and head outside. Great for adults and kids alike, an outdoor movie night, challenging someone to a favorite board game, or even turning your nightly dinner into an evening picnic can each be opportunities to soak up some seasonal air. Hosting a night outdoors is a simple way to create a memory out of an ordinary evening—one where laughter echoes in the yard and new discoveries are made in a space that previously felt familiar. Add cozy cushions, string lights, and a few treats, and you’ve set the stage for a night where everyone is welcome. It’s a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t always ask for much—just good company and a little open sky.
04. Try a Sport
Lacing up your shoes and joining a local rec sports team is a great way to stay active and build a sense of sportsmanship. When your energy is high and you're working with others, being a part of a team can infuse a sense of excitement into every day and bonds you with those around you. Weekly pickleball, a casual kickball league, frisbee golf, or going to the batting cages—these moments spark memories of childhood, playing with neighbors or classmates, and the thrill of stepping up to the plate. Late evenings in the sun spent laughing can reintroduce us to the importance of playfulness in our lives (just make sure you stay hydrated)! With so many sports that complement the summer, the hardest part might be choosing what to play first.
For some equipment to get you started, check out our outdoor game shop. You don’t need to be an all-star—just willing to show up, laugh a little, and try something new. Because sometimes, moving together makes everyone an MVP.
05. Give Back and Volunteer
In small, steady acts of service, we find connection, gratitude, and a deeper sense of purpose. Whether it’s helping out at a community garden, organizing donations at a food pantry, or taking care of the animals at the local shelter, we gain meaning and broaden our perspective by lending a hand. And often, we walk away feeling just as full as those we came to support.
It’s a simple, beautiful reminder that when we give our time, we’re also building something lasting—together. While we love the feeling of freedom and boundlessness that comes with summer, volunteering helps us remember our roots and the values we want to build a life around. When we have confidence in who we are, we can support and build community at the same time. Even one afternoon can spark new friendships or inspire a habit of helping others. Volunteering plants a seed of giving back to the community and the impact you make might just go further than you know.
So, this summer, embrace the season's boundless potential by trying something—together. Sometimes the greatest part of the journey is finding it with friends old and new, building community in the process that enjoys the same adventures as you.
