The Best Summer Ever Checklist

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Summer? But it’s only April,” we get it. You might not have the slightest clue about your plans for that hard-earned vacation. Unfortunately, if you wait until June to figure out what to do, your only option might be lying on your sofa, bored out of your mind. 

But if you think ahead, you’re practically guaranteed a summer to remember. Bonus: Organizing your break now could give you extra oomph to power through the rest of the semester. Research shows that having something to look forward to can boost your mood and lower stress levels.

To get the summer vibes flowing, plan one or more of these five fun activities. Whatever you do, don’t wait until June to get started!

Why it’s a summer must-do: The extra cash is just one benefit of being employed for the summer. Not only does having a job provide a cure for the “I’m-so-boreds,” working with others also builds important life skills, like time management and teamwork. And this is a great time to find a first job. The number of summer employment opportunities for teens is predicted to be higher than usual, says Sinem Buber, Ph.D., an economist at the job search site ZipRecruiter. 

What to do now: Start browsing job board sites (many have a section for high school students) or asking businesses near you if they’re hiring for the summer. Then set a goal to apply for one or two openings each week. Getting ahead of the start-of-summer résumé rush means that employers will be more likely to see your application. Plus, looking for a job now gives you time to complete any necessary training or classes (such as lifeguard certification or babysitting CPR courses). 

According to one survey, the most popular summer job for teens is working in retail (in other words, selling stuff). But babysitting, dog walking, and doing yard work are also great ways to make some cash. Plus, you’ll get more fresh air than spending your days at the mall. Ask your parents’ friends and neighbors if they’ll be looking for these types of help this summer. You can also post flyers advertising your services in local cafés or libraries.  

Why it’s a summer must-do: If you’re looking to make summer memories with friends that will last a lifetime (and will also make for some pretty impressive Insta posts), try building a campfire, biking an off-road course, jogging through a local park, or hiking a new trail. You don’t need to do a multiday endurance athletic event, but your outdoor activity should last at least a few hours. After a day spent in the fresh air and sunshine, you and your pals will return from your adventure with a sunnier frame of mind. Research has found that when teens participate in outdoor group activities that challenge them (such as hiking a steep or rugged trail), they experience an increase in life satisfaction and happiness. 

What to do now: Planning an outdoor activity takes preparation. Start by recruiting buddies or family members for your adventure (for safety’s sake, you shouldn’t do it alone). Next, brainstorm what to do. Some popular outdoor activities for teens include biking, camping, fishing, running, and hiking. Then think through the details. If you’re going camping, you’ll likely need to reserve a campsite (Google local campgrounds for info), and you’ll need a fishing license if you want to fish. Make sure any equipment you’re going to need, like a bike, tent, or fishing pole, is in good working order. Divide up the planning so you’re not taking care of all the details yourself, then put a date on the calendar! 

Why it’s a summer must-do: Teens spend about two more hours per day on leisure activities during the summer than during the school year, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Makes sense, right? Without homework, your schedule gets a whole lot lighter. With all that extra time on your hands, summer is the perfect opportunity to try a new hobby or get better at one you already enjoy. Learning or practicing a skill will keep your brain sharp. Plus, figuring out how to strum your favorite Taylor Swift song on the guitar is great for your TikTok channel and your mental health. Studies show that participating in creative activities can make you feel happier and more relaxed. 

What to do now: First, figure out what skill you want to focus on (for ideas, see “Summer Skills Inspo” on the next page). Then start plotting how you’ll learn your skill. If you want to learn to play guitar, for example, you could start researching guitar lessons on YouTube or reach out to a musically inclined friend for pointers (people love to share their favorite hobbies with others). And if you need any gear to practice your new skill, now’s the time to look into borrowing or buying those items. This way, you’ll be ready to go once summer vacation arrives. 

Why it’s a summer must-do: If climate change, food insecurity, or some other issue is making you feel helpless, then a summer of giving back may change your perspective. “One of the things you learn through volunteering is that you can make a difference,” says Sapreet Saluja. She’s the executive director of the volunteer organization New York Cares. “Taking action can help build the world we want to be in.” And you’ll benefit too! Studies show that volunteering for causes that are important to you can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Research also shows that giving back has mental health payoffs, including a reduced risk of depression. Plus, you’ll meet other people who share your passion, which is a great way to make new, like-minded friends.

What to do now: Similar to finding a summer job, if you wait too long to start looking for somewhere to volunteer, you may find that opportunities have been snatched up or require advance training. Start your search now. Sites like projectgivingkids.com and kidsthatdogood.com let you browse opportunities by area of interest (for example, animal welfare or human rights). 

Why it’s a summer must-do: If you’re hooked on Snapstreaks or never miss a Wordle, you’re already familiar with streaks, where you repeat a behavior daily or weekly for as long as you can. But did you know that this is also a great strategy to use when setting a summer goal, like reading more or upping your push-up game? That’s because streaks help set a routine and build momentum, which makes you more likely to stick to your new habit, says Jackie Silverman, Ph.D. She’s a University of Delaware professor who studies streaks. 

The secret to setting a streak is making sure your goal is challenging but still attainable, since breaking a streak can be so discouraging that people often stop the behavior altogether. Silverman also recommends giving yourself permission to skip certain days in advance (when you’re on vacation with your family, for example). The wiggle room acts as a safety net so you won’t feel like you’ve broken your streak. 

What to do now: Choose your summer streak and make sure you’ll be ready to hit the ground running on Day One. For example, if you want to try a streak of swimming at your local pool every other day, check that your suit still fits, and if not, get a new one. If you want to read a chapter of a book every night, make a list of engaging books to check out from the library the last week of school. Other streak ideas: meditating 10 minutes each day; writing in a journal each night; calling a friend or family member once a week; making your bed each morning; exploring a different neighborhood in your town each weekend.