LIFE

Summer may be ending, but there's still time to soak up the extra free time! Even if you don't have time to book a flight or take a road trip, there are plenty of small (but still fun!) activities that you and your whole friend group can do before school starts. Use this list as a guide, but add your own must-do activities, too!

1. Farmer's market
Nothing says summer quite like fresh fruit and delish food! Stop by your local farmer's market to shop small, support your local farmers and maybe even discover a new fruit or veg to obsess over. If you don't know of any farmer's markets in your area, try looking for craft fairs and flea markets instead. 

2. Beach trip
Whether you've lost track of how many times you've been to the beach this summer or you haven't been yet, a beach trip with the besties is a summer must. Bring towels, snacks and good music and you're good to go.

3. Game night
A little friendly competition is healthy once in a while. Get all the girls together (and all your fave board games, ofc) for a night of hardcore gameplay. Good food is also essential—we recommend something quick and easy, like pizza or popcorn. 

4. Fancy dinner
It's been *too* long since we've had a chance to get dressed up for any formal events. The perfect solution? Host the event yourself! Whether each friend helps out in the kitchen or you arrange for reservations at your favorite Italian restaurant, a fancy dinner is a perfect excuse to get out and look fab doing it.

5. Sleepover
Need we say more? Order pizza, pick a movie and stay up 'til dawn. Oh, and you have to take turns making pancakes in the morning, obvi. 

6. Brunch
Sundresses, warm weather and good vibes are all you need for the [erfect summer brunch. If you love to host, feel free to skip the restaurant altogether and get together in your backyard instead! It's all about the florals, fruit and tasty breakfast foods.

7. Exercise class
Although summer is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some much-needed R&R, exercise is self-care, too! Switch up your normal workout and try something new. Spin classes, yoga or beach volleyball mix happy summer vibes with strength training. They're also fantastic activities to do with your besties. 

8. Local fave
Be a tourist for a day. Pay a visit to a local aquarium, zoo, museum or garden. It's easy to overlook the activities we're surrounded by all the time, but summertime is the perfect opportunity to revisit them—especially with the squad. 

9. Friendship bracelets
Take a trip to your local craft store and grab all the friendship bracelet materials—beads, thread, charms etc. Once you've done that, the crafting begins. Turn on your favorite summer jams or go-to flick and let those creative juices flow. By the time you're finished, the whole gang will have memories to last a lifetime. 

10. Shopping
We can't think of a more classic friend-group activity. There are so many options—mall, thrifting, bookstores, you name it. With school creeping up on us, maybe a group BTS shopping sesh is on the horizon?

Are you ready to soak up the last moments of summer? Send us your squad pics @girlslifemag on Insta!

Slider image: @shayrudolph/Instagram

by Riley Yates | 8/3/2021