The top 10 things to do during summer break

In this blog post, we’ll count down the top 10 things to do during summer break — from outdoor escapades to volunteering and learning, ensuring you have a memorable summer filled with fun, exploration, and personal growth. 

So grab your swimsuit and sunscreen, and keep your mind open because it’s time to dive into the ultimate summer break bucket list! 

Summer break activity #1 — enjoy your summer break

Don’t stress about what to do on summer break; the first few days are for enjoying it! 

Sleep in, catch up with friends, or relax with a good book. Consider it your recharge period before diving into all the amazing possibilities summer has to offer.

But once you’re ready to kick things off, here are some ideas to jumpstart your summer adventures with friends:

• Sunset sip and paint: Pack snacks, drinks, and canvases. Head to a scenic overlook or park with a breathtaking view as the sun dips below the horizon. Capture the beauty in paint while enjoying the golden glow and good company.
• Foodie scavenger hunt: Gather your fellow adventurous eaters and explore a new neighbourhood. Research unique food trucks, hidden cafes, or speciality shops. Create a scavenger hunt list with challenges like ‘Find the bakery with the most outrageous cupcake flavours.’  Award points for each conquered challenge and crown the ultimate foodie champion at the end!
• Backyard movie night (with a twist!): Elevate your movie night by choosing a theme. Think 80s classics, cult comedies, or a specific genre like spy thrillers. Decorate your backyard to match the theme, whip up themed mocktails and snacks, and enjoy the movie under the stars. Bonus points for dressing up in movie-inspired costumes!

If you need more structure, our next summer break idea might suit you.

Summer break idea #2 — start learning a new language 

Think of a language you’ve always wanted to learn but couldn’t due to other priorities or a busy schedule. Summer break is the time to start and finally get your head down. 

It doesn’t mean you need to accomplish native-level proficiency immediately. But learning a few fun phrases will be handy the next time you plan a trip overseas. A little ‘Buongiorno! Mi fa un caffè per favore!’ will help you a great deal in Italy. 

Below, you’ll find some language-learning apps to get you started:

• Babbel is great for an in-depth understanding of grammar and slang;
• Duolingo has module-based lessons covering social situations and grammar tips; 
• Lingvist is a language-learning app that uses spaced repetition and AI to personalise your learning journey;
• Memrise is perfect for travel-friendly conversation lessons. “Learning with Locals” video clips can help perfect your pronunciation; 
• Rosetta Stone is best for audio learners and lets you sign up for live sessions with teachers after a certain level;
• Busuu works well for visual learners with an array of flashcards and videos of short conversations.  

Watch films in the language you’re learning

If you find apps and online lessons restrictive, another suggestion is to watch foreign films during your summer break.

Films can be an effective form of learning as you combine audio and visual components at once. However, before you start, check out this handy guide by Babbel on how to use films to learn a language. 

Once you’re all set, you can jump into a selection of titles apt for your learning style and level. Here’s a list of films from The New York Times to get you started. 

If you’re not a fan of foreign movies, try rewatching a TV series you know and love dubbed into the language you study. You’d be surprised at how differently they sound!

Practice with a native-speaker

Lastly, interacting with locals is one of the best ways to learn a new language. If you have friends who speak the language you’re interested in, ask them to help you get started. 

No foreign friends? Make some via the Tandem app! This language-learning app lets you practice your target language with native speakers worldwide via chat, video, and voice messages.

Learning from natives will help you overcome the fear of talking in a foreign language, and they can correct your errors as you go. Moreover, who else can teach you slang to sound like a local if not the natives? Give it a try! 

Idea #3 — learn a new skill

Among the fun things to do during summer break is learning a new skill! Depending on how much physical effort you prefer, here are a couple of skills you can pick up during the summer. 

• Learn pottery making — apart from being a creative outlet, pottery making has additional health benefits. It reduces stress, improves focus, and can even improve arthritis pain. Share your artwork with loved ones or simply flaunt them as homewares.
  
• Take swimming lessons — an essential skill which works both ways. You get to cool off during summer while learning how to swim. Plus, it’s one of the best ways to stay fit as it works your entire body, engaging muscles and building strength.
  
• Learn how to cook — summer’s a great time to unleash your inner chef. Take this opportunity to hone your skills and impress friends and family.
  
• Learn how to play an instrument — if you’ve always wanted to play the bass guitar like Paul McCartney, now’s the time to get started. You can find beginner lessons on YouTube and Skillshare. 

• Try cycling — what could be better than riding through the wind on a summer’s evening? If you don’t have a bicycle and don’t feel like investing in one, renting is always an option. Download the Bolt app to rent an e-bike hassle-free! 

Summer break idea #4 — practise mindfulness

If you’re after a less active summer vacation activity, taking a few moments off and unwinding could be what you need.

Practising mindfulness can help to refresh you mentally by directing your awareness to the present moment. It’s a way of living where you can learn to deal with and overcome challenges calmly. 

Some of the proven ways to practise mindfulness are through:

• Focused attention on breath to maintain awareness; 
• Noting down particular thoughts or feelings when distracted during meditation; 
• Resting awareness whereby you let your mind relax and attempt to focus solely on the present moment.

Mindfulness has become popular for all the right reasons. Here are some apps to help you take a moment from your daily routine to unwind and relax.

• Headspace
• Calm 
• Smiling Mind

Summer break activity #5 — try birdwatching

Birdwatching is a great summer break activity that gets you outdoors, connects you with nature, and can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere.

Birdwatching is a popular pastime across Europe. In the UK alone, over 6 million people participate in birdwatching activities!

It’s more than just identifying birds — it’s about observing their behaviour, learning about their habitats, and appreciating their role in the environment.

Here are some resources to get you started on your birdwatching adventure:

• The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). This leading European conservation charity offers a wealth of resources for birdwatchers, including bird identification guides and tips for beginners.

• BirdLife International. A global partnership of conservation organisations, BirdLife International, provides information on European birds and their habitats.

• BirdNET App. This free app (available for iOS and Android) helps you identify birds by sight or sound using AI image recognition, making it a great companion for birdwatching adventures.

So grab your binoculars (or even just a pair of keen eyes!), lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to discover the wonders of the avian world. You might be surprised by the vibrant birdlife thriving right in your own backyard or at your local park!

Summer break idea #6 — host a film marathon

We’ve talked about a movie night as a great way to enjoy your summer break. But the next tip takes this summer break activity a nudge further — invite friends over and host a film marathon! 

Need some film marathon ideas? Here are some film franchises to catch up on:

• The Marvel Cinematic Universe 
• Star Wars 
• The Lord of the Rings 
• James Bond 
• X-Men 
• The Dark Knight Trilogy 
• The Matrix Trilogy 
• The Godfather 
• Harry Potter 

And if you’re extra, here’s an idea from one Harry Potter fan to another — invite friends over, decorate your house with different house flags, bake pumpkin pasties, make some butter beer, and let the magic begin! 

Idea #7 — dive into a read-a-thon!

If films aren’t your thing, here’s a summer break activity for you — a read-a-thon!

A read-a-thon is a self-directed challenge where you dedicate a set amount of time to reading for pleasure. You can do it solo or gather your fellow bookworms for a friendly competition! 

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of it:

• Pick your dates. Choose a day (or weekend!) that works for you.
• Set goals. Will you aim to read for a specific number of hours, finish a certain number of books, or explore a particular genre?
• Create a cosy reading nook. Find a comfy spot with good lighting and minimal distractions.
• Spread the word (optional). Invite friends and family to join in your reading adventure.

• Track your progress. Use a reading log or create a fun chart to visualise your accomplishments.
• Reward yourself. Celebrate your reading achievements! Treat yourself to a new book, a movie based on a book you loved, or a visit to your local bookstore.

So grab your favourite book (or a whole stack!), settle into your comfy reading corner, and let the summer reading adventure begin!

Summer break activity #8 — declutter your space and mind

Summer break is the perfect time to tackle a project that declutters your space and mind. Here’s why decluttering is the ultimate summer break activity (#8, to be exact!).

If you’re wondering what to do during the summer break at home, think of clearing out clutter. It can be surprisingly therapeutic. Saying goodbye to unused items creates a sense of accomplishment and leaves you feeling lighter and more organised.

Here are some tips to make your summer declutter challenge a breeze:

• Start small: Don’t overwhelm yourself — pick a drawer, shelf, or small room to tackle first.
• The 3-box method: Create boxes for “keep,” “donate/sell,” and “throw away.” Sort ruthlessly!
• Ask yourself: “Have I used this in the past year?” If not, let it go!
• Sentimental items: Take photos or write memories down to keep the essence without keeping the clutter.
• Reward yourself: Celebrate your progress! Treat yourself to a summer activity you enjoy after each completed area.

Declutter your way to a happier, more organised summer break!

Summer break activity #9 — volunteer your time

Summer break is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your community and explore your passions. Volunteering is a win-win — you help others while gaining valuable skills and experiences. 

Here’s why volunteering should be on your summer to-do list:

• Make a positive impact: Your time and effort can make a real difference in the lives of others and your community.
• Discover new passions: Volunteering exposes you to different causes and organisations. You might discover a hidden passion for animal welfare, environmental protection, or working with children.
• Boost your resume: Volunteer experience looks great on uni applications or future job applications. It demonstrates your commitment to your community and willingness to learn new skills.
• Meet new people: Volunteering connects you with like-minded people who share your interests. You might even make some lifelong friends along the way!

There are countless volunteer opportunities waiting for you this summer! 

If you’re an animal lover. Volunteer at an animal shelter, help out with wildlife rehabilitation, or foster animals in need.

For the creative souls out there, you could help with day centre art projects, teach at a summer camp, or design posters for a local non-profit.

Tech wiz? Volunteer your skills to help a local library, offer basic computer training to older people, or assist with website development for a non-profit.

How to find the perfect volunteer opportunity

• Research local organisations. Animal shelters, food banks, environmental groups, and day centres are just a few examples. Many have websites or social media pages that list volunteer opportunities.
• Contact your local volunteer centre. They can connect you with volunteer opportunities based on your interests and availability.
• Think outside the box. Is there a cause you care about that doesn’t have a formal volunteer programme? You can still make a difference! Organise a neighbourhood clean-up, collect donations for a local charity, or mentor a student.

To make your volunteering experience fun, try volunteering together with friends. It’s a great way to bond and make a difference as a team. 

Also, find a volunteer opportunity that fits your summer break plans. Many organisations offer short-term or one-time volunteer projects.

💡 Keep track of your volunteer hours — not only will it be helpful for uni applications or future resumes, but it can also give you a sense of accomplishment.

Summer break idea #10 — take a trip

Lastly, summer just isn’t summer without at least one trip with friends or family — or even a solo trip. And while planning one, we’d like to remind you to travel sustainably. Here are some tips:

• Choose your travel destination carefully. Give popular tourist destinations a break — over-tourism harms the environment since it depletes a region’s natural resources. Instead, go for the lesser-known locations and discover something new; 
• Check hotels with sustainable certifications on Trip Advisor; 
• Support local businesses. This way, you ensure the local economy benefits from tourism, and you also get an authentic experience;
• Carry reusable products with you — tote bags, zero-waste toiletries, steel water bottles, and cutlery. It reduces unnecessary plastic consumption, thus reducing waste;
• Whenever possible, choose public transport, walking, or electric vehicles when travelling shorter distances, like Bolt scooters or e-bikes. 

Choose Bolt for your summer break activities! 

The next time you’re out and about, give Bolt scooters a try and get around town on your terms.  

Tap below to download the app and start your journey right away!