47+ Eco Friendly Summer Activities for the Best Summer Ever

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Here is the list you’ve been waiting for with eco friendly summer activities for the best.summer.ever! Summertime is full of road trips, impromptu outings, cold drinks and cookouts, and water activities. While summertime is an incredibly fun and freeing time, it is important to still make sure we are living with the environment in mind. Yes! You can enjoy eco friendly summer activities while still respecting the planet!

According to Euro News, plastic waste goes up 40% during the summer (source). In the United States, there is an increase in driving during the summertime (Memorial Day-Labor Day) which generates an increase in carbon emissions.

Here is a list of 49 eco friendly summer activities to help you appreciate nature, reduce waste, and reduce your impact on the Earth.

This post is all about eco friendly summer activities!

Eco Friendly Summer Activities: Places to Go

1. Farmer’s market

When is the last time you visited the farmer’s market? Farmer’s markets are a great eco friendly summer activity. It is an opportunity to visit local farmers and vendors in your area and purchase homegrown, handmade goods.

In addition, farmer’s markets are a great opportunity to gain a sense of community. Being surrounded by others in your community while you engage in local fun and indulge in unique community offers is a great way to enjoy the summer.

Don’t forget your reusable bag and a reusable cup for water.

2. Strawberry picking

Have you ever had freshly picked strawberries? In Virginia, strawberry picking season is in May and June. Strawberry picking can be hard work, but it’s so incredibly fun. Typically you get a basket and fill it up with strawberries and pay by the weight, but it depends.

Fresh strawberries actually taste different than strawberries in the grocery store! The reason is that strawberries in the grocery store are grown for shipping. At strawberry farms, these fruits are grown for picking. Fresh strawberries are fresher and have a better flavor. Farmers choose the variety of berries that grow best in the local climate as opposed to strawberries grown in other states (or countries!) and shipped to your grocery store.

Get dressed for the occasion and head out for some summertime strawberry picking!

3. Apple picking

Another fun way to get fresh fruit with fewer pesticides, better taste, and more fun! This summer make sure to go apple picking. Yes, I know apple picking is typically done in the fall, but did you know you can begin apple picking as early as July in some areas of Virginia? Of course, do your research, but put apple picking on your summer bucket list instead of your fall bucket list.

This eco-friendly summer activity is fun for kids, teens, and adults. Pack a picnic, scope out nearby activities, and (if appropriate) bring the wine! Enjoy a beautiful day in the orchard with friends or family and appreciate the beauty of nature. Allow yourself to connect to the Earth and the reality of where our food comes from – not from a store or a lab, but from the very environment, we’re working hard to protect!

4. Lake or River

Did you know that being near a body of water can actually make you feel calmer and healthier? Being close to the water promotes fitness. In addition, being near water positively impacts our mood. In a study of the impact of “blue environments” on our health and wellbeing, even people who were visually disabled benefited when being near water. That means even the smell and sound associated with water is good for us!

Do you like near water? If not, make go find some! While you’re planning your fun eco friendly recreational activities this summer, consider visiting a body of water. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit!

5. Travel

If you can, book a trip! For the last few years we have hesitated to travel for a variety of reasons, but this year we’re making a conscious effort to take a vacation and book a trip. When traveling, be sure to keep the environment in mind. Here are some great tips for how to travel sustainably with kids!

6. Crabbing

Growing up, grabbing was the kick-off to the summer for us! When the water was warm enough for crabs, we knew summer was right around the corner. Because we live in the Chesapeake Bay, blue crabs are incredibly popular. In addition, Seafood Watch claims Blue Crabs as one of the most sustainable kinds of seafood. Not only is the stock healthy, but overfishing is also of low concern.

7. On a hike

Take a hike! Seriously, take a hike. Find a trail or a hiking area and hike this summer. I used to be so intimidated by hiking. I thought it was only for active, “outdoorsy” people. Hiking is for everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or the level of physical fitness.

Be sure to pack up your outdoor essentials like sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and the appropriate attire for the weather. If you’re taking a long hike, be sure to pack food and a hiking backpack with first aid.

8. To a new park

As a mom of toddlers, finding new parks is an essential eco friendly summer activity! Although we have our favorite parks, discovering a new park brings new excitement and new adventures. Excitement and adventure are quintessential summer vibes! A quick search or Google or Ecoasia will lead you to new park locations for yourself and/or your kids.

9. Wine tasting

One of my favorite eco friendly activities for adults is wine tasting! We make wine tasting eco friendly by doing it at home! We order various sustainable wines and use this free wine tasting sheet to track what the wine tastes like!

Eco friendly wine actually tastes better! The higher quality of wine and lack of preservatives in organic wine notably increases the quality.

Here are some of my favorite sustainable wines:

2020 Tempo Vero Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 Wonderful Wine Co. Malbec

2018 Denim By Beaubois Red Blend

2019 Porter & Plot Cabernet Sauvignon

10. Find a nature trail

One of the eco friendly summer activities I’ve already suggested included going on a hike. A related activity is finding a nature trail. Nature trails are a great eco friendly activity for students too! They’re a great opportunity to do a scavenger hunt or talk about nature, and use your imagination to explore.

11. Take a walk to the nearest store/convenience store instead of driving

Do you live near a convenience store? Try walking there instead of driving! Even if the path to get to the neighborhood store isn’t effortless, park the car and give it a go! Assess the path before you travel to make sure it is safe to walk and go for it!

12. Visit the beach

A quick visit to the beach is the type of sustainable activity almost everyone can enjoy! Check out this blog post to make sure you have an eco friendly beach day!

Eco Friendly Summer Activities: Things To Do

13. Make homemade bubbles

Make bubbles at home! Instead of buying bubbles in plastic containers, make your own bubble sollution at home! Add to a bubble machine for continious bubble fun.

Here is a perfect recipe for homemade bubbles:

one part corn syrup
two parts dish soap
four parts water

14. Birdwatch

Have you ever taken the time to bird watch? Birdwatching is one of the best eco friendly activities to enjoy in the summer. Like most activities that involve nature, birdwatching is not only good for your health but good for your mood as well. According to one source, watching birds was a positive distraction from pain and stress.

Research from the University or Oregon suggests that regardless of gender, income level, education, fitness, and knowledge of nature, outdoor recreational activities are associated with feelings of satisfaction and wellbeing (source).

Bird watching for as little as 10 minutes can be beneficial to pyscological health.

Here are some tips for birdwatching:

Use binoculars for a better view
Get a guide to be able to identify the types of birds you see
Make sure to not distrub the birds
Do not feed the birds
More tips here!

15. Make s’mores

S’more are such a fun activity for you and your kids can enjoy during the summer. Whether you have a fire pit at home or make s’mores in the microwave, s’mores are a great way to have an eco friendly activity! This is also an activity you can enjoy with others. Whether hosting a BBQ or having friends over for a sleepover, this activity is easy, inexpensive and fun for summer.

16. Attend an event at the local library

Did you know local libraries host events? This is a fun eco friendly acvitity that can help you beat the heat and attend a local event. While you’re there, snag some book to read at the beach or by the pool. Library books embody the concept of reusing! Instead of buying a book and reading it once, you can loan them from the libary where hundreds of people can use them over and over again.

17. Make homemade popsicles

This is one of my favorite eco-friendly activities that you can do at home! Making popsicles are fun because you know exactly what is inside the popsicles and they’re so easy to make! Heres a video showing how we make our favorite 2 ingredient popsicles during the summer.

Recipe:

1lb of strawberries
1 cup of vanilla yogurt
Blend until smooth
Pour into reusable popsicle molds
Freeze

18. Get an ebook/audiobook and read it from start to finish

Grab a good book and get lost in it! To be more eco friendly, make that book an ebook or audio book. Ebooks have a muhc lower carbon footprint than traditional paper books.

19. Make a sandcastle at the beach

This is an incredibly easy eco friendly outdoor activity! While you’re enjoying your sustainable beach day, don’t forget to build a sandcastle! You’re never too old to build a sandcastle. Try these silicone sand toys instead of thr traditional plastic toys and remember not to leave anything behind when you’re at the beach!

20. Have a zero-waste barbeque

Summer and barbeque goes hand in hand! When you’re planning your cookout this summer, make it eco-friendly and reduce your waste!

Here are some tips to have a zero-waste barbeque:

Use reusable dinnerware instead of disposable.
If you use aluminum foil, recycle the clean foil! Make sure you roll it together in a ball before recycling it.
Use reusable cups or aluminum cans instead of single use drinks in plastic.
Avoid items like balloons, confetti, and plastic items.
To keep you BBQ zero waste, make sure everything can be reused, composted, or recycled.

21. Make homemade chocolate

Use this chocolate-making kit from Glee Gum to easily make your own chocolate! It’s such a fun experience and good for kids of all ages. This can even be used as a fun summer date night activity!

Get Your Chocolate Kit Here!

22. Stargaze

Once it’s dark, find a low-lit area, relax and look up at the stars! Stargazing is such a fun summertime activity. Stargazing puts into perspective just how vast and incredible our planet is. It’s a great reminder of how important it is to protect our Earth!

23. Have a zero waste picnic

Ditch the plastic and the single-use items and pack a zero waste picnic.

24. Make your own bug spray

My favorite DIY bug spray is 10 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil and the rind of a lemon. Fill the rest of the bottle with water!

Store it in the fridge and use it on all the doorways, window seals, and corners where spiders like to hang.

25. Go on a bike ride

26. Drive with the windows down

27. Protect your skin with a reef-friendly sunscreen

28. Have a bonfire

29. Enjoy your coffee outside

30. Make homemade icecream

31. Plant a garden

32. Do a beach cleanup

33. Make a Tik Tok vegan/vegetarian recipe

2020 was an incredibly tough year, but I have to say working from home and Tik Tok were two solid positive outcomes! If you haven’t already, download Tik Tok for all the eco friendly things! Not only are there influencers and creators to share easy eco hacks, there are also so many vegetarian recipes. This summer, get busy in the kitchen with some of these recipe ideas!

@moribyan
Crispy potato tacos 🥔🌮 what vegetarian recipe should we do next?!
♬ original sound – Hajar Larbah

@fitgreenmind Lemon + pasta + garlic 🤭 #veganrecipes #easyrecipes #vegancooking #pasta #lemonpasta ♬ Originalton – Maya Leinenbach

Eco Friendly Summer Activities: Unique Ideas

34. Doing a clothing swap with friends

Clothing swaps have quickly become one of my favorite things! Although donating clothing is also a great way to reduce waste and keep textiles out of the landfill, knowing exactly where your clothing is going is even better! I’ve found some of my favorite pieces of clothing from clothing swaps. They can be so much fun! You can make an entire night out of it with food and music and fun or simply have people drop off clothing and browse around.

35. Bring out the sidewalk chalk

Create a sidewalk chalk show piece! Show off your creative side by writing in the driveway or streets with sidewalk chalk. To make this activity eco friendly, be sure to use non-toxic chalk! Draw pictures, games, or even create powerful messages that may catch people’s eyes.

36. Parasailing

Have you ever tried parasailing? Check out local parasailing opportunities near you!

37. Tye-Dye shirts

Instead of buying shirts that are tye-dyed, do it yourself! Purchase organic cotton t-shirts and non-toxic tye-dye!

38. Make a fort

This is my kid’s favorite summer activity! They make forts in the morning when they wake up. After they play outside all day they spend the rest of the day indoors, eating popsicles and playing in their fort! My husband joins in on the fun too!

39. Camp outside

If you’re sure about camping, try camping outside in your backyard to start!

40. Go out and get ice cream cones for dinner

Eating icecream for dinner is such a fun treat. If you have kids they’ll certainly get a kick out of this change of pace. Instead of going to icecream in a cup or fancy blended icecream, get icecream in a cone! Why? It’s zero waste! Nothing to throw away, you eat the entire icecream cone and have no waste at the end. A great excuse to eat more icecream.

41. Regrow green onions

In just about 2 weeks you can regrow green onions and stop having to buy them at the grocery store! It’s so easy!

Here’s how:

42. Upcycle something in your home

Head over to Pinterest and find some cool ideas to upcycle at home. Reduce your waste by turning something you may have thrown away into something useful!

Here are a few suggestions:

Egg carton into a seed started
Milk carton into a bird feeder
Empty candle jar into a holding cup
Beer bottles into glass cups
Bamboo toothbrushes into seed markers
Cereal boxes into crafts for kids

43. Start composting

Do you currently compost? If not, start this summer. Composting can be so easy. You can start your compost in a plastic tote in your backyard. As long as you turn the compost and have an even portion of greens and browns, you will be able to make beautiful, fertile soil from your food scraps.

Don’t have a backyard, you can still compost! Some cities have community composting areas where compost can be dropped off. If your city does not have that opportunity, create a small compost on your front porch or back deck.

I’ve written all about how to compost and some beginner composting tips here:

44. Clean out your e-mail inbox

Did you know there is a carbon footprint associated with your e-mail? Yup! While the impact on the planet isn’t large, having an inbox clogged full of e-mails takes up valuable space on the server which is powered by energy. According to a BBC article, 3.7% of global greenhouse gases come from our internet use and gadgets (source).

Making the decision to unsubscribe and delete old emails can have a positive impact on the planet and give you some clarity and peace!

45. Challenge yourself to get 10K steps a day

Get in your steps! This is a fun summer challenge to motivate you to get in your steps to stay fit and active. 10K steps is about 5 miles. Find creative ways to walk more and use it as motivation to get moving.

46. Go watch the ducks, but don’t feed them!

Feeding the ducks is not an eco friendly practice. When you head to the park or local water front area this summer, watch the ducks, but don’t feed them! Instead, observe. Take in the surroundings and enjoy wildlife, but keep the bread to yourself. Over time, animals begin to depend on this food, and can at times it can cause them to lose their natural instincts to find food for themselves. In addition, items like bread do not provide the nutritional value the ducks need.

47. Participate (or host) a community event

Being part a community is great way to stay involved in local opportunities. Being able to connect and support locals is an incredible way to create a more sustainable economy. Check out local new stations and your city websites for opportunities in your community or host your own!

48. Try grounding

Have you ever heard of grounding? Sometimes called earthing, this is the concept of direct skin contact with the surface of the earth. Most commonly, grounding refers to walking barefoot on the dirt.

Here are some benefits of grounding (source):

Grounding has been reported to help with

Chronic fatigue
Chronic pain
Anxiety and depression
Sleep disorders
Cardiovascular disease

49. Make your own veggie broth

Making your own veggie broth can be very simple! Before you toss your veggie scraps into the compost, use them for your own veggie scraps. Here’s a step by step veggie scrap recipe here!