Summertime is here! If you’re an Introvert who wants to make the most of the beautiful sunny weather, you’ll want to plan ahead for all your must-do activities. From beach going to poolside hangouts, there’s plenty to do to cool down and relax. And if you’re hoping to squeeze in some time with your closest friends, you don’t have to do activities that are too demanding.

Here are 17 ideas for the Introvert’s ultimate summer bucket list.

1. Make a list of hiking trails or nature reserves you’ve never visited  

It’s no secret Introverts love spending time in the great outdoors—time outside can be one of the best ways to recharge. Connect with nature more than ever this summer by making a custom list of hiking trails or nature reserves near you that you’ve never had the chance to visit. Whether you plan to bring a hiking buddy or go on your own, remember to bring some water to stay hydrated. If you’re inspired by nature, bring a journal or sketching pad with you.

2. Schedule a quiet friends day by the pool

Invite your closest friend for an intimate day by the pool. If you’re lucky enough to have your own pool, you can enjoy a nice bite poolside and sip on your favorite cocktails while you catch up. You can also pack snacks and drinks if you’ve got a community pool or a neighborhood recreation center. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

3. Bring your new beach read and head to the shore

Take to the shore with the latest paperback and enjoy some time alone. If you're feeling energetic, try the latest thriller. Or you may want to indulge in the new romance novel people are raving about. For the Introvert that enjoys poetry, there’s nothing like reading poems in the fresh air.

4. Host a cozy outdoor movie night

Grab your family or close friends and host a quiet outdoor movie night. Pick a summertime flick and use a digital projector to project it on an outdoor wall or makeshift screen. Place some blankets and pillows on the grass and make the area as cozy as possible. You can even put some lawn chairs out. 

5. Schedule a shopping date with yourself

Sometimes shopping by yourself is just what you need to give you a boost. Find an outdoor shopping area or antique district to soak up the sun. The plus about perusing shopping areas like this? You can cool off when you head inside a shop or find a spot to get an iced coffee or tea.

6. Try outdoor painting or drawing

Painting or drawing alfresco combines your love for the outdoors and a relaxing, creative activity. Whether you're an artist or not, you can get a painting kit with portable watercolors or acrylics and dive right in. Mini easels are also available. Set up your easel near a pretty nature scene you want to capture or try an abstract version of the sunset. If you're more comfortable drawing, bring a sketchbook and some pencils.

7. Go camping—or try it in your backyard

Nothing says summer like camping outdoors. You can either do the real thing and find a camping ground to visit with some close friends or set up a campsite in your backyard. You may even decide to ‘rough it’ in your backyard alone or create a makeshift tent in your living room.

8. Explore local farmer’s markets or art fairs

Summer fairs are abundant, so finding some local farmer’s markets or art fairs shouldn’t be too tricky. You'll have plenty of booths to browse, no matter if it’s a craft fair, an artisan market, or a farmer’s market full of fresh produce. Many of these fairs also have food and drink available to purchase if you need some refreshment while soaking up the sun.

9. Wake up early to watch the sunrise

A simple summer pleasure is to wake up early and watch the sunrise because the mornings aren’t as cold as the winter or spring. This is a nice way to start your day off in solitude or engage in meditation, especially if you watch the sunrise from a high peak.

10. Go to a drive-in movie theater

If you have a drive-in movie theater near you, it’s the perfect way to feel more social without socializing. Watching a film from the comfort of your car, surrounded by other people in their cars, is akin to going to a coffee shop to write on your laptop.

11. Enjoy brunch at a sidewalk café

When a lazy summer afternoon is in order, having brunch at an outdoor café will feel luxurious. Sit and linger, enjoy your food, and watch the people stroll by. 

12. Take a solo trip

However adventurous you are, a solo trip can be a great way to refresh and recharge while enjoying all summer has to offer. Book a short-term vacation rental in the mountains, on the lake, or by the beach. Stay for a quick weekend or indulge in a whole week of solo activities. Try to make the most of your time and create a trip itinerary—including plenty of time to relax. 

13. Visit an animal sanctuary or zoo

How about getting some fresh air while looking at animals who’ve been rescued or serve a greater purpose in conservation? Find a reputable zoo or sanctuary that emphasizes wildlife conservation and enjoy a fun day out. You may also want to check out insect sanctuaries like a butterfly garden.

14. Picnic in a park

Parks give you an excuse to get out of the house, even if you don’t feel like doing much. Pack a picnic basket full of summer foods and bring a blanket to sit on. If you want to enjoy the quiet for a few hours, bring a book to read or take a long walk.

15. Enjoy outdoor dinners

Dining outdoors on a warm summer night is relaxing, and since it’s something you can’t enjoy during the colder months, take advantage of it while you can. Set your table with candles and plasticware, pour yourself a refreshing drink, and pop on some music.

16. Attend a relaxing retreat

If you have the funds and the time to go on a retreat, there are so many options. Try a yoga, wellness, self-discovery, or mindfulness retreat. Although there will be other attendees to socialize with, you won’t have to feel obligated to talk too much since everyone attending is there to relax and unwind.

17. Host a backyard barbecue

A backyard barbecue is a quintessential summer activity, and when you host one, you’re in charge of how many people are invited. Keep your guestlist small and the food cooking. You may even plan some fun games like cornhole, badminton, or bocce ball. 

The takeaway

Summer fun can be easy and breezy—even if you’re an Introvert. You don’t need to do all activities in large groups. Enjoy time alone and in small groups of friends so you get the perfect balance. Most of all, take your time to enjoy the summer months while they last!

Cianna Garrison
Cianna Garrison holds a B.A. in English from Arizona State University and works as a freelance writer. She fell in love with psychology and personality type theory back in 2011. Since then, she has enjoyed continually learning about the 16 personality types. As an INFJ, she lives for the creative arts, and even when she isn’t working, she’s probably still writing.