30 Ways to Savor June—One Simple Joy at a Time

June has arrived with golden mornings and the scent of lilacs in the breeze. The world feels wide open in June—it's time for lake days and bonfire nights. This is the month to celebrate life outdoors, to mark little moments with a sense of occasion, and enjoy early summer.

Here are 30 ways our family plans to savor the season—one sweet, sun-drenched day at a time.

June - The month for sunners

1. Pick wildflowers to make a bouquet. Make one for a friend or neighbor, too.

Keep a pair of scissors or shears in your car so you’re ready for a spontaneous roadside bouquet. Arrange wild daisies, yarrow, and lupine in a mason jar for your table—and surprise a neighbor with one, too. It’s a small gesture that spreads sunshine. Spending just a few minutes focused on beauty can topple a mountain of stress.

2. Rent electric bikes and head somewhere picturesque for a picnic.

Electric bikes make even hilly rides feel effortless. Pack a small cooler with sparkling water, strawberries, and sandwiches, and bike to a spot with a lake view or wildflower meadow. Don’t forget sunscreen and a Bluetooth speaker. It's essential to venture off the beaten path and discover new sights and sounds to feel inspired and free.

3. Celebrate the end of the school year with friends—BBQ and water balloons!

Embrace the excited energy and make the last day of school feel like a holiday. Invite classmates over for grilled hot dogs, watermelon slices, and an epic water balloon fight. Add popsicles and lawn games for maximum fun. We like these refillable balloons so the fight never has to end!

4. Visit the library and sign up for their summer reading program.

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about the library in summer. Browse the shelves, sign up for reading rewards, and check out a stack of feel-good books. Bonus points for reading them outside on a blanket.

5. Outdoor game night. Try messy Twister or evening charades.

Set up Twister with washable paint or shaving cream on the lawn for a hilarious, messy twist. Or wait for twilight and light a few citronella candles while you play charades, Pictionary, or Who Am I? in the grass. Unbeatable summer memories for sure!

6. Go camping—and start a sand souvenir jar.

Camping slows life down in the best way. Bring a jar and collect layers of sand or dirt from each beach or campsite. Over time, you’ll create a visual memory of your summer adventures.

7. Pontoon lake day.

Gather friends or family and rent a pontoon for a day of floating, splashing, and sunbathing. Bring floaties, good music, and finger foods. Jump in, laugh often, and relax into the rhythm of the water.

8. Complete all the trails at your local state park.

Choose one local park and make it a long-term challenge to hike every trail. Bring a map and start checking them off. Keep notes on your favorite views, picnic spots, and seasonal changes. My family and I completed Jay Cooke State Park this spring!

9. Craft beeswax, honey-scented candles.

Beeswax candles smell like sunshine and purify the air. Gather jars or molds, melt the wax, and add essential oils or dried herbs. They make lovely gifts—and even better ambiance.

10. Attend a naturalist program at a state park.

These programs are usually free and full of wonder—learn about wild edibles, birds of prey, or stargazing. It’s a fun and educational way to deepen your connection with the land.

11. Ice cream date night—try a new shop or flavor.

Swap your usual dessert for a trip to a local creamery. Order something unexpected—lavender honey? cherry goat cheese?—and savor it slowly under string lights or beside a river. Love Creamery in Duluth, MN, is my favorite. They have a variety of vegan options, and since I'm a non-dairy girl, they are heaven-sent.

12. Movie in the park with a blanket, snacks, and good company.

Look up your city’s schedule for outdoor movies and plan a low-key evening with popcorn, gummy bears, and cozy blankets. Get there early to snag a good spot! Here's the schedule for Duluth, 2025.

13. Driving range or shooting range practice.

Pick up a new skill or dust off an old one. Hit a bucket of balls at the range or take a firearms safety course and try a shooting range with a friend for something different.

14. Beach day with a new adventure—fire or glow poi with bonfire!

Try learning fire poi or glow poi for a safe (but mesmerizing) beach activity. Cap off the night with a bonfire, roasted marshmallows, and ocean waves in the dark.

15. Celebrate Father’s Day on Lake Superior.

We’re heading out with Happy Hooker Charter Tours for a fishing adventure—aiming to catch trout or salmon to bring to a local smoker. Whether it’s a trip, a meal, or a quiet day outdoors, make it special.

16. Outdoor yoga flow—breathe in the wind, touch the grass.

Lay out your mat under a tree or on a dock and flow through a slow sequence. Focus on your breath, let your senses ground you, and soak in the natural peace.

17. Local music in the park—dance it out!

Nothing says summer like live outdoor music. Check your city calendar for local concerts, bring chairs or a blanket, and dance barefoot in the grass. Here's the schedule for Duluth, 2025.

18. Dinner on a rooftop or balcony.

Eat outside every chance you get. Light candles, set out lemonade or mocktails, and watch the sunset while you enjoy a simple meal with people you love. Here in Minnesota, we only get a couple of months to enjoy the fresh air and warm evenings, so I think we should all soak them up. Plus, food just tastes better outside, no?

19. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.

Summer is a time of abundance, which makes it the perfect time to give back. Spend a day helping at a local shelter, food bank, or my favorite - a community garden. These community resources can always use a helping hand organizing donations, completing community outreach agendas, and fixing up facilities. Do some good while supporting those who need you in your community.

20. Celebrate the summer solstice.

Mark the longest day of the year with sunrise coffee, or tea, and an evening fire. Reflect on what’s blooming in your life and what you want to cultivate this season. On the first of the year and the solstice, we make a point to watch the first sun rays beam over the horizon. I think it's important to choose traditions that connect us to the big, beautiful world we live upon.

21. Read outside in a hammock.

Set up a hammock in the shade, pour a cold drink, and get lost in a good book. There’s no rush—just slow, simple rest.

22. Beach or backyard volleyball.

Gather a group and play just for fun. Keep the score low-stakes, bring music and snacks, and enjoy the laughter as much as the game.

23. Try a canoe trip.

We love Brule River Canoe Rental. Paddle gently downriver, let your hands trail in the water, and stop for a riverside snack. Watch for wildlife and breathe deeply. If you want to try the Brule River, I think A1 is a winning starter voyage!

24. Camp out-of-town—Pictured Rocks or Lake Okoboji!

Venture farther for a weekend away. Hike, swim, toast marshmallows, and stay up late under unfamiliar stars. Let yourself feel like a kid again. Being in Minnesota, I recommend the two above, but go as far as your wings will take you!

25. Day of deep rest—tech-free and barefoot.

Unplug for a day. Go barefoot in the grass, nap in the sun, and let your nervous system unwind. Journal, walk slowly, and simply be. It may be boring at first, but just be still and see where a life without distraction takes you.

26. Browse a bookstore and café with friends.

Wander a local bookstore together, then head to a café to swap titles and read side-by-side. It’s like a slow, gentle book club with tea.

27. Rollerblade.

Bring back that childhood thrill. Find a paved trail or smooth street and skate at sunset. Wear knee pads if needed—just get out there and glide. Do not skip the helmet!

28. Disc golf with blended drinks.

Grab your frisbees, pack a cooler with smoothies or cocktails, and head to the course. Celebrate each hole with a silly rule or mini dance party.

29. Minor league baseball game.

Root for the home team with peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and a seventh-inning stretch. Minor league games are fun, affordable, and full of quirky charm. Here's our local team's 2025 schedule!

30. Wander a sporting goods or camping thrift store.

Let yourself browse slowly. Try on backpacks, test headlamps, and dream up future adventures. You never know what treasure you’ll find. Hermantown, near Duluth, just got its own Bass Pro Shop, where we ventured in for new fishing gear and some bug spray!

June invites us to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and savor the simple joys that make summer unforgettable. From outdoor adventures to quiet moments in the shade, each day holds something worth celebrating. Here’s to memory-making, belly laughs, sticky ice cream hands, and finding beauty in every breeze. Let this be the month you lean into what lights you up and live it all the way out.

Cheers to sweet swaying breezes and nights under the stars, until next time.