With days becoming longer, birds chirping louder and UV getting higher, summer is creeping up fast here in Granite Bay. While many students already have their calendars full, the boredom of a long break will set in eventually. So to prevent staring at a wall for all summer, this guide full of fun activities can be your best friend, offering many different ideas of how to make this time of the year truly enjoyable. Whether you want to explore beyond your couch, are on a budget or just want to stay at home, there is always something to do with your free time.

For the days when you do not want to get out of your pajamas, indoor activities can be super enjoyable. 

If you are a person that likes journaling or preserving memories, scrapbooking could be a fun way to fill up free time. Get started by selecting a theme or color scheme. Common themes include everyday life, heritage, holidays, travel and beliefs. Then gather some adhesive and scissors, slap it on a piece of colored paper and do not forget that there are no mistakes!

Another fun activity for when you have a little more energy, but still want to stay inside, is an indoor movie night. Create a cozy space at home by setting up an area with blankets, pillows and dark lighting. To take this experience to the next level, you can include a projector and fun snacks like popcorn, candy or pizza.

If you are not in the mood for sitting on the couch but still want to be in the comfort of your home, baking or cooking could be a sweet way to spend your time. You could try cooking dinner or baking a treat for your friends or family; experimenting in the kitchen can be a great way to express yourself or even find a new passion. 

If you are having trouble enjoying indoor activities, exploring beyond the driveway might be a solution.

Golfland Sunsplash is a popular place here in Roseville, and has numerous different attractions to choose from. This includes two 18-hole Mini Golf courses, arcade games in “King Ben’s Castle,” bumper cars, go carts and various water slides for all ages. Although this is one of the more expensive activities on the list, the joyful experience is totally worth the extra penny.

If you like caffeine and trying new things, going to a niche coffee shop could be an amazing way to spend your day. Beyond caffeine, discovering new coffee shops can bring tasty pastries and a fun adventure into a hot summer day. Places like The Hidden Coffee bar, Placer Roasting Company, Uplift Coffee and Forscore Coffee are all amazing hidden gems to visit locally. 

However, if you are fond of exploration, especially of different species, peaking at the wild and domestic animals at the Folsom Zoo might be your cup of tea. The Folsom Zoo includes dozens of animals, including the most visited ones Henry, Olive and Herbie — North American Black bears that all stand above 5 feet tall. The twisting paths of the zoo lead to facts about the animals, including the history and story of each individual one.

Summer can still be full of joy without breaking the bank.

While having a blast and saving money at the same time, Folsom lake is a great way to get outdoors but not splurge on unnecessary expenses. It is free to enter if you have a state park pass, and only 12 dollars per car without a pass. The lake features sandy beaches, a snack bar, barbecue pits, picnic areas and endless summer fun. Folsom Lake also offers rentals for an enjoyable time in the water such as kayaks, paddle boards, pontoons, deck boats and more for an additional charge. 

If exploring sounds fun, but the lake is not really your jam, trying some at a farmers market may be the solution. Whether supporting small businesses, eating locally produced food or just socializing with the community, visiting farmers markets is a win-win-win situation. There are many nearby such as the Granite Bay Farmers Market, Denios Farmers Market and Placergrown Farmers’ Market. 

If socializing does not sound fun and you would rather read words than speak them, the Granite Bay public library might be a good spot to hangout. This library offers computers, printers, free Wi-Fi, weekly story times for kids and of course, access to numerous genres of books. This book nook is also air conditioned, so it could be a nice break from the hot summer weather.

As summer is even closer now, hopefully this guide has inspired you to embrace every minute of the upcoming season. No matter if you plan to explore new shops, spend time with friends and family or snack on yummy recipes, this summer will be filled with smiles and fun filled memories.