Summer isn’t the same when you’re a grownup. You don’t get three months of vacation, and even if you did, you probably wouldn’t spend the bulk of it binge-watching whatever’s on Nickelodeon. As such, grownups tend to dearly treasure any summer free time they can wrangle—be it a Sunday afternoon cookout or a few days at the cabin.

But with these blissful summer hours limited by your employer’s vacation policy and the tilt of the Earth’s axis, it’s important to make a game plan. We’ve created a checklist of must-do summer activities to get you started. Combine these with your personal favorite things to do in the summer, and you’re well on your way to owning the season.

1. Catch a Baseball Game

Specifically: splurge on some junk food at the game. Because what’s summer baseball without ballpark hot dogs, Cracker Jack, and ice-cold beer?

Read: The Food Vendor’s Your Best Friend in Major League Baseball—
Here’s How to Stay on Their Good Side

Bringing young children to a crowded ballpark for a long game can seem daunting, but trust us: it is possible to keep these young fans entertained and make classic summer memories at the same time.  

Read: How to Keep Kids Entertained at the Ballpark

2. Attend a Summer Festival

A summer festival is a great excuse to indulge in a little warm-weather day-drinking. Our craft beer expert has the right brew for every type of festival—from BBQ to music to hot air balloon.

Read: Craft Beer Pairings For Every Summer Festival Activity

Nothing screams summer fun like a weekend music festival. To make the most of your time, check out our safety strategies and practical pro-tips before you go.

Read: Our Music Festival Survival Guide

3. Try A New Water Sport

Part flight, part water sport: a spin on a water jet pack is 100% adventure. Hit the waves this summer—then propel off of them on a flume of spray.

Read: The Water Jet Pack is a Different Kind of Water Sport

Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga is a better, slightly wetter version of regular yoga. We asked two instructors to explain how this water sport can add balance to your workout regimen—and your summer.

Read: Why You Should Ditch Your Mat for a Floating SUP Yoga Class

4. Zip Down a Water Slide

A trip to the water park can provide relief from the heat—as well as ample outdoor activities for kids—but they aren’t exactly known as bastions of calm. Our panel of parents compiled these tips on how to navigate the water park without losing your sanity.

Read: How to Survive the Water Park With Kids

5. Spend an Entire Day at the Amusement Park

Who engineers the summer’s most enthusiastic screams and thrills? A roller coaster designer, that’s who. We spoke to one such hero to discover how physics, creativity, and a lifelong passion for adrenaline come together in coasters all around the world.

Read: Inside the Stomach-Churning World of Roller Coaster Design

From bringing your own food in a cooler, to snapping 360° pics of your parking spot, our team of moms—and former theme-park employees—has you covered with the practical essentials of a day at the amusement park.

Read: How to Survive a Day at the Amusement Park Without Having a Meltdown

6. Try a New Summer Hairstyle

Don’t spend your summer in severe buns and ponytails. Our beauty editor shows off five cute summer hairstyles that take just five minutes or less.

Read: 5 Cute & Quick Hairstyles for Summer

7. ...And While You’re At It, Don’t Forget The Nails

If there’s ever a time to show off your toes, it’s summer. Take our quiz to find out what pedicure color you should sport at the beach (or the block party, or the rooftop bar, or the freezing-cold movie theater…).

Quiz: What Summer Nail Color Best Expresses Your Personality?

8. Eat Ice Cream At Every. Available. Opportunity!

What’s better than ice cream? Booze in ice cream! But it’s not that simple: alcoholic desserts have to strike a perfect balance between sweetness and alcohol flavor. Our editor puts whiskey ice cream to the test.

Read: A Skeptic’s Take on Whiskey Ice Cream

In the tropics, it always feels like summer. We break down halo-halo, a frosty Filipino dessert that’s perfect for cooling off on the dog days.

Read: A Dessert with Eight Beautiful Parts

9. Finally, Take a Summer Vacation

Your summer vacation is a precious commodity, so don’t waste time worrying about it. Take our quiz and we’ll tell you whether you should spend the rest of the season relaxing in Cancun, riding roller coasters in Orlando, or spelunking in the caves of Kentucky.

Quiz: Where Should You Go For Your Summer Vacation?