As time ticks away during a long summer day, downtime feels like an endless expanse. Free from the pressures of homework, students can spend more time partaking in their hobbies and interacting with their friends; however, finding things to do can feel redundant. Here are 10 ideas to get you started!

1. Scrapbooking

Your first step is to pick a theme to create a cohesive look. A color scheme goes a long way! If you need inspiration, check out Pinterest or Canva. 

Next, you’ll need materials. Most creators begin with a book as their base, which can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Walmart. You will also need an adhesive, such as double-sided or washi tape. From there, the scraps are up to you! People commonly use receipts, photos, newspaper/magazine clippings, ticket stubs, paper scraps, dried and pressed florals or leaves, wrapping paper, ribbons, flyers for programs or events, stamps, postcards, pins, letters, envelopes, Post-Its, notes, felt banners, old homework, ink stamps, finger paint, string, or Polaroids! 

Tips: 1. Section off a space for blocks of writing. 2. Lay out the components to check the spacing. 

2. Skating

Is the summer heat feeling a little too hot? Cool down by going ice skating! At the St. Peter’s Rec-Plex, pass holders skate free and get free skate rentals. General admissions pay $3.50 for a skate rental. For anyone under 18, the entrance fee is $9 for residents and $11 for non-residents. For those over 18, the resident fee is $11, and the non-resident fee is $13. A calendar of daily public skate times is available on the St. Peter’s Rec-Plex website. 

If you’re looking for something with higher energy, you may consider attending the DJ skates on Fridays from 7 pm to 9 pm. These events include games, prizes, show lighting, and live music from a DJ. There’s no need to register; the cost is the same as a normal day. 

3. The Summer Reading Challenge

From June 2 to August 9, the St. Charles City-County Library hosts its annual summer challenge, which invites community members of all ages to participate in reading and exploration opportunities. This year, the theme is “Color Our World.” 

To participate in the summer challenge, pick up a sheet from any St. Charles City-County Library location. Printable game cards are also available on their website. If you prefer to participate virtually, download the Beanstack app at https://mylibrary.beanstack.org/reader365. Readers are encouraged to complete multiple sheets, and if you complete enough, you can become a “super reader.”

Participants are enrolled in a giveaway, which awards 50 winners of all ages a one-hundred-dollar gift card. An additional winner from the adult and teen categories will receive free Raising Cane’s for one year. 

Want volunteer experience? The St. Charles City-County libraries offer time slots for students to set up, break down, or work the summer challenge. Visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbGCg8pIvHBLPSop6xd7NDMcxraFhJlvizPW4epo59H2La7A/viewform to sign up!

4. Have a Picnic

Can’t think of a place? Consider having a picnic at Forest Park, Spencer Creek, Laurel Park, Veterans Memorial Park, McNair Park, or Faust Park. You’ll want to pack a blanket (bonus if it’s waterproof!), a cooler, plates, cutlery, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

As for food, consider bringing a charcuterie board, fruit, sandwiches, salad, chicken, small cakes or cookies, sushi, or a hummus and veggie tray. You can’t go wrong with a crisp lemonade or tea to wash them down!

5. Host a Movie Night

Consider hosting a movie night with friends, where the snacks correlate with the plot of the movie. Mattresses or a couch can be pushed together to form one large seat. Don’t forget to toss in some blankets and pillows! If you feel like taking it outside, use a projector to show the movie while you swim or make s’mores by a roasting bonfire. 

 6. Play the Daily Games Online

Check out these games: Wordle, Connections, Strands, Spelling Bee, The Washington Post Crossword, On the Record, Worldle, and Contexto 

7. Learn How to Make Sourdough

Making sourdough can be a tricky process; measurements must be precise, and a great level of care is required. For a beginner’s guide to the art of sourdough making, check out videos from “The Clever Carrot” or “The Perfect Loaf” on YouTube. Once you have mastered the basics, start customizing! Some of the best flavor combinations include jalapeno cheddar, roasted garlic and rosemary, caramelized onion, everything bagel, sun-dried tomato and mozzarella, cranberry, cocoa, cinnamon sugar, dried fruit,  and hot honey. 

8. Build a Bouquet

Flowers can be found at Schnucks, Aldi, or Trader Joe’s. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out Dollar Tree, or pluck flowers from nearby nature or your garden! 

Be sure to let the flowers sit in cold water for at least an hour before assembling. Cut the stems diagonally to fit the desired bouquet size. Once the body of the bouquet has been formed, adorn it with ribbons, pins, inserts, and spools. 

9. Decorate Cookies

Sally’s Baking Addiction has a catalogue of recipes to choose from! Check out the recipes for s’mores chocolate chip, lemon crinkle, glazed coconut lime, cookie ice cream sandwich, zucchini oatmeal chocolate chip, lemon ginger, and 4th of July firework cookies. 

Similarly, New York Times Baking has crafted a dujjonku cookie, which has been adapted from the popular Dubai chocolate bars. 

If you prefer a fresher cookie, The Art of Baking provides recipes for a strawberry cheesecake, raspberry and white chocolate, key lime, guava cream cheese, and matcha white chocolate cookie. 

10. Plant a Garden

Select a location where the sun shines often, and water is accessible. Place a raised bed in the selected location, filling it with soil. Be sure to rake the soil before planting. Lay out the plant arrangements, and consider the space they need to grow when doing so. Follow the instructions given on the plant cards or the seed bag to plant. Water consistently and monitor the plants!

To plant a garden, it is suggested to invest in a good pair of gloves, a shovel, a hose or watering can, shears, a rake, and potting soil. Use compost to strengthen plant production.  

Herbs, asparagus, zucchini, cucumber, bush beans, lettuce, kale, garlic, mint, tomatoes, green onions, peppers, and strawberries are the simplest edible plants to care for. 

Local nurseries, such as Theis Farm, carry most of the supplies needed for beginner gardeners. World Outdoor Emporium, Home Depot, and Lowe’s also have supplies.