Solo summer activities you’ll love—no matter your relationship status.
I usually spend winters hibernating. Living in the UK, where you essentially experience six to eight months of gloom every year, I find my life energy reawakens with the return of spring and summer.
But this summer hits differently. It’s my first-ever summer living alone.
Since I’m in my early thirties, many of my friends are busy with their kids and/or are away on holidays with their partners, so I’ve found myself spending a lot of time alone—but I didn’t want that to stop me from making the most of these scarce, sunny months.
So I created a bucket list of solo summer activities. Turns out, there are plenty of things to do alone in the summer that are just as—if not more—fun to do without a partner or screaming babies in tow.
Are you on your own this summer? Soak up the sunny days with this guide of what to do alone in summer:
The shortlist: 8 things to do alone in the summer
1. Spend time in parks
Making use of local parks or other green spaces is such a great way to enjoy the summer weather while doing other activities.
Whether it’s reading, listening to a podcast, journaling, or just simply relaxing, all of these activities can be made even more enjoyable with some sunshine, ice cream, or an iced beverage.
Merry’s tip: What to bring to take a day in the park to the next level?
A book. Duh. Go paper instead of digital to give your eyes a rest (and read more easily in the sun). Since we’re about halfway through the year, I like to take this time to dust off my new year’s resolution list and do a little soul-searching. That’s when I turn to this list: 7 Books on Self-Awareness to Become a Better Person.
A cool drink. I’m frugal and particular, so that means I like to make my own drink before heading out. I’m crazy about sparkling water with fresh lemon (it’s the little things). But if I have a bit of extra time, I love to brew up some homemade iced tea. Not sure which tea makes the best iced tea for you? Check out my guide on the Best Tea for Non Tea Drinkers.
A journal. For doodling. For daydreaming. For writing. All of these options are better than doomscrolling—and better yet, they’re free! If political angst, family troubles, or work stress is getting you down, let it all out at the park with these 20 Journal Prompts for Anger.
2. Attend events solo (even if it feels scary)
Many Londoners will tell you that the capital is a bit of a transient city, where a lot of people come and go— even more so since the pandemic. With the rising cost of living and the growing popularity of working from home, I’ve found my friendship circle shrinking year after year.
So this summer, I’ve been making a conscious effort to push myself beyond my normal circle of friends and find opportunities to get out and meet new people on my own.
To my surprise, I discovered a whole host of events (even free ones) available locally. I’ve found free yoga classes, run clubs, book clubs, clothes up-cycling workshops, and more.
Signing up for these solo events is a great way to meet people who have similar interests—but even if you don’t make friends, you still get to spend a couple of hours doing something you enjoy. And isn’t that the point?
Not at ease doing things alone?
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I recently signed up for a book club. Earlier this month, I attended a crafts event. And I’m already scheduled to attend an after-work drinks meet-up and a free university lecture next month.
While it’s still early days and I haven’t made meaningful friendships through these events (yet), it’s been a great way to meet new people and hear different perspectives. Plus, chatting books and doing crafts is a really fun way to spend my afternoons.
If crafts or after-work drinks don’t sound like something you’d enjoy, there are lots of other events you can attend. For example, in my city, I’ve seen events like:
- Volunteering
- Baking classes
- Flower-arranging classes
- Art workshops
- Psychology or history talks
You can find events like these through local universities, libraries, museums, and small businesses, as well as Facebook groups and apps like CLIQ or Meetup.
And if you can’t find any events near you that you’d like to attend, why not organize one yourself?
3. Learn a new skill
Summer often brings a slower pace at work, making it the perfect time to learn something new. Plus, picking up a new skill isn’t just a great way to fill time when you don’t know what to do alone in the summer—it can also be really rewarding! You never know, you may discover a new favorite hobby in the process.
This year, I focused on learning skills that were a little less business and a bit more fun.
I’ve been learning (or, should I say, clumsily attempting to learn) how to knit. I’ve also been brushing up on my German. And a couple of summers ago, I took a photography course—and actually learned how to use my DSLR camera that had been gathering dust in my desk drawer for years.
With so many resources (including free ones) available to learn new skills, it’s never been easier to start learning something new—and summer is the perfect time to do it.
4. Go to galleries, museums, and exhibitions
Museum-hopping usually gets the most attention in the darker winter months, but I think it’s actually one of the best things to do in the summer by yourself.
For one, galleries and museums rotate their exhibitions all year round, so if you only visit them in the winter, you’ll miss out on many temporary exhibits you might also enjoy.
I also like heading to museums and art galleries as a bit of a quiet escape from our loud, hectic world. Especially in the summer months when the city is extra lively (and crowded), ducking into a museum for a few hours of solo time is a nice way to chill out and recharge.
And honestly? When there’s a heatwave and crowds feel stifling, a calm, air-conditioned museum filled with art and sculptures is the best place to be.
5. Take yourself on a solo movie or theater date
I’m not going to lie, it took me forever to muster up the courage to go to the movies alone.
Even though it was something I’d been wanting to do for a while, I felt really embarrassed to approach the counter and buy a ticket for one. I was convinced that everyone would notice and judge me for being there alone. In reality though, I realized that nobody cares.
Now, going to the movies alone is actually one of my favorite ways to spend time by myself—and it makes sense if you think about it.
Both the movies and the theater require you to sit quietly in the dark, and (ideally) there’s no talking allowed. It’s the perfect thing to do alone—especially in the sweltering months when you’re looking for things to do in the summer by yourself where you can escape the heat.
Merry’s tip: Still feeling a little awkward going to the movies or theater by yourself?
It’s normal. Those are typically billed as very “date-y” activities, which can make it feel super lame at first when you approach the counter to buy a ticket for one.
But there’s nothing lame, embarrassing, or cringey about it.
For a little dose of courage before taking yourself on your own movie date, read How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone.
6. Do something you've been putting off for a while
I know this doesn’t sound too glamorous, but if you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands and you’re truly at a loss for things to do alone in summer, then this is a good way to use that extra time productively.
Yes, I know “summer” and “productive” don’t necessarily go hand in hand. But do you know that feeling when you cross something off your to-do list? The little dopamine rush? That’s what we’re going for here.
Case in point: Last month, I spent one whole weekend doing a big bedroom declutter.
I listened to a great audiobook, ordered take-out, made myself lots of iced tea, even treated myself to a glass of wine at the end. As much as I had dreaded doing this task, it ended up being almost fun—and I’m definitely glad to have finally gotten rid of some very unnecessary clutter.
Merry’s tip: Can’t bring yourself to do that chore you’ve been putting off for ages?
You’re not the only one. But keep this in mind: Little by little, healthy habits have a way of snowballing into an overall healthier (and happier) life.
If your home is already clutter-free and you’re not sure where to start, check out this list of 13 Habits to Start Now in Your 20s (or Whenever) for Long-Term Physical & Mental Wellbeing.
7. Be a tourist in your own city
Or if you’re feeling brave enough, go travel by yourself.
While I’ve moved abroad by myself twice, I’ve never traveled alone. For a reason unknown even to me, I find the idea of solo travel a lot scarier than moving countries. But since I’m focused on saving money this summer, I decided against traveling this year—instead, I’ve been rediscovering the city I live in: London.
But even if you don’t live in a big city, there are usually plenty of places to see and new things to do alone in the summer.
For example, you could:
- Visit a garden, park, or local nature reserve
- Tour a local historical landmark
- Enjoy a solo picnic
- Explore new coffee shops
- Take a bike ride around town
Or if you’re feeling fancy, you could even treat yourself to an overnight hotel stay in your hometown—ideally, one with good room service and an outdoor swimming pool.
Taking a good, old staycation is a great way to try new local summer activities and get to know yourself a little better in the process.
Merry’s tip: Feeling nervous about solo travel?
You’re not the only one. For a little inspiration on pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and finally taking the big trip, read:
Scared of Traveling Alone: How to Deal with Solo Travel Anxiety
8. Eat out alone
Since warm, sunny weather doesn’t last forever, make sure you take advantage of the summer by treating yourself to an outdoor dinner for one.
Eating out alone is another one of those solo activities that initially seemed too intimidating to me—until one day I didn’t have a choice.
I was waiting for a dentist appointment after work and I was starving, so I decided to go out to dinner alone. After settling in and enjoying a tasty meal for one, I realized that it wasn’t as scary as I had built it up in my head.
Funnily enough, the restaurant I went to must not get many solo diners, because they assumed I wanted to get my food as takeaway—they even packed it up at first before serving it to me on a plate. But I didn’t let this discourage me. I enjoyed my first solo dinner with a book and even treated myself to a dessert after.
Tips for eating out alone for the first time:
Avoid the crowds; If you find the idea of eating out alone uncomfortable, try going outside of peak times.
Sit at the bar. It can also be helpful to pick a restaurant with bar seating. You’ll often find other solo diners seated at the bar, which can make your first time eating out alone feel less awkward.
Bring a distraction. And if you’re worried about spending the whole time doomscrolling or not knowing what to do with your hands, bring along a book.
For reading list inspiration, check out Easiest Classic Novels to Read | 18 Easy-to-Read Classics for Beginners.
Conclusion: How to Enjoy Summer Alone
Doing things alone can be scary, even in the best of times. And in a way, summertime can make it even more intimidating to do things alone since so many people’s social calendars are seemingly packed to the brim.
But you know those moments when you feel scared to do something new? And then when you finally push yourself to do it, you’re left wondering, “What was I so scared about?”
The truth is, most things aren’t quite as bad as we build them up to be in our heads—and that’s definitely true when it comes to doing things alone in the summer.
Over time, I’ve realized that enjoying doing things alone is like a muscle: The more solo summer activities you try, the easier it becomes.
So put your sunglasses on, pack your favorite book, treat yourself to an iced coffee, and do whatever makes you happy—all on your own.
I can guarantee you’ll be glad you did.
Maja Krasnicka
Maja Krasnicka is a project manager and freelance writer based in London. Her recent articles were published in Betches and Business Insider. In her free time, Maja likes to learn new skills, read, and obsess over interior design.
Next Steps:
Pick one solo summer activity from this list and schedule it. If it’s eating out alone, make the reservation. If it’s a meet-up group, commit to the event. Then, put it your calendar—making a countdown is (fun) but optional.
Find a book for your solo reading in the park. Borrow it from your local library or order it now from one of these Amazon Alternatives for Books.
Plan your summer solo travel trip. Even if it’s just a weekend away or a small day trip. Get wanderlust inspiration with these 21 Quotes for Traveling Alone.
Use the image below to save this post to Pinterest so these ideas are there when you need them.
Things To Do Alone in Summer: Common FAQs
What can you do alone in the summer for fun?
There are plenty of things to do alone in the summer, no matter your budget.
If you’re looking for free things to do alone in the summer, why not spend the day luxuriating in a local park with a good book and a homemade iced tea? Dreamy sunset strolls and cloud-gazing are also free and accessible to all.
If you’re spending the summer alone and you want to treat yourself, how about leveling-up your staycation by booking a hotel in your hometown for the weekend? Think room service and chilling poolside—without the hassel of going to the airport.
How do I spend my summer when I have no friends?
If you find yourself spending the summer alone and aren’t sure how to fill the time, first of all—don’t despair! Alone time is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better and to make progress towards your personal and/or professional goals.
Start by getting in the right mindset. Find inspiration from these 7 Books on Self-Awareness. Then, follow these tips to learn How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone.
What to do on a summer day at home?
Whether it’s scorching hot outside or unseasonably cloudy, sometimes you have to get a little creative with solo summer activities inside.
That’s when I turn to my Ultimate Guide to Self-Care with 100 Self-Care Ideas, like working on DIY projects, doing a little yoga or meditation, or going analog with a puzzle or paperback book.
What are some things you can do at home instead of going on holiday when you're alone and have nothing to do during your summer vacation?
There are plenty of things to do in the summer by yourself when you need to stay at home. The classic advice is to learn to be a tourist in your own city. For example, you can take yourself to the movies; try a new restaurant; explore a local musuem; stroll in a park or nearby nature reserve.
If you’re at home alone during the summer, check out 100 Self-Care Ideas to turn your boring summer into some serious pampering time.
Discover how the merry loner lifestyle makes life more enjoyable:
LONER MINDSET: fresh perspectives on learning to genuinely enjoy your own company
BOOKS: reading lists for people who love being alone with a good story
ANALOG LIVING: inspiration to step back from the screen and live a life offline
SOLO TRAVEL: guides on where to go and how to enjoy it alone
MINDFUL CONSUMPTION: vetted recommendations for a simpler, less wasteful life
LONER Q&As: interviews from global voices on how to live a meaningful, enjoyable life
