With the last few weeks of summer approaching the pressure is on to make the most out of it. I think that we can all relate to the fact that we all had big plans at the start of the summer. We were determined to make them all happen but in reality we ended up watching Netflix in bed all day. By the end of the summer we will end up looking back and being angry with ourselves for not taking more of an initiative to plan things and go out. Summer is the time to try and experience new things with friends and family. It is a time to be carefree and spend hours doing things that you love with people that you love. Of course in the summer their is always downtime, but even relaxing outside by the pool or tanning in your backyard is better then sitting inside in front of a computer screen. I have taken a lot of time before and during this summer to come up with ideas for activities that I wanted to do. I was determined to make them all happen to allow myself to look back at my summer and know that I went to new places and experienced new things. I am making sure to make the most of everyday this summer, whether it be something as simple as getting an ice cream with friends. I never let a day go by without having a plan. I believe that the key to avoiding being lazy in front of the TV is to make a bucket list of all the things that you want to do in the next few weeks, no matter how far fetched they seem. Then on Sunday night grab your planner and choose some activities the you want to do from your list. Ask some friends if they want to join you and once the plans are made write them in your calendar. This will allow you to start your week off on a positive note and you can wake up each day knowing that your plans are already made. I have come up with 10 ideas of what you can do to make the most out of your last few weeks of summer, I hope you enjoy!

The CNE

The CNE opens up in Toronto August 19- September 1st. It is a great and fun place to go with friends or family. With tones of rides and games to play there is something for everyone. The CNE is also famous for their large selection of food, such as Tiny Tom Donuts, Beaver Tails and so much more.

Harbour Front

Harbour Front is one of Toronto’s famous locations. It is the port for many beautiful boats that you can take cruises on and tour Toronto Island. On these boats you can dine and dance as well. Walking around the board walk is so relaxing and there is always activities to participate in going on. Harbour Front has no shortage of restaurants, so you are sure to find one that has what you are in the mood for. You can enjoy a nice meal while looking out to the water.

Go on a hike

Getting active in the summer is a great way to get out and make something out of your day. There are countless hiking trials everywhere. Use Google to find some in your area! You will be able to be in nature, enjoy the outdoors, get active and maybe even get a tan. Going with friends makes it even more fun and you can challenge each other to push their limits.

Go on a picnic

Picnics are such an easy and cheap activity that you can do in the summer anytime. All you have to do is pack a few sandwiches, drinks and snacks. You can even make it fancy by bringing a cheese board and crackers! Go to a local park in your area, lay out a blanket and enjoy the calming sounds of nature while you eat.

Try a new restaurant

There are countless restaurants opening up everywhere. When choosing a place we all tend to go to the places that we have been before. We do this because it is familiar to us and we know we like the food there. Keep in mind however that there are countless restaurant choices everywhere and new places opening all the time. Some places that I would recommend are Sweet Jesus Ice Cream, Burger Priest, Terroni and Glory Hole. A tip is to look at reviews of restaurants before going to them. This will give you an idea of how good the food is. Trying new places, although it may be risky is a great activity to do and will allow you to discover new favourites and channel your inner foodie.

Pick up a new hobby

Learning new things is always a fun and interesting activity for all of us to do, no matter what our age. There are many hobbies that you can pick up during the summer. You can learn to play an instrument, bake, learn to play a new sport or even scrapbook. You and your friends can all choose one to do together to make it even more fun!

Shopping Downtown

Toronto is the location of hundreds of trendy and beautiful shops. You can go to the Eaton Centre in the heart of Downtown Toronto to shop at the big brand name stores such as Lululemon and Micheal Kors. If you want to check out some smaller trendy shops you can shop on Queen Street. You will be amazed at the unique clothing items that you can find at these stores and no where else.

Downtown Oakville

Downtown Oakville has a little bit of everything to suit everyones entertainment needs. You can walk down to the water to enjoy the calming lake and throw some rocks. You can go shopping at the many stores in the area. As well, you can get something to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants and cafes. Downtown Oakville is such a pretty  area with historic buildings and calming scenery.

Port credit

Similar to Harbour Front, Port Credit is a great place to go to be by the water. There are many restaurants to go eat and ice cream parlours to go to for desert. It doesn’t matter what day it is, there is always activities going on and the area is always lively. There are shops and sites to see such as the light house as well! Spending your day or your evening at Port Credit with friends or family is definitely something that anyone would enjoy.

Go to the beach

The beach is always a good idea! Although unfortunately depending on where you live access to a beach is not always easy, and it may take a couple hours to reach one. However if you plan a day to go with your family or friends you can have a fantastic and fun filled day there. You can pack a picnic, get a tan and go swimming. Sounds like a win to me!