50 Things To Do In The Summer By Yourself: Best Solo Time

Sometimes we have to fly solo. Whether you’re single, have a family and need a self-care break, or just have a day to yourself, the summer is the best time to enjoy a solo break. But what are some of the things to do in the summer by yourself?

You’re here because you’re looking for inspiration for a meaningful activity that’s out of the ordinary. Maybe you’re a busy mom who has that all-important “me time” available to you. You’re perhaps looking to do something that will have a big benefit for your physical, mental and overall wellbeing.

Depending on where you live, solo summer activities outside of the home may be on the dangerous side. So, I’m sharing a mix that might be just perfect for anybody, no matter what their situation.

Plan your solo summer day with these fun and relaxing summer activities you can do by yourself. They can be added to your summer self-care bucket list as well. Intrigued? Read on…

25 Things To Do In The Summer By Yourself Away From Home

These are all fun, relaxing outdoor solo summer activities requiring minimal travel away from home. As such, they are easy to do. However, be careful to choose those that are safe in your area.

Take a leisurely walk in your neighbourhood park at golden hour and photograph things like pretty flowers or clouds. Take selfies for some beautiful glowy photos.
Find a shady bench in a local park and read a book while listening to the birds and enjoying an iced coffee or tea.
Lounge by a local pond, fountain, stream or lake and simply watch the water move.
Have a solo picnic in your backyard, a nearby field, or a quiet park corner with your favourite snacks.
Go for a slow evening stroll around your block.
Visit a local community garden — many are open to the public. Enjoy the scents and colours.
Do outdoor yoga or gentle stretching in your backyard or a quiet park corner.
Sketch or journal while sitting outdoors. Doodle what you see around you.
Do some cloud watching: lie on a blanket in the grass and watch the clouds change shapes.
Water your outdoor plants, and enjoy the fresh air. Bonus if you have a comfortable Muskoka/Adirondack chair to lounge in by your plants.
Take a sunrise or sunset walk in your neighbourhood. Take in that magic light.
Go people-watching from a shaded spot at a local café patio.
Collect pretty leaves, flowers, or stones on a short neighbourhood nature scavenger hunt. Just no theft of private property!
Try forest bathing (shinrin-yoku). Walk slowly through any wooded area or tree-lined street and breathe deeply.
Practice outdoor meditation or breathwork on a park bench or in your yard.
Ride a bike slowly through quiet residential streets or a local bike path – this is my favourite solo activity!
Sit outside with a cold drink and listen to an audiobook or podcast under a tree.
Try grounding. Walk barefoot on grass for 10–15 minutes.
Watch the stars come out on a clear summer night from your backyard or a dark local spot.
Enjoy an outdoor lunch or dinner al fresco in your yard or a park.
Do a solo photo walk. Capture interesting textures, shadows, and summer light in your area.
Find a quiet spot to journal outdoors about what you’re grateful for this summer.
Practice birdwatching with a free app. Identify as many species as you can locally.
Do light gardening or weeding in your own yard/pots. It’s surprisingly meditative.
Take a relaxing evening walk and stop to smell the night-blooming flowers or fresh-cut grass.

Solo Safety Tips for Outdoor Summer Activities

When you’re enjoying things to do alone in the summer, safety is also important. If you’re venturing away from home, some of the recommendations I’ve shared require a few good habits for you to feel secure and confident in your safety.

Here are some good solo safety tips for those summer activities alone away from home:

Share your plans. Tell a friend or family member where you’re going (e.g., “neighbourhood park bench near home”) and roughly when you’ll be back.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep headphones off or at low volume so you can hear what’s happening around you. Make brief eye contact and greet people you pass. It makes you more aware.
Trust your instincts. If a spot or situation feels off, or people are behaving sketchily, leave immediately and choose somewhere more comfortable.
Check the weather and time of day. Go during daylight hours when possible, dress for heat (light layers, hat, sunscreen), and avoid extreme midday sun.
Stay hydrated and prepared. Bring water, a charged phone, sunscreen, and a small personal alarm or whistle. Let someone know if you’re heading out longer than usual.
Choose familiar, well-lit public spots. Stick to busy-enough parks, your own neighbourhood where you know people, or areas with regular foot traffic rather than isolated spots.
Carry essentials lightly. Make sure you have your phone with location sharing enabled, ID, a bit of cash or a debit/credit card, and comfortable shoes for quick movement if needed.
Listen to your body. Take breaks, rest in shade, and head home if you feel tired, overheated, or unwell.

If you’re like me, a child of the 70s and 80s, you remember safer times when being out in public didn’t include threats to yourself. You can still enjoy time alone, exploring the world, but do it smartly.

Now, let’s look at things you can do at home, if venturing out isn’t your thing.

Faceless woman reading a book on a backyard patio - things to do in the summer by yourself.

25 At-Home Solo Summer Activities

Prefer to be a homebody? I get it. I’m like this too. There’s so much I can enjoy at home when I’ve got the house to myself. These things to do in the summer by yourself at home are the ultimate relaxation boosters and are designed to bring you joy.

Add these 25 things to do in summer by yourself to your self-care checklist!

Create your own at-home spa day — face mask, cool shower, and summer-scented lotion. Try gua sha for some lymphatic drainage.
Make a big pitcher of homemade lemonade or iced herbal tea and sip it slowly on the balcony or by an open window.
Build a cozy indoor reading nook with pillows and read that book you’ve been saving.
One of the most delicious things to do in summer by yourself is to try new recipes. Choose those that only appeal to you. Now’s your chance!
Have a solo movie marathon with summer-themed films and your favourite snacks.
Do a gentle home yoga session focused on relaxation and deep breathing.
Create a summer playlist and have a solo dance party in your living room.
Journal with prompts like “What does joy feel like in summer?” or “What am I releasing this season?”
Give yourself a luxurious foot soak with Epsom salts and essential oils.
Take an afternoon nap with the window open, letting in fresh summer air and sounds.
Learn a new skill like watercolour painting, adult colouring, or simple calligraphy.
Rearrange or refresh one small area of your home to make it feel more summery.
Watch the sunset from your window or balcony with a favourite drink in hand.
One of the smartest solo summer activities to do: a digital detox evening — no screens, just candles, music, and deep relaxation.
Make homemade popsicles or ice cream and enjoy them mindfully on the couch.
Practice gratitude by writing down 20 things you love about summer.
Try guided meditation or sound bath sessions on YouTube in a cool, dark room.
Read poetry or short stories out loud to yourself — it feels surprisingly soothing.
Do a summer-themed craft like making pressed-flower bookmarks or shell art (if you have any).
Take a long, cool shower or bath with summer scents (coconut, citrus, lavender).
Binge listen a feel-good podcast series while lying on the floor with a fan on.
Create a solo summer vision board on your phone or paper for the rest of the season.
Cook a beautiful meal for one and set the table as if you’re hosting yourself.
Do a mindful breathing or progressive muscle relaxation session with the windows open.
End the day with a gratitude ritual. Light a candle and reflect on three beautiful moments.

One bonus idea: enjoy your backyard in the evening. Keep the mosquitoes and bugs away, and enjoy time listening to the sounds of the night.

Solo Summer Activities Are Self-Care Activities

These things to do in the summer by yourself are designed to support your well-being without taking away from the peaceful, solo vibe of the activities.

Treat them as self-care activities to be added to your list. Moments to enjoy your own time, away from distractions like social media, kids or other responsibilities can be like taking a week-long vacation.

If none of these appeal to you, consider taking the free time to start a new hobby, work on a new business venture or just enjoy some good sleep.

Enjoy a solo summer – whether it’s a day, week or the whole season… but make it work for you!

Get more boredom buster ideas and inspiration for rainy days.

QUESTION: Which of these things to do alone in the summer is going on your to-do list?