22 nostalgic ways to celebrate the first day of summer

Know what you need to get a swimsuit bod for the summer? A swimsuit and a body. Period. But you’ll enjoy the beach more if you have a suit that you love and feel amazing in. Celebrate the onset of pool season by splurging on a fun new swimming costume.

Lemonade stands aren’t just for adorable kiddos (although you’ll be more successful if you involve some). Show your love of summer by setting up a drink stand in your neighbourhood and offer some cold beverages for free. You’ll meet your neighbours and get a kick out of helping people cool off on a hot day. Plus this is a perfect parent-child bonding activity.

What was the first thing you did during summer holidays when you were a kid? Ran through the nearest sprinkler of course! The fun doesn’t have to stop just because you now wear dry-clean-only pants or leather shoes. Change your clothes, lose the shoes and get your frolic on!

Speaking of which, check out these adorable pictures of wet dogs guaranteed to make you smile. 

Ice blocks are the quintessential summer treat – buy from the store or make your own!

You don’t have to do something major to celebrate the arrival of summer. Simply take advantage of the beautiful evening with an after-dinner walk around your block. Admire your neighbour’s flowers, catch up on how big their kids are, pet any new pups (or old ones!), chat about your day, and enjoy the fresh summer air.

Learn 11 easy ways to make walking more fun. 

Fresh flowers are one of the summer’s most beautiful gifts. Bring some inside by making your own bouquet. You don’t have to be a master flower arranger to select a few blossoms – from the farmer’s market or your yard – and create a little work of art for your home. Every time you see them, you’ll smile.

You’ll also smile at these 40+ secrets to a happier life. 

Late-summer evenings can be stuffy and humid so take advantage of the cooler air of the first night of summer by sleeping with your windows open. As long as you don’t have terrible allergies or noisy neighbours, the breeze will soothe you into a deep sleep.

Can’t sleep? Here are 10 medical reasons that could be to blame. 

R.E.M. was on to something with their classic summer song, “Night Swimming” – there’s just something magical about taking a swim through dark, quiet water still warm from the summer sunshine. Make it into a first-day-of-summer adventure by shedding your clothes and inhibitions and go skinny dipping!

A simple wreath of braided daisies, posies, poppies, or even dandelions makes the perfect summer crown for a child, a pet, or even yourself. Not into crafts? Tuck a flower or two behind your ear.

Summer calls for a new profile picture! You don’t have to be a supermodel or Instagram star to snap a fun, flattering summer selfie. Pose outdoors, on a beach, near a pool (or wearing your flower crown!) and then add filters, stickers, borders, banners and other summery extras.