10 Great Ways to Celebrate Summer

Explore the iconic summer traditions that make America great, from a road trip across the states to a barbecue in your backyard. Get ideas for spending time with family and making time for fun.

By: Hannah Mills

Take a Road Trip Across America

See America like you never have before this summer! Get ideas for road trips across the country, from natural wonders like the Grand Canyon to historic attractions. Make a bucket list and hit the open road!

More American Adventures »

Plan an Amusement Park Day Trip

Spend the day riding roller coasters, eating funnel cakes or just people watching.

Take a Dip

There are swimming holes spanning across the country from Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida to Carlon Falls, California. Grab a friend and dive into one near you!

Set Up Camp

Whether you set up tents in your backyard under the stars, or road trip across America, camping will bring your family closer together as you smack on s'mores by the campfire.

Saunter Through Your Farmers' Market

Plan to visit a local farmers' market at least once this summer. Let the kids pick out something they like, then get the whole family involved in the dinner-making process. Be creative and try to use everyone's chosen ingredient in one meal.

More Summer Family Fun »

Pack a Picnic

Set up red, white and blue blankets and pillows for a patriotic picnic. Get the kids involved by having them help you make their favorite sandwiches and sides. Don't forget bug spray, sunscreen and sparklers!

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Build a Neighborhood Lemonade Stand

Treat yourself and the neighbors to refreshment from a homemade lemonade stand!

Host a Backyard BBQ

One of the best ways to get friends and family together is over BBQ and beer in the backyard. Take a cue from Great American Country's Junk Gypsies cast (like Jolie Sikes' husband Todd Smith) and fire up the grill.

More Summer Party Ideas »

Throw a Patriotic Party

Serve and display classic American foods for your Fourth of July party. Create a buffet of hot dogs, apple pie and soda pop. Top off the table with stars and stripes.

From: Kristin Guy

Backyard Fun

Take Family Game Night outside with classics like lawn bowling, cornhole, badminton, volleyball, and ladder ball.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Chris Leschinsky

Photo By: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Photo By: Sarah Wilson / Getty Images

Trending:

10 Great Ways to Celebrate Summer

Take a Road Trip Across America

Plan an Amusement Park Day Trip

Take a Dip

Set Up Camp

Saunter Through Your Farmers' Market

Pack a Picnic

Build a Neighborhood Lemonade Stand

Host a Backyard BBQ

Throw a Patriotic Party

Backyard Fun

Shop This Look

Next Up

22 Boredom-Busting Projects for Kids and Adults 22 Photos

50+ Sizzling Summer Backyard Party Ideas 51 Photos

Woodsy Summer Wedding 23 Photos

3 Great Places to See Fall Foliage 5 Photos

Great American Playlist Photo Gallery 17 Photos

Winter Wedding in the South 23 Photos

Greg Brady Takes Branson 10 Photos

Throw Back Thursday: Pictures From Drew, Jonathan and J.D. Scott’s Childhood Adventures 13 Photos

The Best Recipes From Season 1 of Kimberly's Simply Southern 51 Photos

Photos of Our Favorite Celebrity Weddings 37 Photos

We Recommend

Trash-to-Treasure Projects From the Junk Gypsies 17 Photos

20 Places to Experience the Great Outdoors in Texas 20 Photos

10 Awesome Chair Transformations from 'Flea Market Flip' 20 Photos

5 Great Neighborhoods in Sarasota

Top 50 Songs of Summer

How to Get Best Deals at Flea Markets 14 Photos

More ...

GAC Family

HGTV Sites

35 Before-and-After Backyard Transformations

DIY Network

Travel Channel

Food Network