As the temperatures outside rise, it’s easy to feel like your fun summer plans are melting away before your eyes. Especially in the depths of July and August, it can be hard to find activities for hot summer days that won’t reduce you to a puddle of sweat in mere minutes. But as someone who loves the heat (blame my rising Aquarius energy), I’m here to tell you that scorching temps don’t have to mean cancelled plans. I’ve got plenty of ideas for things to do during the hottest months of the year that won’t make you miserable. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly ideas, fun things to do at home, or unique experiences to try with friends, these 28 activities for hot summer days will help you beat the heat while making the most of the season.
1. Explore an antique mall or thrift store
This is my personal idea of the perfect way to spend a hot summer day when it’s absolutely miserable outside. Head to your local antique mall and get lost amid the (air-conditioned) aisles while you hunt for vintage treasures. Antique malls combine multiple vendors under one roof, so there’s tons of variety in what you might find. Whether you’re into vintage clothing, furniture, art, or fun knickknacks, picking through all the finds is a fun way to spend a hot afternoon even if you don’t end up buying anything.
2. Have a themed movie marathon
Curling up in a dark room with the AC blasting and a queue of beloved movies is a fantastic way to beat the heat this summer. To give some structure to your movie marathon, pick a theme (such as Nancy Meyers movies, a series like The Hunger Games, or movies set in a specific destination) and pull together a spread of snacks and drinks that fit the vibe. Think: chilled white wine and a cheese board for a Nancy Meyers night, or Italian sodas and gelato to go along with Italy-themed movies like Letters to Juliet and Roman Holiday.
3. Go on a coffee shop crawl
The whole “crawl” concept doesn’t have to be limited to sweaty nights out in crowded bars. For a daytime alternative to the classic bar crawl, try a coffee shop crawl, where you bounce between a few different spots and sample something at each. Grab a beverage at your first stop, a pastry at the next, and maybe a breakfast sandwich to round out the adventure. You could also try something specific (like an oatmilk latte or matcha) at each place to determine which coffee shop does it best. Bring a book and make it a solo date, or invite friends and have fun debating where each spot falls in the rankings.
4. Head to a comedy or karaoke bar
Everyone loves a good outdoor bar during the warm weather. However, patio sitting is less fun when it’s 90 degrees with 90% humidity to boot. When it’s too hot outside, head to a comedy or karaoke bar with your favorite people instead. You’re all but guaranteed some entertainment and good drinks, minus the sweating.
5. Have a digital detox day
When it’s so hot outside that you don’t feel like doing anything, it’s easy to spend the day doom-scrolling or aimlessly playing around on your phone. Instead of rotting all day, consider trying out a digital detox day where you stay off the internet for 24 hours. If you want to take it a step further, you could even unplug from all electronics, including TVs or gaming systems. It’s the perfect reset and an opportunity to dedicate time to your hobbies, like journaling, crafting, or cooking. It might even motivate you to try something new (like an activity from this list!).
6. Go for a sunrise or sunset drive
If you feel like getting outside but want to stay cool, hop into your car (with the AC blasting) and head out for a sunrise or sunset drive. Pick a playlist that makes you feel like the main character, and just enjoy the beauty of the sun rising or setting around you. You could even pull into a parking spot at a local park or lookout spot to just sit and watch. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy some nature without actually having to step foot outside.
7. Host a “board night”
Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? But if you want to take it to the next level, get creative and host a “board night,” where everyone brings their own board piled with snacks of their choice—from candy to fast food to classic charcuterie. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful. Pick your theme, gather your ingredients, and have fun trying to make it aesthetically pleasing (even if you’re using chicken nuggets and French fries). Spend the evening snacking on each other’s boards and voting on which one had the best presentation.
8. Craft some mood playlists
If you don’t already have a playlist for every possible mood and situation you find yourself in, it’s time to get on it. Craft some hyper-specific or fun playlist titles, and start pulling together songs that fit the theme. Whether you want to keep it light with a soundtrack for “getting ready with the girls” or lean into sad girl vibes with a “crying in the shower” playlist, it’s such a fun way to listen, enjoy, and discover new or old music.
9. Go to an arcade
Embrace your inner child and head to an arcade on the next blistering hot day. Dark rooms, full-blast AC, snacks, prizes… what more could you want? Buy some tokens and get gaming! Go with friends and make it a competition to see who can get the highest score or earn the most tickets with a limited amount of tokens. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you could even get a group together to play some laser tag or glow-in-the-dark mini golf (and you absolutely must take it seriously).
10. Upcycle old clothing
As the scorching temperatures continue all summer long, you might be itching for less fabric… or just a little re-imagination in the closet. Instead of spending money on new clothes, revamp those jeans you barely wear anymore by cutting them into shorts. Crop an old shirt, or cut a too-short dress into a top. You can find tutorials and inspiration online, or just let your imagination run wild. Channel your inner Project Runway star, all from the comfort of your cool and temperature-controlled home.
READ: 14 Crafty Hobbies to Get Creative with This Summer
11. Take a mini lesson online
Get your brain fired up this summer by learning something new! Take a mini lesson online about whatever subject interests you, whether that’s history, calligraphy, cooking, or even crafting. You can even take notes old-school with some colored pens to really embrace the nostalgia of it all. Find some free tutorials on YouTube, or go with a paid option like Masterclass for more in-depth options. While the sun’s blazing outside, you’ll be inside with cool air, an icy beverage, and snacks, of course.
12. Binge a summer read
If you haven’t had the chance to catch up on your summer TBR list, take advantage of the heat by getting comfortable in the air conditioning and bingeing a 5-star book. A great beach read will transport you to the coast, making you feel like you’re cooling off seaside instead of in your living room. Once you allow yourself time to dive into a new world, you’ll remember why you fell in love with reading in the first place.
13. Go bowling
You may not have hit the bowling alley since it was the go-to spot for elementary school birthday parties, but bowling is the perfect activity for a hot summer day. Grab some friends and enjoy the air conditioning while you engage in some friendly competition. Plus, many bowling alleys also offer restaurant-quality refreshments to snack or sip on while you aim for that strike.
14. Whip up an icy treat
Cooling down with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s is one of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer day, but if you’re looking for an afternoon activity, channel your inner Gordon Ramsay and make a frozen dessert of your own. You can try something super simple, like a refreshing batch of lemonade or some popsicles, or attempt a homemade ice cream that rivals Half Baked. It’s a fun way to pass the time, and you’ll get a sweet treat from it.
15. Enjoy patio season after sundown
As much as I hate to say it, patio season is fleeting. Before we know it, we’ll yearn for the days when we can sip on a spritz outdoors. Head to your fave outdoor bar in the evening so you’re not sweltering during the sun’s peak, and order an ice-cold drink to keep cool. Trust me, when fall weather rolls around, you’ll be glad you made the most of patio season.
16. Make a vision board
We usually think of January as the time to set intentions for the year, but summer is an amazing opportunity to check in with your goals. Since we’re about halfway through the year, now is the perfect time to create a new vision board or expand upon the one you made at the beginning of 2026 to manifest what the rest of your year will look like. Open Pinterest to create a digital board, or cut up some magazines to get inspired the old-fashioned way.
17. Clean out your home
If you’re forced inside by the heat, you might as well check some things off your to-do list. If spring cleaning came and went with little action on your part, it’s never too late to tackle a home purge. Sort through your items and donate what you no longer use to declutter your house and make room for the new.
18. Host a game night
Grab a deck of cards or a stack of board games, and invite some of your favorite people over for game night. This is the perfect way to spend a hot summer evening without breaking a sweat (unless you’re playing Monopoly, in which case, bring a handheld fan to stay cool). Go all out with a spread of appetizers complete with summery drinks, or keep it simple and order pizza and have everyone BYOB.
19. Meditate
In case you haven’t heard, meditation is very, very good for you. It can help you reduce stress, improve sleep, and get more in touch with your thoughts and emotions. The best part is that you can meditate literally anywhere, and with plenty of online tools and resources out there, learning how to meditate is easier than ever. Use a free guided meditation on YouTube, or level up your wellness routine and download a wellness app like Open or Saged to get started.
20. Browse the aisles of your local library
The library is a seriously underrated summer hideaway—it has free WiFi, AC, computers, DVDs, and tons and tons of reading material. Get away from the heat and spend some time wandering the aisles of your local library. Then pull up a chair and start reading then and there, or check out some promising books you can read during your free time.
21. Check out a new ice cream shop
Ice cream and summer are practically synonymous, and what better way to beat the heat than by visiting a new-to-you ice cream shop? This will give you a chance to get out and about and reward yourself with a delectable frozen treat. If you’re up for it, swap your usual flavor choice for one of the parlor’s most popular flavors to try something new.
22. Get wet
An activity that involves water is always a good idea during the hottest months of the year. Spend the day at a nearby swimming pool with your besties, or head to a local lake or river and take a refreshing dip. Likewise, if you’re hosting a summer party, have a water balloon fight or DIY your own adult slip ‘n’ slide. If the beach is close by, grab a chair and pack a bag complete with plenty of SPF, snacks, water, and entertainment. Whether you plan to meet up with friends or relax all by yourself, head out early in the morning to beat the heat.
23. Have an at-home spa night
Nothing’s more relaxing than indulging in some self-care after a long, hot summer day. Take an everything shower in cool water and follow it up with some deep moisturization. From there, throw on a pair of lightweight PJs, tie your hair back, and treat yourself to a splurge beauty treatment, like an LED light mask or your fanciest skincare products. Make it extra special with a cold glass of rosé, candles, and a relaxing playlist.
24. See a movie at the theater
Movie theaters are notoriously freezing, which makes them the perfect place to shield yourself from burning temps. Find out what’s playing at your local movie theater, then grab a couple of your friends or take yourself on a solo date. Be sure to go all out and purchase candy, popcorn, and soda at the concession stand for some childhood nostalgia.
25. Host a paint and sip party
Tap into your creative side with a paint-and-sip party. You can host your own at home by yourself or with a few gal pals, or find a local workshop near you. Either way, this will give you an excuse to stay inside in the AC as you unwind and paint something gallery-worthy you can hang in your home.
26. Go ice skating
Although most of us wouldn’t normally associate ice skating with summer, an indoor ice rink is actually an ideal place to be during July and August. Think about it: It has to be cold in there or else the ice will melt. Plus, ice skating is a fun way to get in some movement without breaking a sweat, which means it’s also perfect for a first date—you won’t have to worry about your hair frizzing or makeup melting off in the summer heat.
27. Visit a museum, aquarium, or art gallery
Staying cool is the name of the game during this time of year, and there are tons of great places to do that while taking in some culture. Visiting a museum, aquarium, or art gallery will get you out of the house and give you the chance to learn something new. If you want to save money on tickets, find out if discounted passes are available on certain days or through services like Groupon.
28. Plant an indoor herb garden
Nothing feels better than planting, tending to, and growing something from scratch. And with an indoor herb garden, you’ll get all of the glory without the grunt work. Find a windowsill with ample sunlight and start with an herb garden starter set complete with pots, seeds, and soil disks. You still have time to grow some herbs to cook with before summer ends!
Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer
Arianna is a freelance writer and journalist, and the self-proclaimed hot and dirty martini queen. At The Everygirl, Arianna uses her authenticity and relatability to empower, inspire, and motivate women everywhere. Whether she’s writing about sex and relationships, career and finance, beauty and fashion, wellness, or home and living, Arianna’s passion shines through in all her work.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
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