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Here are 15 unique things to do in August to make the most out of the seasonal vibes in the air!
August can be a bit of a mixed bag.
It’s the tail end of summer, and while it should be a treat to soak up those last golden rays of sunshine, the heat can sometimes be a bit much.
It can be appealing to stay indoors with the AC cranked, but that’s like wishing away a whole month of your life.
In my opinion, August is the perfect month to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, no matter how big or small.
A person who can rock and roll even during the harshest weather conditions can create happiness out of anything and everything.
If you want August to be a month where you grow as a person, explore your fun spirit, and squeeze out every last drop of summer magic, then keep reading.
This post is going to be all about things to do in August to make the most of the sun-soaked days.
You’ll also find a cute August checklist printable at the end of this post. Make sure to grab it before you go.
Ready to beat the heat and have some fun? Let’s do this!
15 Awesome Things To Do In August
1. Set Your Monthly Goals
A new month is incomplete without goals and resolutions.
Whether you wanna reset your goals or set some new ones, pick your set of goals to follow in August and make an action plan to see them through till the end.
Take some time at the beginning of August to set specific and achievable goals for the month.
These can be related to your, personal life, career, health, or even your hobbies.
I will be carrying on with my goal to work out for 30 minutes and cover at least 5k steps every day.
Your brain loves actionable steps, so try to be specific with your goals.
And keep everything realistic, please! No need to burn yourself out in the name of personal growth.
2. Have A Picnic At The Park
It might be hot for the most part of August, but there are also some clear and pretty days that just beg you to get outside and make use of the lovely weather.
Whenever you feel the temperature dip, pack a basket with your favorite summer foods and head to a local park.
Find a shady spot under a tree, lay out a blanket, and enjoy your August picnic while reading, eating, and listening to music.
A quiet summer picnic is the ultimate way to romanticize your mundane life and feel like the main character of your story.
3. Attend A Drive-In Movie
Drive-in movies are making a comeback, and August is a great time to experience this nostalgic activity.
If you don’t have a drive-in theatre in your area, you should be able to find an outdoor theatre instead.
What I love about such theatres is that they are usually showing movies dating back to all kinds of eras.
So, there is a good chance you’ll find a date where one of your favorites is being shown.
Pack some snacks, bring comfy pillows and blankets, and enjoy a movie under the stars.
4. Experiment With Summer Mocktails
Get creative in the kitchen and mix up some refreshing summer drinks.
Whether you prefer cocktails or mocktails, there are endless possibilities to explore.
Try making a classic mojito, a fruity sangria, or a non-alcoholic watermelon cooler.
I personally love peach iced tea, or any iced tea for that matter.
Try something new every day and repeat the recipes that you enjoy the most.
Cheers to staying cool and hydrated!
5. Read More Books Than You Did Last Month
Each month of the year deserves a new reading challenge, depending on the season and the mood you’re in.
For August, aim to read more books than you did in July. I read about seven last month, so for August, I’m going for ten.
For a person who doesn’t read at all, this could mean reading at least one book, or any number of books of their choice.
Set a specific goal and pick books from your favorite genres to fill your free time.
It’s okay if you don’t reach your goal, but do try to read as much as you can.
It’s really fun jumping from one universe to the next; it’ll make those long August days thrilling and cozy at the same time.
6. Visit A Sunflower Field
By around mid-August, sunflowers start growing in the fields.
Many farms open their fields to visitors for photos and flower picking.
It’s worth it to make time to witness these flowers in their early stages of blooming.
It doesn’t get more summery than this. Don’t have a sunflower field nearby? No worries.
Visit a botanical garden instead and enjoy a day out amidst colorful seasonal blooms.
7. Plan A Staycation
Sometimes, the best vacation is one where you don’t have to travel far. I am talking about having a staycation!
Pick out famous locations in your town and play tourist for a day or two.
Visit museums, parks, and attractions you’ve never been to, and eat at cafes you’ve never heard of before.
You might be surprised at the hidden gems you discover right in your own neighborhood.
8. Start A Journaling Routine
August, for some reason, is the month that doesn’t inspire writing. Or at least it doesn’t for me. I blame the heat and the long stretch of days.
But regardless of the vibes, your mind needs an outlet for all its messy and pretty thoughts throughout the year.
Set a journaling routine for the month of August, keeping your schedule in mind.
You can aim for two to three sessions a week or try to write every night before bed.
If you’ve never tried morning journaling before, I’d suggest trying it this month.
The early summer morning hours provide a lovely setup for sitting with your journal and getting your thoughts down on paper.
9. Go For A Sunrise Or Sunset Hike
While the midday heat can be intense during August, early mornings and late evenings often bring cooler temperatures.
Plan a hike during any of these times and catch the early sunrise or sunset.
You’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings without the scorching sun and also get a good workout done.
Make sure to carry plenty of water to stay hydrated and capture some beautiful shots with your phone’s camera.
10. Pick Up A New Self-Care Ritual
There’s something soulful in the act of indulging in a self-care ritual and sticking to it long-term.
It becomes your grounding point, something to fall back on during your bad days and something that fuels you on your good days.
Pick a new self-care ritual for August and make it a part of your summer routine.
It could be a weekly bubble bath, a daily skincare routine, a yoga session that you do on alternate days, or doing meditation before bed.
You can buy an affirmations deck and shuffle it every day for positive messages, or spend a few minutes with the moon and stars after dinner.
Or perhaps burn a scented candle in the evening after you’re finished with work?
My August self-care ritual is going to be to read while drinking my morning coffee. What’s it going to be for you?
11. Host An Outdoor Game Night
Take advantage of the warm evenings by hosting an outdoor game night.
Kick things off with classic lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga. These games are easy to set up and will get everyone involved.
As the night progresses, switch to some lively board games or card games that everyone loves.
For a surprising twist, you can set up a projector for an outdoor movie screening so that everyone can relax and unwind after the games.
And oh, don’t forget the snacks! There should be plenty of easy-to-eat finger foods and refreshing drinks to keep your guests full.
12. Treat Yourself To A Sundae
Every person deserves a special ice cream treat during the hot summer months.
On a lazy August afternoon when you’re in the mood for a casual solo date, head to your nearest ice cream parlor.
Order a large sundae and enjoy it while reading, people-watching, or walking on the sidewalk.
Even though I am a chocolate lover, I love fruity sundaes with a drizzle of nuts at the top.
Let me know your favorite sundae in the comment box!
13. Stargaze On A Clear Night
There’s something truly magical about lying under a blanket of stars on a clear August night.
The air is warm, the sky is vast, and the universe feels incredibly close.
Grab a cozy blanket, some pillows, and head to an open spot away from city lights.
Bring along your favorite snacks and a thermos of hot chocolate or a cold drink to keep yourself refreshed.
As you settle in, let your eyes adjust to the darkness and take in the shimmering constellations.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a shooting star or two. So have a wish ready.
Also, did you know that August is known for the Perseid meteor shower, which typically peaks around the 11th to 13th?
The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, but they can be seen streaking across any part of the sky.
The best viewing times are usually after midnight until dawn.
14. Spend A Day In Water
Beat the August heat in the most classic way by diving into some water activities. There are so many options to pick from.
For starters, you can go to an amusement park and enjoy the water rides with your family.
If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, spend a relaxing day lounging by the pool.
For those who crave the sound of waves and the feel of sand between their toes, a beach day is just what the doctor orders to wash away their daily worries.
And of course, you could never go wrong with a water balloon fight.
If you have access to a lake, rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the serene waters at your own pace.
The adventurous peeps might love seeking a natural waterfall.
And hey, if none of these options work out for you, you can always lounge in a makeshift pool in your backyard or just soak in your bathtub.
As long as there’s water involved in your day, you can count this activity off your August bucket list.
15. Organize A Community Clean-Up
Turn the heat into a force for good by organizing a community clean-up.
Choose a spot in your locality that could use some love — maybe a local park, beach, or even the streets around your neighborhood.
Spread the word through social media, flyers, and word of mouth to rally as many volunteers as possible.
Provide essentials like gloves, trash bags, and recycling bins, and tell everyone to carry water and sunscreen.
You can make the event more interesting by giving small prizes for the most trash collected or the weirdest item found.
After the clean-up, celebrate your hard work with a picnic or BBQ!
Here Is Your August Checklist!
As promised, here is your checklist for the month of August, including all the activities mentioned in this post.
I hope you print this out and enjoy checking off each activity.
Happy August, everyone!
Read next: 10 Beautiful Tips For The Ultimate Summer Glow Up
If you have any more ideas or unique activities that you love to do during this month, feel free to share them in the comments below. Let’s make August a month to remember.
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