Want to escape the indoors? If you're reading this, you've probably spent more time than you care to admit lying on the couch, listening to the low drone of your a/c while scrolling through TikTok. Or maybe you're a parent who wants your kid to take a break from playing video games and breathe some fresh air. Listen, we get it. When those super-sweltering summer afternoons set in, it's tempting to do a whole lot of nothing. Guilty as charged. But it's still good for you (for all of us) to get outside every once in a while—disconnect from technology and immerse ourselves in nature—to make the most of the longest days of the year. To help you make the most of your summer, we've put together a list of 10 things you can do on those lazy, dog day afternoons.

1. Plant a flower 
2. Go to a bookstore or library
3. Volunteer at a local charity 
4. Learn to fly a kite
5. Organize your closet
6. Draw your favorite landscape
7. Visit a museum or art gallery
8. Go on a photography adventure 
9. Try orienteering
10. Cook a meal for your family

1. Plant a flower - Planting a flower is a great way to add natural beauty to your surroundings. Flowers can brighten up any space and offer a sense of tranquility and calmness while attracting bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden. Caring for a flower can be a rewarding experience that encourages responsibility and mindfulness in youth. Don't have a backyard? Try planting a succulent or a fern in a planter! These specific types of plants can help purify the air inside your home. Doing something as simple as planting a flower is a small but impactful way to connect with nature when you're not exploring the great outdoors. 

2. Go to a bookstore or library - There's something about the smell of old books that makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside. Whether you want to support a small independent bookstore or visit your local library, exploring the wide range of options on the shelves is a great way to discover a new author and learn something about yourself in the process. Have you read the entire Harry Potter series twice? Try branching out and reading something different, like Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Don't want to read a full-length novel? You can find a short story collection at your local library. These are great because they offer a wide array of bite-sized stories you can read from start to finish in twenty minutes. Whatever you choose to read, the big takeaway is that it can improve your memory, increase focus, and enhance the creative side of your brain! 

3. Volunteer at a local charity - Doing good for others is at the heart of Scouting. After all, we must learn how to serve others to become influential leaders capable of building strong communities. Volunteering at a local charity is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of those in need. It allows you to use your skills and talents to help others while gaining new experiences and building relationships with like-minded individuals. If you want to make a difference in your community and contribute to a greater cause, consider volunteering at a local charity with friends and family! Volunteering can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose in youth, and it's a beautiful way to positively impact the world around you. 

4. Fly a kite - Flying a kite can be exciting and fun for everyone. Not only is it a great way to spend time outdoors, but it also provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the world around us. Did you know flying a kite can even help improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills? Kite flying is a simple yet rewarding way to relax, have fun with our favorite people, and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors.

5. Organize your closet - Having an organized closet has many benefits. It saves time in the morning, helps you see what you have, and takes better care of your clothes! When everything is in its proper place, you can easily find what you need without digging through piles of clothes. This prevents clutter and makes your space feel more open and inviting. You'll be able to find the items you need to wash or dry clean and make sure your clothes are adequately hung or folded to avoid wrinkles and damage. Organizing your closet is worth the effort to save time, reduce clutter, and take better care of your clothes. Plus, you can donate unwanted items to charity and help someone in need! It's a win-win. 

6. Draw your favorite landscape - Do you like to take pictures on your outdoor adventures? Try drawing those magnificent views instead! Drawing your favorite landscape is a great way to express creativity and connect with the natural world while preserving the memory of that special place. Not only can you capture the beauty of the scenery, but you can also improve your skills as an artist. Drawing or painting can be a relaxing and meditative activity that allows you to escape everyday life's stresses. Whether it's a mountain range, a beach, or a peaceful meadow, drawing your favorite landscape can bring peace and joy to your life. Plus—it makes a great gift for mom and dad. 

7. Visit a museum or art gallery - Visiting a museum or art gallery with your family can be a fun and educational experience. It allows you to explore different cultures, learn about history, and appreciate art in a new way. Plus, it's a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories! Whether you're interested in science, history, or art, there's something for everyone at a museum or art gallery. Plan a family outing and discover all the amazing things your local museum or gallery has to offer.  

8. Go on a photography adventure - Going on a photography adventure can be a truly transformative experience. It allows you to capture stunning images of the great outdoors and encourages you to explore new places and challenge yourself creatively. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, a photography adventure can help you hone your skills, expand your horizons, and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. 

9. Try orienteering - If you're looking for a fun and challenging outdoor activity that combines physical exercise and mental stimulation, orienteering is worth a try. This sport involves using a map and compass to navigate through a course of checkpoints in the quickest time possible. It requires physical fitness, sharp navigation skills, problem-solving abilities, and strategic planning. 

10. Cook a meal with the family - Cooking a meal for your family is a great way to show your love and care for them. Not only does it provide nourishment, but it also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere at home. Sharing a meal can foster strong family bonds, and it gives everyone a chance to catch up and connect with each other. Plus, cooking a meal can also help prepare you for cooking outdoor meals at camp as you work your way to earning the Cooking merit badge! Plan a dinner with your Scout and try these wholesome, hearty recipes by The Pioneer Woman.  

We hope you enjoy every second of your summer and make wonderful memories with friends and family in the great outdoors. For camping gear and hiking equipment, visit ScoutShop.org—the official store of the BSA.