Summer is almost here, even if you can’t tell from the weather.

Those long and lazy summer days can start to get boring if you spend them doing the same old things or laying in bed all day. 

Consider doing something different that you always wanted to do, but never made the time for. 

Here are ideas to try on for size.

Go on a road trip

Convince your friends that you need to get away for a weekend. Catch a Royals game in Kansas City, or cool off with rides at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. 

Check out Branson. Spend your hard-earned money at the outlets, see a comedy show or check out the rollercoasters at Silver Dollar City. If you’re in it for the long haul, make the 10-hour trip to Galveston, and hit the beach like you’ve wanted to all year. 

Spend time at the lake

If a beach trip doesn’t work out, there’s always the lake. El Dorado, Cheney, Santa Fe, Wellington and Lake Afton are all relatively close to the Wichita area and offer boating, camping, fishing and hiking for the adventurous spirit in all of us. Get your tan on!

Find a fun indoor activity

When the days get too hot, find something fun to do inside other than seeing a movie or browsing the mall. 

Go lunar mini-golfing, spend a day getting pampered at the spa, build a blanket fort and have a picnic underneath, plan a Pinterest craft day, go ice or roller skating, or practice your batting skills at the indoor batting cages. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. 

Beat the heat with water games

Staying inside just isn’t your style? Grab buckets and sponges, dig out your old water guns and fill up water balloons. Find a hill and make your own slip-and-slide with plastic garbage bags and baby oil. Find an excuse to get anyone and everyone soaked.

Take a food tour of Wichita

Take some time to visit that restaurant you were always curious about. 

In fact, take a food tour and visit several restaurants. Eat an appetizer at one establishment, an entrée at the next and finally, dessert at the last place. You’ll have a full stomach and a greater appreciation for Wichita’s restaurants. 

Volunteer

If you still don’t feel busy enough, find an opportunity to volunteer in the community. 

Hand out water at one of the many races occurring throughout the summer, give your time at the humane society or a local hospital, or mow your neighbor’s lawn for free. It’ll make you feel better about the time you do end up spending on the couch. 

GET OUT THERE

Now that those ideas are firmly planted in your mind, go out and give them a try. Don’t forget that you can still be a kid. Have fun and make this summer your best  yet.