18 Slow Summer Living Activities to Savor the Season

We wait for what feels like 18 months for 90 days of summer, only for summer to come and go within the blink of an eye.

I am committed to having a slow summer where I spend more time outside in nature and enjoy whatever feels good in the moment, whether that’s a festival, a walk in the park, or a beach day.

I believe summer should be a season where we slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and truly enjoy the simple things. That’s what slow summer living is all about—embracing presence, finding joy in the small moments, and moving at your own pace.

If you’re craving more peace and presence this season, here are 18 slow summer living activities to help you slow down, feel grounded, and truly enjoy the beauty of this season.

1. Wake Up with the Sun

It’s quite natural for me to rise with the sun since it rises earlier. Around 6 am is when the birds start to chirp, but even as early as 8 am can be a great time to get a head start before the world gets busy.

Try to get an early morning in where you can step outside with your coffee or tea and soak in the stillness, maybe even read a chapter of a book or jot down a few lines in your morning journal.

2. Journal Outdoors

Journaling outdoors adds a deeper layer of stillness to the practice. There’s something about putting pen to paper that naturally pulls us into the present moment. When you’re surrounded by nature, your senses become more attuned, inviting clarity, calm, and a freer flow of thoughts.

Whether you’re reflecting, setting intentions, or simply unloading whatever’s on your mind, journaling outside creates space for deeper connection and creative release.

3. Take Long, Unstructured Walks

Go out and explore new walking trails or visit a new neighborhood and just wander. Let your senses guide you—listen to the birds, notice the scent of flowers, and feel the breeze on your skin. You’d be surprised how much time goes by when you are enjoying a walk with no destination in mind. Simply showing up and getting your steps in is a great opportunity to be more connected to your body and the season – and great for the added activity.

4. Enjoy Screen-Free Evenings

With all the activities you’ll be busy with during your slow summer living, you’ll find it easy to unplug from your devices for a few hours each day.

Make a mental note to fully disconnect from your smartphones, TVs, and tablets and fill up that time with reading, an activity, or having a real conversation without digital distractions. I feel lighter and more present when I go most of the day without falling into a Netflix binge.

5. Plan a Lazy Picnic

I used to think picnics were just about dealing with bugs and little annoyances that messed with my peace. But now, they feel like such a cute way to spend time, whether it’s a chill solo moment or a fun little date.

A picnic doesn’t have to be fancy; you can keep it simple. Grab your headphones, a blanket, and head to a quiet spot. You may find ideas come to mind easily when you are zoned out, watching the trees swaying around you.

6. Read for Pleasure

Every so often, I get the urge to read a fiction novel. I love self-help non-fiction books, but they say reading fiction novels can expand your vocabulary and activate more creativity. So opt for a fiction novel that can put you in a different character’s POV and allow yourself to get lost in the story.

7. Watch the Sunset Regularly

I’m one of those people with a set of photos dedicated to pictures of cotton candy sunrises and sunsets. I implore you to look up sometimes and pause your day to watch the sky change colors. Let this simple activity mark the end of each day and a moment of gratitude.

8. Start a Gentle Morning Routine

There’s something special about taking your time on a Sunday morning. A slow start can ease stress, bring a sense of calm, and help you stay grounded in the moment. If you usually wake up feeling foggy or rushed, try easing into the day—stretch a little, write in your journal, sip your favorite drink slowly, or play some gentle music in the background.

9. Make Something With Your Hands

Bake a new recipe, write, paint, or try a DIY craft. The act of making without rushing is a form of meditation.
Let yourself get lost in the process—no pressure to be perfect. It’s more about the joy of creating than the final product. Bonus: it’s another great way to stay off your phone for a while.

10. Explore a New Farmer’s Market

Wander through a local market and let your senses lead you. Pick up seasonal produce, flowers, or local treats to savor at home.

Chat with local vendors, sample something new, and notice what’s in season. There’s something grounding about buying food that was grown nearby.

11. Create a “Slow Summer” Playlist

Curate a playlist (or listen to a podcast) that makes you feel calm, nostalgic, or inspired. Play it while you cook, clean, or relax outdoors.

Let your playlist be the soundtrack to slow mornings, golden hour walks, or long drives with the windows down. Think feel-good, no-skip vibes.

12. Tend to a Garden or Plant Something

Whether it’s a full garden or one little herb pot, caring for a plant helps you feel connected to nature and the rhythms of growth.

It doesn’t have to be fancy—just watching something grow because of your care is a quiet kind of magic. Watering plants can be its own mini ritual.

13. Spend Time by the Water

Whether it’s a lake, beach, or a pond, water has a naturally calming effect. Float, wade, or simply sit nearby and breathe.

Bring a book, dip your toes in, or lie back and cloud-watch. Even just listening to the sound of water can help reset your nervous system.

14. Cook a Meal From Scratch

Choose a recipe that excites you and take your time preparing it. Use fresh, seasonal ingredients and savor the process as much as the meal.

Turn on some music, light a candle, and make the kitchen your happy place. Cooking slowly can feel like a love note to yourself.

15. Have a “Nothing” Day

Let yourself rest with no plans or pressure. Stay in pajamas, nap, journal, snack, or do absolutely nothing—and enjoy it.

The goal is to recharge, not check off a list. Give yourself permission to just be—no guilt, no productivity needed.

16. Visit a Local Park or Botanical Garden

Soak in the quiet beauty of curated green spaces. Bring a book, a snack, or just sit and notice the details around you.

Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and let your mind wander. Even 30 minutes in nature can shift your whole mood.

17. Practice Mindful Sipping

Make your favorite drink—iced matcha, herbal tea, lemonade—and sip it slowly. Notice the flavor, texture, and temperature.

Put your phone down, sit somewhere cozy, and treat it like a mini ritual. It’s a small habit that brings you back to the moment.

18. Create a Summer Bucket List (With Intention)

Instead of packing it with activities, list out a few slow, joyful experiences you want to have, like reading in a hammock or visiting a vineyard.

Think of it as a wish list for your soul, not your calendar. Choose things that feel light, fun, and grounding—not just “busy.”

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to escape to a faraway destination to feel calm, grounded, and fulfilled. Slow summer living is about tuning in, finding beauty in simplicity, and letting go of the rush. Let this be the summer you savor.