The first few days of summer break are glorious. We all know that feeling: No alarms, no homework, no group projects with that one person who never shows up. But once the novelty wears off, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of scrolling, snacking, and asking yourself what day it is.

If you’re a student who’s wondering what to actually do with all this free time, we’ve got you. There are more summer vacation activities for students than you might realize.

No matter if you want to be productive, creative, or outdoorsy this summer break, we have some ideas for you to make the most out of this free time.

Even if you don’t have a specific goal and just want to stay entertained without melting into your couch, you’ll find some inspiration.

Here are 13 summer vacation activities for students that’ll make the most of your break.

Top 13 Summer Vacation Activities

Catch Up on Reading (For Real This Time)

Yes, you might be sick of reading for school or college. But is that a reason to completely ban words and pages from your life for three whole months? No!

Summer is the perfect time to read something that isn’t a textbook. If you’re not a huge reader yet, it’s time to explore and find out what you like: thrillers, romance, or maybe self-help…

Reading isn’t just fun; it also builds your focus, vocabulary, and imagination.

Need ideas? Check out this summer bucket list for book lovers, or browse our favorite vacation reads, summer book list, and Elin Hilderbrand novels to find your next favorite page-turner.

Get a Summer Job or Internship

Want to make some cash and gain experience? If you want to make the most out of your break and be productive instead of just lounging around, then it’s a good idea to get to work!

Part-time jobs or internships can help you save up and they also improve your resume, which is super helpful for your future career plans. Not to mention that you will learn skills that aren’t taught in class (like dealing with cranky customers or writing professional emails).

Not sure if a traditional job is right for you? Check out some alternatives to summer jobs that still help you earn money and grow your experience.

If you’re leaning more toward gaining professional experience, internships are a smart move. You can explore the top internship platforms to help you find opportunities or read our guide on how to get an internship—even with little or no experience.

An added bonus to working one or multiple summer jobs (or internships) is that you might find out what kind of work you actually enjoy. This can even save you time if you discover that you want to switch your major and go into a different career field.

Try a Learning a New Skill

Have you always wanted to bake, knit, draw, code, or play guitar? Now’s your chance.

You don’t have to instantly be great at this new skill. The fun is in trying. And hey, worst case: you now have a funny story about your attempt at watercolor painting.

Volunteer Somewhere That Matters to You

Volunteering is a great way to give back, meet people, and make your college or job applications stand out.

If you don’t know where to look, try your local food bank, animal shelter, or beach cleanup crew. You probably won’t have to ask around for too long. Helping hands are always welcome and needed.

If you have books you no longer need, consider donating them to charity. It’s an easy and meaningful way to support education and literacy programs. You can also explore book charities in the U.S. to find organizations that align with causes you care about.

And believe us: doing good feels good.

Take a Mini Road Trip or Explore Your Town

You don’t need a plane ticket to have an adventure. You can visit local museums, hiking trails, farmer’s markets, or small-town diners. Call it “traveling on a budget” or just discovering places you usually ignore.

Start a Personal Project

Got a blog idea? Want to make short films? Thinking of opening an Etsy shop or creating a digital zine? Summer is the perfect time to build something that’s 100% yours.

You have all the time in the world. Use it to work on your wildest dreams and personal projects.

Tackle a Fun Challenge

How about this: pick something random (but fun) and make it a challenge.

Some ideas:

• Read 10 books over the break.
• Run a mile every day.
• Try 30 new recipes.
• Limit your screen time to 1 hour a day.

These mini goals make summer feel more meaningful without turning into a stressful to-do list.

Declutter and Donate What You Don’t Need

Cleaning out your room sounds boring… until you realize how satisfying it is to let go of old stuff.

If you’ve got books you’re no longer using, you can check their buyback value on BookScouter.com. It’s an easy way to make money (without working) and clear space before the new school year.

Need help getting started? Use this decluttering checklist or learn how to declutter your home fast with some quick tips. You can also dive into a step-by-step guide to decluttering your books or explore declutter apps to make the process even easier.

Get a Head Start on School Prep

Hear us out please: No one’s saying you need to study for hours, but doing something (like reviewing old notes, organizing files, or setting new academic goals) can make back-to-school season less painful.

You don’t have to spend every single day of your vacation studying, but starting at least a few days (or ideally weeks) before going back to school can make the transition much easier.

Practice Doing Nothing (No, Really)

Rest matters just as much as being productive during summer break. Taking time to relax, recharge, or just stare at the ceiling for a bit helps your brain reset. Don’t feel guilty for chilling. It’s part of the balance. If you want to frame it as something productive…you’re basically meditating.

Build Your Dream Summer Reading Nook

It could be a beanbag in the corner, a hammock in the backyard, or a comfy window seat…a cozy reading space makes downtime better.

Pair it with your current book and a cold drink = perfection. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve even got a Beach Read book review to help.

Learn Something Random (Just Because)

Take an online course about something totally outside your major…like photography, astronomy, philosophy, or even the history of ice cream (yes, that’s a thing).

Websites like Coursera, Skillshare, or even YouTube are full of free learning. There won’t be any exams or pressure to achieve a certain grade. Just do it for curiosity’s sake.

Explore a New Hobby (That’s Actually Fun)

Not every summer activity needs to be “productive” or resume-worthy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pick up a hobby just because it sounds cool.

How about candle making, skateboarding, learning card tricks, or filming short videos? There’s zero pressure to be good at it. The point is to have fun, follow your curiosity, and maybe even surprise yourself. It also gives your brain a break from school-mode without turning it into total mush.

Find Your Favorite Summer Break Activity

The best summer vacation activities for students don’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Just pick a few things that sound fun or meaningful and don’t forget to mix in some rest.

You’ve already taken the first step towards not wasting the whole break doomscrolling by being here.

Now go enjoy your free time!