Editor's Note: This article is part of Route Bay City's Voices of Youth series, which features content created by Bay County youth in partnership with the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center.
Summer is the season of fun and freedom. With it quickly approaching, and some of us not knowing how we will spend this time, there are many exciting activities for kids and teens.
With no school, homework, or essays, now is the perfect opportunity to try new things, hang out with friends, and get creative.
Here are five ways to create a little summer adventure:
Spend a day at the beach
A warm sunny day on the beach by the water can be one of the best, most relaxing things you can do. There are so many activities to do on a beach. Some of the most popular include beach volleyball, playing catch, or just floating around in the water. Just make sure you are well hydrated and wearing sunscreen on those hot sunny days.
One nearby beach is at the
Bay City State Park, 3582 State Park Drive. Michigan is the Great Lakes State, though, so there are other beaches within driving distance. Check out a list of the state parks on the
State of Michigan website.
![]()
Ashley BrownThe shoreline path from Port Huron to Bay City is one segment of the Lake Huron Circle Tour route. The full Lake Huron Circle Tour includes portions of the Upper Peninsula and Canada. (Photo Credit: Ashley Brown)
Take a road trip
There are endless possibilities for road trips. It could be an hour away or states away. Take a few friends, put on your favorite playlist and hit the road. Make planned stops or go on spontaneous adventures to make memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
One suggestion is the route between Bay City and Port Huron. Read more about this
June 17, 2021 Route Bay City article.
![]()
Photo courtesy of the Bay Area Community FoundationIn Monitor Township, the Herbert W. Steih Memorial Park gets visitors near the Kawkawlin River
Play softball, cornhole, disc golf, or any sport you enjoy
Playing sports in the summer isn’t just something fun to do by yourself or with friends. It’s also good for your health.
Join community leagues or local clubs for some of your favorite sports. Get competitive in tournaments or just play with some buddies. There are opportunities to make new friends and enjoy new sports that you could play the rest of your life.
You might find new friends if you join a pick-up game at one of our area parks. Here is a sampling of just some of the parks in the community.
- Bay City’s parks are listed here.
- You’ll find a community center, dog park, golf course, and more through Bay County Recreation and Facilities here.
- Auburn’s parks offer opportunities for playing ball, fishing, and more. Details are here.
- Hampton Township features a campground, boat launch, trails, and more inside its parks. Details are here.
- In Monitor Township, park visitors will find grills, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, and more. Details are here.
Enjoy the outdoors while camping
Get together with family (or friends) and create a plan to escape the online world and stay the night in nature. This can be out in the wilderness or just pitching a tent in your backyard.
Turn off the electronics just for one night and live in the moment. You’ll be surprised at the joy you can achieve with hanging out with one another and not being glued to a screen.
![]()
From Port Crescent State Park, you can catch a sunrise and a sunset on the same day. (Photo courtesy of Blue Water Area CVB))
Create bucket lists
Starting a summer bucket list is an amazing way to do many different things and be sure to try new experiences in a fun way. This also makes it so you can have many plans that could last all summer so you don’t sit around all summer.
To make things a little more interesting, get a friend or two and cross things off your lists together.
If you’re having trouble compiling your summer bucket list, consider some of the activities on this list.
Summer is more than just a break from school.
It is a time to experience new things and spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re trying a new sport or hanging on the beach with some friends, there is no limit to the fun ways to spend your summer break.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.