SUMMER VIBES SURVIVAL LIST
For the Free-Spirited, the Budget-Savvy, and the Soul-Hungry
Curated for the Midwest and beyond.
☀️ RULE #1: You Deserve Joy—Daily.
Summer is short. Don’t waste it being stuck, small, or sorry. Step outside. Be loud. Be lovely. Be legendary.
🏞️ FREE (AND FABULOUS) THINGS TO DO
Yes, FREE. You just need good shoes, a charged phone, and the will to live a little.
Go to a Free Festival – Many cities have weekend cultural fests, food fests, music jams. Google “[Your City] Free Summer Events” and make a calendar.
Park + Picnic + Playlist – Grab a blanket, your Bluetooth speaker, some snacks, and park it. Solo or squad-style.
Beach Day – Hit your nearest lake or riverside. Bring fruit, drinks, and a good book.
Nature Walks – Explore your nearest forest preserve or nature trail. It’s grounding and beautiful.
Outdoor Movies – Lots of libraries and community centers offer free screenings at dusk.
Skating or Biking Trails – Feel the wind on your skin. Take a friend or go solo with headphones.
Library Summer Passes – Some public libraries offer museum or zoo passes. Use them.
Local Farmer’s Market – Even if you don’t buy, go for the vibes. Free samples count as lunch.
🧒🏽 FOR THE KIDS (AND THE KID IN YOU):
We’re keeping those brains and spirits active.
DIY Discovery Trips – Pick a theme (water, history, bugs, art), and plan a local field trip around it.
Road Trip Scavenger Hunt – Pick a city, pack snacks, and play “Find the Landmark” or “Local Eats” games.
Skill of the Week – Each week, choose a new skill to try: pottery, bird watching, beatboxing, bike fixing.
Backyard Campouts – Tent. Flashlights. Ghost stories. Grill. Magic.
YouTube University Projects – Learn to paint, sew, code, braid, or cook together.
✨ FOR THE GROWN FOLKS:
You’re not too old to have the summer of your dreams. Try something different.
Host a Game Night – Uno, Spades, Taboo, Truth or Drink. Invite the cousins and chaos.
Date Yourself or Ask That Person Out – Be bold. It’s hot outside and you look fine.
Brunch in the Park – Mimosas optional, joy required.
Start a Summer Series – Watch a classic Black film each weekend or start a community book club.
Host a Vibe Party – Drinks for all, curated playlist, potluck-style. Set an intention and let it ride.
🔥 BLACK PEOPLE, LISTEN UP:
This summer, take up space.
Be soft. Be bold. Be still. Be movement.
Don’t shrink. Don’t explain. Don’t fold.
Laugh loud.
Wear the outfit.
Take the photo.
Say no without guilt.
Go where you’re celebrated not tolerated.
Walk in the sun like you invented it.
🍹 SUMMER ENERGY CHECKLIST
Take this with you like sunscreen.
✅ Sun hat & SPF
✅ Hydration game strong
✅ Say YES to invitations
✅ Say NO to energy vampires
✅ Try one new thing per week
✅ Check in on your joy—daily
✅ Practice “soft & sacred” boundaries
✅ Reclaim your time AND your tan
📢 FINAL WORD:
If it costs too much joy, time, or dignity—it’s too expensive.
You don’t owe anyone your energy this summer.
Let your only obligations be to your peace, your pleasure, and your personal glow-up.
