15 Summer Activities to get you through finals!

Addi Lloyd - Online Editor

Photos by Various DHS Students

Let’s face it, staying motivated during the last month of school is hard. Between sports seasons wrapping up and exams being taken, not getting burned out is one of the biggest challenges for teens. But if you have something to look forward to, it may help you keep up the motivation to knock out the last few weeks of the 2025 school year. That’s why I have compiled a list of 15 different summer activities for you to either look forward to or add to your bucket list! ALL of these listed can be done without your phone, and most do not require a lot of money, making this list easily accessible for high school kids!

1. Go Bowling: With Prime Time Bowling here in town, there’s always a good opportunity to get your friends together and spend a few hours bowling and having fun!

2. Go on a bike ride with friends: Summer has some of the BEST weather of the year. Spending time outside in this weather not only creates great memories but gives you a dopamine hit as well, which we all search for. 

3. Play Pickleball: Many of the tennis courts in town have new pickleball lines created, which is such a fun and active activity to spend your summer doing! Whether you are playing with friends or family, this easy game is guaranteed to be fun!

4. Go swimming: This may seem like a too “young” or “overused” activity for the summer time, but it’s popular for a reason! Swimming not only keeps you active but also creates amazing memories with friends! Whether you sit out and tan for a little while then swim or just jump right in, swimming is a great way to pass the time!

5. Go hiking: In West Tennessee, there are many great places to go hiking! Tennessee is home to many AMAZING views, and you should go enjoy them! Bring some friends, a speaker for some good tunes, and a good snack, and enjoy your day out in nature!

6. Go on a car ride: While this may seem like a silly activity, going on long car rides with friends creates some of the best memories I have had thus far. Listening to music, talking with friends, and looking out at the world around you; this is something almost everyone can do and guarantees fun!

7. Simple hangouts: Whether you're with one friend, a significant other, or a big group of friends, hanging out at each others' houses or going to Java then hitting up the stores in town always brings good vibes and gives you something to do.

8. Go Thrifting: Here in town, there are many great places to go antiquing or thrifting! Bring a friend or just go alone; the places in town have so many treasures and knick-knacks for you to find!

9. Have a family (or friends) day at the Family Fun Center in Jackson: The Family Fun Center offers a variety of activities to do - no matter how old you are! There’s mini-golf, skating, laser tag, and go-karts! All guaranteed to provide you with some fun this summer!

10. Have a picnic: Go visit Okena Park or just have one in your backyard! Picnics are great ways to make memories with friends and family and are always guaranteed to have snacks, which is a major plus!

11. Make an at-home slip n slide: Not only is it easy to find resources (tarp, soap, and preferably a hill), it's also a great way to get your friends together to have an awesome time!

12. Have a Bonfire: This not only brings friends together but also guarantees a good time! However, have a SAFE bonfire and do not put extremely flammable things into the fire, which could cause danger. Bring a trusted adult or someone who has experience with bonfires to ensure a great night and not a bad one! 

13. Enjoy the 4th-of-July fireworks shows: All throughout Dyersburg, different communities host fireworks shows for one of my personal favorite holidays during the summer. Whether it’s the show in Lakewood or just at a family's house, fireworks are always fun to see and make memories around! 

14. Have a cookout: Bring friends, family members, and neighbors to enjoy great food and an even better time! 

15. Craft with friends: Bring snacks, crafting supplies, and some inspiration to this summer activity! Whether it’s painting tote bags or making a summer scrapbook, crafting with friends keeps you off your phone and in the memory! 

With all this being said, summer is really what you make it! You can spend it scrolling on your phone, likely in bed, vegging out, or you can go and make this one of the best summers of your teenage years! We only have 4 summers of high school, make them count, Trojans!