June is here! With Memorial Day behind us and the unofficial start of the warm-weather season fully underway, I’ve shifted to a summer state of mind. That means snacking on summer salads, soaking up the long days with friends and family, and sending my jeans to the back of the closet, opting for an easy-breezy wardrobe instead. June offers a much-needed escape, and I’m already slowing down and ready to savor the summer goodness. Looking for things to do in June? Don’t worry, I’ve been planning for this month all year.
While summer vacay may have once been a fixture of our youth, the reality of adulthood is that our work-centric weeks carry on. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still soak up all the summer goodness. It’s a funny season, one where I’m paradoxically wanting to be out and about all day while also spending time reflecting. The season’s natural beauty has a way of grounding and calling me to dedicate a few of its hours to being with myself. After all, growth is a process that impresses itself upon us, inside and out.
30 Things to Do in June to Make It Your Best Month Yet
If you’re feeling the same way, get ready for all the inspiring things to do in June. We’ve packed this month’s bucket list with ideas for what to watch, read, focus on, and do. Scroll down to discover our top ideas for things to do in June. Hello, summer!
1. Perfect your strawberry shortcake. If you’re unfazed by a steamy summer day and craving something sweet, there’s nothing that epitomizes the season more than the classic. This is our favorite strawberry shortcake recipe. (Bonus, it’s gluten-free.)
2. Read the new Elin Hilderbrand. Is there a more perfect author to deep-dive this summer? Hilderbrand’s lovable characters, small-town dramas, and unexpected plot twists will keep you on the edge of your beach chair. Her latest, Swan Song comes out on June 11—I already have it on pre-order.
3. Ditch the blowdryer. The benefit of leaning on the lazy side of things when it comes to hair? You save time and maintain a healthier mane. With a few stylist-approved tips and tricks, you can perfect effortless, air-dried locks.
4. Switch up your space. Just as we update our wardrobes with the seasons, it can be a breath of fresh air to experience your home in a new way. Switch out your flannel sheets for linen and incorporate brighter colors to match your sunny mood. Incorporate one of these summer design trends into your home to switch things up for the season.
5. Pick up tennis. With little equipment required (a racquet, shoes, and a tube of balls will suffice) and public courts in most towns and cities, it’s just about the most fun and accessible form of exercise around. Gather your friends and get ready for a summer filled with a whole lotta healthy competition.
6. Reframe your relationship with social media. I don’t know about you, but the often-shared advice of quitting altogether doesn’t work for me. So often, I would tap into the apps on autopilot, habitually opening Instagram, TikTok, and the like. Now, before I go on, I define my purpose. Am I seeking inspiration? Do I need a laugh? Are my friends posting about something that I want to celebrate? The more intention we weave into our social media habits, the more beauty and connection we can discover online.
7. Have a beach day. Pack a picnic, wear your suit, and slather on all the SPF. This is fun with friends, a partner, or all by yourself. Stock up on our favorite summer beach essentials to make sure you’re prepared.
8. Plan an easy, elegant summer menu. Get everything you need for a simple backyard lunch (complete with Rhubarb Meringue Cake), a laidback, Italian-inspired dinner, or a vibey, sunset gathering hosted by one of the most aesthetically-inclined couples we know.
9. Build a summer capsule wardrobe. We love leaning into hard-working pieces that do the most in your closet. They’re the timeless items that look elegant no matter how you mix and match them. For help in curating your summer capsule wardrobe, look no further than our style editor’s tips.
10. Have a no-spend day. I try to do this once a week, and while it may seem daunting, it inspires you to get creative with your time. Make a fun dinner out of the groceries you have in the fridge, unearth a crafting project you haven’t touched in months, and go for a walk with a friend instead of grabbing drinks. All the fun and none of the buyer’s remorse? My idea of a perfect June day.
11. Make kombucha cocktails. Who doesn’t love adding a fizzy twist to their summer drink? And good news: these are just as easy to make into mocktails. We mixed up our favorite drinks here.
12. Make your own jewelry. If you’re looking for a good place to start, these beaded necklaces are beyond gorgeous, I’m obsessed with these statement earrings, and what’s more summery than shell-embellished jewelry?
13. Get Inspired With The Artist’s Way. This book lays out an interpretation of artistry and craft that’s sure to resonate no matter how you view yourself as a creative. Author Julia Cameron offers practical exercises and insightful guidance to help everyone build self-confidence in their creative skills and trust their innate talents. Start today.
14. Make wildflower bouquets. It’s time we start rethinking weeds. I love bouquets of Queen Anne’s Lace, white clover, evening primrose, and wild violets. See what’s growing in your backyard and bring the beauty indoors.
15. Host a barbecue! There’s no better time of the year for it. Get the party started with our favorite barbecue appetizers.
16. Have a pizza night. Pizza and ice cream are perfect summer foods. The laidback menu sets the perfect summer vibe for everyone to have a good time. (Kids included!) Camille shows how it’s done.
17. Have a Funday Sunday. Break out the yard games, fire up the grill, and make sure to have plenty of summer desserts on hand.
18. Upgrade your gua sha routine. This is the summer you start taking your smooth, glowy skin routine seriously. Get an expert’s tips on everything combining face oils and gua sha.
19. Find a new post-work routine. Netflix and chill? Sure, it’s what we need every so often. But if you want to find adventure this summer and try something new, consult our list of after-work ideas.
20. Hype up your friends. Did your bestie just have a big work win? Are they launching a new business venture? Did they master a new skill and make something cool you want to highlight? Share it out on social—and always make sure they know how amazing you think they are.
21. Make homemade ice cream. From healthier scoops to the most indulgent flavors, it’s a summer staple for a reason. Take advantage of the perfect excuse to enjoy this childhood treat (not that you need one).
22. Go on a summer date. Whether it’s a picnic, hike in the park, evening at the beach, or grabbing a drink on a sun-soaked patio, plan something intentional and perfect for the season—just for the two of you. Steal all of our summer date ideas.
23. Enjoy that PTO! It’s yours for the taking. Even if you don’t have a big trip planned this season, you’re allowed to enjoy a little time away from it all. And if you’re feeling guilty, take inspiration from these therapist-approved tips.
24. Ditch the Wi-Fi for a weekend. Turn your phone off and shut your laptop down. Read a book, play a game, connect with friends, and get outdoors. We offer more tips for doing a full dopamine detox.
25. Transform your view on aging. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday this summer or not, remember to soak up the beauty of play all throughout these longer days. And of course, embrace the beauty of every day you have.
26. Go to the movies. When the heat starts getting to you, the theater is the perfect place to cool off. Am I Ok? (June 6th) is the summer rom-com we crave, Hit Man (June 7th) stars the always dreamy Glenn Powell, and Inside Out 2 comes out June 14th—enough said.
27. Attend a festival. No, it doesn’t have to be one of the season’s biggest music fests. As someone whose vibe leans a little more chill, you’ll catch me at local fairs and festivals in my city, celebrating good food, art, and everything in between.
28. Go to a baseball game. MLB or your kids’ summer league—it doesn’t matter who you’re seeing, just that you get a hot dog and cheer as loud as you can.
29. Visit the library. Summer reading lists aren’t just for kids. Write one out for yourself and have fun exploring the library to stock up. Second-best option? Support a local bookstore with your purchase.
30. Take a road trip. Across the country or across town—the distance doesn’t matter. Enlist a friend or your partner, pick a destination, and pack up the car. Snacks and road trip games, not optional.