5 THINGS TO DO IF YOU GET BORED THIS SUMMER

3 months of free time often leaves days of unbelievable boredom

rsz_fullsizerender (1)Jessica McPeek

1. Find a Forest Service Road and drive

Have an itch for adventure? Want to go someplace you’ve never been? Go to a National Forest and simply follow the brown signs. Many times these roads split off, go deep into the mountains and lead to hiking trails you never knew existed (and amazing views!) Just make sure you let someone know where you are going, many of these places do not have cell service, make sure you have plenty of gas, and remember what roads you took so you don’t get lost. And as always, make sure you have lots of water.

2. Visit Schweitzer

Schweitzer has many summer activities that people often overlook. Some cost money, like chairlift rides, the climbing wall, and the zip line, but there are also many free activities offered. According to Schweitzer.com, they have disc golf course (rent a disc for $5 if you don’t have one), free lawn games, and geocaching. If you hike up to the summit, the resort offers free kites to fly and corn hole games. If you hike up the Nature Trail to the summit, you get a free chairlift ride down. rsz_img_3614

3. Ride down the Sand Creek trail

Grab a friend and some wheels. The winding trail along the water is relaxing and easy to ride with no major inclines. Cruise along on a bike or longboard and have a chat about life with a friend. An added bonus is  you exercise and maybe a tan while doing it!

4. Call up and old friend you haven’t hung out with for while

Not only will it make for a fun day, it will make the other person’s day. Going on a hike or going out to coffee with someone new is always fun. They may show you a new place or you may revisit a place you love, but reconnecting with an old friend always makes they experience more fulfilling.

5. Fly a Kite

This may seem kind of lame and childish, but often times going to the dollar store and flying a kite on a windy day can be more fun the anticipated. Kites are fun and can bring back memories. Traver’s park is a popular place to fly kites because of the lack of trees, just stay in the middle of the soccer fields.  If it ends up being dissatisfying, it’s okay! You went out, tried something new and you spent some time in the good ol’ outdoors.