As the 2024/25 academic year concludes and summer approaches, some students might be searching for activities to do when they’re not on vacation or working. To ease the process, Optimist has compiled a list of 50 local summer activities for both students and teachers. 

• Attend the Granfalloon Concert Festival on August 9th
• Swim at Lake Monroe
• Hike at Lake Griffy 
• Host a dinner with friends
• Purchase a pass to one of the local gyms and utilize their resources
• Make a summer goal list to accomplish
• Take taekwondo lessons- lessons at Twin Lakes
• Read 10-20 books 
• Utilize the art space and recording studio in Monroe County Library’s teen room- it’s free!
• Learn how to play an instrument
• Join the sailing camp – Lake Monroe
• Enjoy the local swimming pools – Mills and Bryan Park
• Get ahead on school work by attending summer school programs at South
• Learn a new sport
• Purchase an electric scooter ride
• Roller skate at Western Skateland
• Get some bowling in – IMU, Classic Lanes
• Learn a new recipe every week and cook/bake for your family and/or friends 
• Start a new TV show
• Make an iMovie with friends
• Research possible future careers
• It’s never too early to go on college visits!
• Record a song
• Pick up litter and help your community
• Go to Dave and Buster’s 
• Learn how to fly a plane
• Monroe County Airport
• Journal about your days
• Dance classes
• Windfall Dance Company
• Take ZUMBA lessons – Switchyard Park
• Look for volunteering opportunities on city’s volunteer website
• Run a marathon 
• Attend the Monroe County Fair
• Go thrifting – Goodwill, Plato’s Closet 
• Take yourself out to eat or grab a coffee
• Visit a local farmer’s market and Food Truck Friday
• Take pictures with friends downtown
• Learn how to drive – All Star Driving School 
• Indoor or outdoor rock climbing – Hoosier Heights
• Take ceramics classes 
• Walk at a park with friends- local parks: Bryan Park, Jackson Creek Park/trail, Switchyard 
• Paint rocks
• Hammock 
• Learn a language
• Go on a picnic
• Take scuba diving lessons 
• Try a new hairstyle or makeup routine
• Make a collage
• Make a handmade gift for a friend or family member 
• Take yoga lessons
• Tye-dye a shirt