The days are getting longer and warmer, and we are on the cusp of one of the most beautiful seasons in Minnesota. Summer can mean different things to different people. Maybe summer is the season when schedules slow down, kids are done with school/sports/activities and it is now possible to spend the weekends outside or at the lake. Summer might also be the perfect time to push out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill or expand on an interest or hobby.

To me, summer means spending as much time outside as possible – rain or shine. A little planning can go a long way in being able to take advantage of as many summer activities as possible. Setting goals or just creating a list of interesting events can help make the most of your time. We created a Summer Bucket List of some events and ideas to help make Summer 2017 one for the record books!

Summer Bucket List:

Watch a Movie in a Park

Movies in the Park is a marvelous opportunity to take advantage of the cool and calm summer nights as well as watching some of your favorite movies for little to no cost. Attending Movies in the Park can feel like a nighttime picnic and is a great way to support your local community. Below are a few suggestions of cities hosting Movies in the Park.

• Brooklyn Park Movie on the Barn
• Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
• Maple Grove Movies By Moonlight
• Osseo Movies in the Park
• Plymouth Summer Events
• St. Paul Summer Activities
• Target Field Movie Night

Some cities don’t release this information until early June, so check back often. Movies usually start at dusk, and don’t forget the snacks and bug spray.

Enjoy Live Music

Another groovy activity is attending outdoor music concerts. Discover new bands or listen to your favorites while soaking up as much summer air as possible. Below are a few suggestions of upcoming concert series in the surrounding communities.

• Anoka County Summer Concert Series
• Brooklyn Park Summer Concerts
• Hopkins Summerfest
• Maple Grove Sounds of Summer
• Osseo Music in the Park
• Plymouth Summer Events
• Twin Cities Concerts

If you don’t see an event close to you, check out your local Chamber of Commerce, City Government Sites, ExploreMinnesota.com, or the Visit Twin Cities site.

Read 3 Books

Summer is a wonderful time to catch up on reading. Whether you already have a must-read booklist or want to dive out of your comfort zone, reading can be a nice break from the digital world. If you’re still curating a must-read list, check out the New York Times Best Seller List, Amazon or even your neighborhood bookstore can help with suggestions. Also look over a few recommendations from the Prime Team as well as a recent book release we highlighted.

Learn a New Skill

Longer nights can mean more hours to accomplish your goals and to get things done. Take advantage of the extended daylight by building or learning a new skill. Whether it is something you’ve been meaning to try or to help beef up your resume, considered trying a new class this summer.

Many colleges and universities offer free online classes, sometimes even for credit. Chambers of Commerce trade specific associations, and local businesses offer events that focus around a certain skill or topic. These events can be free or are included in membership. Watch a YouTube tutorial or add a book on the topic to your reading list. Podcasts are also a great way to increase your knowledge in an area, especially if you have a long car ride ahead of you.

Updating your Website, Blog or Social Media Strategy

Summer is the perfect time to evaluate how the year is going and make changes. Maybe now is the time to update the look, feel and technology of your website, or put into place or ramp up a social media and blog strategy. Even if it has been a while, starting now can help lead to an overall strong 2017.

An easy way to get more active on social media would be to create posts and campaigns around any community events your company is involved in. Not everyone may know that you attend an event every year, so write a blog or post a picture of your crew at the event and where your clients can find you.

Hold an Office Get-Together

Summer is a great time to relax, recharge and to build your team up to have a fantastic fall. One great way to re-energize the company is to host a company get-together. Whether it’s a potluck, cook-off, BBQ, or just enjoying a patio together after work.

Mixing it up in the summer and letting your team show off their cooking, grilling, bean bag or planning skills is a great way to raise morale. Displaying your event pictures on social media will show your clients and potential employees a different side of your company.

These are only a few ideas. Did you already make a Summer Bucket List? Let us know on social media what is on your list, using the hashtags: #SummerBucketList #PrimeSummerIdeas #SummerBucketListIdeas #PrimeSummerBucketList