Spending your summer vacation at home feels like it’s a sacrifice, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you have responsibilities that keep you at home, or you’re saving money for something later in the year, you can still have fun. Here’s the best ways to enjoy your vacation at home.

Take advantage of online entertainment

Thanks to the internet, there’s a whole plethora of entertainment right at your fingertips. Now you’re off from school and have the time, you can use it to catch up on your favourite movies or TV shows. Try signing up for a free Netflix trial, or watching fun videos on Youtube. You could also get into online gaming, such as World of Warcraft or Lineage 2.

Be a tourist in your own city

Every area has places of local interest, and you may not have even seen them before. Now’s the time to take advantage of the season, and start checking out the attractions in your own home town. You’ll be amazed at all the hidden treasures you’ll find, right on your doorstep. Who knows, you might learn something too.

Take up a craft

Have you always wanted to take up knitting or crochet? How about painting, or woodwork? If there’s a craft you’ve always wanted to try, now’s the time to do it. Get the tools you need and a helpful online tutorial, and get to crafting. You may well find a new hobby for life. The best thing is that because the weather’s good, you can do it outdoors and get your dose of vitamin D at the same time.

Volunteer with a charity

Got a lot of spare time on your hands? Why not get volunteering with a local charity? Charities always need extra hands on board, and it’s a great way to give back to your local community. Look into what’s in your area, and who’s looking for new volunteers. You’ll get a lot out of volunteering, and it will look great on your resume.

Start that project

Is there a project that you’ve always wanted to do, but just never had the time? Then now’s the time to do it. After all, you’ve got a lot of free time on your hands, so why not put it to use? You spend it researching and planning what you want to do, as well as finding people and services that can help you out. For example, Top UK Writers will help you with editing if you’re looking to finally write that novel. Start making your dreams a reality, and do the thing you’ve always wanted to do.

Spend time with your friends

If you’ve been living away from home, then you may not have seen your friends in a long time. Use this time to catch back up with them, and see how they’ve been. Spending an afternoon in a coffee shop, or just hanging out with your friends, is the best way to strengthen those old connections and catch back up with each other.

Get into a sport

Is there a sport that you’ve always wanted to try? Then now’s the time to do it. You can pick up with a local sports team, or gather a group of friends and play for fun in the local park. Whatever you decide to do, it’s a great way to get outdoors and get fit, all while having fun.

Learn a new skill

Now you’re not bogged down with work or school, you’ve got lots of time to learn the skills you really want to try. For example, you could start learning a new language, especially if you’re looking to travel to that country soon. There’s lots of websites and apps that can help you learn any skill, and often for free. Give them a try while you can get really stuck into learning.

Organize home events

Trying to save money? Then home events could be the way to save cash but keep yourself entertained at the same time. These could be as simple as a back yard barbecue, or they could be themed movie nights. Plan with your friends, and create events that are fun and cheap.

Get outside

The weather’s perfect, so now’s the time to get outside and enjoy it. You can do this however you want, too. You could, for example, start learning how to garden and keep your back yard looking neat. You could also start hiking around the local area, or enjoying your local park. It’s your time, so spend it how you wish!

You may be at home, but you’ll be amazed at all the fun and enjoyable things you can get involved in. Use the time to really enjoy yourself, relax, and recharge for the year ahead.