8 summer break ideas to boost your well-being
Not sure what to do over the summer? Here are some activities that can boost your mental and physical well-being.
1. Transfer your health care
Okay, this one isn't necessarily 鈥渇un,鈥 but it鈥檚 still important to do if your healthcare plan has changed or you're heading out of town for the summer. This means you may need to transfer or change your primary care, mental health care, prescriptions and more.
Students, staff and faculty can find in-network providers through the . You can also access programs like AcademicLiveCare to access free virtual health and counseling services or to explore therapy options near you.
2. Join a summer sports league
Get active and let your competitive side out by joining a summer sports league. The Rec Center offers a variety of summer intramural sports leagues, including basketball, tennis, pickleball, racquetball, jumbo volleyball and badminton. Summer Sports Passes are available for $10 and give you access to all summer leagues (summer Rec membership required).
If you鈥檙e looking to get out into the community, you can also join local sports leagues like basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, kickball, softball and more. Here are some areas around Colorado that offer recreational adult leagues.
If you鈥檙e not in Colorado, you can also search your local area for recreational sports league options.
3. Catch up on your 鈥榯o be read鈥 list
Put those textbooks down and pick up a novel instead. Summer is a great time to unwind with a good book, catch up on your 鈥榯o be read鈥 pile or experience the joy of reading for fun. You can find the perfect summer book by exploring the list or review-based platforms like .
If you鈥檙e looking for personalized recommendations or free books, check out your local library or head over to Norlin. All CU students can check out books for free with your Buff OneCard. If you're a Colorado resident, you are also eligible for a free library card at any Colorado library. Books are available as hard copies or e-books through apps like .
4. Volunteer
Volunteering in your community can give you a sense of connection, belonging and accomplishment (it can also help boost your resume). The best part is that most volunteer opportunities are flexible and cover a variety of areas, so you can find something that fits your schedule and your interests. If you鈥檙e looking to get involved, the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) is a great place to get started! They provide a one-stop shop for opportunities that are open to students in the community and nearby.
5. Enjoy Free Days or a Culture Pass
Did you know you can visit local cultural attractions for free? That鈥檚 right. Denver hosts a variety of throughout the summer that allow you to enjoy the zoo, museums, botanic gardens and more at no cost.
If there鈥檚 an attraction you鈥檇 like to visit, but you missed the Free Day, that鈥檚 okay. Most Colorado libraries offer Cultural or Adventure Passes for free to cardholders! Passes typically need to be booked in advance, so plan your trip early!
If you鈥檙e out of state over the summer, check with your local libraries to see if they offer similar deals. Many areas have similar perks and experiences available.
6. Sign up for a race
Get active and work towards one of your fitness goals by training for an upcoming race or competition. If you鈥檙e not feeling athletic, don鈥檛 worry. Many events aren鈥檛 competitive or don鈥檛 have time limits, so you can go at your own pace and still have fun.
Here are some opportunities you can look forward to around Colorado.
| Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3
This challenging but scenic run weaves through Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Courses include a 5K and half marathon.
| Saturday, Aug. 3
Join community running clubs for a multi-lap race around Pearl Street. Heats are based on running time, so you can join groups that are at a similar pace.
Buffalo Bicycle Classic | Sunday, Sept. 8
Looking to go biking? The largest scholarship fundraising ride is coming to CU 麻豆影院. This event offers a variety of distances ranging from 14 to 100 miles.
7. Enjoy local traditions
Colorado summers are full of fun traditions big and small. Grab a friend and head outside to celebrate the summer season with festivals, markets, events and more! Here are a few things to check out around Colorado.
Markets
- (麻豆影院 and Longmont)
- (Lakewood, Highlands Ranch and Littleton)
- (Denver)
- (Aurora)
- (Fort Collins)
- t (Estes Park)
Events
- (Red Rocks, Morrison)
- (Denver)
- (Red Rocks, Morrison)
- (Denver)
- (麻豆影院)
- (Estes Park)
- (麻豆影院)
- (麻豆影院)
Festivals
- (麻豆影院)
- (麻豆影院)
- (Greeley)
- (Crested Butte)
- (Steamboat Springs)
- (Denver)
- (Loveland)
- (Larkspur)
8. Plan a camping trip
Colorado is great for camping, no matter where you live. This summer, try to plan a trip to get into the great outdoors with friends or family. You can explore nearby campgrounds and make . Just be sure to book ahead to secure your spot or plan to get up early for first-come, first-served campsites.
If you don鈥檛 have gear or are missing some essentials, Outdoor Pursuits at the Rec Center has outdoor equipment rentals available (no membership required). Rental items include tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, bear cannisters, cook sets, camping chairs, coolers and more. They also have rentals available for water sports and rock climbing for additional adventures.
Resources
If you鈥檙e planning to join in on outdoor activities, be sure to bring water and sun protection. You can also connect with a wide variety of health and wellness resources over the summer.