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If you’ve been looking online for fun things to do with friends this summer, you’ve probably already stumbled across the latest trend: summermaxxing. We’ve had hobbymaxxing, sleepmaxxing and careermaxxing, and the idea is pretty much the same – optimise or miss out. Time is running out! Seize the warmer months! Every sunny day counts! Make the most of it before autumn sweeps in and you're left standing in the rain, holding a lukewarm pumpkin spice latte.
Now, take a breath. How about if we ditch the internet trends, ignore the FOMO and just opt for summer-relaxing instead? At ClassBento, we’re all about filling your time with joy, community and creativity – activities that are nourishing and reviving, not rushed and stressful! So leave the packed itinerary behind, ignore the influencers and get ready to do the sunny season your way: we’re going to show you how to have a deliciously slow summer with your favourite people that will leave you feeling fabulous rather than frazzled!
Top tips to resist the summermaxxing trend
If you're feeling burned out by the pressure to have the “best summer ever”, here’s how to reclaim your sunny months and slow down:
Stay away from Instagram (and TikTok!):
Remember that the internet isn't representative of real life. Social media algorithms love extremes – highlight reels of pristine beach days, golden-hour aesthetics, and endless trips – but nobody posts the traffic jams, the sunburns, or the tired, overwhelming feeling of doing too much. Stepping back from the feed helps you appreciate your own summer without comparing it to someone else's (embellished) highlight roll.
Listen to your body:
Summer shouldn't feel like an endurance sport! If your energy is telling you to stay indoors with a cool glass of iced tea and a book instead of heading to a crowded beach party, listen to it! Honouring your rest is just as valid as going out and seizing the day.
Embrace "JOMO" (The Joy of Missing Out):
Say a firm no to plans when you're running on empty. Missing an event doesn't mean you're wasting your summer; it means you're prioritising your peace.
Focus on micro-moments, not massive bucket lists:
Instead of trying to tick off 50 grand summer activities, find joy in simple daily pleasures. The taste of fresh strawberries, the cool breeze through an open window, or a quick ten-minute walk barefoot in the grass can feel far more refreshing than an exhausting, day-long excursion.
Normalise "boring" summer days:
Some of the best summer memories aren't planned, photo-worthy events. Letting yourself have unstructured, lazy days with zero agenda gives your brain the true holiday it actually needs.
9 ideas for a super-chill summer
Stuck for ideas that don’t cost a fortune and require mission-level planning? We’ve got you covered!
1. Have a lazy picnic in the long grass
The humble picnic is a summer highlight; a bag full of ‘picky bits’, something fancy to drink and a long afternoon in the sunshine – what could be better? It’s also budget-friendly and super easy to organise – find a field (check for public access first!), spread the blanket and you’re away. Outdoor games optional!
Top tip: Level things up by baking something the day before; a crusty sourdough loaf, a simple sponge cake (topped with fresh strawberries) or a tin full of cookies. They’ll be the star of the show!
2. Weave a beautiful flower crown
Whether you’re heading off to Glastonbury this year or just watching the highlights on TV with friends, dive into the boho vibes and add a flower crown to your outfit. After all, nothing says ‘festival’ like a headband packed with colourful blooms and beautiful green foliage!
We had a wonderful afternoon with Vicky, with a session booked for two people to help us make a crown for our summer festival outfits. Vicky was knowledgeable, experienced and very patient with us – it was a smashing way to spend two hours of your day, and to have something pretty to wear at the end! Sarah Lupson, Dried flower crown class in Milton Keynes
Top tip: If you’ve never made a flower crown before, try a class to help you get those floristry techniques nailed. From dried floral crowns that will last way beyond the festival season to seasonal fresh crowns that smell as sweet as they look, there’s something here for every budding bohemian!
3. Forage a feast
If you’ve ever fancied learning more about foraging, summer is the perfect time; elderflower, wild strawberries, dandelions, borage, elderberries and brambles are all in abundance. Think elderflower cordial (or wine!), dandelion honey and colourful edible flowers decorating all of your salads!
Top tip: If you’ve got zero plant knowledge and no green-fingered friends, don’t worry! You can head off to a seasonal foraging open workshop, where you’ll search the local woodlands and hedgerows for goodies, guided by someone who knows exactly what to look for (and avoid!).
4. Go beachcombing
Hunting along the shoreline at low tide for treasures is one of the summer’s best free activities – the sea air and warm sunshine make a great little mental health boost, and you can find some beautiful pieces of history. Think old pottery, muted seaglass, fossils, shells and driftwood, all perfect for displaying on a shelf at home.
Top tip: Save your glass and pottery pieces and then book onto a sea glass jewellery making class, where you’ll learn how to set your finds using the bezel technique, and turn them into a beautiful pendant.
5. Go to a PYO and fill up on fresh berries
Fingers stained with berry juice is a summer rite-of-passage! Leave the supermarket strawberries in their plastic cartons this year and head off to a PYO farm to support local growers, and indulge in an organic treat in the open air.
Top tip: Learn how to make jam or compote, and turn your haul into something tasty to slather over hot toast or stir into custard when the weather cools. It might be winter outside, but it’ll be summer again in your kitchen!
6. Camp out under the stars
Camping doesn’t need to mean expensive shepherd’s huts, bell tents and all the trimmings. Keep it super simple and budget-friendly for a night under the stars with a pop-up tent, firepit and a packet of marshmallows. It’s all about being surrounded by nature and switching off – that’s it!
Top tip: Look for a campsite that prioritises sustainability using the Greener Camping website. Or if you’re in Scotland, brave the wild camping experience!
7. Try out a new craft
The summer is a great time to dive into something creative – the evenings are longer and lighter, you might be on holiday from work and there’s more time to spare. Either make the most of the weather and get crafty outdoors with air painting and street photography, or fight off the rainy day blues with a pottery class or tufting workshop, then head home with your lovely new project!
It was a wonderful afternoon doing something creative. With the summer solstice around the corner, I wanted to create something to commemorate the longest day, the sun and optimism. I am so glad I created the Shimenawa wreath to do just that. Thank you so much for making it a fun experience! Olubunmi Aboaba, Japanese Shimenawa workshop in Leeds
Top tip: Tailor your crafty activity to the weather! If you want to make the most of the sunny days, try:
- A forest casting workshop in London
- City centre sketching tours in Edinburgh
- An outdoor portrait photography session in Manchester
If the weather isn’t cooperating (this is the UK, after all!), stay dry and dive into:
- A pottery throwing taster class in Birmingham
- A beginner rug tufting workshop in London
- A closed top terrarium workshop in Glasgow
8. Try wild swimming
The second heatwave has arrived, and we think you’ll agree that there’s nothing more refreshing than a good swim on a blisteringly hot day. Whether you’re looking to get a few laps in or just cool off hot toes with a paddle, finding a wild swimming spot surrounded by trees and plants is ideal!
Top tip: Make sure the water you’re swimming in isn’t an area reserved for wildlife, as this can be dangerous and disruptive to their living conditions, breeding and general survival. Check out the open water swimming website for an interactive map of the UK, or look for local guidance.
9. Take part in sunrise yoga
If you’re looking for a gentle start to your summer weekend, try a Saturday morning sunrise yoga session. If you’re a regular on the mat, take your usual practice to a local park, nature reserve or beach, and if you’re just starting out, look online for guided sessions in the sun.
Top tip: Follow up your slow morning with a swim, a coffee and a good book in the sun. And then maybe a nap – you’ve earned it!
Simple summer tips from the Classbento team
Curious about what the ClassBento team get up to when the sun is shining? Here’s our favourite things to do in the warmer months:
I love to go wine tasting at my local vineyard! The sun, the wine, the view – perfection! Paula, Senior Community Partnership Manager
I’m a big foodie, and love taking my lunch outside onto the patio in my little yard. Such a small thing, but it makes me so happy. Bonus points if the lunch is summery! Favourite dish? Peach and burrata salads – all summer long, I’m griddling a peach! Phoebe, Head of Content and Production UK
An early morning walk around my local park in the sun, listening to the birds before it gets busy, is bliss. Robbie, Senior Community Partnership Manager
If I have an ice lolly and a book, I’m a happy gal. I don’t even need to leave my garden! Amy, Content Writer
I like to burn my favourite summery candle while I read. It just feels very bohemian! Beatriz, UK Growth Partner
Your invitation to a slow, joyful summer
At the end of the day, summer isn't a checklist to be completed or a trend to be optimised – it’s a season to be savoured. By letting go of the pressure to have a picture-perfect, high-energy itinerary, you open up space for the things that truly matter: genuine connection, mindful rest, and creative joy. Whether you spend your sunny months learning a new craft, gathering for a lazy picnic, or simply enjoying a quiet morning walk, remember that doing summer your way is the best way.
Ready to trade the frantic summer hustle for a beautifully slow, creative experience with your favourite people? Explore our relaxing, beginner-friendly workshops and find your perfect summer activity today!
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