Seven fun and outdoorsy activities to do in and around Eugene as the weather gets warmer.
The end of the school year is near, and that means summer is starting soon. Now that schoolwork won’t be taking up all your time, you’re probably in need of some fun and relaxing summer activities. Here are some ideas to pass the time:
- Play tennis or pickleball
Pickleball has gotten popular for good reason – it’s fun, exciting, and doesn’t require much skill. Tennis is a little more difficult, but it’s just as fun and you can still play it at any skill level. There are lots of pickleball/tennis courts all around Eugene.
- Go hiking
Hiking is a great summer activity, especially in Oregon, where there are so many beautiful trails. And, the best part — travelling far isn’t necessary! There are so many great hiking opportunities right here in Eugene. Remember to be safe and bring a friend. Some of my favorite hikes are Spencer’s Butte, the Ridgeline/Fox Hollow trails, and Wild Iris Ridge.
- Go to a lake
Oregon also offers many different lakes and rivers to swim in — a perfect activity for the hot summer days. If you aren’t interested in a long drive, there’s plenty nearby as well. A lake trip is a great chance to spend time with friends and family while fighting off the summer heat. Some nearby lakes include Hawkins Hill Reservoir, Lake Creek Falls and the McKercher park swimming hole.
- Have a bonfire
Bonfires are a super-fun, late-night activity to do with friends or family. You can roast marshmallows and make s’mores! Remember to be safe and don’t do anything that could potentially endanger you or anybody else.
- Have a movie night
There are so many summer classics you can watch (or rewatch) this year. Some of my favorites are Mamma Mia!, Stand By Me, and Almost Famous. You can also watch something new. Some anticipated movies coming out this summer include Jurassic World: Rebirth, Superman, live-action Moana, and Materialists. Invite your friends, get snacks, and have a great time!
- Read a book
This one’s pretty basic, but now that school reading and homework aren’t consuming your life, you have the chance to read books you actually want to read. Some of my favorite books to read in the summer are Malibu Rising (or pretty much any Taylor Jenkins Reid books), East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Head down to the Eugene Public Library to get a free library card and check out all the books you want!
- Try out different coffee shops around town
If you like coffee, matcha, or chai, it can be fun to try new places, especially with all of Eugene’s small businesses. You can do this alone, or with other people who also enjoy overpriced drinks. As someone who really enjoys iced coffee, some of my favorite places to go are Great Harvest, Vero, The Crown, Seize the Cafe, and Community Cup. Make it a challenge to find the best cafe in Eugene!
- Go to a place you’ve always wanted to check out
This is such a fun thing to do. If there’s a place you’ve always driven by or walked by and wondered what it was but never actually gone, you should do that this summer. Eugene has plenty of hidden gems which can turn a boring day into an exciting one. Be whimsical and curious this summer!
Article by Maya Robershaw
The Axe 