Making The Most Of Summer Before School Starts This September
By: Monica
Have you ever made plans for summer that never actually happened? Group chats full of “we should totally go here,” shared Reels of places to go, and checking of calendars when everyone is free.
Months before, you have a checklist of fun things to do during summer, only then to realize that the best memories come from the unplanned ones. No scheduling. No itinerary. Just meeting up and seeing how the day goes. There’s something magical about going with the flow and agreeing to do things at the last minute. It makes one mundane day turn into something unforgettable. You see how you vibe with your friends – or even how you think of spending a day with yourself.
So before we all head back into deadlines, group projects, and alarms ringing again, here’s a last hurrah to make most of the summer days around GTA:
The Summer I Chased The Golden Hour
One thing I love doing is watching sunsets. Whether sitting at a park, relaxing on a beach, or even on a ride going home. One random afternoon, I texted a friend and we ended up meeting. No plans. No idea what to do. We just wanted to hang out. We walked around, hopped on a bus, and found ourselves catching the sunset at Port Credit. Nothing grand, but it was a much-needed kind of reset day. Sitting on the bench, enjoying the view, eating snacks, and sharing stories. It was my first time watching a sunset by the lake, appreciating the lighthouse from afar. Slow moments like these make you appreciate the little things in life.
Address: Port Credit, Mississauga, ON
The Summer I Got Sand On My Toes
There’s just something healing about being near waves. As someone who enjoys getting soaked in the sun and having sandy toes, a beach trip will always be a yes for me. I love feeling the warmth of the sun touching my skin, feeling the breeze on my face, and just being there. A summer without visiting the beach is incomplete for me. One thing led to another and I ended up at Woodbine Beach. Sipping a cold drink, seeing people doing their own thing, and listening to somebody’s music on speakers. I never needed anything more.
Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6
The Summer I Felt Adventurous
My first week in Canada was definitely memorable. I reconnected with my childhood friend whom I haven’t seen in years. I have no idea about the ins and outs of the city, and he was my guardian angel during my journey here. One fine day, he took me around Downtown Toronto. Nathan Phillips Square, Union Station, Old City Hall, Chinatown, CN Tower. All of the touristy things. And by afternoon, we were at The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). That was the highlight of the day. I watched an ice skating show, saw some cool rides, tried some snacks, played some carnival games and ended up winning two plushies at the Bowler Roller! It was an incredible experience as someone who was new to town. The Ex is an event you don’t wanna miss during Summer. I’d say it’s a must! You can check more information here.
The Summer I Became A Kid Again
Oh, to be a kid again. Not having any worries. Letting curiosity kick in. Being excited and enjoying the moment. That’s how I felt visiting the Toronto Zoo. A day full of awe, laughter, and experiencing being a kid for a day. I can’t remember the last time I went to a zoo but being there brought back the joy of exploring like a child seeing things for the first time. I saw animals that I used to only see on my phone. Everything was refreshing yet nostalgic. It reminded me how to be fully present. It was just another summer day, but it healed something inside me. The little me was happy.
The unplanned meetup? The random “let’s go”? The unexpected trip? There’s just something magical about being spontaneous. Seeing how the day unfolds lets you be in the present moment. It hits different.
As summer slips quietly and school is on the horizon, let’s channel our inner spontaneity. Here are some other free activities and events to do around GTA. No planning needed. Just do it whenever you feel like it. Anytime. Anywhere. So here’s to the summer we turned spontaneous. ✨
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