Not to age myself, but as a millennial, I remember a time before cell phones and social media. I grew up in the ’90s, and so much of my childhood was spent outdoors with friends, especially during the summers. Summer was the time to run around barefoot, make and trade friendship bracelets, read under trees, and run wild with friends. We were running purely on vibes, without the pressure of social media urging us to document everything or weigh our experiences against others’.
That said, it tickles me that getting off your phone this summer is very much in. Pinterest has officially dubbed this season “Digital Detox Summer,” and ’90s nostalgia is everywhere. As we all collectively yearn for a simpler, less digitally connected time, I wholly appreciate the reminder to get off my phone (maybe even leave it at home?!) and the invitation to dip my toes back into the things I did for fun growing up. And even if your childhood did include cell phones and social media, take this as your sign to unplug a little. This summer, make time for activities that allow your brain to mellow out and foster true connection with others. Ahead, I’ve rounded up a few activities that are perfect for your own ’90s summer.
1. Go to the mall
Malls may be a dying breed, but they’re not extinct yet. Instead of shopping in your PJs on your phone, channel some ’90s nostalgia by going to the mall. Bring a friend, window shop, try things on, and walk around with an Auntie Anne’s pretzel in hand. Yes, it takes more of an effort than shopping online, but going to the mall is a great way to get out, walk around, and actually see and feel something before you buy it. You also aren’t obligated to bring anything home! Walking around a mall is a fun way to catch up with a friend, especially if it’s disgustingly hot outside. Enjoy the AC!
2. Have a sleepover
I have so many fond memories of childhood sleepovers that involved staying up til 2 a.m., eating all manner of junk food, and giggling and chatting about crushes with my friends. The good news? This is still an option! An adult sleepover with girlfriends is such a fun way to channel those carefree childhood vibes. Maybe you won’t be sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags this time, but giggles are pretty much guaranteed. And now there’s wine!
3. Create your own reading challenge
Did anyone else live for a summer reading challenge as a kid? I loved setting a reading goal and then earning prizes like free pizza or complimentary movie rentals at the local video store. I was a voracious reader growing up and could be found reading constantly: on the beach, by the pool, in the car, and under the covers before bed. If you, too, were a bookworm as a kid, recreate that same excitement for books with your own version of a summer reading challenge. Start by setting a goal, whether you want to hit a certain number of pages, read at least one book from several different genres, or finish an author’s full body of work. Then reward yourself with “prizes” like a latte from your favorite coffee shop or a cute new bookmark along the way.
4. Go on a long bike ride
This is your sign to dust off your bike this summer and go for a ride. Whether you go with friends or solo, find a bike path in your town and start pedaling. A fun hobby that doubles as exercise, riding a bike can be super meditative and is ultimately a nice way to get off your phone and enjoy the outdoors.
5. Start a craft project
As a kid, I used to love arts and crafts, and my favorite summer craft by far was making friendship bracelets. I remember sitting outside with a heap of embroidery floss and tying knot after knot until my own arms were full of friendship bracelets, and so were my friends’. Crafting as an adult might look a little different, but it’s still just as fun to work with your hands and create something beautiful. Whether you want to try painting, embroidery, crocheting, or jewelry-making, pick a project, gather your supplies, and dive in.
6. Make a playlist
Before Spotify and Apple Music, I remember listening to the radio with a tape recorder in hand and immediately pressing the record button when one of my favorite songs came on. I would end up with a cassette tape that had a mix of songs all hand-picked by me. OK, so this may have really aged me (I’m in my 30s, I swear!), but putting together a list of your favorite songs is a sweet way to create a soundtrack for your life. Toss in a few classic rom-com songs (Alexa, play “Perfect Day” by Hoku), and you’ve got yourself the perfect summer playlist.
7. Take photos with a disposable camera
I remember the days when you’d take a picture and have no idea what it looked like. You’d just snap and hope for the best. The surprise and delight came after you got the film developed, which usually took a few days after dropping it off at your local Walgreens. You can still get your hands on disposable cameras, and they’re a great way to capture memories while staying in the present moment (no need to immediately check to see what your picture looked like!). These photos will also have a vintage feel to them—perfect for leaning into that ’90s summer aesthetic. The next time you’re hanging out with the girls, bring a disposable camera and snap pictures throughout the night. Once you get the film developed, you’ll be left with a sweet pile of photos that perfectly (or rather, imperfectly) capture your time together.
8. Go rollerblading
If you grew up whizzing around the neighborhood on skates, why not revisit this classic summer activity as an adult? These days, rollerblades feel like a relic from the past, but you can still find them at most sporting goods stores (or possibly in a box in your parents’ garage). If you can get your hands on a pair, rollerblading makes a fantastic summer hobby. It’s also great exercise!
9. Write in a journal
I started keeping a journal in the fourth grade and basically never stopped. Crack open a notebook and start documenting your days, brain dump your thoughts, or doodle in the margins. The beauty of a journal is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Whatever you decide to jot down, glitter pens are highly recommended!
10. Cut and paste a collage
Back in middle school, I remember printing out photos and cutting out images from magazines to tack up all over my locker. I was essentially making a Pinterest board before Pinterest was a thing. And while I love the ease of putting together a mood board with just a few clicks, there’s something even more satisfying about pasting together a physical collage. This summer, grab a stack of magazines, photo prints, postcards, stickers, or other paper materials, and piece together words and images that speak to you. It’s a fun way to do something creative and hands-on with no real artistic skills needed.
11. Listen to an album straight through
Remember the magic of popping a CD into your stereo and listening to the whole album start to finish? Music is always on in the background while I’m doing other tasks, but actually sitting down and listening to an album is such a vibe. Plus, there’s something special about hearing each track in the order the artist intended. Have a pen and paper nearby to jot down thoughts that come up, or just close your eyes and do nothing but listen.
12. Play catch
It doesn’t matter if you throw a football, a frisbee, or a baseball; there’s something so nostalgic about playing catch with a friend. It’s so simple—you’re just tossing a ball back and forth—but the repetitive nature can slow your brain down and get you back in your body. It’s also a great activity to do while catching up with a friend or something fun to do at the beach on vacay!
Kristen Garaffo, Contributing Home & Living Writer
Kristen Garaffo is a Washington DC-area-based freelance writer. She specializes in home and lifestyle content and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond.
The post 12 Throwback Activities to Try for a ’90s Summer appeared first on The Everygirl.
