As spring turns into summer, it’s time for people to think about how they will spend the next few warm months. Sure, we know that most people still have to work during the summer months, and we also know that many households have to figure out how to keep their children entertained while they’re out of school.

That doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t take the time to enjoy a few memorable events this summer. Have a little bit of fun in the sun and come together as a family over summer-specific activities. As we began to write this article, we thought long and hard about which holidays really reflect the spirit of summer and are easy enough for most people to enjoy.

So, we sat down and composed a list of all the things that we think of when we think of summer. As most people probably imagine, that list is full of picnics, family get-togethers, barbecues, beaches, and ice cream.

Midsummer Day / Midsummer Eve (Summer Solstice)

We know of no better way to start off the summer season than by enjoying Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day. This ancient Germanic tradition celebrates the summer solstice and is observed in several different countries, including Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, and Sweden.

If possible, people should check out some of the celebrations in these countries. However, since we know that might not be feasible, people can plan their own Midsummer events on this day. All it takes is a few people, a few decorations, a bonfire, and some food, and anyone can enjoy one of the oldest summer traditions on the planet.

Independence Day (July 4th)

Independence Day is one of the biggest holidays in the United States. It’s a day that’s celebrated with fairs and fireworks, BBQs and picnics, parades, and a whole range of other events. And no matter where a person is in the U.S., they’re likely to find all of the events they could ever want to attend.

Beach and pool parties, concerts, and visits to historical sites and museums are all on the holiday menu for this day. It’s a day of fun, food, and family, and even the busiest person can take the time to at least enjoy a plate of BBQ ribs, potato salad, and coleslaw on this day.

National Bikini Day (July 5th)

Following Independence Day is a fantastic holiday devoted to our favorite swimwear. National Bikini Day is a day to bask in your confidence and show off your hard work in your own bikini, whatever size and style you choose to rock.

Even though all bodies are beach bodies, there aren’t any rules that stipulate you can’t enjoy the summer sun in your cover-up as well, or even a T-shirt with a bikini print. After all, nothing says summer fun in the sun more than the bikini, however you choose to celebrate it.

Watermelon Day (August 3rd)

It’s almost impossible to attend any sort of picnic, barbecue, family reunion, or any other social event where food is served in the summer and not see a watermelon. All summer long, it seems like everyone is serving watermelons. That’s how this food has become the official fruit of summer.

As the name of this fruit implies, it’s mainly composed of water. In fact, the average watermelon is almost 90% water, which makes this sweet fruit not only delicious but also refreshing.

Satchmo Summerfest (August 4th)

If we’re being completely honest, it was hard to pick a summer festival for our list. There are literally thousands of them located across North America and Europe. So many that we could spend the rest of the summer writing about them. Since we didn’t have that sort of time, we had to choose one that we felt epitomized summer the best. Our choice? Satchmo Summerfest.

This holiday is dedicated to Louis Armstrong and jazz music and features some of the world’s top performers. It’s a great festival and one that everyone should attend, especially if they’re a fan of jazz.

National Frozen Custard Day (August 8th)

Frozen custard is another delicious treat that just screams summer fun. For people who aren’t familiar with frozen custard, it’s basically ice cream that’s made with the addition of eggs and has a thicker consistency. In other words, it’s ice cream times ten! And there are several places in the U.S. where this sinful treat can be enjoyed.

Milwaukee is known as the “Frozen Custard Capital of the World” because it has places such as Leon’s Frozen Custard and Kopp’s Frozen Custard. However, our favorite frozen custard destination in the U.S. is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, MO. Their menu is unique and fun with frozen custard dishes such as The Hawaiian, The Dutchman, Lemon Slushy, and our personal favorite, The Terramizzou.

National Roller Coaster Day (August 16th)

Nothing brings a family together better than being completely terrified for their lives while zipping around a track and traveling at speeds up to or exceeding 100 miles per hour. And there are simply some incredible roller coasters located all over the world.

These can be found at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio; Six Flags Magic Mountain in California; Fuji-Q Highland in Japan; and Europa Park in Germany. And, of course, there’s the ultimate roller coaster experience that can be found at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Just don’t eat a heavy lunch before riding these coasters — trust us, we know.

National Tailgating Day (First Saturday in September)

Tailgating is a fun activity that takes place at sporting events all around the U.S. It doesn’t matter what the sporting event is because the real fun of this day is the food, BBQ burgers and brats, and the camaraderie between the participants. It’s a great way to enjoy some summer fun as autumn quickly approaches.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

For many people, Labor Day is the final summer weekend for people to enjoy with friends and family. That means that there’s one last cookout and a whole lot of fun to be had. For anyone looking to end the summer season with a blast, this is the day to do it.