Last updated: April 7, 2026
Spring is your secret weapon for beating the summer rush. These 10 fun things to do before summer starts will help you make the most of mild weather, fewer crowds, and that magical transition period when nature comes alive but temperatures stay comfortable. From planting a garden that will bloom all season to exploring newly reopened attractions, this guide covers practical activities you can start this week.
What Are the Best Things To Do Before Summer Officially Arrives?
The best things to do before summer starts include starting a garden, planning trips, refreshing outdoor spaces, and trying new activities while the weather is mild and crowds are minimal. Spring offers a unique window when temperatures range from 60-75°F, attractions have just reopened for the season, and you can prepare your home and lifestyle for the busy summer months ahead.
This transition period from late March through May gives you the perfect opportunity to set yourself up for an amazing summer without the stress of peak season planning.
1. Start a Garden (Even If You’re a Complete Beginner)
Plant your garden now, and you’ll harvest fresh vegetables and enjoy blooming flowers all summer long. April and May offer ideal planting conditions with consistent moisture and moderate temperatures that help seedlings establish strong root systems.
What to plant right now:
- Cool-season vegetables: lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes (harvest before summer heat)
- Warm-season starters: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash (transplant after last frost)
- Perennial flowers: daylilies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans (bloom repeatedly)
- Annual color: petunias, marigolds, zinnias (continuous blooms until frost)
I started my first garden last spring with just three tomato plants and a handful of herbs. By July, I was making fresh caprese salads almost daily. The key is starting small—choose 3-5 plants that you’ll actually use in your kitchen.
For apartment dwellers, container gardening works beautifully. A sunny balcony can support cherry tomatoes, basil, and peppers in 5-gallon pots. Check out our guide to starting a thriving balcony garden for specific tips on maximizing small spaces.
Common mistake to avoid: Planting too early before your last frost date. Check your USDA hardiness zone and wait until soil temperatures reach at least 50°F for most vegetables.
2. Plan Your Summer Travel Now (And Save Hundreds)
Book your summer vacation in April or May, and you’ll typically save 20-30% compared to last-minute June bookings. Airlines and hotels release inventory months in advance, and early birds get the best selection of dates, locations, and accommodation types.
Strategic booking timeline:
- Domestic flights: Book 1-3 months ahead for optimal pricing
- International travel: Reserve 2-4 months in advance
- Popular destinations: Secure accommodations 3-6 months early
- Rental cars: Book now before summer inventory depletes
The Adventure Playscape at Exploration Place in Wichita opened March 13, 2026, featuring over six acres with 10 themed areas, including aviation and water play zones, perfect for families planning Kansas trips. Similarly, Field Station: Dinosaurs and Tanganyika Wildlife Park reopened for the 2026 season in mid-March.
When researching destinations, consider places that shine in early summer before peak crowds arrive. Our Peru travel packages guide covers shoulder season advantages, and these principles apply to any destination.
Choose early summer travel if: You want better weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Choose peak summer if: You need to coordinate with school schedules or specific events.
3. Deep Clean and Organize Your Home
A thorough spring cleaning creates physical and mental space for summer activities. Tackle this project now while you’re still spending time indoors, and you’ll walk into a fresh, organized home when warm weather arrives.
Room-by-room spring cleaning checklist:
Living areas:
- Vacuum under furniture and cushions
- Wash windows inside and out
- Rotate or flip mattresses
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
Kitchen:
- Empty and wipe down all cabinets
- Clean refrigerator coils and interior
- Organize pantry and check expiration dates
- Descale coffee maker and appliances
Outdoor spaces:
- Power wash decks and patios
- Clean outdoor furniture cushions
- Inspect and repair screens
- Organize garage or storage areas
I use the “one room per weekend” approach to avoid overwhelm. Last spring, I discovered that organizing my entryway closet eliminated the daily frustration of searching for summer gear when I wanted to head outside spontaneously.
Pro tip: Donate or sell items you haven’t used in a year. Summer garage sales are perfect for decluttering, and the extra space will make your home feel more relaxing.
4. Refresh Your Outdoor Living Spaces
Transform your patio, deck, or balcony into a summer oasis before temperatures climb. April and May offer comfortable working conditions for outdoor projects, and completing them now means you can enjoy the space immediately.
Quick outdoor refresh projects:
- Add comfortable seating: Invest in weather-resistant cushions or a hammock
- Create shade solutions: Install a pergola, umbrella, or shade sail
- Upgrade lighting: String lights or solar lanterns extend evening enjoyment
- Add greenery: Potted plants, hanging baskets, or vertical gardens
- Define the space: Outdoor rugs anchor seating areas and add color
My neighbor spent one weekend in April painting her old metal patio furniture with outdoor spray paint and adding new cushions. The total cost was under $150, but it completely transformed her backyard into a space she actually wanted to use.
Budget-friendly option: Repurpose indoor furniture that can withstand outdoor conditions. A small bookshelf becomes a plant stand, and old throw pillows get new outdoor-fabric covers.
5. Try a New Outdoor Activity While the Weather Is Perfect
Spring’s mild temperatures (typically 60-75°F) make it ideal for starting activities that become uncomfortable in summer heat. Building skills and stamina now means you’ll be ready for more challenging adventures when peak season arrives.
Beginner-friendly spring activities:
Hiking: Start with easy 2-3 mile trails to build endurance. Spring wildflowers and flowing streams make trails especially beautiful now [3].
Cycling: Cooler temperatures prevent overheating while you build leg strength and cardiovascular fitness.
Kayaking or paddleboarding: Many rental facilities reopen in April with calmer spring waters perfect for beginners.
Outdoor yoga: Parks and botanical gardens often host free or low-cost classes starting in April.
Birdwatching: Spring migration brings hundreds of species through most regions—download a free identification app and explore local nature areas.
Kansas offers jazz concerts, tulip viewing locations, and horseback riding as recommended April activities [4]. These seasonal experiences disappear once summer arrives, making spring the only window to enjoy them.
I took up trail running last April, and starting in cooler weather meant I could focus on form and breathing without battling heat exhaustion. By June, I’d built enough endurance to tackle longer routes comfortably.
Common mistake: Doing too much too soon. Start with 20-30 minute sessions and gradually increase duration and intensity over several weeks.
6. Attend Spring Festivals and Seasonal Events
Spring festivals celebrate the season’s unique character with events that don’t exist in summer. From tulip festivals to spring concerts, these gatherings offer experiences you can only enjoy during this transition period.
Types of spring events to explore:
- Flower festivals: Tulip, cherry blossom, and wildflower celebrations
- Food and wine events: Spring harvest festivals featuring asparagus, strawberries, and ramps
- Outdoor concerts: Jazz, classical, and folk music in park settings
- Art fairs: Local artists showcase work in outdoor markets
- Historical reenactments: Many sites host spring opening events
Botanica Wichita features seasonal blooms perfect for April and May visits [2]. Many botanical gardens time their spring displays to peak before summer heat stresses delicate flowers.
Check your local events calendar now—many spring festivals require advance ticket purchases, and popular events sell out weeks ahead. I missed a lavender farm festival last year because I waited until the week before to buy tickets.
Pro tip: Combine festival attendance with other items on this list. Visit a new hiking trail near the festival location, or plan a weekend trip around a regional spring celebration.
7. Update Your Fitness Routine Outdoors
Moving your workout outside in spring prepares your body for active summer adventures while taking advantage of perfect exercise weather. Outdoor workouts also provide mental health benefits that gym sessions can’t match. Exposure to nature reduces stress and improves mood.
Outdoor fitness ideas:
- Park workout circuits: Use benches, stairs, and playground equipment for bodyweight exercises
- Running or walking groups: Join local clubs that meet weekly
- Outdoor boot camps: Many trainers offer seasonal outdoor classes
- Tennis or pickleball: Courts are less crowded in the spring
- Swimming: Outdoor pools often open in May with fewer crowds
Start with three outdoor sessions per week, mixing cardio and strength training. I replaced my gym membership with outdoor workouts last spring and saved $50 monthly while getting better results. The varied terrain and fresh air made exercise feel less like a chore.
For structured guidance, follow our 5 AM morning routine guide to build consistency before summer distractions arrive.
Choose outdoor fitness if: You want variety, natural vitamin D, and cost savings. Stick with gym workouts if: You need specific equipment or prefer climate control.
8. Create a Summer Bucket List (And Start Checking Items Off)
Planning your summer bucket list in spring gives you time to research, budget, and schedule activities before the season rushes past. Plus, many bucket list items can actually start in late spring, giving you a head start on summer fun.
Categories for your summer bucket list:
Adventure activities: Zip-lining, rock climbing, surfing lessons, hot air balloon rides
Cultural experiences: Outdoor theater, drive-in movies, concerts, museum exhibitions
Nature exploration: Camping trips, beach days, waterfall hikes, stargazing nights
Food and drink: Farmers market visits, outdoor dining, food truck festivals, berry picking
Social activities: Backyard barbecues, game nights, potluck dinners, group outings
I keep my bucket list in a shared note with friends so we can coordinate group activities. Last year, we planned six different adventures together, from kayaking to an outdoor movie marathon, because we’d discussed it in April rather than scrambling in July.
Our summer bucket list ideas and mindful summer bucket list guides provide dozens of specific activities to inspire your planning.
Pro tip: Include a mix of free activities, budget-friendly options, and one or two splurge experiences. Balance ensures you’ll actually complete the list rather than abandoning it due to cost.
9. Visit Museums and Cultural Institutions Before Peak Crowds
Spring offers the perfect window to explore cultural attractions that become packed with tourists and summer camp groups by June. Museums, galleries, and historical sites have just opened spring exhibitions, but haven’t yet hit peak visitor numbers.
Why visit cultural institutions now:
- Shorter wait times: No lines for popular exhibits or interactive displays
- Better viewing experience: Actually see the artwork without crowds blocking your view
- Cooler temperatures: Walking between buildings or outdoor exhibits stays comfortable
- Spring exhibitions: Many institutions debut new shows in April and May
- Educational programs: Special lectures and workshops before summer programming shifts to kids
Wichita offers the Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita Baseball Museum, Museum of World Treasures, and multiple art galleries, including CityArts, Mark Arts, and Ulrich Museum of Art [2]. These institutions provide air-conditioned exploration options on unseasonably warm spring days.
I visited our local natural history museum on a rainy April Saturday last year and had entire galleries to myself. The experience felt personal and immersive in a way that’s impossible during crowded summer visits.
Budget tip: Many museums offer free or discounted admission days—check websites for spring promotions and community access programs.
10. Prepare Your Summer Wardrobe and Gear
Organizing your summer wardrobe and outdoor gear in spring prevents the frustration of discovering missing items or needed repairs when you’re ready to use them. Plus, shopping now means better selection and sales before peak summer demand.
Spring wardrobe and gear prep:
Clothing audit:
- Try on last year’s summer clothes to assess fit and condition
- Donate items you didn’t wear last season
- Make a list of needed basics (shorts, swimwear, sandals)
- Shop spring sales for summer essentials
Outdoor gear check:
- Inspect camping equipment for damage or missing pieces
- Test bikes and inflate tires
- Clean and waterproof hiking boots
- Replace worn water bottles or coolers
- Check sunscreen expiration dates
Sports equipment:
- Restring tennis rackets
- Pump up basketballs and soccer balls
- Inspect life jackets for proper fit
- Service boats or kayaks
I learned this lesson the hard way when I discovered my hiking boots had developed a leak during a Memorial Day weekend trip. Shopping for replacements during peak season meant limited sizes and higher prices.
For more seasonal preparation ideas, check our guide on things to do at the start of the week, which includes organizing strategies that work for seasonal transitions, too.
Money-saving tip: Buy summer gear at end-of-season sales the previous year, or shop spring clearance sections now for last season’s inventory at 40-60% off.
What If You Only Have Time for a Few of These Activities?
If you can only tackle a few items from this list of 10 fun things to do before summer starts, prioritize based on your personal summer goals and current situation.
Priority matrix:
If your goal is saving money: Focus on #2 (travel planning) and #10 (gear preparation). These activities offer the highest financial return on time invested.
If you want better health: Prioritize #1 (gardening), #5 (new outdoor activities), and #7 (outdoor fitness). These create habits that compound throughout the summer.
If you crave less stress: Start with #3 (organizing) and #8 (bucket list planning). These provide structure and eliminate decision fatigue.
If you seek unique experiences, choose #6 (spring festivals) and #9 (cultural institutions). These activities are truly time-limited and can’t be replicated in summer.
You don’t need to complete everything perfectly. Even tackling 3-4 items from this list will significantly improve your summer experience compared to diving into June unprepared.
Conclusion
These 10 fun things to do before summer starts transform your approach to the season from reactive to proactive. By planting gardens, planning travel, organizing spaces, and building fitness during spring’s perfect weather, you create a foundation for a summer filled with enjoyment rather than stress.
Start with just one or two activities this week. Plant a few seeds, book that trip you’ve been considering, or spend Saturday organizing your outdoor space. Each small action compounds into a significantly better summer experience.
The key is beginning now, while you still have time and energy to prepare thoughtfully. Summer will arrive whether you’re ready or not. These activities ensure you’ll be ready to make the most of every sunny day.
Your next step: Choose three activities from this list that resonate most with your summer goals. Schedule specific dates in your calendar for each one, and start with the activity that excites you most. That momentum will carry you through the rest of your pre-summer preparation.
For more seasonal planning inspiration, explore our 61 things to do in 2026 guide and our ultimate summer self-care checklist.
References
[2] Spring Break In Wichita – https://www.visitwichita.com/blog/post/spring-break-in-wichita/
[3] Summer Bucket List Ideas – https://amarapaper.com/summer-bucket-list-ideas/
[4] April Adventures In Kansas – https://www.travelks.com/blog/stories/post/april-adventures-in-kansas/
