With summer just around the corner, most students are already making plans.

In summer, the average person carries less responsibility, giving them the freedom to do what they please without the restriction of school.

This summer happens to be shorter than in the past because of the district’s schedule changes that moves the beginning of next school year up two weeks to mid-August.

But even with two weeks missing from the usual summer vacation, there is enough time for everything summer-related, such as family vacations, roadtrips with friends, summer concerts, and movies in the park.

To maximize the full eight weeks of summer, it’s important to be productive. Most people use summer as a time to laze around and do nothing. But with a few less weeks as cushion, it’d be smart to do the activities you really want to right away.

If traveling during vacation isn’t in your cards, look online for local events going on in the area if you just want to get out of the house to do something.

Usually, there are plays in the area, or concerts, always a driving distance away. Just because you’re not getting on a plane, doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home.

Recreational services in your area likely offer fun activities to do as well, especially for teeangers. There are art classes, acting classes, as well as clubs to join just for the summer.

Summer camp is popular among teenagers because it gives them something to do during weeks of boredom, and allows them to have fun and interact with people in their age range.

Sleepovers during summer are the best, because there’s no time limit. No specific time to wake up, and no specific time to go to bed. That is, unless you’re taking academic classes during the summer.

Summer school is also a popular option for students to catch up on a class they didn’t do well in or to get ahead for the next year. Either way, summer school only lasts a few weeks, and is a good way to keep busy during the long, hot days.

Getting a summer job could also be a great idea if you’ve got some free time on your hands this summer and want to earn some extra bucks.

Babysitting, house sitting or pet sitting for someone around you, something in retail or even interning somewhere. It’s a way to get out of the house, and to make some money.

You can also try hitting the gym during the summer because there’s never a time too early, or too late to get healthy and to get in shape. There are sports to play, and swimming can be your biggest friend on the really hot days.

If you’re looking for a thrill, theme parks are always an option. There’s the more popular ones, Disneyland and Legoland, but there are fun parks closer to home. Great America is popular, and not too expensive.

It could be a fun day trip for friends, something a little out of the ordinary day-to-day life.

If you’re more of a homebody, or just are looking for a relaxing, quiet summer, there are things to do inside that are just as fun.

Do It Yourself (DIY) crafts, movie marathons, catching up on books you didn’t have time to read during the school year, redecorating and reorganizing your room.

During summer, it’s important to think about the following year. If you have events planned for the next year, setting up a schedule during summer can help you tremendously. There’s nothing wrong with getting ready, and relaxed for the new school year.

Summer is a much needed break for every student and teacher, and doing what you want to do during it is what is most important, regardless of what that is.

Staying relaxed, and happy during summer can be beneficial to you for the grueling months expected next school year.