Caleb’s
l a i t n e s Es
summer guide story/ C. Cook
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Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes great weather, plenty of events, and a lot of free time to fill. I know what you’re thinking: “What will I do to fill the day?”. Well never fear, because here is the Essential Guide to Summer in Iowa.
summer go-to’s
1 photo/ contributed
Adventureland Park www.adventurelandresort.com
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Blank Park Zoo www.blankparkzoo.com
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Iowa State Fair www.iowastatefair.org
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Work hard Summer is long, and if utilized properly, can be great for you, both socially and financially. Summer is the best time of the year to get a part time job, as it will allow you to not only build your resume for the future, but also save up a lot of money to fund your summer lifestyle, while not interfering with school. And hey, if you already have a job, see if you can get more hours. “It is a great way to get experience for future jobs, and will allow you to earn money,” Junior Robby Duff said.
Go swimming This is obvious, but it’s truly a staple of summer. Swimming is a great way to socialize, stay active, and most importantly, relax and have fun. There are a variety of options available in the metro, from something simple like Teachout, located on the East side of Des Moines, or a larger park like Cascade Falls in Ankeny. Also, try something new, like maybe riding a giant waterslide, a wave machine, or jumping from the high dive.
Try a new sport Ever played Ultimate frisbee? Golf ? Tennis? Well, if you haven’t, don’t worry; summer is the best time of the year to try these out, and many other sports, for the first time. Equipment for a variety of sports is available at Walmart, Goodwill, or even your uncle’s shed. And remember-you don’t have to go pro- just go out there and have fun trying something new. “It gives you something to do, because a lot of people have free time,a nd it can keep you busy and in shape for your sport,” junior Christian Ounlokham said.
Go to a concert Summer is the time of concerts and music festivals galore. And you don’t want to miss out on a slice of the fun. Start looking into when and where your favorite artists will be performing, make plans with your friends, save some money, and go enjoy some music. And if you don’t want to spend any money, there’s plenty of free concerts as well.
Watch an entire TV series Summer is long. Over two months of the year, and not every one of those days is going to be bright and sunny. So on those rainy days, those summer nights, start watching a new series, whether it be on Netflix, Hulu, or anywhere else. It’s a great way to relax, keep yourself entertained, and fill those long summer days.
Read a good book Now, I know summer is about being away from school, books, and homework. But reading, although considered boring to some, is a great way to keep your brain active, keep you from completely forgetting everything you learned the year before. And again, it’s something you can do anytime, anywhere. “I like reading because you get to picture the events and people in the story your way, and for me, reading is also relaxing,” junior Shelby Cook said.
Page Editor/C. Cook