4 Ways to Meet People During the Summer

Summertime can be a bit of a harder time to meet new people and make friends when school’s out and people are off taking trips and doing their own thing, especially if you’re more on the introverted side like I am, but it’s not impossible to find new friends during this season. I know many activities even adults are involved in take a break during the summer, but this doesn’t mean you have to sit alone at home all season long! If your summer isn’t looking too full of fun and new faces and that’s what you’re looking for, let’s take a look at four ways you can still be social while having a great time this summer!

1. Volunteering

The two main places I’ve volunteered with kids only run through the school year, but there have been plenty of ways I’ve been able to stay involved throughout the summer, and I have met other like-minded people this way. I have walked in parades and helped at events through the summer, even though these things aren’t directly helping with the kiddos.

So, after deciding to volunteer with a new-to-you organization this summer, the next step towards making friends there is talking to the others involved. If you want to talk to other volunteers at events and things but are unsure how to start a conversation, I think one of the best topics to talk about is whatever organization it is that brought you together. You can start by introducing yourself, and then after they introduce themselves you can ask how they got involved, how long they’ve been involved, and things like that to get conversation started.

Volunteering is a good way to get out of the house and meet other people while helping your community too!

2. Accepting Invitations

This is one of the easiest ways to get out with the possibility of meeting people. For example, my friend recently invited me to go with her to a Bible study at her church. I decided to go, and it was pretty good, just as I expected it would be, and I met some other people there. In this instance, I wasn’t going so I could meet new people my age, but this is a good example of what happens when you accept invitations from your friends! I have met friends of friends this way other times too- going to get-togethers my friends have invited me to and meeting their other friends there. I know it can be a little uncomfortable being around new people for some, but try not to let worry or fear keep you from getting out and meeting potential new friends!

3. Getting a Summer Job

If you don’t want to commit to a full-time, year-round job, there are various options for summer-only jobs you can apply for! There are lots of places only open seasonally such as some ice cream shops, public swimming pools and water parks, concession stands at the ball park, and campgrounds. This one is a win-win; you can meet new people while making money! And the good thing about a summer job is that if you don’t like it, there’s an end in sight!

4. Attending Activities and Events

Going fun places with or without the friends you already have provides opportunities to talk to new people. Maybe you are strolling an outdoor market and you get into an interesting conversation with a vendor. Or maybe you’re relaxing in a lounge chair alone at the pool and find yourself sitting next to another nice loner there. Perhaps you and your friends find yourselves seated next to another fun group of people your age at a ball game or concert. There are people all around, probably looking for new friends too- it just takes some friendly steps from one individual to start a conversation. Maybe those people in the neighboring lane at the bowling alley won’t be your best friends for life, but they may be fun friends for an evening or a summer. But who knows? Maybe meeting your new bestie is just a vacation beach day away!

Trying out classes or joining groups is something else that could be worth looking into as well! Your local library may organize summer crafting nights for the community, your local dance studio may offer summer classes open to the public, or your church may hold community dinners once a month. If you see something like any of these advertised in your city, don’t ignore it! Consider going.

Ok, everyone, these are my top four recommendations for meeting new people this summer! Don’t be afraid to try new things and take a step out of your comfort zone. Be yourself, be a friend to those around you, and have a good time! Best wishes on your pursuit of a fun and friend-filled summer!