Even though finals are dominating our thoughts right now, summer break is just around the corner and something to look forward to, giving you new motivation to push through the last tests. Imagine all the fun things you can do when you finally get some time to breathe. For many students, uni and finals are so all-consuming that they hardly get the chance to think about what comes next. And when summer arrives it’s gone again in the blink of an eye. Manhattan has a lot to offer outside campus. Here’s how you can leave finals behind faster than you thought and make your 2025 summer an epic season filled with great memories.

1. Wind Down Before The Adventures

Running off to a new adventure after finals isn’t for everyone. Some students are exhausted and just want to find time to relax, recharge, and wind down with a bit of online entertainment. Advocating for staying inside and looking at a screen instead of enjoying the world outside might seem silly, but summer break is long and there will be time to do all the other things after a good recharge.

There is no need to get FOMO when your friends start their vacation straight away, take your time and hide from the brutal sun with some fun online games. You can get sun burnt on trips to the lake and mountain hikes or discover the best crypto casino and enjoy some solo time, playing poker or slots. Embrace the downtime, the sun will be out all summer.

2. Spend Some Time in Nature

After putting your head down to study long hours it is time to get some fresh air. Kansas offers a surprisingly beautiful variety of landscapes with lakes and rivers. Tuttle Creek State Park is just a 20-minute drive from Manhattan and offers a great opportunity to organize even a spontaneous camping trip with your friends.

You can hike the 13-mile Wildcat Nature Trail and if you’re lucky you’ll spot deer and pheasants. Just remember to start early, the sun can get hot and too much sun exposure can carry risks. Also, the animals want to escape the heat just as you do. If the hike seems like too much effort, a paddle along the shores of Tuttle Creek Lake is another great option.

For a longer mission, head to Norton Wildlife Area, a beautiful landscape where you can sleep under the stars. Norton Wildlife Area is a great choice if your friends have different interests. While some can fish for largemouth bass, the others can go explore the nearby historic trails that wind through native prairie grasslands.

3. Explore Local Arts & Culture

For those who like to look at nature in pictures and documentaries, Manhattan comes alive in summer. Live music, art exhibitions and theatre plays, the choice is yours. It’s worth looking at the event program on ManhattanKS.com to find what you like. From painting in the park with a glass of wine to comedy nights and music bingo, there is so much to explore. On warm summer nights there are live concert, where local bands set the vibe.

One thing you shouldn’t miss is the Flint Hills Festival of the Arts in July. It’s a family friendly festival with all kinds of activities for young and old. Even though it’s not the student party you’re used to, it’s a refreshingly different and wholesome event with many workshops and food options. And the best is, that it is for free.

4. Give Back and Volunteer

Want to make a meaningful impact while soaking up the sunshine? Kansas offers many volunteering opportunities, from working with children, elderly people or animals. Some might ask themselves why they should keep on working when they just gained back their freedom after a stressful semester at Uni. Believe it or not, helping others, giving back to the community, creating memories won’t feel like work at all. Research has also proven that volunteering can have significant mental and physical health benefits.

Besides putting smiles on people’s faces, volunteering can also create a future career opportunity. As a volunteer you will gain new skills, learn how to communicate and make connections that might set you up for work after campus.

Kansas has a vast and beautiful landscape which we love to enjoy. Unfortunately, human population is taking over fast and leaving its impact on nature and wildlife. As a volunteer you can counteract the human imprint and help in local prairie restoration. Assist in conservation and protection of wildlife habitat to make sure that nature will be there for us to enjoy and for the animals.

While doing that you will learn valuable insights on native plant identification, erosion control methods, and endanger species and how to protect them. By volunteering just a few hours each week you can make a big difference and help keep Kansas ecosystems thriving.

Conclusion

Your 2025 summer break holds endless possibilities. Chasing sunsets, indulging in wine and art and giving back to people and nature will create unforgettable memories!