By Chloe Rhoden

Still need summer plans? I can help with that! As a life-long Gwinnettian, I have (some) authority to speak on the myriad of ways to enjoy this season of fun. Whether you prefer to take advantage of the sunny weather by staying outdoors or you prefer to chill out indoors, get ready to make this summer epic! 

Outdoor Summer 

Get started on your outdoor adventure by heading to your local public park! Settles Bridge in Suwanee, Bay Creek in Grayson or Ronald Reagan in Lawrenceville all feature outdoor skateparks, basketball courts, paved walking trails and more! However, if your ideal summer day involves a nice, cold body of water, head over to Collins Hill Aquatic Center for a dip in the pool or a plunge down the water slide. Perhaps your perfect summer outing would be an afternoon at the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary in Lilburn. Here, you can meet adorable residents like Bluebeary, a Black Bear cub, or Koshka, a Eurasian Lynx! You might even run into the fabulous Royal Palm Turkey, Hank, who roams the trail freely and will undoubtedly display his feathers for your attention.

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Indoor Summer 

If you’d rather stay out of the hot sun, there are a ton of indoor activities to enjoy in Gwinnett. Grab your crew for a night of bowling at Bowlero in Lilburn, karaoke at Echo in Suwanee or roller skating at Sparkles in Lawrenceville! While you’re exploring all Gwinnett has to offer, stop for a sweet treat to combat the heat. For me, it’s a life-changing iced horchata latte from Reyna’s Espresso & Sweets in Downtown Lawrenceville. Or for a perfect photo-op boba date, might I suggest Cuckoo’s Cafe in Snellville with its adorable pastel-clad interior. And perhaps my favorite sweet treat of all, a Turtle Sundae from Beren’s Frozen Custard in Grayson.