If you think Indiana is ever boring, you’re not a real Hoosier. Even after the sun goes down, there’s still plenty of shenanigans that we get up to, and here are nine you can enjoy on a summer night.
From relaxing activities to exciting journeys, Indiana is full of fun things to do after sundown. Check them out:
- Go to the drive-in movie theater
Facebook/Auburn-Garrett Drive-In This time of year is when drive-in movie theaters are finally open. It’s the best deal in cinema because you typically pay by car, and you typically get to see two films. Snacks and concessions are available to give you a well-rounded movie-going experience that is iconic to 1950s summers.
- Catch lightening bugs
Wikimeida Commons/Mike Lewinski A major tradition for anyone who has spent a summer night in Indiana is catching lightening bugs. These glowing insects light up the night like Christmas lights, and they are fun to catch in your hands (or a net). Keep them in a jar for just a little while to concentrate their light but be sure to give them holes to breath.
- Watch heat lightening
Flickr/Care_SMC Though it can be a little scary, sometimes you’ll see orange bursts of lightening far away in the sky. Known as heat lightening or dry (or silent) lightening, it is actually just normal lightening from a storm that is really far away. You can thank our flat lands and spacious skies for that.
- Have a bonfire
Flickr_Contando Estrelas Nothing brings people together like a bonfire. People will keep partying late into the night as long as the fire is going. Whether you’re camping or just hosting a small get-together in your backyard, this summer tradition is a must.
- Light fireworks
Flickr/Derek Key Summers are best in Indiana because we can legally purchase and shoot off fireworks, while some states (looking at you, Illinois) can’t. Whether you just like snakes and sparklers or are a connoisseur of the biggest and baddest explosives, your nights will be alight with fire and fun.
- Play flashlight tag
pxhere Whether you have access to the woods or just play in your backyard, this fun game is perfect for a warm summer night. Search out your friends using your light or hide from the glow as it comes near you. Children especially love this nostalgic activity.
- Night swimming
Pixabay/keikiwai Whether or not you have a pool that glows, swimming in the dark is one of the most liberating things you can do with a summer night in Indiana. You won’t be able to see what’s beneath the water, but the warmth that remains from the sun earlier in the day will keep you swimming until midnight.
- Ghost hunting
Flickr/Sick Bones If you’ve ever wanted to explore your local cemetery at night, this season is the time to do it. Grab your cameras and voice recorders for a scary journey that will chill you to the bone.
- Stargazing
Instagram/fulkrock While the stars are out all times of the year, they are best to see on a warm summer night while you lay out on the grass. This peaceful activity has been enjoyed by man since the dawn of time, and it’s still one of the best ways to relax and open your mind.
For more like this, check out 10 crazy traditions you’ll only get if you’re from Indiana.
Facebook/Auburn-Garrett Drive-In
This time of year is when drive-in movie theaters are finally open. It’s the best deal in cinema because you typically pay by car, and you typically get to see two films. Snacks and concessions are available to give you a well-rounded movie-going experience that is iconic to 1950s summers.
Wikimeida Commons/Mike Lewinski
A major tradition for anyone who has spent a summer night in Indiana is catching lightening bugs. These glowing insects light up the night like Christmas lights, and they are fun to catch in your hands (or a net). Keep them in a jar for just a little while to concentrate their light but be sure to give them holes to breath.
Flickr/Care_SMC
Though it can be a little scary, sometimes you’ll see orange bursts of lightening far away in the sky. Known as heat lightening or dry (or silent) lightening, it is actually just normal lightening from a storm that is really far away. You can thank our flat lands and spacious skies for that.
Flickr_Contando Estrelas
Nothing brings people together like a bonfire. People will keep partying late into the night as long as the fire is going. Whether you’re camping or just hosting a small get-together in your backyard, this summer tradition is a must.
Flickr/Derek Key
Summers are best in Indiana because we can legally purchase and shoot off fireworks, while some states (looking at you, Illinois) can’t. Whether you just like snakes and sparklers or are a connoisseur of the biggest and baddest explosives, your nights will be alight with fire and fun.
pxhere
Whether you have access to the woods or just play in your backyard, this fun game is perfect for a warm summer night. Search out your friends using your light or hide from the glow as it comes near you. Children especially love this nostalgic activity.
Pixabay/keikiwai
Whether or not you have a pool that glows, swimming in the dark is one of the most liberating things you can do with a summer night in Indiana. You won’t be able to see what’s beneath the water, but the warmth that remains from the sun earlier in the day will keep you swimming until midnight.
Flickr/Sick Bones
If you’ve ever wanted to explore your local cemetery at night, this season is the time to do it. Grab your cameras and voice recorders for a scary journey that will chill you to the bone.
Instagram/fulkrock
While the stars are out all times of the year, they are best to see on a warm summer night while you lay out on the grass. This peaceful activity has been enjoyed by man since the dawn of time, and it’s still one of the best ways to relax and open your mind.
How else do you like to spend a summer night in Indiana? Share your traditions with us in the comments.
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