July is Anti-Boredom Month! Activities Around Utica to Keep You Busy All Month Long

Celebrate anti-boredom month! There's tons to do in Utica and the surrounding area that you should never feel bored. But if you're stuck for ideas - here you go! 23 ideas to keep you busy throughout the rest of July.

These are great ideas for any occasion - whether you're looking for a date night idea, or something to do on a rainy day, this list is sure to help you out. And maybe it will spark some inspiration for your own great ideas - Enjoy!

1 - Head to Sylvan Beach. Lay out in the sand, maybe work on that tan.

2 - Wine Tasting. Check out a local place like Beer Pond Winery in Oneonta, or check out the Cooperstown Beverage Trail.

3 - Make an Edible Cookie Beach House. It's just like making a gingerbread house, except it summertime (and the last thing we want to think about is winter).

4 - Sleep Under the Stars. Seriously, when was the last time you've done this? Even if it's just sleeping in the backyard - pick a clear night and just enjoy that summer night air.

5 - Make Sidewalk Chalk Artwork. I don't care who you are, you're never too old to get outside and make some artwork from chalk. If you feel weird about it, have your kids join in too.

6 - Go to the Casino. Vernon Downs or Turning Stone... Or make it an all-day event and hit up both of them.

7 - Have a Picnic. Like a real one - sandwiches, picnic blanket, and go sit out at the park or in the backyard, or whatever (park is better though, that's more 'picnicy').

8 - Saranac Thursdays. Go to the brewery, watch some live music, have a few drinks, and just relax. That's what summer is all about, right?

9 - Go to the Utica Zoo. It's cheap, it's fun, you can bring the whole family if you want. Or make it just a afternoon date, and leave the kids with the babysitter.

10 - Eat Somewhere New. There's a million restaurants in Central New York. I'm sure there is one that you haven't been to yet. So... what are you waiting for? Check it out.

11 - Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen. Or making sandwiches, or whatever. Hey, you're bored and have nothing better to do anyways. You might as well help out your community.

12 - Play KanJam. Get the friends together and spend the afternoon just soaking up the sunshine (with a little friendly competition of course).

13 - Tie-Dye a Summer Shirt. This is perfect for those rainy days. Plus, you can get the kids involved, too.

14 - People-Watch. It's more interesting than it sounds. Grab a coffee, head to the park, and just watch. Gives you time to clear your head as well.

15 - Make a Time Capsule. Another one you can get the kids involved with. Put memorabilia in it from 2015, bury it somewhere in your yard, and make a map to find it like five years from now.

16 - Go Fishing. Central New York has a lot of fishing areas to check out. Maybe head to Toad Harbor or Three Mile Bay.

17 - Take Photos Around Utica. Make them abstract, creative... different. Find something you haven't seen before.

18 - Get Lost Somewhere New. Central New York is a big area. I'm sure there are roads and trails you haven't checked out yet. Start driving. Don't pay attention to where you're going, just get lost. There's just something thrilling about getting lost for an hour or so.

19 - Go Swimming in the Adirondack Park. When's the last time you actually went swimming? Like not laying on the beach, but jumped in the water and swam around (and pools don't count). There are tons of lakes in the Adirondack Park. Make it a day trip and spend the afternoon out in the water.

20 - Go Bowling. Midnight bowling (or cosmic bowling), is always fun for a little low-key date night.

21 - Head to the Fair. And act like a kid. Maybe ride some rides, eat some delicious fried foods (and NOT worry about the calories), and try to win a prize at one of the side fair games.

22 - Get Ice Cream and Walk Around Town. Perfect way to end a busy day. Just relax and not think about work, or things to do, or anything. Just enjoy the ice cream.

23 - Start a New Book. Do it the right way, though - go to the library, browse around, and check out a book you've never heard of before.