It’s summer, and for some of us, that means a nice break from school, work, and the daily grind. While there are tons of awesome things to do this summer (hello, outdoor concerts, or outdoor movie screenings in the park), if you’re a sci-fi fan, you’re probably going to want to do some fun things related to your favorite movies, shows, and books. To help you out with your summer to-do list, here are 5 fun things to do this summer if you are a sci-fi fan.
Build a Backyard Movie Theater
Sci-fi fans love the power of the imagination. So whether you are watching your favorite alien movie or the latest Star Wars movie recommended by StarShips.com, try to forget the popcorn and the other people and pretend you are on the planet Pandora. It is not that hard to do because you probably have it all set up! Build a backyard movie theater by creating a backyard screen that can be seen anywhere in your yard. Make sure it is easily accessible, as you will need it for the next fun activity.
Invite some friends over for a fun night of outdoor movies and snacks. Sci-fi movies are the best to watch from an outdoor movie theater because they are usually dark and creepy, just like those shows on late-night TV. And again, if you put on enough blankets, your backyard movie theater can double as an outdoor bed.
Go to a Comic Convention
You should consider it if you have never stepped into comic con. Full of geeky merchandise and cosplayers, there is no experience like it. For the hardcore sci-fi fan, there are many conventions to attend throughout the summer, and you should attend at least one. Some major conventions include San Diego Comic-Con, Dragon Con, New York Comic Con, and Wizard World. Plus, with comic cons growing in popularity each year, there are even more local options to attend.
It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon for those looking to escape reality. Whether you are a hardcore collector or just a casual viewer of science fiction movies and television shows, comic cons are a great way to connect with other fans of the genre and make new friends.
Take a Trip to Outer Space
Okay, this one is a bit of a stretch. While you (probably) won’t be able to visit the moon or the planet Vulcan, you can go on a virtual trip to space. Several apps like Star Walk 2, Night Sky, and Solar System for iOS or Google Sky Map for Android will let you explore the stars in your backyard.
Play Some Sci-Fi Video Games
Video games are the perfect option if you’re looking for an interactive way to enjoy sci-fi. There are plenty of great sci-fi games, from first-person shooters to puzzle games. And with virtual reality technology becoming more popular, you can now immerse yourself in alternative universes like never before.
Read a Sci-Fi Book
We recommend picking up The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal this summer. This is a historical fiction novel from the 1950s with a hint of sci-fi. The book focuses on Elma York, an aviatrix and mathematician, and her journey to become the first woman to travel into space. The Calculating Stars challenges readers to think about the world they live in and makes them question their ideas of what could happen in the future.
