Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy activities that celebrate getting outdoors and soaking up the sun – while also taking in some entertainment. Some of the most popular things to do include watching a fireworks display, playing at a splash pad, enjoying tunes at an outdoor concert series, setting out on a scenic train ride, and traveling for a summer vacation.
To find the best of these beloved pastimes, 10Best editors and a panel of experts nominated their favorites, and now it’s your turn to vote. Voting ends on Monday, April 17 at noon ET, and you can vote once per day, per category.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Outdoor Concert Series
Where is your favorite spot to enjoy an outdoor concert over the summer? — Photo courtesy of E+ / urbazon
Plenty of towns and cities across the United States host an outdoor concert series over the summer. They’re family-friendly, offer diverse genres of music, are almost always free and are a great way to enjoy being outside in the evening, when it’s cooler.
Vote: Best Outdoor Concert Series »
Best Place to See Fireworks
Which fireworks show get your vote? — Photo courtesy of iStock / AlexPro9500
Fireworks may not have originated in the United States, but they’re certainly a longstanding American tradition. The first Fourth of July fireworks display dates back nearly 250 years, and fireworks have long been a mainstay for a wide variety of other holidays and festivities as well. Beyond being such a feast for the eyes, public fireworks displays are a shared experience that can bring a community together.
Vote: Best Place to See Fireworks »
Best Splash Pad
Where do you and the kids love to splash around? — Photo courtesy of E+ / FatCamera
When the summer heat starts bearing down, splash pads are a terrific way for kids to cool off outdoors. Beyond offering so much fun and often incorporating some really clever water features, they’re also safe and affordable: nearly always free to use! It’s little wonder that splash pads have become a mainstay in so many parks and playgrounds.
Vote: Best Splash Pad »
Best Summer Travel Destination
What’s your go-to summer vacation destination? — Photo courtesy of iStock / Apiwan Borrikonratchata
Whether you’re hitting the road with the family or embarking on a solo adventure, summer is the peak season for travel in the United States. There are so many endlessly compelling sights to see and things to do throughout this country’s millions of square miles, from picturesque national parks to sleepy mountain towns to breathtakingly beautiful beaches.
Vote: Best Summer Travel Destination »
Best Train Ride
Which train ride is your favorite? — Photo courtesy of Thomas Marx // Getty Images
Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. Such is the case for passengers who step aboard these 20 trains – hand-picked by a panel of travel experts as the best in the United States. Vote once per day for your favorite.
Vote: Best Train Ride »
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, April 28.
