Do some research online to find a museum in your area that interests you, whether it’s an art museum, science museum, or history museum. You can make it a solo trip and go explore the museum by yourself, or invite a friend or two to come along. Check to see if the museum has special days where admission is free. Check to see if there’s a movie in theaters that you and your friends would like to go see. You can all share a popcorn and candy, or eat a snack beforehand and enjoy the movie. This is a good activity to do on a super hot or rainy day. If you’d like to spend some time reading but don’t have any new books, head to your local library and peruse their selection. You can check out a fun summer book to read, or you can look for a book about a topic that you’d like to learn more about.  You can also check out movies, CDs, and books on tape from the library. If you don't already have a library card, ask your librarian to help you through the process of getting one. When it’s a hot day out, enjoying ice cream or frozen yogurt is a good way to cool down. Ask a friend to meet you at the nearest ice cream shop, or invite your family to come with you. Plan to see one of your favorite singers in advance, or see if there's a free concert going on in your area. Summer is a popular season for concerts, so you should have lots to choose from once you start looking. Go online to find out when artists are coming to your area. Ask a group of friends or your family members to visit a bowling alley with you or a laser tag arena to play against one another. This works especially well with large groups. You can grab a bite to eat before or after the game with your friends or family.

Summary: Visit a museum on a super hot day. Plan to go see a movie with friends for a relaxing activity. Go to the library to check out some books. Take friends to an ice cream shop for a cold treat. Gather a group of friends together to see a concert. Play a game like bowling or laser tag with friends.


You don't want to increase the anxiety in a cat that is already stressed out. If a cat has its hair raised or is hissing at you, it's a good sign that the cat doesn't want to interact with you. At that point you can do one of two things, either walk away and let the cat have its space or you can try to win it over by offering a treat to it at a distance. You should not, however, try to win it over by forcing physical affection. This will only discourage trust and may result in the cat scratching or biting you.  Remember that a cat will rely on the instinct of fight or flight when it feels at risk. Whether it runs from you or fights you, it is doing it out of fear. You can also look at a cat's tail to judge its comfort level. A tail that is swishing may signal that the cat is fearful, while a  straight up tail is more likely to signal that the cat is relaxed and comfortable with you. Stop petting the cat at any sign of displeasure. A cat will usually warn you that it is getting overstimulated by a soft bite or growl. If the cat you are petting does this, immediately quit petting it and give it some room. Purring is the clearest signal that your cat enjoys how you are petting it. The cats body should be relaxed and it may be pressing into your hand for more pressure if it really likes the petting. Your cat may also direct your petting toward where it wants to be scratched. This is a good sign that it likes what's going on, the cat just wants it to happen in another location. A cat may even be purring and then decide that it is done with what you are doing. When petting a high strung cat, be prepared to stop petting him or her quickly, and be aware that you may get bitten or scratched. This may be the cost of trying to connect with a skittish cat.

Summary: Look for signs of fear in the cat. Understand that a cat may decide it doesn't want to be petted at any point. Look for signs the cat enjoys being petted. Remember that just because a cat rubs up on you, doesn't mean it wants to be petted.


Meyer lemon trees are the best and most adaptable tree for growing inside. They produce plenty of small or medium fruits and their maintenance level is more friendly for beginners.  Pink variegated lemon trees also grow well indoors and are beginner-friendly. Buy a lemon tree at least 2-3 years old, as young trees may not grow as well indoors. Although you can grow lemon trees from seed, they are less likely to adapt to indoor climates and will not produce the same as their parent tree. Plastic pots are ideal for lemon trees so you can move the plant around as the seasons (and light sources) change. Look for a plastic pot with plenty of depth to help your tree balance as it gets larger and produces fruits.  The pot depth determines how large the lemon plant can grow. About 15 gallons (57 L) is the minimum recommended pot size.  Choose a pot that has drainage holes to prevent your plant from getting waterlogged. Place a few pebbles or gravel on the saucer and add a little water before placing the container on the saucer and the pebbles. The water-filled saucer will help maintain a trace amount of humidity around your tree. You can cut a strip of landscaper's cloth and place it at the bottom of the pot to keep it from leaking dirt into the saucer. Replace the cloth when you transplant the tree so you don’t clog the hole. Lemon trees grow well in peat moss mix because it is mildly acidic and well-draining. Buy it or another acidic, well-draining soil mix from a nearby garden center or plant nursery. Soils meant for cacti will also work well for citrus trees. Lemon trees grow best when they have at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight. Choose a spot by a window where your plant will get direct sunlight all day. If you're in a location that doesn't get a lot of sun, set up a grow light near the plant and leave it on for up to 12 hours a day. Massage the roots with your fingers, gently pulling them apart with your hands. This will help its roots spread faster get more nutrients and water from the soil. Pull carefully to avoid damaging or breaking off the roots. Before planting your lemon tree, add about 1/2 of the soil mix to your pot and smooth it over until even. This will help your lemon tree's roots grow into the soil and help it stay upright as you place it in. Position it upright in the pot and fill the rest of the pot with soil. Press the soil around the plant's base down, making sure that no roots are left exposed and out of the soil.  Bury the tree at the same level as it was in the older pot. Avoid covering the trunk with soil, as this can cause fungal infections. Moistening the soil will help make it more habitable for your plant as it adapts. Water the tree until the soil is damp, but not soaked or waterlogged.
Summary: Pick Meyer lemon trees for growing indoors. Choose a deep plastic pot for your lemon plant. Find a saucer large enough to fit beneath the container. Buy a slightly acidic potting mix for your tree. Find a sunny spot for your lemon tree to grow. Take the lemon tree out of its nursery pot and spread its roots. Fill the pot halfway with soil mix. Place the lemon tree in the pot. Water your tree immediately after planting it.