From Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting to Quad Bikes, here are 5 great ways to laugh and have fun…

Unfortunately, the summer has come to an end and all the fun outdoor activities will soon have to be shifted indoors. Still, that shouldn’t stop us from dreaming of the next summer to come and what better way to get inspiration than looking at the funniest and quirkiest events of this past summer? And if the weather is generous enough, there might still be a few days in which to enjoy them. With this in mind, here are 5 popular activities and events from this summer, which are great for family outings, company team building events or as a way to let loose with friends.

#1 Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting

Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting is a modern take on the traditional game in which people shoot flying targets with real guns. Using laser guns, however, is not only safer, but allows for the activity to take place in a lot more locations. Upon hitting the target, a “bang” sound is still heard, so as not to take much of the excitement of shooting a real target away. Even people inexperienced in shooting “guns” can try their luck as there are instructors available. Plus, you can get competitive by splitting up into teams to see which team can work together the best and get the most pigeons down!

#2 Bognor Birdman

If you are a fan of human-powered flying devices or even construct some yourself, you should pay a visit to the Bognor Birdman event organised each summer in the southern resort of Bognor Regis. Well, pretty much every year – this year’s event had to be cancelled due to bad weather, but this means next year’s event is going to be even better to make up for last time. Enthusiastic inventors test and compete for the best human-powered flying device, but you can also come as viewer to watch these things take flight. Some of the contestants participate in order to raise money for charity, while others compete for distance prizes. Regardless, it’s an adrenaline-packed activity that’s worth the visit.

#3 Quad Bikes

Quad Bikes have enjoyed great popularity and not just this summer, but every summer since they first started out. When it comes to driving activities, Quad Bikes is among the most preferred ones. The goal is to complete the obstacle course in the fastest time and without hitting the strategically placed poles at the turns. The driving requires agility and focus, and smart thinking. Perhaps this is the reason why it is also a popular choice for companies who want to organise their own team building events. You can compete individually or in teams, and in both cases you’ll receive points for your time and achievements.

#4 Dorset Knob Throwing

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. This activity is won by the contestant who can throw a Dorset Knob the highest, but there are additional activities for everyone who wants to come along to the big event – there’s Knob eating, building a pyramid out of Knobs and guessing the weight of a giant Knob. The event is held each year in Cattistock, and is also a great “opportunity to sample, taste and purchase a fine range of foods including breads, cheeses, ciders, meats game & poultry, pies, preserves, and puddings in addition to chocolate, coffee and wine.“ What better fun?

#5 Port Eliot Festival

The Port Eliot Festival, organised each year in the village of St. Germans in Cornwall, is a very eclectic summer event. While it is primarily a literary festival, you can also expect to see and enjoy the work of artists, musicians, comedians, cooks, actors, fashion designers, and more. Located at a camp site within the beautiful property of an old mansion estate, it gathers people with all kinds of hobbies and interests. As the festival organisers put it: “The Port Eliot Festival is an annual celebration of words, music, imagination, ideas, nature, food, fashion, flowers, laughter, exploration and fun,” i.e. a truly creative festival. However, it is a lot more than just a literary and music festival. It lets writers who have been rejected at traditional literary festivals still present their work to the public.  It also has lots of activities for kids, unlike most festivals of this kind.

I hope I’ve inspired you to try some of these activities next summer. What’s your favorite summer activities? Share your stories with us by leaving your comment below.