Sometimes the same old activities of the past can become too repetitive. Spring break (and summer break, which is only about two months away) is a great time to search for new things to do, either at your backyard barbecue or while enjoying a nice day on the beach.

Here are three popular activities you may want to try this summer.

Spikeball

Spikeball has attracted many new people in the past few years, gaining almost four million players worldwide, and for good reason. Spikeball is a versatile net game you can bring almost anywhere. The game only requires a Spikeball net and ball, two teams, each with two players, and an open area.

The game starts when a player on team one hits the ball onto the net to the other team. Team two then has three “chances” to hit the ball back onto the net to team one. A point is scored when a team hits the ball onto the ground or fails to return the ball to the net within the three-hit limit. Spikeball sets range from around $100-$160, and can be found at Dicks Sporting Goods, Walmart, or online at Spikeball.com.

“Spikeball is one of my favorite games because of the fun, fast-paced play and camaraderie shared by teammates,” said FCHS sophomore Gregory Ball.

Pickleball

Pickleball has gained popularity recently, becoming one of the fastest-growing new sports in the world. Pickleball is a fun and easy sport to learn and combines elements of tennis and ping-pong. The game can be played outdoors or indoors, either on public courts, gymnasiums, or portable pickleball nets. Teams can consist of 1-2 players.

Pickleball shares a similar start to tennis. A person on one team serves the ball diagonally over the net to the team on the other side. The teams continue to hit the ball back and forth until a point is scored. A point can be scored when one of the teams fails to hit the ball over the net, lets the ball hit the ground, or hits the ball out of the designated court.

Public pickleball courts can be found in many areas, and portable nets can be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, and online. Expect to pay $9-$60 for a paddle and $18-$34 for a set of six paddle balls. But if you want to go for basic and cheap, Walmart is offering a complete set (two paddles, two balls, and a net) for as little as $20.

“Pickleball gave me a great opportunity to interact with friends and family during the summer months in a fun way,” said sophomore Timothy Smeds.

KanJam

KanJam is another summer game that has become especially popular at beaches, parks, and backyard hangouts. Although it is not as well-known as spikeball or pickleball, it is another way to get some exercise while having fun with friends in the sun.

KanJam is played with two teams of two players and two plastic goals called “Kans.” Players take turns throwing a flying disc toward their teammate, who tries to deflect the disc into the kan, which is about the size of a large home garbage can. Teams score points when the disk hits the kan, is directed into the top of the kan, or makes it inside the kan through the slot on the front.

KanJam sets are easy to transport and can be purchased at stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart for around $35-$40 for a set.