Sometimes, you just need to relax and return to a simpler way of life.

Since nostalgia is in the air, we’ve tracked down a handful of old-school summer activities that you can pursue today — loving every minute.

Bring your retro-modern instant camera along, because Polaroid-style pics are the perfect way to capture these adventures.

CANOBIE LAKE PARK

Cannonball at Canobie Lake Park

Ride a Classic Roller Coaster

You can still get the feel of an old-fashioned trip to the amusement park at Canobie Lake Park, which opened in 1902. Grandma really might have done this loop-the-loop.

85 N. Policy St., Salem, N.H.

LIZ WEST/CREATIVE COMMONS

Carousel at Nantasket Beach

Walk a Boardwalk

Soak in the summer sun by walking the boardwalk at Nantasket Beach, complete with a carousel from 1928, mini golf, an arcade and all the fried food your heart could desire.

212 Nantasket Ave., Hull, Mass.

Go to the Drive-In

Nothing says retro like a drive-in movie theater. Snack on some fresh popcorn, roll down the windows and enjoy a classic like “Funny Face” at the twin-screen Bangor Drive-In.

1674 Hammond St., Hermon, Maine

BOATING IN BOSTON

Hopkinton State Park

Paddle a Rowboat

Maybe buy a parasol for this occasion. Spend a relaxing day in an old-school rowboat on a lake at Hopkinton State Park. Fishing poles, picnics or good books welcome.

164 Cedar St. Hopkinton, Mass.

LAVENDER POND FARM

Lavender Field Harvest

Walk in a Field of Flowers

Pop over to Lavender Pond Farm for a romantic (and aromatic) meander through extensive lavender fields. Bonus points if you’re hand-in-hand with a loved one.

318 Roast Meat Hill Road, Killingworth, Conn.

Catch Fireflies

Mass Audubon hosts regular Firefly Nights at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, with a quick lesson on how the bugs work and then free rein to catch and observe them at your leisure. Don’t forget a jar!
293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon, Mass.