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Fun in the sun

Although the British summer can be unpredictable at times, it's more than likely that we'll be seeing some sunshine at some point. If you're going to be spending a lot of time outside, or soaking up the rays in a park or at the beach, make sure you know how to protect your skin.

• Smart sunbathing

Festival fever

The list of music festivals seems to grow every summer. From huge events like Glastonbury or Reading, to smaller, low-key parties like Ivylive in Plymouth, there's a festival for almost every musical taste.

To make sure that you have the time of your life, it's a good idea to follow a few simple health and personal safety guidelines. Most of them are common sense, but they will stop your experience being ruined by theft or illness.

• NHS Choices - Festival safety guide Opens new window

All work and no play

You may decide to forget the holidays altogether and work over the summer. You might be saving up for university or college, or just fancy the idea of making a bit more cash.

If you do want to work but you haven't found a job yet, it's not too late, but you'll need to know where to look. You could also organise a voluntary placement in an area of work that you want to get into in the future.

If you're already in work, you might find it useful to know your employment rights to make sure you're being treated fairly during work hours.

• Getting a holiday job

• Voluntary work placements

• Employment rights for young people

Waiting on exam results

If you've recently finished taking your exams, you may be biting your fingernails in anticipation already.

Even if you're pretty confident that you've done well, it's never too early to make sure you know what to do if you don't get the grades you thought you would.

• It’s your choice: options after 16 (education and learning section)

• Clearing (education and learning section)

Summer sales

Most shops put on big sales during the summer. It's a great time to pick up a bargain or buy something you've wanted for ages at a cheaper price.

If you're planning a shopping spree, it's a good idea to check the latest travel information to see if your bus or train is leaving on time.

If you're shopping online, find out about all the hidden charges that might be added to the cost of your purchases.

• Travel discounts for young people

• Hidden charges when shopping

Something a bit different

If you're at a loose end over the summer, you may want to try out an activity that you've always wanted to do, but have never found the time for.

How about trying out different sports like windsurfing, rowing or tennis? They're all outdoor sports, so summer is a great time to try them out. Your local council may run special classes and activities during the summer, or find out where your nearest club is and give them a call.

If sport is not your thing, how about visiting a museum or an art gallery? Some museums are free to visit, and many others have a reduced admission price for people under 18.

• Find out about activities for young people Opens new window

Become a volunteer

If you want to help out a local charity or organisation in your area, you can volunteer your time over the holidays.

You can do as little or as much as you want, and volunteering gives you a great opportunity to gain new skills that you can use in the future.

• Volunteering if you're between 14 and 19

Useful contacts

• Young people contacts