The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: 100 Fun Activities and Ideas to Make This Your Best Summer Ever

Summer is finally here! After a long year, it’s time to soak up the sunshine, enjoy the warm weather, and make this the most epic summer ever. This massive bucket list has 100 fun, classic, relaxing, adventurous, and creative summer activities to inspire you to make the most of the sunny season.

Essential Summer Experiences

Start off with these 20 quintessential summer activities – the classics that everyone should experience at least once during the warmest months of the year:

Have a beach day – Spend an entire day soaking up the sun, swimming, building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and enjoying the ocean breeze. Don’t forget sunscreen!
Watch the sunset – Sit back, relax, and watch the sky turn vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon.
Eat watermelon – Juicy, sweet watermelon is the perfect fruit to bite into on a hot summer day. Enjoy it plain, in fruit salads, or blended into smoothies.
Go to a carnival – Play games, go on rides, and eat classic carnival fare like funnel cake, corn dogs, and snow cones.
Have a bonfire – Gather friends around a cozy, crackling fire to roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and share stories.
Watch fireworks – Ooh and ahh at the colorful midsummer displays lighting up the night sky.
Go swimming – Take a refreshing dip in the pool, lake, or ocean to cool down on hot days.
Make homemade popsicles – Blend up your favorite fruits to make healthy fruit popsicles or get creative with yogurt and juice combinations.
Jump through the sprinkler – Just like you did as a kid, run through the refreshing spray of water shooting up from a sprinkler on a hot day.
Eat ice cream on a hot day – Few things feel more summertime than licking an ice cream cone before it melts in the heat.
Have a backyard campout – Pitch a tent, roll out your sleeping bags, make s’mores, and do some stargazing right in your own yard.
Make fresh lemonade – Squeeze lemons, add sugar, and pour over ice for an iconic summertime beverage.
Go to an amusement park – Ride rollercoasters and other thrilling rides at a theme park like Six Flags, Cedar Point, or Disney World.
Float in an inner tube – Drift lazily around a swimming hole, lake, or pool on a hot day.
Watch a summer blockbuster movie – Catch a new action flick, comedy, or seasonal movie in an air conditioned theater.
Play mini golf – Have some competitive putting fun at colorful, creative mini golf courses.
Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers – Fire up the BBQ for these tasty American classics. Add chips and watermelon for a perfect backyard meal.
Run through the sprinkler – Dodge the spurts of water shooting up from these playtime classics.
Make s’mores – You need graham crackers, chocolate bars, and perfectly toasted marshmallows for this gooey campfire treat.

Relaxing and Pampering Bucket List

After a long year, some rest and relaxation is definitely in order. Recharge with these 20 pampering summer bucket list ideas:

Have a spa day – Treat yourself to a full day of pampering with massages, facials, body treatments, and relaxation at a luxury spa.
Take a nap in a hammock – Swaying gently in the breeze, hammocks are made for blissful afternoon naps.
Try a new face mask – Mix up a face mask with soothing ingredients like yogurt, honey, or avocado and relax as it works its magic.
Make a summer playlist – Create the ultimate mix of sunny, feel-good tunes to provide a relaxing soundtrack for the season.
Read a page-turner novel – Curl up with a gripping thriller or indulgent romance perfect for a beach read.
Take up meditation – Clear your mind, reduce stress, and feel centered through a simple meditation practice.
Exercise outdoors – trade the gym for the park and get your workout fix with a jog, bike ride, or yoga flow in the fresh air.
Do some stretching – Loosen up tight muscles by holding a few restorative yoga poses, like child’s pose or legs up the wall pose.
Try floating in a sensory deprivation tank – These warm water pods completely cut off all sensory stimulation for deep relaxation.
Practice mindful walking – On your next nature walk, use mindfulness techniques to tune into your senses and surroundings.
Diffuse essential oils – Fill your home with lovely summer scents like citrus, lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus using an essential oil diffuser.
Make a gratitude list – Writing down things you’re thankful for helps you focus on the positive.
Take a break from technology – Do a full digital detox for a set time and enjoy being unplugged.
Write in your journal – Jot down your thoughts and feelings or keep a record of fun summer moments.
Make a fresh fruit smoothie – Whip up a yummy antioxidant-packed smoothie using seasonal berries, bananas, and almond milk.
Take a bubble bath – Add a few drops of essential oils to turn bath time into a mini spa treatment.
Declutter your space – Get organized by sorting through clutter and tidying up to create peaceful surroundings.
Light some candles – Create a relaxing vibe by placing candles around your home and lighting them in the evenings.
Make your own sugar scrub – Gently buff away dead skin with a homemade exfoliating scrub made with sugar and oil.
Watch a sunrise – Start your day peacefully watching the sun come up and taking in those magical first rays.

Fun Activities to Do With Friends

Summertime fun is even better with friends by your side! Try these 25 ideas for making amusing memories together:

Have a picnic in the park
Go to a drive-in movie
Make popsicles
Go strawberry picking
Have a baking day
Make friendship bracelets
Go on a bike ride
Make tie-dye shirts
Have a backyard Olympics
Make giant bubbles
Go to a trampoline park
Play mini golf
Have a spa day
Go thrifting
Make photo books
Do yoga in the park
Go to the beach
Make a time capsule
Have a bonfire
Build a pillow fort
Craft together
Go hiking
Play tennis
Have a games night
Go stargazing

Artsy and Creative Summer Goals

Let your creativity shine this summer with these 20 artsy bucket list ideas:

Make melted crayon art -Create abstract designs by melting old crayons between two canvases.
Paint kindness rocks – Decorate smooth stones with inspiring messages and designs to hide around town for others to find.
Tie dye shirts, socks, or other items – Swirl clothing or fabrics in colorful dyes to create psychedelic patterns.
Make bath bombs – Mix together citric acid, baking soda, Epsom salt, and essential oils to make fizzy, fragrant bath bombs.
Paint a mural or wall art – Grab some paint pens and paint brushes and liven up your blank walls with fun designs.
Upcycle used items – Give new life to glass jars, bottles, containers, and more with cleaning and decorating.
Make pottery – Take a wheel throwing class and try your hand at sculpting bowls, mugs, vases from clay on a pottery wheel.
Press flowers – Preserve the beauty of floral blooms by pressing them between parchment paper in a heavy book.
Make a summer scrapbook – Compile your favorite memories and photos from the season in a decorated scrapbook.
Paint wine glasses – Use paint pens to etch monograms, patterns, or designs onto clear glassware.
Learn watercolor painting – This fun, forgiving painting style is perfect for capturing summer landscapes and scenes.
Sew or knit a wearable item – Follow a simple pattern to stitch a breezy dress or crop top or knit a comfy sun hat.
Make a pie – Bust out your rolling pin and bake up a fresh pie with summer fruits like peaches, blueberries, or plums.
Arrange a beautiful bouquet – Pick a colorful assortment of blooms from your garden or a shop and artfully arrange them.
Make homemade candles – Create aromatic soy candles in tin cans, mason jars, or other vessels.
Design a greeting card – Get crafty making your own artistic greeting cards using watercolor, mixed media, or collage.
Paint kind notes on rocks – Spread positivity by hand-painting inspirational messages onto stones and leaving them for strangers to find.
Make macrame wall hangings – Learn the basics of macrame rope knotting to make boho wall hangings for plants and decor.
Embroider hoop art – Practice hand embroidery by stitching cute designs, words, or patterns onto fabric stretched in embroidery hoops.
Make friendship bracelets – Just like summer camp days, tie strips of embroidery floss in various patterns to make matching bracelets.
Do arm knitting – Quickly knit chunky scarves and blankets by using your arms as needles and giant yarn skeins.

Outdoor Adventures to Try

Don’t waste the sunny weather! Get outside with these 20 summer adventure ideas:

Go on a hike – Explore nature by following scenic trails through forests, along beaches or rivers, to mountaintop vistas.
Have a camping trip – Pitch a tent and camp out under the stars in the great outdoors.
Go inner tubing – Rent an inner tube and lazily float down a winding river.
Visit a new beach – Scope out a new shoreline and spend the day swimming, building sandcastles, or beachcombing.
Paddleboard – Try your hand at standing up and paddling across the water on a board. Take a lesson if you’re new!
Kayak – Paddle through inlets and along coastlines or down rivers in a kayak or canoe.
Take a road trip – Hit the open road for some summer wanderlust. Don’t forget the snacks and playlists!
Learn outdoor rock climbing – Take a beginner class and scale challenging rock walls while safely harnessed.
Go horseback riding – Enjoy scenic trails and nature views from atop a gentle horse.
Try paddleboard yoga – Work on balance and core strength by flowing through yoga poses atop a floating paddleboard.
Have a backyard campout – Pitch a tent, build a campfire, gaze at the stars, and camp without leaving your yard.
Visit a botanical garden – Marvel at gorgeous displays of flowers, plants, butterflies, sculptures, and fountains.
Ride a hot air balloon – Drift over the countryside below for unique aerial views of the landscape.
Go fruit picking – Visit an orchard or berry farm and pick your own ripe, juicy produce.
Volunteer at a park clean-up – Help collect litter while spending time outdoors.
Bike to a brewery – Pedal along bike paths or roads to a new brewpub for an afternoon refresher.
Tour historic landmarks – Play tourist in your town and check out historical architecture, monuments, and museums.
Have a backyard cookout – Grill up burgers, veggie kabobs, and more in your own outdoor space.
Go stargazing – Drive away from city lights, lay out a blanket, and gaze upward to spot constellations.

Fun and Healthy Lifestyle Goals

Along with having fun, use the summer as a chance to improve your overall well-being. Here are 25 ideas:

Start a new workout routine – Join a gym, studio, or try a workout program online to get in shape.
Go for a trail run – Explore winding wooded trails while improving your running strength and endurance.
Try yoga outdoors – Unroll your mat and flow through sequences surrounded by nature.
Learn to swim laps – Take lessons if needed and work up to smoothly swimming up and down the pool.
Meal prep on Sundays – Plan out healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week ahead.
Drink more water – Carry a reusable bottle and aim to stay fully hydrated, especially in the heat.
Wake up early – Greet the day with a refreshing morning routine that may include exercise, meditation or journaling.
Do weekly meal planning – Decide your meals ahead of time so you have healthy ingredients ready to go.
Develop better sleep habits – Stick to a consistent bedtime, limit screen time at night, and engage in relaxing activities before bed for better rest.
Grow an herb or vegetable garden – Get some outdoor exercise while also harvesting super fresh ingredients for summery meals.
Go electronics-free for set periods – Avoid getting caught up in screens 24/7 and take regular tech breaks.
Take daily walks – Aim for 10,000 steps per day, which equals about 5 miles of walking. Bring a buddy or music to make it enjoyable.
Cut out sugary drinks – Skip the soda, juices, and energy drinks and instead reach for unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water, or plain old H20.
Learn how to cook healthy meals – Look up tasty new recipes using seasonal produce and lean proteins and gain confidence in the kitchen.
Read motivational books – Seek out inspiration through uplifting memoirs, self-help books, or biographies of admirable figures.
Give back by volunteering – Find opportunities to volunteer with charities aligned with causes you care about.
Start a new hobby – Spark your personal growth by taking up a new passion like painting, knitting, coding or playing an instrument.
Make exercise fun – if you dislike plain old exercise, take a dance class instead or meet friends for pickleball games. Moving your body shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Try guided meditation – Use meditation apps, podcasts, or YouTube videos to develop a meditation practice that suits your needs.
Set meaningful goals – Identify important areas for improvement, make an action plan and pursue it.
Develop better money habits – Work on budgeting, saving more, paying off debts, and generally making smart financial choices.
Go device-free at mealtimes – Focus on your food and the people you’re dining with instead of zoning out on your phone.
Journal regularly – Writing about your thoughts, goals, dreams or just jotting down memorable moments can be therapeutic.
Find an accountability buddy – Pair up with a friend, partner or family member to keep each other in check on your goals.

Seasonal Food and Drinks to Enjoy

When it comes to summertime foods, the options are endless! Here are 25 delicious seasonal edibles to add to your bucket list:

Juicy watermelon slices
Fresh berry parfaits
Grilled corn on the cob
Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella
Gazpacho – a cold tomato-based soup
Popsicles
Peach or plum crisp baked dessert
Sweet tea or lemonade
Veggie kabobs grilled on the barbecue
Lobster rolls
BLT sandwiches with ripe tomatoes
Watermelon feta salad
Tacos made with grilled fish or shrimp
Iced chai lattes
Frozen yogurt topped with fruit
Cucumber mint infused water
Grilled stone fruits like peaches, plums, or nectarines
Tomato and mozzarella panzanella salad
Agua fresca – fruit blended with water and sweetener
Sangria or rosé wine
Fresh summer rolls – rice paper wraps filled with veggies and herbs
Boats of grilled seasonal veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers
Chili spiced mango salad
Grilled pizza with summer produce toppings
Fruit smoothie bowls – blended fruit topped with nuts, coconut, granola

Fun Activities for Kids and Families

Creating magical summertime memories with kids? Here are 25 family-friendly bucket list ideas:

Make homemade popsicles using fresh fruit juice
Have popsicle eating contests
Make gigantic bubbles with DIY wands
Tie-dye t-shirts
Run through the sprinkler
Make paper airplanes and have contests
Have water balloon tosses and fights
Go to the playground
Make snow cones with flavored syrups
Play mini golf as a family
Visit an amusement park or carnival
Check out the animals at the zoo
Camp in the backyard
Make s’mores over a small campfire
Have a karaoke dance party
Go on a bike ride
Make a hopscotch course with sidewalk chalk
Look for shooting stars and constellations
Catch fireflies in a jar
Have a family game night
Plant a small garden together
Cook together – let kids help mix and measure
Volunteer at a food bank as a family
Visit a petting zoo or animal sanctuary
Make homemade play dough and get creative

Trying a variety of both classic and creative bucket list activities will make this summer your most memorable one yet. Get started on planning your own ultimate summer bucket list and let the good times roll!