Summer is finally here! The sunny days and warm weather provide the perfect opportunity to make memories and check fun activities off your bucket list. From classic summer pastimes to new, creative ideas, this ultimate summer bucket list has something for everyone.
No summer is complete without partaking in some quintessential warm-weather activities. Here are 15 classic summer bucket list ideas:
Gather friends and family around a crackling fire pit or fireplace. Roast marshmallows for s’mores, tell stories, play games, and relax under the stars.
Ride the Ferris wheel and carousel, play games to win giant stuffed animals, and devour classic fair food like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn dogs.
Whether you head to the beach, a lake, or a local pool, swimming is a refreshing way to cool down on a hot summer day. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen!
Many towns have fireworks shows around Independence Day. Grab a blanket and snacks and enjoy the colorful displays lighting up the night sky.
You can’t go wrong with the classic campfire treat – toasted marshmallows sandwiched between chocolate and graham crackers. Try inventing new s’more recipes too!
Stock up on balloons and water guns and engage in an epic battle with family and friends. Make sure to set some ground rules first to keep things fun and safe.
Bring out your putters for an afternoon of mini golf. Keep score and get competitive trying to complete each silly obstacle course hole with the fewest strokes.
Juicy, sweet watermelon is the perfect snack on a hot summer day. Enjoy it plain, make it into a fruit salad, use it in cocktails, or blend it into smoothies.
Build sandcastles, body surf in the waves, search for seashells, play beach volleyball, relax with a good book – the options at the beach are endless!
Pitch a tent, lay out sleeping bags, make s’mores over a small fire, and do some stargazing without leaving your backyard.
Cruise around your neighborhood or bike to a scenic spot on local trails. Pack a picnic to enjoy after working up an appetite cycling.
Wander through rows of fresh, locally grown produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and other homemade items sold by regional farmers, crafters, and artisans.
Make time to slow down and watch the sunset, appreciating the natural beauty as day turns into night.
Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and playing pool games like Marco Polo with family and friends.
Tie-dye or bleach your own unique t-shirt designs. It’s an inexpensive, artsy way to create colorful summer fashion.
Paddleboarding is a fun way to get out on the water while improving your balance and core strength. Most rental places offer beginner lessons too.
Public gardens have gorgeous blooms on display all summer long. Pack a picnic and make a whole day appreciating the horticulture.
Look for a glass blowing studio offering beginner classes so you can try shaping and blowing your own ornament or paperweight.
Soar over the countryside for unique views of your region. Many companies offer morning rides complete with breakfast or mimosas.
These fragrant farms usually let you wander through rows of blooming lavender. Some offer workshops on making lavender wreaths or soaps too.
Make up silly sports and games and compete for medals in your own backyard or neighborhood. Award fun prizes to the winners.
Take in acres of cheerful blooms and get some great photo ops at a local sunflower field. Time your trip for peak bloom.
Mix up a homemade bubble solution and fashion giant bubble wands out of wire, hula hoops, and string. Have fun chasing the oversized bubbles.
Head to a pick-your-own fruit farm and fill baskets with juicy strawberries, cherries, peaches, or other fresh, ripe produce.
Play tourist in your own town. Research interesting local monuments, statues, architecture, and history and learn something new.
Help walk, socialize with, bathe, and care for adoptable pets waiting for their forever homes. Call your local shelters to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of a natural geothermal spring. Try an overnight soak for stargazing as well.
Blend up fresh fruit purees and mix with yogurt, juice, cream, and other fun flavors to make gourmet popsicles. Use molds or small paper cups.
Use GPS coordinates to find hidden geocaches in your region. Sign the logbook and trade small trinkets when you locate each one.
Planetarium shows offer mind-blowing views of space. Many also have laser shows set to music for an immersive experience.
Treat yourself to facials, massages, body treatments, and relaxation at a local spa’s day package. Bring friends for a pampering party.
Drive-in theaters offer a nostalgic movie-watching experience. Bring comfy chairs, blankets, and movie snacks to set up your viewing spot.
Whip up homemade giant bubble solution and make wands out of wire, hula hoops, string, etc. Chase the oversized bubbles for outdoor fun.
Take a tour or help care for rescued farm animals at a local sanctuary. You’ll get to interact with pigs, cows, chickens, goats, and more.
Paddleboarding is a fun way to get out on the water while working your core. Most rental places offer beginner lessons too.
Puree your favorite fruits and dehydrate into chewy, sweet fruit leathers. They make a healthy snack for the whole family.
Fold paper into plane shapes and have contests for distance, tricks, and accuracy. Award prizes to the top fliers.
Between the summer heat and busy schedules, you deserve some R&R. Here are 15 relaxing and pampering bucket list ideas:
Treat yourself to massages, facials, body scrubs, and more at a luxury spa’s packages for ultimate relaxation.
Power down phones and devices for a set time to unwind and be present. Try a whole technology-free day or just an evening.
Flow through soothing poses in the fresh air. Try beach yoga or find a class in a park or garden setting.
Brew rich, smooth cold brew concentrate at home and enjoy iced coffees all summer long. Experiment with fun flavors too.
Hit the trails for a peaceful run surrounded by nature. Make sure to bring water and sun protection.
Treat yourself to a therapeutic massage at a spa or with a mobile massage therapist. Target any problem areas or sore muscles.
String up a hammock in the shade and snuggle in with pillows and blankets for an afternoon siesta. So relaxing!
Mix up masks with ingredients like oatmeal, honey, avocado, yogurt, and essential oils for glowing summer skin.
Fill pitchers with refreshing combinations of sliced fruit, herbs, and ice water for a healthy, cleansing beverage.
Give yourself a mini manicure by shaping, buffing, and polishing your nails in fun summer colors. Try nail art too!
Paddle a canoe or kayak across a calm lake and pause to take in beautiful views and wildlife sightings.
Also known as “shinrin yoku,” forest bathing simply involves mindfully immersing yourself in nature through your senses.
Blend moisturizing oils and butters like coconut oil, shea butter, and sweet almond oil into lotion bars to hydrate summer skin.
Use images, words, and decorations to create a board representing your goals and dreams. Place it where you’ll see it often.
These facial exercise routines tone muscles and increase circulation for a healthy, glowing complexion. Great to pair with skincare!
One of the best parts of summer is all the delicious seasonal food and drinks. Here are 20 summer edibles to try:
Start your day sipping vitamin-packed smoothies and juices made with summer’s bounty of produce.
Refreshing agua fresca combines fresh watermelon, lime, and mint for the perfect summer sipper.
Halved peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill. Serve with ice cream for a decadent warm dessert.
Make popsicles at home using fresh fruit and juices or try gourmet pops at an artisan shop.
Brew chai tea, cool it over ice, and mix with milk for a creamy, lightly spiced iced treat.
Take happy hour up a notch with pitchers of fruity margaritas or sangria spiked with summer fruits.
Layer sliced heirloom tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic for an easy Caprese salad.
Load grilled, flaky fish into tortillas with crunchy cabbage, avocado, cilantro, and spicy crema.
Churn your own delicious ice cream in fun flavors like peach, mint chip, coconut, or key lime pie.
Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and lettuce layered between toasted bread makes for a perfect summer lunch.
Top juicy berries with dollops of freshly whipped cream for an easy, beautiful dessert.
Toss sliced zucchini, squash, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and other veggies with olive oil and grill until tender.
Toss cooked noodles with shredded veggies, herbs, toasted nuts, and a peanut dressing for a hearty salad.
Brew your favorite tea, chill over ice, and garnish with fruit and herbs for a refreshing alternative to sugary soda.
Layer fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze on crusty bread for a tasty Italian-style sandwich.
Boil or grill corn on the cob and serve with butter, spices, Cotija cheese, or flavored mayos like chipotle or lime.
Top a crispy pizza crust with grated zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, basil, arugula, and mozzarella.
“Cook” raw fish and shrimp by marinating in citrus juices like lime, lemon, or orange. Serve chilled with tortilla chips.
Mix fresh summer fruit with an oat streusel topping and bake until bubbly for a simple, hearty dessert.
Skewer cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple and grill for easy vegetable side dishes.
With so much time outdoors, summer is ideal for embarking on new fitness and wellness goals. Here are 15 ideas:
Research programs online or ask a personal trainer to create a summer workout plan tailored to your goals.
The sand provides resistance during calorie-torching jogs along the shoreline. Time it around low tide for harder packed surfaces.
Look for hiking trails with scenic overlooks or waterfalls and pack snacks to refuel along the way.
Flow through Vinyasa yoga sequences outdoors to soak up some vitamin D. Wear sunscreen and bring water.
Many gyms offer outdoor classes like boot camp, Zumba, yoga, and Pilates during the summer months.
Test your balance doing yoga poses on a paddleboard out on the water. Most studios offer beginner sessions.
Sign up for a local 5K run and follow a training plan to improve your running strength and endurance.
Cruise along the boardwalk, trails, or skate park practicing your roller skills. Don’t forget pads and a helmet!
Mix up sprints, strength moves, and active recovery in HIIT routines for serious calorie burn. Aim for 20-30 minutes.
Take adult swim lessons at your local pool and work up to swimming entire laps. It’s a great full-body workout.
Work on balance and core strength doing yoga poses atop a floating paddleboard. Take a beginner class to get started.
Sign up for an introductory climbing course at an indoor rock wall to learn safety techniques. It builds strength too!
Bounce, flip, and get your heart pumping for a fun cardio and coordination workout. Just watch those landing positions!
Flow through relaxing poses surrounded by the sights and sounds of the ocean waves. Don’t forget a yoga mat.
This martial art improves balance, strength, and focus through slow, flowing movements. Outdoor classes are common in summer.
Spark your creativity this summer with these 15 artsy bucket list ideas:
Swirl shirts, socks, napkins, and other items in colorful dyes for psychedelic patterns. YouTube has great tutorials.
Decorate plain terra cotta pots with fun designs, geometric patterns, or faux finishes using acrylic paint pens and brushes.
Melt beeswax, wicks, and essential oils like lavender in tin cans to create pretty, natural candles.
Grab cotton yarn in your favorite color and follow free hat knitting patterns to make a shady summer accessory.
Cut out inspiring images and affirmations and arrange in a meaningful board for motivation.
Use your arms instead of needles to quickly knit chunky scarves and blankets from jumbo skeins of yarn.
Collect seashells and turn them into pendants, earrings, and bracelets using wire, string, and basic jewelry findings.
Use paint pens to etch monograms, patterns, or designs onto clear glassware for pretty, personalized drinkware.
Grab some breezy cotton fabric and follow a simple pattern for a cute sundress or crop top to wear all summer.
Pick vibrant blooms, arrange between parchment paper, and neatly weigh down to press and preserve their beauty.
Collect your favorite summer photos and use creative scrapbooking supplies to make a memory album.
Create abstract paintings by melting old crayons between two canvases. Check Pinterest for how-tos.
Learn simple macrame knots to make bohemian rope hangers for displaying trailing houseplants and herbs.
Gather smooth river rocks and paint them with cheery designs to hide around town for others to find.
Clean and decorate used glass jars and bottles to hold food storage, bath salts, candles, plants, and more.
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