It is never too early to start thinking of your summer bucket list ideas! Summer always seems to fly by and we always have good intentions about making it a good one and doing all the things. I know I always have big dreams when summer rolls around but it’s so hard to forget all the things you want to do. This blog post will help you to make sure you include all the fun things to do in summer!
This list has got ideas for couples, friends, teens, kids, by yourself, and some of them are even free!
Summer Bucket List Ideas: Best Things to do in Summer
Table of Contents
1. Make a summer soundtrack
I love this idea because when the summer is over you can look back and see what songs were your jam and it will also bring back memories of the things you were doing! (Music is like that!) Plus, summer is for cruisin’ with the windows down so you have to have a good soundtrack for that!
2. Have a picnic
Picnics are perfect because you are outside enjoying the sun, eating good food and possibly hanging with some friends. What more could you ask for? I got a picnic basket this spring and I’m super excited to use it this summer! P.s. Picnics by yourself are totally okay too!!
3. Go to a drive-in movie
Movies, the great outdoors, a blanket, some snacks, a friend or sibling or two, even go solo and you’ve got a great night!
4. Get a tan
I am lucky to be one of those people that tan well. I love a good summer tan! Make sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin though! I have heard of getting a sun tattoo. Where you put something/draw on your arm/skin (example a sticker, etc. so when you tan that spot doesn’t get sun, so you are left with a tattoo made by the sun!
5. Go kayaking
Kayaking is fun solo or with a friend! Buy, rent, borrow but get out on a kayak this summer. Being out on the water, the sound of the paddle as it splashes through the water is such a relaxing feeling.
6. Slip and Slide
Slip and slide your way through summer with a good old “slip and slide”! People of all ages love this and it’s a great way to stay cool and have fun. Add in some water guns, the hose, an obstacle course, and get crazy (stay safe of course!)
7. Go biking
Biking is a good way to get out and explore some of the trails and parks near you. It’s also a fun way too possibly explore around you while saving on fuel and not driving your car!
8. Tie dye
You can buy kits for this at quite a few stores and this is such a fun thing to do. My friend and I did watermelon shorts once and you could definitely get super creative with what you make!
9. Freeze and eat grapes
Yes you heard me right! Freeze some grapes! They taste just like candy only way better for you and they are a delicious cold treat on a hot day. Share with friends or keep for yourself, I won’t judge!
10. Paint your toe nails
If you’re a lady, this one is for you! If you’re a guy, skip over it, OR try painting your significant other’s toe nails for fun. I have a nail polish that changes colors in the sun so it’s perfect for summer!
11. Make a flower crown
Summer flowers are so pretty and I have never made a flower crown but it’s high on my list for this year. Wildflowers, buy your own from a local market,
12. Photoshoot
So many options with this one! Beach, park, picnic, city… Locations are endless! Then, have some fun with props or without and go crazy. Funny, serious, natural, or a mix! Photos are a great way to save memories so make this is a summer you won’t forget!
13. Make pasta salads
Pasta salads are a perfect summer meal as they don’t require much cooking. They are a cold food and can be a great side to your BBQ! They are also great to take on picnics and to the beach.
14. Do a 30 Day Photo Challenge
This is a fun way to capture your summer memories! Find one you like and go with it or even make your own! Selfie, sunset, black and white shot, breakfast time, there are so many fun things to take photos of in these challenges!
15. Buy a new fruit or vegetable to try
Summer is a good time to shop for fruit and vegetables because lots of things are in season! But this summer, be brave and try a new vegetable or fruit you’ve never tried before. Or if you’ve tried them all (go you!) try a new way of cooking/eating it! There are so many new ideas out there, there’s bound to be one you’ve never tried.
16. BBQ
BBQ or grilling is such a great idea because it leaves so much room for choice! You could probably BBQ every night for a week and come up with a new thing every day. You have the classic hamburger or steak or something different like shrimp or fish. Try corn or eggplant, or even peaches! (Serve them with vanilla ice cream!) Make skewers and grill those! Experiment and try new things or stick to what you know, but either way, get your grill on!
17. Watch fireworks
Some countries set off fireworks for special occasions and it’s fun to watch the sky light up in bright colors! Or if it’s allowed in your country, why not set some off yourself?
18. Go a day without using your phone
It’s always a great idea to “unplug” and on a day when the sun is shining is the perfect opportunity! Forget about the likes and the constant need to keep up. Just live in the moment and enjoy the day. I promise you won’t regret it!
19. Chalk fun
If you don’t want to cover your driveway with designs, simply find a park nearby and get to work! You can channel your inner child and let your imagination run wild.
20. Go to the beach
I am blessed to live right near the ocean so I will be hitting the beach quite a bit this summer! If you live near a beach, I hope you don’t take it for granted and enjoy it because I’m sure there are tons of people who wish they could head to the beach! If you don’t live near an ocean/lake maybe you could find a pool nearby.
21. Make summer drinks
With or without alcohol you can stay cool this summer by making your own yummy drinks! Raspberry lemonade, plain lemonade, sangria, strawberry limeade, pina coladas, mojito, honestly the list is endless and so much room for experiment. Make your own signature drink this summer!
22. Try a new pizza place
I mean I never need a reason to eat pizza, and trying new pizza places is something I love! So get out and explore this summer and see what new pizza place you can discover (maybe even try a crazy pizza topping you’ve never tried before!)
23. Make a new recipe
I always have quite a few new recipes on my list to try. Currently a BLT pasta salad and homemade garlic fingers made with sourdough! Making a new recipe is so productive and delicious.
For some fun recipes this summer try:
Yogurt Banana Split
Sweet Raspberry Rhubarb Tarts
24. Run through the sprinkler
This is something that reminds me of my childhood because it was something we loved to do in the summer. Whenever I am with kids, I never say no to the opportunity to join them.
25. Eat seafood
Fresh seafood is the best! Where I live I love the fresh mussels and the lobster is really good as well! If you don’t live in a place where you can get fresh seafood, see what frozen options are available near you. Shrimp co*cktail, clam strips, or even make crab salad with imitation crab.
26. Make homemade ice cream or popsicles
This one is obvious. On a hot day there’s just something about ice cream or popsicles to cool you down. And when it’s homemade, well score! You can invent a flavor or go with a classic like vanilla.
27. Go rock wall climbing
Indoor or outdoor, this is a great way to get some exercise while possibly trying something new!
28. Try a new restaurant
This is a good summer activity and bonus points if the restaurant you choose has a patio or even a waterfront view!
29. Try new ice cream flavours
Ice cream is always a good idea, especially in the summer! There are so many new ice cream flavours, some are crazy while some are your safe bet. Hurry, don’t let it melt!
30. Go camping
Growing up my family and I would go camping every summer and so I have fond memories of tents, campfires, smores, hotdogs, and exploring. I’m thinking this summer I will go camping again as it has been awhile. So pull out your sleeping bag, grab some marshmallows and hit the campground this summer.
31. Go to a car show
I am a huge car person and something I love in the summer is checking out local car shows. It’s fun to see the different colors and models.
32. Eat watermelon
Watermelon is a classic summer treat and I know my summer wouldn’t be complete without cutting and eating at least one watermelon! Don’t worry about the juice that dribbles down your chin, embrace it! So grab your friends and a watermelon this summer and enjoy that sweet red fruit.
33. Go berry picking
Berry season is my favourite time of year! I love walking into a strawberry or blueberry field and seeing all the rip delicious berries. I also love biting into a fresh strawberry that I picked knowing exactly where it came from. And making a homemade blueberry pie with fresh blueberries? Can I get a M-mm-mm! So this is a must add to your summer bucket list ideas.
34. Try a new food
Trying a new food is a good way to get you out of your comfort zone! And summer is a good time to try something new because the weather is good for grilling on the BBQ, picnics, and hitting your local markets.
35. Blow Bubbles
Blowing bubbles always reminds me of my childhood because it’s such an innocent simple thing to do! I loved it as a kid and it’s still so much fun. And now that I have a little niece to enjoy it with, I’m excited to blow bubbles with her too.
36. Go on a hike
Hiking is such a great form or exercise that allows you to explore nature. And summer is a great time to hike as the weather is nice, the trees are green and there is lots of wildlife and flowers.
Well that is it for my summer bucket list ideas, feel free to leave a comment for suggestions and start making your list today!
