Yet another summer is around the corner and many people are in the process of curating things to do or are busy putting finishing touches to their list. For those who have not yet started to curate their list, do not despair, this article will give you some ideas, feel free to print or save and reference repeatedly.
You certainly do not have to cross off every item on this list. They may not all interest you and if even if they did, there probably is not enough time to fit them all into one summer.
For us, we typically create a long list of activities with the hope of doing as many as we can. At the end of the summer, we just want to make sure that we enjoyed ourselves and have also engaged in a good number of memorable activities.
1.
Go On A Road Trip
Frankly speaking, summertime is synonymous with good ‘ol road trips.
Embark on an epic road trip adventure to explore new destinations and create lasting memories with friends or family.
There is really no shortage of places to visit across the United States, most destinations will offer various intriguing experiences, each differing from the other.
Note, a road trip does not have to be measured in several hours. Even a short hour or two journey can be effective too, thoroughly enjoyable and you can cross it out of your bucket list.
2.
Have A Picnic In The Park
Having a picnic in the park repeatedly makes it into our summer bucket list. Pack a cozy blanket, delicious snacks, and refreshing drinks for a leisurely picnic in a scenic park, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.
It offers an opportunity to hang out with friends and family, to create sweet memories.
3.
Go Camping
Spend a weekend immersed in nature by camping under the stars, roasting marshmallows around the campfire, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.
Again, there is no shortage of parks and venues designed for camping retreats. While going for a camping session, you can easily incorporate another summer bucket list item, “a road trip”.
4.
Attend a Music Festival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of a music festival, dancing to your favorite tunes, while also discovering new artists against the backdrop of a summer sunset. Put your dancing shoes on and get giddy.
One of our favorite places for summer concerts is the Miller Outdoor Theatre at the Hermann Park in Houston, Texas.
5.
Visit a Theme Park
Experience the thrill of roller coasters, carnival games, and delicious treats at a lively theme park with friends or family. Theme parks are at their liveliest during the summer months, take advantage of this next summer and go have some fun.
6.
Explore Water Sports
Dive into the refreshing waters of summer by trying exciting water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
There really is no shortage of water sports activities that you, your family and friends can engage in. Whether it is in an artificial lake or a river, you should definitely have it on your bucket list for this summer.
7.
Host A BBQ Or Cookout
Gather loved ones for a summer BBQ or cookout in your backyard, grilling delicious burgers, hot dogs, and veggies while enjoying outdoor games and laughter.
There are a few games that always reach their exciting conclusions during the summer, say the NBA play-offs and finals. These games and other sporting events will make for the perfect occasion to have people over for a barbecue.
8.
Go to the Beach
Spend a blissful day lounging on golden sands, swimming in the ocean waves, and building sandcastles with loved ones at beautiful beach destinations.
9.
Watch A Movie Under The Stars
Set up a cozy outdoor movie night with blankets and popcorn, watching classic films or new releases under a starlit sky for a magical summer experience. There are also outdoor theatres that you and your partner can go to.
10.
Attend a Sports Game
Cheer on your favorite sports team at a live game or match, soaking in the excitement of the crowd and enjoying delicious stadium snacks. There is no shortage of games and pre-season friendlies held all around the United States over the summer.
11.
Explore The Woods or Go Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a wonderful hike through green woods and breathtaking trails, reconnecting with nature and enjoying stunning views.
12.
Have A Bonfire
Gather around a crackling bonfire with friends or family, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and enjoying the warmth of the fire on a summer evening. Make sure that all safety precautions are taken before a bonfire is lit.
Be aware of your surroundings, taking great care to ensure that the fire is always within your control.
13.
Visit A Farmer’s Market
Explore vibrant farmer’s markets brimming with fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal goods, supporting small businesses, and enjoying the flavors of summer.
We certainly love to seek out and explore local farmer’s market whenever we visit a new town.
14.
Try A New Outdoor Activity
Challenge yourself with a new outdoor adventure, whether it’s rock climbing, zip-lining, or horseback riding, pushing your limits and embracing the thrill of the outdoors.
15.
Try Stargazing
Escape the city lights and spend a serene night stargazing, marveling at the twinkling constellations and the vastness of the universe from a peaceful countryside or beach location.
16.
Go Fruit Picking
Visit a nearby orchard or farm and pick your own ripe fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches, savoring the sweetness of summer’s bounty.
17.
Go Out & Volunteer
Give back to your community by volunteering your time and talents to local charities, animal shelters, or environmental organizations, making a positive impact and spreading kindness.
Amongst other volunteer activities, we especially enjoy helping out the local food banks.
18.
Host A Luau Party
Throw a festive luau-themed party complete with tropical decorations, fruity cocktails, and delicious Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, transporting guests to a paradise of fun and relaxation.
19.
Visit A Water Park
Beat the heat and make a splash at a thrilling water park, zooming down water slides, floating along lazy rivers, and enjoying fun-filled attractions with friends and family.
20.
Learn A New Skill
Take advantage of the longer days of summer to learn something new, whether it’s cooking a gourmet meal, mastering photography techniques, or exploring your creative side with painting or crafting.
21.
Explore a National Park
Discover the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of a nearby national park, hiking beautiful trails, spotting wildlife, and immersing yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors.
22.
Take a Road Trip Along the Coast
Cruise along coastal highways, stopping at charming seaside towns, sampling fresh seafood, and basking in the ocean breeze for a quintessential summer adventure.
23.
Attend an Outdoor Concert
Dance the night away under the stars at an outdoor concert or music festival, enjoying live performances and the electric atmosphere of summer celebrations.
24.
Visit a Local Zoo or Aquarium
Spend a day getting up close and personal with fascinating creatures at a local zoo or aquarium, learning about conservation efforts and enjoying family-friendly activities and exhibits.
25.
Go On A Bike Ride
Explore scenic bike trails or picturesque countryside roads on a leisurely bike ride, soaking in the sights and sounds of summer while getting some exercise and fresh air.
26.
Host A Garden Party
Transform your backyard into a beautiful green space and host a garden party complete with blooming flowers, elegant decor, and delectable treats, inviting friends and family to celebrate the joys of summer.
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27.
Take A Sunset Cruise
Sail into the sunset aboard a scenic cruise or boat tour, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline, sparkling waters, and vibrant skies as day turns into night.
28.
Attend a Food Truck Festival
Indulge in a variety of delicious eats at a local food truck festival, sampling gourmet dishes, international cuisines, and sweet treats from a diverse array of mobile vendors.
29.
Go Strawberry Picking
Spend a sunny day in a strawberry field, plucking ripe berries straight from the vine and filling baskets with those sweet juicy berries to enjoy fresh or use in homemade jams and desserts.
30.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Believe it or not, there are some train rides out there designed to take you and yours through beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and charming countryside. Ensuring that the riders savor the nostalgia and romance of rail travel.
31.
Visit a Botanical Garden
Wander through lush botanical gardens bursting with colorful blooms, fragrant flowers, and exotic plants, taking in the beauty and tranquility of nature’s wonders.
32.
Attend an Outdoor Yoga Class
Find inner peace and rejuvenation in an outdoor yoga class, practicing sun salutations and meditation amidst the serene beauty of nature.
33.
Go Fishing
Cast a line and reel in the catch of the day while fishing at a tranquil lake, river, or pier, enjoying the peace and solitude of this timeless summer pastime. It really isn’t as hard as you think and it is certainly more enjoyable than you imagined
34.
Host a DIY Ice Cream Social
Cool off with a DIY ice cream social, setting up a fun ice cream bar with an assortment of toppings and flavors for friends and family to create their own delicious frozen treats.
35.
Drive Through the Countryside
Hit the open road and embark on a leisurely drive through scenic countryside, admiring rolling hills, picturesque farms, and quaint villages along the way.
36.
Explore a Lighthouse
Climb to the top of a historic lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline, learning about maritime history and coastal navigation at this iconic seaside attraction.
37.
Go Bird Watching
Grab a pair of binoculars and venture into nature to spot a variety of bird species in their natural habitat, listening to their melodic songs and observing their graceful movements.
38.
Attend a County Fair
Step right up and experience the excitement of a county fair, indulging in classic carnival games, thrilling rides, and tasty fairground treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes.
39.
Take a Guided Nature Walk
Join a guided nature walk led by a knowledgeable naturalist, exploring local trails, spotting wildlife, and learning about the flora and fauna of the region.
40.
Host a Movie Marathon
Beat the heat by hosting a movie marathon indoors, selecting a theme or series of films to binge-watch with friends or family, complete with popcorn, snacks, and cozy blankets.
41.
Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Paddle along tranquil rivers, lakes, or coastal waterways on a kayaking or canoeing adventure, soaking in the beauty of nature and enjoying a peaceful day on the water.
42.
Attend a Farmers’ Market Cooking Demo
Learn new culinary skills and get inspired by attending a cooking demo at a local farmers’ market, where chefs showcase delicious recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
43.
Visit a Sunflower Farm
Wander through fields of vibrant sunflowers, basking in the golden glow of these cheerful blooms and capturing stunning photos amidst the sea of yellow petals.
44.
Try Geocaching
Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt by participating in geocaching, using GPS coordinates to search for hidden caches and exploring new locations in a fun and interactive way.
45.
Host a Backyard BBQ Cook-Off
Challenge friends or family to a backyard BBQ cook-off, where participants showcase their grilling skills and compete for the title of BBQ champion, with guests serving as judges.
46.
Take a Dip in a Natural Swimming Hole
Seek out a natural swimming hole or freshwater spring, taking a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs.
47.
Go Horseback Riding
Saddle up and embark on a horseback riding adventure through scenic trails, forests, or beaches, enjoying the beauty of nature from a different perspective.
48.
Host a DIY Craft Day
Get creative with a DIY craft day, gathering friends or family to make handmade crafts, artwork, or home decor projects using various materials and techniques. There are various DIY resources online, and you do not have to engage in difficult ones at the beginning.
49.
Create a Summer Scrapbook
Preserve your favorite summer memories by creating a scrapbook filled with photos, ticket stubs, souvenirs, and handwritten notes, capturing the magic and nostalgia of the season for years to come.
With these 49 summer bucket list ideas, you’re sure to make the most of the sunny season and create unforgettable experiences to cherish for a lifetime!
