Summeris finally here! The perfect time for outdoor adventures, fun road trips, newsummer films, and so much more! But, how can you ensure you don’t miss a thingand make the most out of your summer? Well, make a summer bucket list, ofcourse! Today, we are going to look at my personal summer bucket list. Withthis list, I hope you can create your very own, customized bucket list so you,too, can have the best summer yet. Ready to get started? Let’s dive right in!
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WhyShould You Make a Summer Bucket List?
Iam so glad you’ve asked! As I’ve already hinted at, creating a summer bucketlist will ensure you truly make the most out of your summer. It will motivateyou to seek out new adventures and never have you wondering “what should I donext?” It is also a great way to track your memories and make sure you don’tmiss out on any great experiences this sunny season. Also, I truly think youshould create your very own, customized summer bucket list to make it morepersonalized, realistic, and more enjoyable.
Speaking of bucket lists, check out my post on how to create the ultimate bucket list here!
TheUltimate Summer Bucket List
Now that I have you convinced you should create your very own summer bucket list, let’s dive into my summer bucket list! I hope these ideas will help you create your very own and get you off to the summer of a lifetime.
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Visita Beach, Lake, or River
First,visiting the water is a summertime must-do. If you live by the coast, head offto the beach for the day! If not, perhaps go explore a nearby lake or river andgo for a nice swim. Wherever you are, be sure to get in some water time thissummer.
Watcha Fireworks Display
Summer is the best time to seek out and watch colorful firework displays. If you live in the states, there will for sure be some great firework shows happening on Independence Day and at most baseball or similar sporting events. If you live outside of the states, check out your local fair, sporting events, holiday events, parades, or other fun activities that might have a firework show afterwards!
Visitthe Fair or a Theme Park
Thecounty fair can be so much fun if you do it right! Be sure to ride yourfavorite rides, check out the sugary foods, visit the animals, and watch any ofthe cheap concerts they offer. If you’re lucky enough to live near a themepark, spend an afternoon on some great rides with your favorite people.
Goon a Summer Road Trip
Grab some of your favorite people and hit the road for a fun summer road trip!
In need of some inspiration? Check out my ultimate southwest national park road trip itinerary HERE and my ultimate Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary HERE. Oh, and be sure to use my ultimate road trip packing list.
Playa Round of Mini-Golf
Around or two of mini-golf can make for the perfect afternoon. Bring yoursignificant other, family, or friends and have a competition (with a funprize!) to see who can score the lowest!
Attenda Sand-Castle Competition
Igrew up near the beach and always remember attending the fun sand-castle competitionsover the summer. People can create such awesome structures with sand. If youdon’t have a competition nearby, create your own!
LearnHow to Surf
Surfing is simply something you have to try, at least once!
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CatchFireflies
If you’re lucky enough to live in a place with fireflies, spend an evening catching them in fun firefly mason jars. If you’re interested, you can learn more about fireflies from Firefly Conservation and Research.
Visitan Aquarium
Most aquariums host fun shows during the summer months! They also make for a great afternoon of exploration and education.
ShopAfter-Spring Sales
After-springsales are the perfect time to stock up for the next spring ahead. You can findsome great décor pieces, rain jackets, and more!
Check out some great Amazon sales here!
Bake a Blueberry Recipe
Summer is the season for blueberries! Celebrate this awesome fruit by making a yummy recipe! Need some ideas, this cookbook has some AMAZING ones!
MakeS’mores
S’mores make for the perfect treat over the summer! Host a fun BBQ and bonfire with friends and make some classic s’mores for dessert. You can also make them indoors with this awesome indoor s’more maker.
Goon a Camping Trip
Is it even summer if you don’t go camping? Not in my family! Head out to your favorite camping spot and spend a weekend outdoors. Not an avid camper and don’t know where to go? Here are some of our favorite locations to camp:
- National Park Service
- National Forest
- State Parks
- Private Campgrounds (Just Google “Campsites Near Me”)
- KOA Campgrounds
If you’re heading outdoors, don’t forget to bring the 10 essentials with you. Check out my blog post for more information.
TubeDown a Nearby River
Relaxing river tubing can for some of the best summer adventures. Grab a group of friends and hit the river for a fun afternoon!
DrinkIced Tea
Be sure to sip on your favorite iced tea this summer! My current iced tea go-to is Celestial’s Watermelon Line (SOOO GOOD!).
Watcha Fun Summertime Film
Immerse yourself in the summer season by watching a fun summertime film! Check out my summer movie bucket list for some great ideas… some of them include:
- Dirty Dancing
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
- The Parent Trap
- National Lampoon’s Vacation
- National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation
- Caddyshack
- The Pirates of the Caribbean Series
- Indiana Jones Series
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall
- All the Marvel Movies
- What About Bob
- Cheaper by the Dozen
Pro Tip: Many of these movies and so many others are available free with your Prime Membership!
PlayVolleyball at the Beach
Volleyball is such an easy and fun afternoon sport to play with friends. Don’t have a nearby beach? Check out your local lake or state park, I am sure they have a volleyball court somewhere. Don’t forget a volleyball of course!
Createa Summertime Playlist
It is a tradition of mine to create a new playlist each season. During the summertime, I fill it with fun, happy classic-rock music with my Amazon Music account. They make it so easy!
Reada Fun Summer Book
Everyone needs a good summer read to explore over the summer while sitting by the pool, on your porch, at the beach…
Looking for some good reads? Check out my latest book lists HERE.
DecorateYour Home for Summer
Want to really get into the summer mood? Be sure to decorate your home for the summertime. My favorite summer decoration pieces include signs, throw pillows, twinkle lights, and plants.
Goto a Drive-In Movie Theater
Whatis more fun than enjoying a film outdoors? We love going to the drive-in withfriends and making blanket forts in the back of our cars. As a bonus, drive-inmovies are usually cheap and have double features!
Hanga Summer-Themed Wreath
Next, a great summer craft is to create a custom summer-themed wreath. Or, you can purchase a cute one (this one is GORGEOUS!). I love hanging my wreaths indoors, I find that I enjoy it much more!
ChangeDesktop and Phone Backgrounds for Summer
Anothertraditional thing I like to do is to switch out my phone and desktopbackgrounds for fun, seasonal images. Over the summer, I like to find photos ofmy current dream travel destinations or past summer vacation photos.
CelebrateIndependence Day
Ifyou live in the states, Independence Day celebrations are a must! Host orattend a fun BBQ or day out on a lake, watch the fireworks, go for a swim, eatice cream… You know, the typical July activities.
Hostor Attend a Fun BBQ
Head to the park or spend a day in your back yard with a BBQ, a ton of friends, and some yard games. Our favorites are croquet, corn hole, horseshoes, giant Jenga, and giant Yahtzee.
Goto an Outdoor Concert
Youmight be surprised how many awesome outdoor concerts you can find during thesummer months. Even free ones! Be sure to check out your local concertcalendars to see what might interest you.
TieDye a Plain T-Shirt
Have a fun craft-day in your yard by tie-dyeing some old plain t-shirts. These can even make fun, personalized gifts as well! Here is a great tie dye kit!
Goon a Mountainous Hike
Summeris my favorite season for hiking, and high-altitude hiking in the mountains areperfect for summer, as they are often less hot.
Happen to be in the Denver area? Check out my top 10 Denver day-hikes!
GoPaddle Boarding on a Lake
Manylakeside parks have nearby paddle board rentals shops nearby. Snag one for anafternoon on the water.
Eatat a Rooftop Restaurant
Looking for a night out on the town? Check out a nearby rooftop restaurant and make reservations for a fun night out. Be sure to ask for a table with a view!
Goon an Ice Cream Date with a Friend
Checkout a nearby gourmet ice cream shop and splurge on a fun dessert.
Looking for more date ideas? Check out my top 34 cheap date night ideas!
Watchthe Sunset
Take some time to enjoy the little things and watch the full procession of a sunset on an evening with some clouds in the sky. You won’t regret it.
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GoMountain Biking
Graba bicycle and hit the trails for a fun morning outdoors! Don’t have a bike?Rentals are usually cheap!
Spenda Day at an Outdoor Pool
Spenda full day relaxing by an outdoor pool. You could even play a friendly game ofpool volleyball!
EatDonuts
Happento have a cool nearby donut shop? Fill up a box of donuts for the office onemorning!
GoWhite Water Rafting
Raftingis so much fun! Check out your local white water rafting company and book a funadventure this summer!
This summertime bucket list will ensure you don't miss a thing this sunny season! Click To Tweet
Visitthe Zoo
Mostzoos are now hosting fun events, such as fundraisers for endangered species andwine tours around the world (with animals). Check out your local zoo to see ifthey have any fun events this summer!
MakeHomemade Lemonade
Lemonadeis definitely my drink of choice over the summer. Grab some fresh lemons from afarmer’s market and make your own at home!
GoSwimming in the Middle of the Night
Headto a nearby pool or lake for a midnight dip because, why not?
Watcha Meteor Shower in the Desert
Summer is the perfect time to go star gazing, as the nights are still warm. Better yet? Check out when the next meteor shower will take place!
PlayFrisbee Golf
Frisbee golf is getting more and more popular (and is sooooo much fun!). All you need is an ultimate frisbee, a frisbee golf course (just google your nearest one) and you’re off!
Havea Water Balloon Fight
Surprise a friend with a fun water balloon fight! Need to start stocking up on balloons? Here is a great balloon deal.
EatWatermelon
Fill up on watermelon this summer; it is the perfect summer fruit. Need some advice for picking the perfect one? Check out this great article.
Goon a Backpacking Trip
Plan out at least an overnight backpacking trip through your favorite national or state park this summer. It is so freeing to be outdoors and live off of only what you carry on your back. Don’t forget the 10 essentials when you go!
GoKayaking
Another great outdoor adventure that is a summer bucket list must-do is kayaking! Head to a nearby lake or slow moving river and rent some kayaks with friends for a fun day out on the water. Looking to get your own kayaks? These are a killer deal!
Spendan Evening in a Hammock
Hammocks are the perfect relaxation tool. Just set them up between two trees or on your porch and lounge for the rest of the day! This is the hammock I have and I LOVE it! Plus it’s a great deal.
Makea Homemade Fruit Filled Smoothie
Replaceyour regular breakfast for a homemade fruit smoothie one morning. Just toswitch things up.
Attenda Parade
Summer is a great time to watch a parade in person. Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot! And take a comfy chair with you.
Rideon a Ferris Wheel
Anothersummer bucket list must-do is riding a Ferris wheel!
Travelto Somewhere New
Finally,try to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and spend some time in a newplace. This doesn’t have to be an extravagant vacation; it could be as simpleas exploring the next town over!
FurtherReading
You might be interested in checking outthese related blog posts:
- How to Get Ready for Summer: The Ultimate Summer Prep Checklist
- The Ultimate List of Date Ideas (279 Ideas!)
- A Guide to Creating a Motivational Bucket List
- The Ultimate Summer Movie Bucket List
- 50 Spring Activities to Keep You Busy All Season Long!
- Top 50 Autumn Activities to Add to Your Fall Bucket List
There you have it, my personal summer bucket list that I try to complete every year. I hope you were able to find some great ideas to start your very own summer bucket list. Have fun on all of your sunny adventure and happy travels!
Ready to get your summer off to a good start? Start planning a fun road trip with your favorite people! Check out my road trip itinerary for the US Southwest National Parks and Yellowstone National Park!
