Summertime is the best time to turn up the heat on new adventures and exciting activities, and what better way to do that than with a bucket list?  The ultimate summer bucket list is a collection of classic activities and creative ideas that will take your summer from average to extraordinary.  Whether flying solo, spending time with friends, or enjoying family time, there’s something here for everyone.  To make your summer unforgettable, we’ve compiled 50 activities to try, so let’s dive in!

Why create a summer bucket list?

Adding structure to your summer is a great way to maximize your time, make memories, and have fun.  Plus, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, so having a list of activities can help you focus on making the most out of each sunny season.

What can you do on a sunny day by yourself?

If you’re looking for ways to spend some summertime blissfully alone, why not plan a day of indulgence?  Take yourself on a shopping spree or treat yourself to a spa day.  Go to the movies or explore your favorite museum.  Spend time outside and enjoy nature with activities such as picnicking in the park, taking a stroll, or reading by a lake.  Or, if adventure is more your thing, sign up for an open-water swim class or go hiking.

What are good summer activities for kids?

Kids are a bundle of energy, so why not give them some fun ideas for how to spend their summer?  Let your little ones have a blast by splashing around in waterparks, building sandcastles at the beach, or trying out crazy experiments during an outdoor science project.  Playing games such as tag or hide-and-seek is also a great way to foster connection and make memories.  Other great game ideas include mini-golf, badminton, or a treasure hunt.  You can also grab some paper, pens, and a camera to plan an outdoor drawing session or explore the neighborhood and take pictures of anything that catches their eye.  If you’d rather stay indoors, a family game night is always fun, if your kids are into art, try a craft kit.

What can you do with friends?

Summer is the perfect season to hang out with friends and have some good old-fashioned fun.  Get competitive by playing a game of beach volleyball or lawn bowling, join a summer softball league, or organize an outdoor scavenger hunt.  For a more relaxed (but no less lively) atmosphere, plan movie nights under the stars or gathering around the campfire for sing-a-longs.

What can you do with your family?

Summer is the time for making special memories with your loved ones.  Put together a creative picnic in the park, take a road trip to explore new cities, learn photography and capture summer scenes, or grab some boards and try surfing for the first time.  If you’re looking for active family fun, try going kayaking or canoeing, or rent bikes and go for a ride.

How do you make a boring summer fun?

There’s no need to let summer boredom sneak in.  Whether you’re stuck at home or just looking for something new, get creative with some exciting activities!  Put together a puzzle, organize a movie marathon night, or plan an outdoor cooking session.  You can also challenge yourself to cook different recipes every week or try out yoga and mindfulness exercises.  If art is your thing, grab some supplies and explore a new medium- painting, drawing, pottery, or even scrapbooking.  And if you’re feeling really adventurous, give whitewater rafting or rock climbing a try!

Summer Bucket List: 50 Activities To Try!

1. Hiking: Immerse yourself in nature, tackle some trails, and appreciate the great outdoors.
2. Beach Day: Dig your toes into the sand, soak up the sun, and make a splash in the waves.
3. Road Trip: Take a spontaneous adventure, hit the open road, and discover new places.
4. Camping: Escape the city, roast marshmallows over the campfire, and sleep under the stars.
5. BBQ: Fire up the grill, invite your friends over, and enjoy some delicious backyard fare.
6. Fruit Picking: Pick juicy fruits like apples and berries, bake pies, and make jams.
7. Picnic: Plan a picnic in the park, pack a basket full of goodies, and enjoy some R&R.
8. Outdoor Movie Night: Watch your favorite flicks under the stars with blankets and snacks.
9. Kayaking/Canoeing: Get on the water and paddle your way to a new adventure.
10. Concert/Festival: Spend the day in the sun, listen to live music, and make memories with friends.

11. Volunteer: Give back to your community, spend time helping others, and make a difference.
12. Create Art: Get crafty with DIY projects, paint your masterpieces, and express your creative side.
13. Learn a New Skill: Try your hand at a new hobby like cooking, gardening, or photography.
14. Read: Dive into a good book, expand your knowledge, and escape to new worlds.
15. Take a Dance Class: Learn a new dance move, meet new people, and have fun.
16. Visit Museums: Immerse yourself in art and history, learn something new, and explore new cultures.
17. Go to the Theater: Enjoy a live performance, experience new cultures, and indulge in the arts.
18. Try a New Sport: Get active, try a new sport, and get competitive.
19. Host a Game Night: Invite friends over, play board games, and have some friendly competition.
20. Travel: Get out of your comfort zone, explore new places, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

21. Stargaze: Lay out a blanket, look up at the sky, and appreciate the beauty of the universe.
22. Build a Fort: Release your inner child, design a fort, and make a cozy hangout spot.
23. Make Homemade Ice Cream: Beat the heat with a sweet treat, and enjoy some homemade ice cream.
24. Have a Water Balloon Fight: Cool off with some H2O fun, and have a water balloon fight!
25. Go to an Amusement Park: Scream your worries away, ride some roller coasters, and indulge in some cotton candy.
26. Have a Photoshoot: Dress up, strike a pose, and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
27. Make S’mores: Toast some marshmallows, put them on some graham crackers, and add chocolate for a classic treat.
28. Play Mini Golf: Putt your way to victory, have some laughs, and enjoy some friendly competition.
29. Have a Karaoke Night: Sing your heart out, belt out some tunes, and have some fun with friends.
30. Go to a Sports Game: Cheer on your favorite team, indulge in some ballpark food, and make some memories.

31. Do a Puzzle: Test your brain, work on a puzzle, and enjoy some relaxation.
32. Have a Bonfire: Gather around the fire, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy some good company.
33. Have a Farmers Market Adventure: Shop for fresh produce, support local farmers, and try new foods.
34. Host a Potluck: Share your favorite recipes, enjoy a variety of foods, and have some fun.
35. Create a Scavenger Hunt: Plan a fun activity, create clues, and have an adventure with friends.
36. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soar through the sky, enjoy views from above, and make some memories.
37. Play Video Games: Take some time to unwind, play some games, and enjoy some downtime.
38. Visit a Zoo or Aquarium: Get up close and personal with the animals, learn new things, and have fun.
39. Go to a Trampoline Park: Bounce your way to fun, try some new tricks, and get some exercise.
40. Have a Spa Day: Relax, unwind, and pamper yourself with some self-care.

41. Have Breakfast in Bed: Treat yourself to a relaxing morning, enjoy some yummy breakfast, and start your day off right.
42. Go Fruit Tasting: Explore new tastes, try new fruits, and have some delicious fun.
43. Have a Paint Party: Get creative, paint with friends, and have some fun with colors.
44. Make a Vision Board: Set your goals, visualize your dreams, and make a vision board for motivation.
45. Go to a Wine Tasting: Indulge in the flavors, learn about wine, and have some grown-up fun.
46. Visit a Botanical Garden: Get lost in the beauty of flowers, enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, and connect with nature.
47. Create a Time Capsule: Capture memories, create a time capsule, and reminisce in the future.
48. Plant a Garden: Get your hands dirty, enjoy the process of planting and growing, and enjoy some fresh produce.
49. Make Homemade Lemonade: Quench your thirst, enjoy some refreshing lemonade, and enjoy some good company.
50. Write Letters: Slow down, connect with loved ones, and write some meaningful letters.