Summer is finally here! The perfect time for outdoor adventures, fun road trips, new summer films, and so much more! But, how can you ensure you don’t miss a thing and make the most out of your summer? Well, make a summer bucket list, of course! Today, we are going to look at my personal summer bucket list. With this 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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Why Should You Make a Summer Bucket List?
I am so glad you’ve asked! As I’ve already hinted at, creating a summer bucket list will ensure you truly make the most out of your summer. It will motivate you to seek out new adventures and never have you wondering “what should I do next?” It is also a great way to track your memories and make sure you don’t miss out on any great experiences this sunny season. Also, I truly think you should create your very own, customized summer bucket list to make it more personalized, realistic, and more enjoyable.
Speaking of bucket lists, check out my post on how to create the ultimate bucket list here!
The Ultimate 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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Visit a Beach, Lake, or River
First, visiting the water is a summertime must-do. If you live by the coast, head off to the beach for the day! If not, perhaps go explore a nearby lake or river and go for a nice swim. Wherever you are, be sure to get in some water time this summer.
Watch a 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!
Visit the Fair or a Theme Park
The county fair can be so much fun if you do it right! Be sure to ride your favorite rides, check out the sugary foods, visit the animals, and watch any of the cheap concerts they offer. If you’re lucky enough to live near a theme park, spend an afternoon on some great rides with your favorite people.
Go on 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.
Play a Round of Mini-Golf
A round or two of mini-golf can make for the perfect afternoon. Bring your significant other, family, or friends and have a competition (with a fun prize!) to see who can score the lowest!
Attend a Sand-Castle Competition
I grew up near the beach and always remember attending the fun sand-castle competitions over the summer. People can create such awesome structures with sand. If you don’t have a competition nearby, create your own!
Learn How to Surf
Surfing is simply something you have to try, at least once!
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Catch Fireflies
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.
Visit an Aquarium
Most aquariums host fun shows during the summer months! They also make for a great afternoon of exploration and education.
Shop After-Spring Sales
After-spring sales are the perfect time to stock up for the next spring ahead. You can find some 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!
Make S’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.
Go on 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.
Tube Down 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!
Drink Iced 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!).
Watch a 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!
Play Volleyball 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!
Create a 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!
Read a 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.
Decorate Your 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.
Go to a Drive-In Movie Theater
What is more fun than enjoying a film outdoors? We love going to the drive-in with friends and making blanket forts in the back of our cars. As a bonus, drive-in movies are usually cheap and have double features!
Hang a 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!
Change Desktop and Phone Backgrounds for Summer
Another traditional thing I like to do is to switch out my phone and desktop backgrounds for fun, seasonal images. Over the summer, I like to find photos of my current dream travel destinations or past summer vacation photos.
Celebrate Independence Day
If you live in the states, Independence Day celebrations are a must! Host or attend a fun BBQ or day out on a lake, watch the fireworks, go for a swim, eat ice cream… You know, the typical July activities.
Host or 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.
Go to an Outdoor Concert
You might be surprised how many awesome outdoor concerts you can find during the summer months. Even free ones! Be sure to check out your local concert calendars to see what might interest you.
Tie Dye 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!
Go on a Mountainous Hike
Summer is my favorite season for hiking, and high-altitude hiking in the mountains are perfect for summer, as they are often less hot.
Happen to be in the Denver area? Check out my top 10 Denver day-hikes!
Go Paddle Boarding on a Lake
Many lakeside parks have nearby paddle board rentals shops nearby. Snag one for an afternoon on the water.
Eat at 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!
Go on an Ice Cream Date with a Friend
Check out 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!
Watch the 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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Go Mountain Biking
Grab a bicycle and hit the trails for a fun morning outdoors! Don’t have a bike? Rentals are usually cheap!
Spend a Day at an Outdoor Pool
Spend a full day relaxing by an outdoor pool. You could even play a friendly game of pool volleyball!
Eat Donuts
Happen to have a cool nearby donut shop? Fill up a box of donuts for the office one morning!
Go White Water Rafting
Rafting is so much fun! Check out your local white water rafting company and book a fun adventure this summer!
Visit the Zoo
Most zoos are now hosting fun events, such as fundraisers for endangered species and wine tours around the world (with animals). Check out your local zoo to see if they have any fun events this summer!
Make Homemade Lemonade
Lemonade is definitely my drink of choice over the summer. Grab some fresh lemons from a farmer’s market and make your own at home!
Go Swimming in the Middle of the Night
Head to a nearby pool or lake for a midnight dip because, why not?
Watch a 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!
Play Frisbee 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!
Have a 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.
Eat Watermelon
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.
Go on 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!
Go Kayaking
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!
Spend an 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.
Make a Homemade Fruit Filled Smoothie
Replace your regular breakfast for a homemade fruit smoothie one morning. Just to switch things up.
Attend a 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.
Ride on a Ferris Wheel
Another summer bucket list must-do is riding a Ferris wheel!
Travel to Somewhere New
Finally, try to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and spend some time in a new place. This doesn’t have to be an extravagant vacation; it could be as simple as exploring the next town over!
Further Reading
You might be interested in checking out these 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!
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