Admittedly, this is my first time creating a summer bucket list. Inspired by my goal to live more intentionally this year, I’m shifting from waiting for happy moments to just appear and, instead, making room for them on purpose.
Summer is such a special season because the warm weather and longer days invite freedom, connection, and fun. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Hey, slow down and soak in the moment!”
Since the months of June, July, August, and September tend to fly by, let’s make the most of it. Although being spontaneous sometimes can be good, planning out specific things lets you get prepared. It also gives you something exciting to look forward to.
Whether your idea of best things to do include taking a road trip, visiting a local museum, going on a scavenger hunt, listening to music in an outdoor concert, starting or joining a book club, or shopping for fresh produce at a local farmer’s market, your summer bucket list will be unique to you.
Now, imagine being the main character of a novel or a romantic comedy where anything’s possible. With a summer bucket list, this season can be your best one yet. It’ll feel more meaningful, bringing you more joy and growth.
If there’s anything to take away from this post, I hope it’s a reminder to appreciate new experiences, revisit favorite memories, and live your life to the fullest!
How To Make Your Own Summer Bucket List
Remember: A fun summer bucket list idea is different for everyone. Make yours unique by using this guide as a starting point for brainstorming. There’s no wrong way to create your list.
To start making your own summer bucket list, think about how you want to feel.
Do you want to spend your free time in a calming state of mind? Maybe focus on wellness activities like visiting a botanical garden. Rather go all out on an adventure? Going on a vacation in the great outdoors may be your calling. Or perhaps you want to dedicate time to building personal growth and productivity. Then, an online class or retreat may be your goal. It can also be a mix of all.
Get your favorite notebook out, write down your ideas, then add those plans to your calendar. Having a set time and date makes your summer bucket list ideas way more realistic to achieve!
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas For 2025
Outdoor Adventures
- Go Kayaking, Paddleboarding, And/Or Surfing: There’s nothing like being close to cool water on a summer day. Not only does it feel refreshing, but it’s also a fun exercise during this time of year.
- Play Pickleball: Last summer, my friends and boyfriend began playing pickleball, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s easier than tennis and I feel like there’s no pressure to be good at it.
- Visit National Parks: More than pretty views, national parks (or even a local park) connects you to something bigger. Imagine standing in front of a waterfall, canyon, or forest. It might just let you see life from a totally different perspective.
- Take a Road Trip: Your trip’s journey could be just as fun as the destination. Get your friends, put together an upbeat playlist, and feel the breeze as you drive along the scenic route to someplace new.
- Go On A Picnic: Spend quality time with your entire family, a significant other, or by yourself with a picnic. It’s the perfect opportunity to curate your favorite foods and enjoy them in a scenic park.
- Go For a Bike Ride: Getting my bike a few years ago was a piece of freedom I didn’t know I needed. Riding one brings me back to my childhood days and that feels so liberating.
- Attend A Music Festival: Listening to live music with a dancing crowd is an instant mood booster. Feel connected to yourself and others in a high energy setting like a music festival.
- Enjoy Beach Days: Feeling the sand beneath your feet and the sun’s warm rays while hearing the crashing ocean waves is pure bliss. Just remember to wear sunscreen!
- Go On A Photo Walk: You’ll not only create memories in photos but also practice mindfulness during your walk. You’ll notice the beauty in everyday things and feel more creative. (I love this FUJIFILM Instax Mini Camera — it prints adorable mini photos instantly.)
- Visit An Amusement Park: Let loose and feel like a kid at an amusement park and/or water park. If you’re feeling brave, go on a roller coaster and ferris wheel (or if you’re like me, stick to the tea cup ride instead 😊).
- Movie Night Under The Stars: Bring a screen, a cozy blanket, lots of snacks, and your favorite people for an outdoor movie night.
- Host A BBQ: Every year, my family hosts a barbecue on Long Island. My cousin does the cooking while we gather around the table, catching up and watching the fireworks on July 4th.
- Go On A Cruise: Whether it’s a local cruise or a faraway cruise, summer is the perfect time to enjoy being on the water. Cool off on a hot summer day while exploring somewhere new.
- Watch The Sunset: You may do this regularly, but here’s a reminder to truly take a moment to appreciate the sunset. Watch the sky as it transforms into shades of red, orange, and pink. There’s so much beauty in our world to enjoy.
Creativity And Passion Projects
- Create A Junk Journal: Give your memories new life by compiling it into a personalized book/time capsule. Fill the pages with Polaroid pictures, ticket stubs, flower petals, and anything that would typically be in a junk drawer at home.
- Make A Vision Board: July marks exactly half of the year, but anytime’s a good time to create a vision board. Include everything you want to manifest into reality (tip: be specific).
- Start A Book Club: Bond with your inner circle and discuss the story of a good book. Whether done at a local library or your living room, it’s a chance to connect over a summer read.
- Visit A Flea Market: Find hidden treasures by thrifting something old and giving it a new life.
- Play Board Games: Sometimes, the simplest things are the best things. Whenever my family and I play board games or card games, it’s so much fun. My favorites are The Game of Life and Scrabble.
- Take A Cooking Class: With so many delicious summer recipes, there’s no better time to learn or practice the art of cooking.
Wellness & Self-Care
- Daily Journal: Pick a theme for a journal, whether it be a freestyle, gratitude journal, joy journal, or wellness journal, and stick to writing in it daily. Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, you’ll soon learn so much more about yourself.
- Meditation: Whenever I bring up meditation in a conversation, people usually love it or love to say it’s not for them and that’s hard to concentrate. But after using the Calm app for years, I swear by it and see how much it helps my mind relax. (Try a free 30-day guest pass for Calm here.)
- Digital Detox: As much as the internet and social media has its benefits, there are also a lot of negatives that come with it. Try giving your brain a break from scrolling and unplug for a whole day if possible and see how you feel afterward.
- Peace Playlist: Curate a list of songs that soothes your soul and listen to it on repeat during morning walks, slow evenings, and anytime in between.
- Take An “Everything Shower”: This self-care ritual (especially on a hot day) is an ultra luxe, long version of a regular shower. Think: hair masks, double cleansing, body scrubs, gua sha, body creams and oils, and more.
- Visit A Botanical Garden: The feeling of fresh air and flowers is as dreamy as it gets.
- Make A Mocktail: Enjoy the aesthetic and refreshing feeling of a summer cocktail without the side effects. Take advantage of the seasonal fruits this summer!
Home And Space Refresh
- Declutter One Drawer: This task may seem small, but it can inspire you to continue organizing throughout your room and home. Keeping only the items you love and use will make you feel much lighter.
- Decorate Your Space: A house or apartment truly becomes a home when you personalize it. Fill a vase with your favorite flowers, add photo frames with your favorite memories, and find your signature home scent.
- Add Houseplants: Bring a touch of nature to your space with a few new houseplants or finally repot one that you’ve been meaning to.
- Refresh Your Entryway: Since it’s the first spot you and your guests see in your home, make it cozy, welcoming, and functional.
- Upgrade Bedding: Switch to light and breathable fabrics like linen and silk in neutral tones for a comfy feel and better sleep.
- Donate Unwanted Items: For items you no longer want and use, give them away to a local charity or someone you who know could use it.
For summer 2025, it’s time to step into your main character era. Think of your bucket list as your script, and each moment as a chance to make the season your story.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, rest, or a little bit of both, you hold the pen to your own narrative. Now’s the time to make bold choices (if you so desire), create lasting memories, and take center stage in your life.
The world is yours to explore this summer and beyond.
More Stories, Right This Way…
- The Best European Summer Outfits Ideas For Vacation In 2025
- How To See Life Through Rose Colored Glasses
- The Freshest Butter Yellow Outfit Ideas To Try This Summer
- The Best Bright Summer Nail Designs To Try In 2025 - April 19, 2025
- 33 Summer Bucket List Ideas to Embrace Your Main Character Era - April 19, 2025
- The Best European Summer Outfits Ideas For Vacation In 2025 - April 14, 2025
