There is something special about summertime. When you think about it, summer has everything you could ever need to make amazing memories—warm weather, pools, lakes, beaches, vacations, ice cream, baseball, sunshine, bonfires, camping, it has it all. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that life happens when you least expect it, and when it does, sometimes all the fun things you really want to do over the summer never actually happen—womp womp wompppp. Welcome to adulthood.
But, just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to swear off the summer fun just yet. Having a summer bucket list helps you plan ahead to ensure you have a memorable and feel good summer no matter what life throws at you!
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: Top 21 Summer Bucket List Ideas
If you’re looking for the ultimate summer bucket list, look no further. These are the top 21 best summer bucket list ideas for adults and families!
1. Host a brunch with friends you haven’t seen in a while
Who doesn’t love a good brunch? Eggs benny, waffles, bacon, mimosas… every woman’s love language. 💖 But when was the last time you hosted brunch at your house and invited all your girlfriends over? Spending quality time with your friends can be tough when you’re an adult—but you’ll all look forward to a day when you can simply relax and catch up! 🥂
2. Be a kid again at a state fair or carnival
Enjoying the things you once loved as a kid is perhaps one of the most underrated things when it comes to having fun these days! And what better way to relive your youth than at a state fair or carnival? 🎪It’s such a simple concept, but imagine how much fun it will be to stuff your face with cotton candy and laugh your butt off on the tilt-a-whirl! Remember how much fun Noah and Allie from The Notebook had at the state fair? (Still the best movie ever! 😭💜)
3. Try a new and trendy workout class
Speaking of being a kid again… I triple dog dare you to majorly shake up your fitness routine this summer and try a new workout class. You know that new spin studio that just opened next to your favorite coffee shop? Well, go inside and check it out! Fun fact, did you know that you can burn up to 1,000 calories in just one spin class? That’s crazy! 😪 Even if spin isn’t your thing, just try something new! Who knows, you might find your newest passion or meet some cool people.
4. Buy fresh flowers at the farmers market
Um, yes please! Buying fresh flowers from the farmers market is not only a super cute photo-op (thanks, bloggers!), but it’s an opportunity to get some fresh air, socialize, and support your local small businesses. Not to mention all of the happiness fresh cut flowers will bring you.! Because seriously, who doesn’t love waking up to a beautiful bouquet of flowers? 💐
5. Go berry picking and make a delicious meal
Summer is the best time to go berry picking! With a little research, you can find a local U-Pick berry farm in your area, stock up on all your favorite fruits, and create a delicious meal with your haul! If you live in an area that has access to berry farms, this is an absolute must-try experience to add to your summer bucket list! Not to mention, a great activity for the whole family to enjoy! These are the berries in season throughout the summer:
- May brings boysenberries and blackberries! They are a perfect combination of tart and sweet, and are perfect for pies, tarts, and cobblers.
- June is lush with juicy strawberries! These crimson beauties are perfect for making homemade strawberry jam that you can add to your morning pastry!
- July is all about the raspberries. Of course, you’ll still be able to enjoy the aforementioned strawberries, blackberries, and boysenberries in July, but tart raspberries are now in full bloom! Toss a few of the little guys in your salad or atop a healthy and flourless red velvet mug cake!
- August concludes the summer harvest with delicious blueberries! Perhaps one of the most versatile fruits, blueberries can be added to almost anything! Salads, desserts, breakfasts, or even a refreshing banana berry smoothie!
6. Take a fun cooking class
It’s time to channel your inner Julia Child. Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or you’re still struggling to boil water without overflowing the pot, a cooking class is always a fun experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn something new, step out of your comfort zone, and, let’s be honest, eat!
7. Find a killer summer playlist or create your own
In order to kick your summer bucket list into high gear, you must find the perfect playlist that embodies the energy and positivity of the season. And I have just the thing… the Feel Good Summer playlist by SkinnyFit on Spotify. It features all your favorite artists from Justin Timberlake to The Jackson 5 and everyone in between. This playlist is guaranteed to make you bust a move, sing along, and just feel good!
8. Spend a day being a tourist in your own city
When was the last time you were a tourist in your own city? You’d be surprised how many people have never been to the very places that make their city famous. Think every New Yorker has been to the Statue of Liberty? Well, think again! Spending an afternoon exploring new places in your area can help you discover a newfound appreciation for your city—not to mention it will be a lot of fun!
9. Visit a local museum, exhibit, or art show
If your elementary school field trip was the last time you visited a museum, boy are you missing out! Museums aren’t just for displaying ancient artifacts and art shows aren’t just for displaying abstract paintings. It’s absolutely fascinating what sort of exhibits you can find nowadays, you just have to look for them!
10. Cheer on your favorite team at a baseball game
If there’s one thing more American than apple pie, it’s baseball. It’s one of our country’s most beloved pastimes and can give you all the summer feels with just one crack of a baseball bat. Is there anything more fun than enjoying an ice cold beer and a ballpark hot dog while singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” with a bunch of strangers? I don’t think so. And besides, it’s another excuse to watch The Sandlot and reminisce about your childhood crush, Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez. 😍
11. Take an artistic class like ceramics or jewelry making
Taking an art class is a great way to showcase your creativity and try something new. There are so many talented artisans and craftsmen that love teaching and offer classes and workshops for anyone looking for something new! Check one out on your next date night or family night. Even if you have an afternoon to yourself, give it a try! 💁🏽
12. Watch a drive-in movie
I know that drive-in movie theatres are hard to come by these days, but if you have the opportunity to go to one this summer, you won’t regret it! It’s a little old school, but trust me when I say that listening to the movie through your car radio, while cuddled up in a blanket munching on a bucket of popcorn under the stars is a lot of fun!
13. Take a roadtrip with your besties
Road trips are, in fact, a summer staple. If a road trip with friends isn’t on the top of your summer bucket list ideas, make sure to add it! A lot of people assume that a summer road trip has to be a long, cross-country excursion that will take days on end, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In order to have a killer road trip you only need three things—a car, a destination, and a kickass road trip playlist! Even if your destination is a few hours away, that’s still plenty of time to sing some songs, take in the views, and bond with your besties.
14. Explore new hiking trails in your area
Spending time in nature does wonders for your mental and physical health. Exploring a new hiking trail or visiting a national park is a great way to get some fresh air and bond with Mother Nature. Looking for a self-care challenge? Take a stroll by yourself (without your headphones!), listen to the wind in the trees and the sound of birds, be fully present, and practice gratitude.
15. Enjoy good music and food at a cultural festival
Cultural festivals are known for not only having amazing music and delicious food, but also for having beautiful art, exciting performances, and incredible socializing! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about your own culture or simply appreciate one that’s new to you.
16. Read a book from a genre you wouldn’t normally choose
We all have our favorite genres but when was the last time you stepped out of your categorical comfort zone and read something new or unexpected? If you tend to lean toward self-improvement or nonfiction, why not pick up a heart-pounding thriller in the fiction section? Who knows, you might find yourself getting completely lost in every sentence you read. 📖
17. Invent your own cocktail
Have you ever been to a bar or deli and noticed a drink or sandwich that was named after someone on the menu? You know the ones like “The Sherry Slammer” or “Hal’s Hoagie”… Well, I hereby challenge you to invent your very own cocktail and then name it after yourself this summer! Even if it doesn’t make it onto a menu, putting your very own unique twist on a cocktail you love is a sure-fire way to spice up your summer. Think about it, if you order “your drink” at enough places, it might catch on and become the next “Shirley Temple”!
18. Make s’mores around a bonfire
Another one of the top summer bucket list ideas is to roast marshmallows around a bonfire and make s’mores. S’mores are chocolatey, gooey, and crunchy and easily take the #1 spot for the ultimate summer treat! Everyone loves a good s’more! But, if you’re worried about not having a bonfire, it’s all good—you can roast those mallows over a campfire, fireplace (or even your stove!) and still get the same delicious outcome. 😋
19. Go wine or beer tasting
The reason why wine and beer tasting is an ultimate summer bucket list item is two-fold. It’s not only incredibly interesting to learn about how wine and beer are made during a vineyard or brewery tour, but it’s a great place to socialize, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and, let’s be honest, get a lil’ tipsy. 🤪
20. Get up early and watch the sunrise
Anyone can watch a sunset, but not everyone is willing to wake up early to appreciate a sunrise. A sunrise is quiet, peaceful, and inspiring. It’s the beginning of a new day and an opportunity for a fresh start. Enjoying the serenity of a sunrise is a simple way to feel grateful and boost your happiness!
21. Splash around at the nearest beach, lake, or pool
The last item on our ultimate summer bucket list is, you guessed it, having a little fun in the sun at the beach, lake, or pool! What better way to cool down on a hot summer day than to splash around in the water? It’s quite possibly one of the most popular summertime activities because people of all ages can enjoy it. But if you’re not feeling entirely bikini confident, sip on SkinnyFit Detox—a refreshing mixture of superfood ingredients that fight belly bloat, shed water weight, and boost your metabolism to accelerate weight loss.
Summer Bucket List Checklist
