Something about summer makes you feel more alive and willing to take risks and try new things. Maybe it’s the warm weather or the long days, or perhaps it’s simply because everyone around you is in a better mood. Whatever the case, it’s a perfect season for doing all the fun things you couldn’t do earlier in the year.
What if you want to have a fun summer but can’t think of any specific activities, though? There’s a solution for that, too — our summer bucket list.
Here’s a list of some ideas to help you make this summer unforgettable.
12 Activities for Your Summer Bucket List
1. Try New Food
Let’s start with something simple but still exciting — trying out new food! Summer is the perfect time to visit that new Thai restaurant that’s been on your radar for a while or finally have some sushi. If you want to be adventurous, go for some raw oysters, frog legs, or octopus. The options are endless!
Trying new food might be nerve-wracking at first, as you might not know what to expect and whether you’ll like it. But it’s often worth it — if for nothing else, at least for the experience. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a delicacy that makes it to your list of favorite foods!
2. Attend a Concert
Concerts are fun no matter the season, but never more so than in the summer. People are in a better mood and less burdened by their jackets and coats, and the sense of freedom and excitement is more palpable. Because of the warm weather, concerts are often held at outdoor venues, which can only enhance the experience. Plus, your favorite musicians are more likely to tour in spring and summer.
So, find a local concert to visit with your friends or buy tickets for that big show you’ve always wanted to see. This experience is sure to make your summer truly unforgettable!
3. Have a Picnic
Nothing says summer like going on a picnic with your friends and family, and you should see for yourself why that’s the case. Grab a blanket, a wicker basket filled with food, and a good book or magazine. Find a nice spot in nature — preferably by the river — and enjoy the beautiful weather. You’ll feel like a whole new person at the end of the day, your batteries fully recharged!
4. Take a Road Trip
It would be a shame to spend the whole summer in one place — no matter how comfortable you are, wouldn’t you want to see the beauties your country has to offer? If the answer is yes, pick a place on the map, jump into your car, and go! You can take a friend or two or go solo; that’s entirely up to you.
And what if you don’t have a car? Does that mean your dreams of a road trip are doomed from the start? Not necessarily — you can go with a friend who has one or even take a train or a bus. It won’t be quite the same without your own car, but what matters is that you are on the move.
5. Have a Water Balloon Fight
Water-related activities are surely high up on your summer bucket list. Swimming, visiting the beach, going to a waterpark… All these things are fun, but if you’re up for something new, try having a water balloon fight. You just need a few balloons filled with water and an opponent — friends and relatives often gladly fill that role.
If you gather enough people, you can turn the fun summer activity into an outright war. Divide into two teams and let the cannons fly! You’ll all end up wet from head to toe, but you’ll surely have the time of your lives.
6. Watch Fireflies
Fireflies are hard to come by in the city, but the countryside is full of these beautiful insects in the summer. If you get the chance, drive out into nature and wait for the sun to go down. You’ll soon notice tiny lights floating in the air, resembling pieces of stars. If you want, you can even bring a jar and catch a few, though they lose their magic come morning.
7. Have a Bonfire Party
It’s hard to explain exactly why bonfire parties excite people the way they do. The warm night, the bonfire, your closest friends, and cool beverages are simply the recipe for magic. Maybe an explanation isn’t necessary, either — it’s enough to just experience it once. Whether you decide to be the host or just a guest, your summer bucket list should definitely contain one bonfire party!
8. Do a Good Deed
Obviously, there’s no rule that states you should only do good in the summer. In fact, if you’re putting positive energy out into the world and helping strangers throughout the year, even better! But if you’re just looking to get started, why not begin in the summer? Some kindness can make the season better both for you and the people you help.
Here are a few things you can do:
• Volunteer in a soup kitchen or join volunteering organizations
• Donate food
• Help out in an animal shelter
• Buy groceries for your elderly neighbors or mow their lawns
9. Take a Boat Ride
Nothing’s more relaxing than sitting in a boat in the middle of a still lake, enjoying the sun and a good book. If you haven’t tried it yet, you definitely should this summer. Find a friend who can row and go on a little boat trip together. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could even try rowing yourself! Just make sure to first learn the basics — you don’t want to end up stranded away from the shore.
10. Go Camping
For some, camping is the definition of a good time. Starry nights, campfires, golden mornings in nature — what more could a person ask for? For others, though, mosquitos, potential discomfort, and wild animals are quite the deal-breaker. Which category do you belong to? You won’t know until you try!
So grab a tent and a good friend and head out into the wild. Whether you end up loving it or not, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time!
11. Visit a Place You’ve Never Been To
If you have the opportunity to travel abroad and see a new culture in the summer, you should go for it. But a place you’ve never been to doesn’t include just that. It doesn’t have to be in a different country or even a different city. In fact, you can just as quickly find such places in your own hometown!
For example, you could visit that cafe you’ve always thought about but never got the chance to enter. Or you could take a walk in a nearby park, check out that new shopping mall, or have a tour of that historical site you’ve never explored before. Or if you travel to Australia, it will be an unforgettable experience to have a Dolphin watching gold coast. That will bring some welcome novelty into your life and make your summer more fulfilling.
12. Nap in a Hammock
And finally, you’re allowed to have a lazy day or two during the summer. Even such a day can be memorable, especially if you decide to spend it in a hammock. Take a nap, read a book, or just watch the sky as you gently rock side to side. Once you replenish your energy in this way, you’ll be ready to take on new challenges!
Martha Simmonds
A self-confessed pop culture junkie, Martha Simmonds writes about everything from books and graphic novels to lesser-known TV shows and films from all over the world. She’s driven by the urge to explore the intricacies of societal movements and their representation in pop culture. She calls herself “the homemade critic” and loves sharing her view with the world.
