Skip to main content

7 Things to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

A pie with white icing and fresh-cut strawberries on top

Summer is the time between June and September when the sun is at its hottest and brightest. Days are longer, and nighttime is shorter. Ideal for outdoor fun and adventure, it’s the perfect opportunity to check off some of your summer bucket list items. Grab your gear, put on your thinking cap, and get ready to make some memories with these seven exciting summer bucket list ideas!

How to Make a Summer Bucket List

A bucket list should be enjoyable and something that you look forward to accomplishing. A summer bucket list is a great way to take advantage of everything this time of year has to offer, like warm weather, outdoor activities, and time off from school. To make a summer bucket list, consider these tips:

  • Research seasonal events and unique experiences in your area
  • Include a variety of indoor and outdoor activities
  • Find things you actually want to do
  • Add a mix of activities that are brand-new to you and some that you’ve already done
  • Don’t overload yourself with too many to-dos
  • Try to incorporate something that will take you years to finish
  • Think of ideas that explore all facets of life, like family, friends, food, hobbies, and travel
  • Keep yourself accountable, or find someone who will

young child sliding down yellow side

7 Summer Bucket List Ideas

It’s a season of long, warm days and spending time with friends and family—indoors or out. Don’t worry about spending too much or competing for the most extreme adventures. Just savor the relaxed nature of the season and go at your own pace. For summer bucket list ideas that you can easily incorporate into your life, try these.

1. Perfect a recipe.

Summer is the ideal time to put your skills to work and perfect a recipe or two. Need some inspiration? Check out our easy breakfast recipes the whole family will love! From sausage-hash brown casserole to Texas breakfast tacos, you’ll find a recipe that’s totally enticing to the tastebuds.

2. Have a backyard movie night.

Grab your popcorn bucket, favorite snacks, projector, and blanket, and put your backyard to use with a family movie night under the stars. For help transforming your backyard into the ultimate theater, Better Homes & Gardens has you covered. Summer family-friendly movie ideas include:

  • The Goonies
  • The Sandlot
  • The Parent Trap
  • Stuart Little
  • Shark Tale
  • Summer Magic
  • Daddy Day Camp
  • Toy Story 4

orange tent pitched outside in front of lake and mountains

3. Go camping.

If camping isn’t on your bucket list, now is a great time to add it. This outdoor adventure can be done at a traditional campsite or even in the comfort of your backyard. Whatever route you choose, it’ll be sure to be an experience like no other.

Campsites are usually found in scenic woodsy areas that are perfect for hiking. Check out “Take a Hike” to discover the benefits of hitting the trail.

4. Grow plants.

If you look on social media or in any home decor magazine, you’ll see that plants are having a moment. With so many benefits, both indoor and outdoor, we understand why. Head to your local nursery and or order some plants online to liven up your home or beautify your garden.

5. Join an online book club.

Take advantage of those long summer days by joining an online book club. Doing this is a great way to grow your book-reading list and socialize a little while doing so. Check your local neighborhood groups for any online clubs in your area. If there aren’t any, consider creating your own or joining one on this list.  

Stumped on a good book to read? Check out our list of the top 10 classic books to read, or reread, right now.

6. Have a water fight.

Gather your family, some water balloons, and water toys for a good old-fashioned water fight. If you have kids, this can help them beat the heat and is sure to leave a lasting memory for years to come.

7. Catch the sunrise or sunset.

Summer sunrises and sunsets are a glowy and magical must-see. Check out your local weather forecast to see what time the sun will rise or set in your area, then head outside to bask in nature’s beauty. Don't forget to snap some photos while you watch. 

Summer Bucket List for Families

Beat boredom and get the kids out of the house this summer. Our Summer Bucket List for Families includes 30 creative activities both little ones and grown-ups can do together. Find outdoor adventures, like going on a night swim or riding tandem bikes, in our all-inclusive list.