There’s that one beach day, maybe a barbecue or two, but suddenly you realize—did summer just… slip by?
We’ve all been there. That moment when you promise yourself that next summer will be different. Next summer will be epic.
Well, guess what?
This summer is your chance to make that promise real.
I get it—planning the “perfect summer” can feel overwhelming when you feel the pressure to “make the most of it” and don’t even know where to start.
Should you plan that cross-country road trip? Finally learn to surf? Start a garden? The possibilities are endless, and sometimes that’s exactly the problem.
And while social media might have you believing that an epic summer requires endless resources or picture-perfect plans, the truth is much simpler: All you need is a little inspiration and some intentional planning.
That’s exactly why I created this comprehensive guide of 110 summer bucket list ideas.
Summer Bucket List Ideas for College Students
Start a summer side hustle like teaching swimming lessons or running a local ice cream cart
Organize a campus-wide scavenger hunt before everyone leaves for break
Learn a new skill through free online courses—coding, digital marketing, or photography
Create a food truck crawl and try every trending dish in your college town
Host a “Christmas in July” party complete with Secret Santa and ugly t-shirts
Volunteer at a local summer camp or community center
Start a summer book club with a twist—each person picks a book and plans a themed meetup
Plan a sunrise yoga session on your campus lawn or nearest park
Create a DIY slip-n-slide party using tarps and biodegradable soap
Organize a local band showcase in someone’s backyard
Start a weekly pickup sports league with other summer students
Have a photography challenge week with daily themes
Host an international food night where everyone cooks their family recipes
Create a summer bucket list journal and document every adventure
Plan a camping trip using only borrowed or rented gear
Organize a skill-share weekend where everyone teaches something they’re good at
Summer Bucket List Ideas for Couples
Create a backyard movie theater with fairy lights and comfy pillows
Start a summer bucket list photo challenge and make a scrapbook together
Take dance lessons in preparation for a summer wedding or event
Plan a “recreate our first date” night with a summer twist
Start a couples’ book club and read in different outdoor locations
Create a summer dessert-tasting tour of your city
Plan a “no phones” day adventure using only a paper map
Take a weekend art class together and create pieces for your home
Start a summer garden and cook meals with what you grow
Plan a series of themed picnics in different scenic spots
Create a couples workout challenge with fun rewards
Take up geocaching and explore new areas together
Plan a “bucket list date night” where you both check off personal goals
Start a summer sunset-watching tradition in different locations
Create a couples adventure journal documenting your summer memories
Plan a DIY spa day with homemade summer-themed treatments
Family Summer Bucket List Ideas
Create a backyard camping experience complete with s’mores and storytelling
Start a family garden and let each person choose something to grow
Have a weekly “Mystery Adventure Day” where you draw activities from a jar
Create a neighborhood Olympics with other families
Start a family cookbook with everyone’s favorite summer recipes
Plan a “Yes Day” where kids make the decisions (within reason!)
Create a summer reading challenge with prizes for the whole family
Have a weekly outdoor movie night with themed snacks
Build an epic backyard obstacle course
Start a family time capsule to open next summer
Plan an “Around the World” summer where you explore different cultures each week
Create a family band using homemade instruments
Start a family YouTube channel documenting your summer adventures
Have a weekly “Master Chef Junior” competition
Create a family mural on an outdoor wall or fence
