Aside from providing fodder for conversation, bucket lists can instill a sense of excitement, hope, and motivation, giving us things to work toward and look forward to. And with summer starting this week, it’s the perfect time to make one that’s tailored to the warmer months.
“Bucket lists are a fun and meaningful tool for self-reflection and growth. They invite us to pause and ask: ‘What do I truly want to experience or prioritize in this season of life?’ By turning vague desires into specific, actionable goals, bucket lists help us live with more intention and offer a chance to seek fulfillment,” Shainna Ali, a mental health counselor and clinical supervisor in Orlando, Florida, told Nice News.
“They also offer a structure that can reduce procrastination, increase motivation, and support habit formation,” she continued. “Whether it’s something adventurous or deeply restorative, a bucket list gives shape to our aspirations, regardless of how big or small.”
Summer bucket lists are “especially powerful,” according to Ali, “because they align with a naturally energizing and playful time of year.” She said that many people view summer as a season of “less work and more play,” which opens the door to stepping outside our usual routines: “A summer bucket list can offer the perfect opportunity to explore new experiences, reconnect with joy, and reset personal priorities. The limited timeframe of summer adds just enough urgency to encourage follow-through without pressure.”
When creating your summer bucket list, Adina Babad, a New York City-based mental health counselor, suggests prioritizing fun. “Focus on how getting each thing will feel and why you’re choosing it — really let the purpose be to enjoy, rather than on just checking items off a list,” she advised.
Babad also recommends only choosing a handful of things, as picking too many could backfire: “Don’t load it up too much! You don’t want it to turn into another set of ‘tasks’ to get done, and you don’t want to exhaust yourself to the point that you can’t actually enjoy it all.”
Finally, incorporate a mix of bigger and smaller items. The latter are “things you can do day-to-day or easily on a weekend, with maybe one or two bigger things mixed in that will take more planning,” said Babad. “That way, you don’t have to wait for the big stuff to enjoy.”
With all this in mind, here are 17 ideas to consider adding to your own summer bucket list.
Visit Your Nearest National/State Park
Many of the United States’ most exquisite vistas are open to the public through the country’s expansive state and national parks systems, encompassing millions of acres from the Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone to Mount Rainier and the Grand Canyon. Visiting is a great way to explore and unwind while helping preserve these incredible spaces for future generations.
Take a Road Trip
Nothing says summer quite like a road trip with family or friends. These can be as short as one day or as long as you’d like — the point is getting out of town and seeing something new. Research shows that even short getaways can do wonders for your well-being and help you be more productive and creative upon return.
Attend a Festival
Beyond being settings where you can let loose and have fun, festivals are a fantastic opportunity to convene with others who share your interests and passions (think: Renaissance fairs, Comic Con, crafting conventions), and they may even increase your connection to humanity.
Spend a Day Near a Body of Water
If you find the sight of ocean waves or the sound of falling rain soothing, you’re not alone. A growing body of research suggests spending time around water can reduce stress and lower the risk of conditions such as obesity, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. And you don’t have to travel to the coast to experience water’s healing powers: Even hanging out at a local lake, pond, or creek can provide peace and tranquility.
Volunteer
Volunteering — be it tutoring, picking up trash, or lending a hand at your local soup kitchen — can be life-changing for both the giver and recipient. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies suggest volunteers experience improved mental and physical health and increased life satisfaction, among other perks. To find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit VolunteerMatch.org or SamaritanScout.org.
Take a Class
Have you always wanted to learn to line dance, speak Japanese, play the guitar, or make the perfect risotto? Consider taking a class to pick up a new skill — research shows learning is one of the best ways to keep your brain fit and healthy.
Visit Somewhere New
Be it a local attraction or the Eiffel Tower, if there’s something you’ve been wanting to see, there’s no time like the present to make it happen. Even if you can’t swing a grand adventure, visiting a new place can have tremendous benefits for your mental health. Ask yourself: What do I want to see that I’ve been putting off?
Attend an Outdoor Play or Concert
Many communities host outdoor plays, concerts, or movies during the summer. Cinespia, a unique cinematic experience in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Forever Cemetery, is one of countless outdoor movie events put on by cities nationwide, and Shakespeare in the Park is an annual theatrical performance hosted by many communities. These events — often free or low-cost — offer the chance to enjoy the arts and time outside in tandem. We recommend grabbing your favorite blanket, packing a picnic, and attending with a friend.
Take a Digital Detox
The internet can be wonderful, but research suggests it’s helpful to take a break from time to time, even if it’s just for a day or two. One review found that, for most people, a digital detox is easier and more enjoyable than it sounds, with noteworthy health perks. Read these eight tips for using your phone more intentionally.
Make a Summer Reading List and/or Join a Book Club
Whether you’re interested in fantasy, self-help, or historical nonfiction, curling up with a good book can yield several benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and potentially even lowering the risk of dementia. Joining a book club can provide even more perks for book lovers, including an opportunity to bond with friends, forge new relationships, and expand your perspective.
Try a New Physical Activity (With Friends)
Exercise — be it hiking, swimming, pickleball, running, or yoga — is essential for overall health and well-being. And research suggests that participating in physical activities with friends can yield even more benefits, like strengthening relationships and improving performance. Plus, those post-workout smoothies taste better when they’re enjoyed with a pal.
Host a Supply Drive
From donations for your local food bank to school essentials for kids in need, a supply drive is another fantastic way to give back to your community. Sites like Donor Box have valuable resources to help you get started.
Host a Movie Night
What’s better than a backyard cinema night with friends? All that’s required are a projector, speakers, and a screen to display your favorite movie under the stars. Need some ideas on what to watch? Check out Rotten Tomatoes’ ranking of the “75 Best Summer Blockbusters of All Time.”
Start a New Hobby
Do you have a favorite hobby? If so, you know the power of these extracurricular activities — beyond being fun, they can help relieve stress, boost self-esteem, and instill a sense of purpose (that isn’t work-related). If you’ve been wanting to find a hobby or pick up a new one, check out this list of 31 ideas for inspiration.
Go Camping
Camping can not only provide a host of physical and mental health benefits, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, bond with others, and enjoy time in the great outdoors. But if you’re among those who prefer a bed to a sleeping bag, consider glamping instead.
Learn CPR
Hopefully, you’ll never have to put CPR to use, but knowing the steps could save a life. Check out this video from the American Heart Association to learn how to do hands-only CPR, or click here to find a local American Red Cross certification class.
Back Up Your Phone’s Photos
Phones have made it easier than ever to record precious moments, but without the proper backup, those priceless memories can easily be lost. Luckily, backing up your phone’s photos is simple (even if you’re not tech-savvy) with tools like iCloud, Google Photos, and Amazon Photos. Tech tip: In addition to saving your digital pics, make it your mission to delete any unwanted photos; this will ensure you have ample space to capture even more memories after summer’s end.
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