Here Comes the Fun: My Summer Bucket List + Ideas for You

A vibrant orange and yellow sunrise appears behind distant hills, reflecting on a calm lake—an inspiring scene for your summer bucket list, with silhouettes of houses and fields in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Summer has officially kicked off (at least according to my calendar), and with Memorial Day in the rearview mirror, I’m easing into the season with purpose—and a plan. For me, that begins with one of my favorite traditions: making a summer bucket list.

There’s something about summer that makes everything feel a little more possible. Days stretch longer, spontaneity feels easier, and adventure is just a pair of sandals away. Whether you’re soaking up the sun close to home or venturing somewhere new, summer invites us to explore—on our terms.

Close-up of vibrant reddish-orange daisies with dark centers, surrounded by green foliage. Their gradient petals evoke fun activities and summer ideas, perfect inspiration for your summer bucket list. — Loving the vibrant summer flowers

A plastic cup of iced coffee sits on a wooden table at an outdoor cafe, with a blurred background showing shaded seating and a bicycle sign on a window—perfect for enjoying during your summer bucket list fun activities. — Trying coffee from a new spot

It helps me stay purposeful with our time and make sure summer doesn’t slip by before we’ve had a few adventures. My list isn’t about hopping on planes or ticking off new states (though yours totally could be!). It’s more about exploring close to home and enjoying what’s around us.

Here’s what’s on our list this year — I keep it in my Notes app, but this could also be the perfect excuse to test out a Google Maps list.

My Summer Bucket List

Since moving to Utah, I’ve kept a summer bucket list — and honestly, it looks pretty similar each year, with a few new ideas added as I discover them.

So don’t feel like your list has to be wildly original — it can include old favorites alongside a few fresh ideas.

The list doesn’t need to be exhaustive. It’s meant to inspire you on a weekend or weeknight when you want to do something but don’t want to brainstorm.

Mine includes plenty of Utah and Salt Lake City specific activities, but keep scrolling for ideas no matter where you are!

outdoor adventures

Take a sunrise or sunset walk 🌅
Hike a trail you’ve never done before 🥾
Try paddleboarding or kayaking 🚣‍♀️
Rent bikes and ride a local path 🚲
Visit a botanical garden 🌼
Plan a stargazing night away from city lights ✨
Take a day trip to a state park 🌲
Walk through a historic town 🏘️
Spend a day at the lake or beach 🌊
Go camping or glamping 🏕️
Pick wildflowers or press some in a journal 💐

A man wearing a cap and jeans stands on rocky ground by the edge of a small greenish river, surrounded by trees and grassy hills—perfect for summer ideas or adding to your fun activities summer bucket list under the bright, partly cloudy sky. — Dan fishing for trout at a nearby reservoir

LOCAL Exploring

Visit a new-to-you coffee shop ☕
Book a food tour (or make your own) 🍩
Go thrifting or antique shopping 🛍️
Try a rooftop restaurant or happy hour spot 🍹
Visit a summer fair or festival 🎡
Explore a new library or bookstore 📚
Check out a free museum or art exhibit 🖼️
Tour a local brewery or distillery 🍸
Attend a sporting event or outdoor concert 🏟️
Go to a local farmer’s market and plan a meal around your haul 🥗

at-home fun

Host a backyard bonfire or s’mores night 🔥
Have a porch or patio happy hour 🍷
Plan a summer recipe night (theme it!) 🍉
Try a DIY project or summer craft 🎨
Create a summer photo album 📸
Watch a summer classic movie outside 🎬
Start a garden or grow something in a pot 🌱
Put together a summer playlist 🎧
Host a game night with friends 🎲

A tabletop playing area displays a card game in progress—colorful numbered cards in rows, a score card with pencil, and a yellow deck box—perfect for fun activities or adding to your summer bucket list. — Having a game night playing PlayNine

Just For You

An e-reader displaying the cover of Say Youll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez rests on a light-colored notebook, next to a cappuccino—an inviting setup for relaxing fun activities or adding bookish moments to your summer bucket list. — Kindle and coffee all ready for a reading day

Read a book just for fun 📖
Sign up for a class or workshop ✍️
Watch the sunrise with your favorite drink ☕
Try a new workout 👟
Take yourself out to lunch 🍽️
Write postcards to friends just because 💌
Learn how to make a new summer cocktail 🍹
Revisit a childhood summer favorite 🌭
Go on a solo adventure—just for the joy of it 🗺️
Rest without guilt (yes, naps count!) 😴

Change of Scenery

Okay, okay—I’ve mostly kept these ideas close to home, but I couldn’t help myself. A few travel picks had to sneak in. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a staycation across town, or something a little farther flung, sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what summer calls for.

Plan a last-minute weekend getaway ✈️
Explore a new-to-you neighborhood 🗺️
Book a night at a local hotel 🏨
Take the scenic route home 🚗
Book a flight, plan later 🎟️
Stay somewhere with a pool 🏖️
Take a train ride for fun 🚆
Go on a no-agenda road trip 🛣️
Visit a tourist spot in your city 📸
Go somewhere you’ve only pinned before 📌

A grand, elegant restaurant with high arched ceilings, ornate gold detailing, and large murals. Plush seating surrounds modern tables, making it a perfect spot to add to your summer bucket list of fun activities. Large windows fill the space with natural light. — Visiting the refurbished train station in Salt Lake City

soak it all up

Summer doesn’t have to be elaborate to feel memorable. Sometimes all it takes is a new-to-you spot, a breezy afternoon, and a little intention to make the most of the season.

So here’s to the simple joys and serendipitous plans that turn into the best summer stories.

Cheers to a great summer! Tell me in the comments, what’s on your list this year?

With joy,

Bri

A smiling man and woman take a close-up selfie outdoors by a river, surrounded by lush green trees—capturing fun activities for their summer bucket list. The man has a beard, black cap, and gray T-shirt; the woman wears a light jacket.

Looking for activity ideas during your travels?

I love Get Your Guide for booking tours, excursions, and unique experiences. It’s one of my favorite resources to make sure we don’t miss out on any adventures while we’re traveling!