38 Awesome Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens
Alright, summer is almost here, and if you’re a teenager, you’re probably on the hunt for summer bucket list ideas for teens. From grabbing ice cream to hanging out at the arcade, there are so many fun things you can do to make this summer unforgettable. To help you plan an epic summer, I’ve put together this list of 38 ideas to add to your summer bucket list.
Before we get started, it’s important to remember that this bucket list is yours. While I’m sharing general ideas, you should feel free to personalize it and include things you are genuinely excited about. Don’t just add something because it looks cool or popular. Choose activities that actually interest you and make you happy.
And once you make it through these 38 ideas; I also have another post with even more summer bucket list ideas if you want extra inspiration.
CHECK OUT: 61 Fantastic Ideas For Your Summer Bucket List
Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens
1. Arcade
Whether you’re 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 years old, the arcade is a great activity to add to your summer bucket list. Even now as an adult, I still love going to the arcade. Playing different games. And stopping by the prize counter to redeem my small stack of tickets for candy. It honestly feels like such a fun reward.
So if you have an arcade nearby, talk with your parents, invite some friends, and plan a trip to the arcade this summer.
2. Rollerskating
Another great place to go and hang out with friends is at a roller skating rink. If you don’t have a rollerskating rink nearby but you do have your own skates, you can head to a park and skate there instead.
3. Get Slushies
Getting slushies is another awesome summer bucket list idea for teens. You can grab one by yourself or go with friends/family.
Personally, I love getting slushies, especially the blueberry and cherry flavor combination.
4. Eat Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt
Another frozen treat to help you stay cool this summer, is eating ice cream or frozen yogurt. I love ice cream. But I loveee frozen yogurt even more, because of how I’m able to customize it with different toppings.
My local froyo spot has amazing options like: mini Oreos, sour gummy worms, and popping pearl boba, so my cup is usually loaded with lots of toppings.
5. Paint Your Nails
Whether you’re going to the nail salon or doing your nails at home, painting your nails is another idea for your bucket list. I remember when I was a teenager, I was obsessed with nail design tutorials on YouTube.
6. Make a Summer Playlist
Create a summer playlist and fill it with some of your favorite songs and a few summer themed ones.
7. Make a Candy Salad
If you’ve never heard of a candy salad, it’s basically the same idea as a regular salad but made entirely of candy.
Instead of lettuce and veggies, you mix together different candies you love. You can grab things like gummy bears, sour gummy worms, M&Ms, Skittles, Nerds clusters, or whatever your favorites are, and pour them into one big bowl. And just like that, you have a candy salad.
This is a great movie night snack or anytime you just want something fun to munch on. Just make sure to brush and floss really well after, since it’s definitely a super sweet treat.
8. Make Lemonade
If someone asked me what the most iconic summer drink is, my first answer would be lemonade.
That’s why making lemonade is a must when it comes to your summer bucket list. All you need is water, sugar, and lemons, and you have everything you need to make a sweet and delicious drink.
9. Have a Game Night With Friends
Talk with your parents and see if you can invite some friends over for a game night. You can play card games, board games, or even create your own DIY trivia games. And if you’re looking for a fun option, check out the link below for a summer this or that game that’s perfect to play with friends.
CHECK OUT: 100 Summer This Or That Questions
10. Take Pictures at the Beach
If you’re heading to the beach this summer, definitely add taking pictures to your list of things to do.
Whether you’re snapping silly photos, casual shots, or doing some more serious posing; it’s a beautiful way to capture your time at the beach and soak in those summer vibes.
11. Visit a Strawberry Farm
Another place you can talk to your parents about visiting is a strawberry farm, especially if you have one nearby.
Along with picking your own strawberries, you get to bring them home and enjoy them as is or use them in a simple and delicious recipe. Just make sure to wash the strawberries really well with vinegar or baking soda and pat them dry before eating.
12. Build Legos
If you’re looking for something to do at home, grab a Lego set and challenge yourself to build some cool things. From flowers to buildings, Lego has so many cool options now beyond the classic sets.
13. Complete a 1,000 Piece Puzzle
Whether it’s a 100, 500, or 1,000 piece puzzle, take up the challenge of completing a puzzle this summer.
This is a great activity if you want to reduce screen time and take a break from scrolling or watching TV. You can work on the puzzle by yourself, or turn it into a fun activity with friends or family.
14. Hang out With Your Friends
When I think of summer break, thoughts of relaxation and hanging out with loved ones comes to mind.
Whether you’re hanging out at the library; at a park; or at your friend’s house; enjoy spending time with others before life gets busy again with back to school season.
15. Go to Summer Camp
If your parents are sending you to summer camp, take advantage of it and enjoy the time and memories you’ll make.
Fun Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens
16. Volunteer
As someone who loves volunteering at my church; I can truly say, that there are so many benefits to volunteering. And not just for yourself but also for the people and community that you’re serving.
As a teen, summer is one of the best times to volunteer because many places are looking for extra help. It’s also a great opportunity, especially if you’re in high school, to start earning the volunteer hours that may be required for graduation.
From helping at a local library; to volunteering at your church; or even organizing something on your own, like a beach or neighborhood cleanup; volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to your community and help others.
17. Clean
Along the topic of serving others, consider adding cleaning to your summer bucket list.
Helping your parents clean and organize the house can make a big difference. Especially, if they’re busy with work and don’t always have time to tidy up.
You can step up by cleaning the bathroom, helping in the kitchen, or organizing the pantry and other areas around the house.
18. Jump Rope
If you’re looking for something that you can do in your front yard, backyard, or at a park, do some jump ropes. It’s a good way to stay active. And you can find jump ropes for cheap at places like Walmart, Amazon, or even Five Below.
19. Try a New Hairstyle
From a fishtail braid to a curly hairstyle, look up some hairstyles that you want to try and recreate them on your hair. You never know, you might find a new favorite hairstyle.
20. Make a Summer Snack
If you don’t know how to cook yet, don’t worry. There are so many delicious and easy summer snacks that you can make.
From putting together a yogurt bowl to making chocolate covered strawberries; look up some easy summer snack recipes and have fun recreating them at home.
21. Get a Summer Job
During the summer, many clothing stores and restaurants look for seasonal workers. If you’re old enough, you can look into different companies that are hiring and apply for a summer job.
22. Read a Book or Two
I’m always up for a good book. Especially, a great fiction story where I can get lost in the plot and completely forget how much time has passed.
That’s why I always recommend reading, especially during the summer. It helps keep your brain sharp. And makes the transition back to school easier, when it comes time to start reading and studying again. The best part is that there are so many different genres, both fiction and non fiction, so you can easily find something that truly interests you.
23. Have a Reset Day
Have a reset day where you take time to refresh your life and your space. Tidy up your room, take a nice long shower, do your hair, organize things on your phone or computer, and just reset yourself and everything around you.
24. Do a Room Makeover
If you’ve been wanting to switch up your room, summer is a great time for a room makeover. You can paint or get new furniture, but you definitely don’t have to do anything that big.
You can easily refresh your space by rearranging your bed, making some DIY art to hang on the walls, or even just changing your bedsheets.
25. Eat Funnel Cake
If you’re heading to a fair this summer, add funnel cake to your food bucket list. When I think of the fair, I immediately think of those classic treats like funnel cake, fried Oreos, and lemonade. But if funnel cake isn’t your thing, add whatever fair food you’re most excited to try, to your food bucket list.
26. Dance in the Rain
Summer often brings summer showers, and a nostalgic activity that you can add to your list is dancing in the rain.
Think about it… when was the last time you played or danced in the rain? It feels so carefree and childlike. Just be mindful of safety: if there’s a heavy storm with lightning or thunder, stay inside. But if it’s a light, gentle shower, go outside, dance, and just have fun being completely carefree.
27. Blow Bubbles
On the topic of being a kid again and letting your inner child out, grab some bubbles and have fun blowing it. You can find really cheap bubbles at places like Dollar Tree for less than $2.
28. Help Cook Dinner
On a night when your parents are making dinner, offer to help. You can chop ingredients, mix sauces, or even help set the table.
29. Collect Seashells
Are you headed to the beach this summer? If so, add collecting seashells to your beach bucket list. This is one of my favorite things to do at the beach because it gives me a reason to walk up and down the shore. Plus, I get to take home a little souvenir from my day at the beach.
30. Build a Sandcastle
Another beach activity that will bring out your inner child is building a sandcastle. Grab a few plastic sand buckets, head to the beach, and challenge yourself to create the ultimate sandcastle. You can even decorate it with some of the seashells you’ve collected.
Best Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens
31. Watch the Sunrise
Wake up early one morning and watch the sun rise.
CHECK OUT: 61 Fantastic Ideas For Your Summer Bucket List
32. Create a Summer Movie List
Make a list of movies or TV shows you want to watch this summer.
33. Learn Something New
From learning Spanish to learning how to bake or even learning how to sew; one of my fav summer bucket list ideas for teens is to “learn something new”.
CHECK OUT: 26 Girly Hobbies You’ll Totally Want To Start Right Now
34. Go Bowling
Go bowling and have fun playing a few rounds, and trying to get a strike or two.
35. Build a Flower Bouquet
Talk with your parents, and see if you can pick out some flowers at the grocery store. My local Trader Joe’s sells both premade bouquets and individual flowers. And it’s easily my favorite section of the store to visit. I love picking out a few different flowers, bringing them home, and arranging my own bouquet.
36. Visit an Escape Room
Going to an escape room with a few friends or family members is another idea for your list. It encourages critical thinking and teamwork as you work together to solve the clues and complete the challenge to escape.
37. Visit a Museum
From art to science, if you have a museum nearby, add it to your summer bucket list and plan a visit.
38. Have a Glow up Day
Last but not least, have a self proclaimed glow up day. On this day, you can do your nails, style your hair, and even try on different clothes from your closet to put together cute outfits. The idea is to have fun and give yourself a little glow up using the things you already have.
