27 Weekend Friendly Summer Bucket List Ideas for Adults
One of the small challenges of adulthood, (especially when you are working) is finding ways to add little pockets of fun into your day to day life. Especially during the summer. When it comes to creating a summer bucket list; you probably don’t have a lot of extra time between work, family, friends, and everyday responsibilities. Which is why I’ve compiled this list of summer bucket list ideas for adults.
How to Create a Summer Bucket List for Adults
Being a young adult is such an interesting season of life. You might be in school or just starting your career, which means you are balancing adult responsibilities while still wanting to do fun, carefree, childlike things.
When we were younger, creating a summer bucket list felt easy. Now, with more responsibilities and less free time, it can feel hard or even impossible to make one. I am here to tell you that you can still create a fun and realistic bucket list.
When it comes to creating a summer bucket list for adults, the key is to maximize your weekends, especially if you’re busy during the week with work or summer classes.
Below are some general bucket list ideas you can use as a starting point. Be sure to personalize your list based on your interests and what you truly want to do this summer. Add restaurants you want to try, local events you want to attend, and anything else that makes your bucket list uniquely yours.
Summer Bucket List Ideas for Adults
1. Go on a Weekend Trip
The first idea for your summer bucket list, is to go on a weekend trip. You might not have time for a week-long vacation. But, you can probably sneak in a weekend trip to a nearby city or town, that can feel just as adventurous and relaxing.
And if you’re driving somewhere close, you can save money by skipping flights. And you can save even more money, if you turn this into a one day trip. (No need for a hotel). Within your travel itinerary, spend the day exploring local attractions, trying new restaurants, and seeing what the city has to offer.
2. Go to the Beach
Pack your sunscreen and beach towels and spend a day at the beach. Since it is the weekend, you may want to go early in the morning, to secure a good spot. So bring a book, some snacks, and soak up the sun while relaxing by the water.
3. Host a Summer Party
Whether you’re hosting a game night; planning a dinner party; or doing a quirky party theme like a Christmas in July; tap into your hostess era and throw a summer party.
4. Summer Dinner Party
On the topic of summer dinner parties, a great way to spice them up, is by picking one ingredient and using it as the foundation for your dinner.
For example, summer is peak strawberry season. So you can get creative and create a strawberry themed menu, such as:
- Salmon with a strawberry and mango salsa
- Spinach and strawberry salad
- Strawberry shortcake
- Strawberry lemonade
Also, you don’t have to stick to just strawberries. You can do an orange theme, tomatoes, corn, or whatever seasonal ingredient that you would like.
5. Do Some Summer Cleaning
If you did not get around to doing spring cleaning; summer is a great time to open the windows, bring out the cleaning supplies, and reset your home with a deep clean.
And if you’re up to date with your deep cleaning, you can use the summer season to tidy up and organize your space. This is also a great time to put away some of your spring and winter wardrobe and bring out your summer clothes and decorations.
6. Go to a Local Event
During the summer, there are so many events and weekend activities happening. So check your city’s local directory to see what events are happening near you.
7. Read at Least One Book
Let’s be honest, when was the last time you actually read a book? Not listening to an audiobook, but opening a book or your reading app and reading it yourself?
If it’s been a while, you are not alone. Use the summertime to start slow and set a simple goal to read at least one book. It could be anything from personal development to fiction books; but all that matters is that it’s interesting to you.
CHECK OUT: How To Cultivate A Love For Reading In A Brain Rotting Era
8. Start a Book Club
There is power in community! If you have friends/family who have also expressed interest in reading, you can start a small book club together and hold each other accountable.
You can read the same or different books. If you’re reading the same book, a great way to end the reading; is to come together at the end and talk about the book.
And who knows, this book club could turn into something long term, where you pick a new book and continue to read together.
9. Go Out for Brunch
There’s something about walking into a brunch spot and smelling fresh eggs, bacon, and pancakes that instantly sets the mood.
Brunch is such a classic and chill weekend activity. Whether it‘s a Saturday or Sunday morning brunch, enjoy being out with others while starting your day on a delicious note.
10. Get a Summer Manicure
If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your look this summer, get a manicure. It could be something as simple as painting your nails a solid color or going with a summer themed design.
Fun Summer Bucket List Ideas for Adults
11. Buy Fresh Flowers
If you’re like me, then you know the power of having fresh flowers in your home. There’s just something about walking past the dining table and seeing fresh flowers that instantly brightens my mood.
So if you’re in the same boat, buy some fresh flowers this summer. You can buy a premade bouquet. Or pick out individual flowers and bring them home to create your own bouquet.
12. Go to the Movie Theater
From Toy Story 5 to the new Spider Man movie, this year’s summer movie lineup is a-ma-zing.
If there’s a movie coming out that you’ve been anticipating, or one that catches your attention; head to the theater and watch it on the big screen.
You can also take advantage of the weekend by having at home movie nights.
13. Make a Summer Recipe
From barbecue chicken to desserts, there are so many summer themed recipes you can find online. Do some browsing, see what catches your eye, and try to recreate it at home.
CHECK OUT: 61 Fantastic Ideas For Your Summer Bucket List
14. Go on a Nature Walk
Put on your sneakers and go on a nature walk. If you have parks nearby, take some time on the weekend to enjoy walking and soaking in the natural surroundings.
15. Have a Do Nothing Day
In the midst of trying to jam pack your summer with fun activities; I highly recommend adding a “do nothing day” to your bucket list.
This is a day where you sleep in, eat, go back to bed or lay on the couch, watch TV, and truly rest. Skip the cleaning, errands, and responsibilities, and just stay home, relax, and give your body a chance to fully recharge.
16. Get a Massage
One of my good friends is a Groupon connoisseur and is always checking the website for good massage deals.
If you love massages or are looking for a way to relax and rejuvenate; book a massage this summer and treat yourself to some intentional self care.
17. Start a Small Garden
Whether you’re starting from scratch with seeds or buying pre potted flowers or herbs, start a small garden this summer.
For me, I can’t wait to take care of a parsley plant this summer. So that I can have lots of leaves available for some of my recipes.
18. Visit a Farmers Market
With warmer weather and an abundance of fresh and in-season fruits, visiting a farmers market is another great summer activity.
You can pick up some fresh fruits and veggies. Or take advantage of the artisanal items many vendors sell, like baked goods and handmade arts and crafts.
19. Try a New Restaurant
If a new restaurant just opened in town or you’re wanting to try something different, add a new restaurant to your summer bucket list and plan a visit.
20. Take a Workout Class
If your gym membership includes workout classes, take advantage of them and try a class this summer. A friend of mine uses her gym benefits to the max. And constantly raves about how much she loves the Zumba and cycling classes offered through her membership.
Another option, is starting a workout challenge on YouTube. And following along with the creator’s workouts to stay active this summer.
Creative Summer Bucket List Ideas for Adults
21. Do an Outdoor Activity
If you live in a state that experiences all four seasons, then you know how important it is to soak up the sunshine before the colder weather comes.
This summer, make it a point to do more outdoor activities and enjoy the extra daylight. Since fall and winter usually mean spending more time indoors, summer is the perfect time to get outside. Try activities like swimming in a pool, playing tennis or pickleball, or going fishing, and soak up some much needed vitamin D.
22. Relax at the Park
Speaking of spending time outdoors, spend a day at the park where you can simply relax.
Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy a picnic. If you have dogs, bring them along so they can enjoy it too.
CHECK OUT: What To Bring To A Picnic
23. Volunteer
I always love adding volunteering to a bucket list. It’s one of those things that takes you outside of yourself and helps you think about how you can serve others.
If you’re wanting to volunteer, summer is a great time to start. You can partner with local organizations. Or create your own volunteer initiative like cleaning up a neighborhood. You can also volunteer at your church or help out at a retirement community.
24. Do Something Nice for Someone
On the topic of serving others, consider adding doing something nice for someone to your list.
This can be something simple like baking cookies, buying someone flowers, or helping with groceries. It can also be a free gesture, such as helping them clean or tidy up their home.
25. Challenge Yourself to a Day of No Social Media
Challenge yourself to a day of no social media as a way to digitally detox. Use that time to focus on a hobby, do some cleaning, or enjoy activities that are completely non digital.
CHECK OUT: 26 Girly Hobbies You’ll Totally Want To Start Right Now
26. Eat Breakfast for Dinner
From eating cereal while watching a movie to making a full breakfast spread, have breakfast for dinner.
Afterward, do something cozy like watching a show or movie. Or invite others over and turn it into a breakfast for dinner night with games.
27. Drop Off Donations
If you’ve been organizing and decluttering, you may have a pile of items you’ve been meaning to donate.
And that bag often ends up sitting in a corner of your home or in your car for weeks. (Raising my hand because I’m guilty of this). So, use the summertime as a chance to finally drop them off at a donation center.
