The idea of the “Summer Bucket List” can be extremely daunting to some or end up creating unwarranted stress when the last week of August rolls around and half of the list is still not checked off. However, these lists can be very beneficial to those looking for an adventure or even just a little fun this summer. They are also a great way to push yourself a little farther outside of your comfort zone every year. While almost anything can become a summer bucket list item, there are some standard must-adds for everyone.
1. Relaxation Day
One of the first things that likely comes to mind when you think of summer vacation is relaxation and a much needed break from the stresses of school, work, and everyday life. A relaxation day can mean a multitude of things for different people, whether it’s a day full of reading, playing video games, watching YouTube, making art, or doing self-care tasks. The most important thing about being able to check this item off your summer bucket list is doing the thing that gives you the most break from reality.
2. Movie Night
A movie night can either be done at your home or out. If you are feeling like a night at home would suit you and your companions best but are looking to elevate it, you could make it themed or have it outdoors. Themed nights can be completed with costumes and corresponding foods and outdoor movies can be done in a trampoline fort or with lawn chairs and an outdoor movie screen. If you want to have a fun night out, you can visit the local movie theater or drive-in theater.
3. No Phone or Electronics Day
Whether you are on vacation or are simply tired of having a social media addiction, having a no phone day can be a game changer for your mental health and enjoyment of your summer vacation. Having a no phone and electronics day can be made even more enjoyable when done on a particularly beautiful day so you can spend some time outdoors without the distractions of social media.
4. Learn Something New
If you are curious by nature or just find a particular topic interesting, it is always fun to research a random or selected topic to expand your knowledge. In terms of entertaining topics, famous conspiracy theories, like the moon landing and flat earth, or an in depth analysis of the British Royal Family, complete with a family tree diagram and line of succession, are the first to come to mind. However, any seemingly random topic would work well for this. At the end of your research you could even put together a presentation and give you friends and family something to think about.
5. Staycation
While a vacation and time away from home are fun and often needed from time to time, a staycation allows you to enjoy the peace and comfort of your own home. The challenging element of a staycation is needing to separate it from your other time at home and remember you are taking a break from regular chores and any stressful home projects.
6. Have a Water Fight or Play Assassin
A classic water fight should always be at the top of every summer bucket list, but if you are looking for a way to elevate a regular water fight, a game of assassin is the perfect way to do so. In a basic game of assassin, each person playing is assigned a target they need to shoot with water in any manner they see fit. When a player “assassinates” another player, they inherit that person’s target. Any other rules, such as ways to become immune from elimination and off-limits times and locations, are up to the discretion of the party playing the game.
7. Recreate a Childhood Memory
If you are feeling a bit nostalgic over summer vacation, the perfect way to remedy this is by doing your favorite childhood activities. Whether it is watching old cartoons on a Saturday morning, reading your favorite book from elementary school, or playing in a sprinkler, partaking in any activities from your younger years is a fantastic way to honor and share these memories with those close to you. If you are looking to involve the whole family, you could recreate old family photos from past summer vacation endeavors frame them side-by-side.
8. Try something new
If you are wanting to be a little more adventurous over the summer and expand your comfort zone, trying a new activity, food, recipe, or hobby is a fun way to do just that. This could range from horseback riding, to learning to tie-dye, to testing the latest strawberry shortcake recipe, to trying out embroidery. In any case, summer vacation is the perfect time to test out new things and you are sure to be left with memories to share when you see old friends again.
9. Go somewhere you’ve never been before
Another great way to expand your horizons is by visiting somewhere you have never been before. This may include new shore points, local shops, or, if you are looking for a little more adventure, a road trip to someplace new. By visiting even just one new place, you may just find your new favorite place to pass time either by yourself or with friends and family.
10. Create a Summer Scrapbook
The ultimate way to cap off summer vacation and a summer bucket list is to take on the task of creating a summer scrapbook to document all of your new memories. If you want to tie in your bucket list, you can make one scrapbook page detailing your experiences with each item you checked off your bucket list. Be sure to include room for spontaneous experiences also!
Overall, the act of creating a summer bucket list may inspire the maker to step outside of their comfort zone and be rewarded with life-lasting memories to share for years to come. When making a summer bucket list, some may find it helpful to separate the activities into categories by time required, necessary people, or location. If you decide to write your own bucket list, remember to enjoy the process and not stress if some items are not checked off when fall comes.
