Summer is a great time to tackle a home project, get outside, and knock some items off your bucket list. Here are some ideas to add to your bucket list, full of ideas for young professionals and adults who may not get the 8–12-week summer vacation. Whether you need a combination of ideas to fill up weekend plans or a fresh idea for a summer afternoon – we’ve got you covered with these 12 activities to try.   

1. Shop The Local Farmers’ Market 

You cannot create a summer bucket list without adding a trip to the farmers’ market. As a plus, it can knock a few items off your grocery list. Get up early and hit the local farmers’ market. If you have the day, organize a group of friends or family to enjoy the market and local shops with.  

2. Go Swimming  

As summer days heat up, enjoy the sunshine near a pool of water. Consider lap swimming or just leisurely enjoying the water. If you have kids the pool can often be more work than fun. Take an afternoon to yourself to enjoy the summer sun and cool off.  

3. Write Letters To Friends And Relatives 

Summer fun doesn’t always have to cost you. Challenge yourself to hand write letters to relatives and friends you haven’t talked to in a while. You could take it a step further and send a summer postcard to catch relatives up on your family’s summer fun.  

4. Visit Your Alma Mater 

Spend the afternoon visiting your alma mater. Summer is the best time to visit because the campus will be light with students so you can cover all of your favorite spots.  

5. Learn A New Skill 

As you build your bucket list, consider planning out time to focus on learning a new skill or hobby. This could be absolutely anything you have an interest in, haven’t had time for, or truly just want to challenge yourself. Here are some ideas: 

  • Learn a new language 

  • Learn a new sport 

  • Cook a new cuisine 

  • Try a new exercise 

  • Create a scrapbook 

  • Learn to fish 

  • Take a baking class 

  • Organize a closet  

  • Tackle a home improvement/DIY project 

6. Take A Road Trip 

Take advantage of the beautiful weather to road trip to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit or sightsee - finding stops along the way. Road trips do not have to be far away, do some research, pack the car with snacks, and spend the day on the road.  

7. Volunteer  

Give back to your community or hometown this summer by spending some time volunteering. From town festivals to community betterment there are so many ways you can donate your time.  

8. Host A Barbeque  

Host a backyard barbeque for your family, friends, or neighbors. Fire up the grill and prepare the s’mores for the ultimate summer get-together.   

9. Create The Perfect “Me” Day  

With the busyness of summer, it is important to take time for yourself. Plan out a day to spend solely on whatever makes you happy or whatever you need to do to rest, relax, and revive yourself for the rest of summer. Consider trying the spa, retail therapy, cleaning, or even laying low binge-watching a new show.  

10. Run Or Walk A Race 

Get outside and get some exercise. Challenge yourself to train to finish a race or simply gather your friends and walk/run together.  

11. Discover A Hidden Gem Near You 

Sometimes the best spots can be hidden in plain sight. Try out a new restaurant, coffee shop, boutique, etc. This is a great activity to try throughout the summer to support local businesses and try out places nearby rather than traveling.  

12. Go Berry Picking 

Going berry picking in the summertime is a must. There is nothing better than fresh fruit on a hot summer's day. Once you get the berries, select some recipes to bake – fresh berry dishes are delicious!  

Summer is in full swing. Aside from planning activities for the family and kids to partake in, be sure you plan some time for yourself to have fun and enjoy the summer weather.