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A summer bucket list can offer a wealth of exciting and relaxing activities to indulge in. From the tranquil shores of the beach to the thrilling adventures of an amusement park, there are endless opportunities to create unforgettable experiences.
Whether it’s swimming to beat the summer heat, picking fresh fruits at a local orchard, or gathering around a crackling campfire to make delicious s’mores, the summer beckons with loads of delightful experiences.
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Simple Summer Bucket List Ideas to Try Now
What should I do all summer? Summer is a time for relaxation and fun-filled activities. Embrace the warmth of the sun and explore the abundance of the season with these 25 activities will help you make the most of this joyous season.
1. Hit the beach
Enjoy a day of ultimate relaxation under the swaying coconut trees. Sink your toes into the soft sand, breathe in the invigorating salty air, and embrace the perfect beach day. Consider exploring a variety of East Coast beach destinations in the U.D. for new and exciting experiences.
2. Get ice cream
On a scorching hot day, treat yourself to a delightful ice cream cone that not only cools you down but also brings a smile to your face. Indulge in your favorite flavor or try something new from a selection of delicious options.
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3. Have a picnic
Embrace the charm of outdoor dining by packing a lovely picnic basket and heading to the park. Spread out your blanket and savor a delicious meal surrounded by the beauty of nature, making the most of a relaxing outdoor experience.
4. Find time to camp
Escape to the great outdoors by going camping and immersing yourself in the natural world. Set up camp, take in the breathtaking surroundings, and relish the tranquility that only nature can provide.
5. Go swimming
Take a refreshing swim to cool off from the summer heat. Whether in a pool, lake, or ocean, swimming offers a welcome respite from the warm weather.
6. Pick fresh fruit
Head to a local orchard or farm to pick fresh fruits and enjoy the satisfaction of hand-picking ripe and juicy produce. Moreover, create a memorable and rewarding experience.
7. Make s’mores
Gather around a campfire and make delicious s’mores by roasting marshmallows to golden perfection for a delightful fireside treat. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and camaraderie of the gathering too.
8. Head to an amusement park
Immerse yourself in a world of thrilling rides and captivating attractions at an amusement park for a day filled with fun and entertainment. Furthermore, create lasting memories as you experience the excitement and joy of the park’s offerings.
9. Head to a baseball game
Catch a baseball game at a local stadium or explore various baseball venues to immerse yourself in the energy of the game. Also, soak in the atmosphere and excitement as you cheer on your favorite team.
10. Look for fireflies
Experience the enchanting sight of fireflies lighting up the summer nights with their magical glow. Additionally, reveling in the captivating display of nature’s beauty.
11. Make tie-dye
Tie-dyeing has recently become popular again, as more people are interested in recycling and sustainable practices. Also, with tie-dye kits readily available, it has become an accessible and enjoyable craft for all ages.
12. Go biking
Exploring the outdoors on a bike offers a wonderful way to cover long distances while enjoying the scenery and fresh air. Whether it’s a leisurely ride around your neighborhood or an adventurous mountain biking expedition, cycling provides a sense of freedom and tranquility.
13. Try hiking
Hiking is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature and experience the great outdoors. Whether you’re trekking through scenic trails in a national park or exploring local nature reserves, hiking offers an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the natural world.
14. Find a drive-in
A visit to a drive-in theater provides a unique and nostalgic way to enjoy movies while embracing the beauty of the outdoors. The experience of watching a film under the open sky, surrounded by the tranquility of the evening and the warmth of your vehicle, creates a memorable and relaxing atmosphere.
15. Participate in a walk-a-thon
Joining a walk-a-thon is a wonderful way to support a charitable cause while engaging in a healthy and invigorating activity. I try to do one a year. By participating in a walk-a-thon, you not only contribute to a meaningful cause through fundraising but also promote personal wellness by engaging in physical exercise.
16. Run a race
Participating in a race, whether it’s a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon, is an exhilarating and inspiring challenge. The sense of accomplishment and empowerment that comes with crossing the finish line after dedicated training and hard work is truly remarkable.
17. See the sunset
Watching the sunset is an awe-inspiring and peaceful experience that allows you to witness the beauty of nature in its most captivating form. Whether you’re by the beach, atop a hill, or simply gazing from your backyard, the sunset offers a moment of reflection and wonder that is truly beautiful.
18. Watch the sunrise
Embracing the tranquility and beauty of a sunrise is a remarkable way to start your day with a sense of renewal and optimism. Additionally, welcoming the first rays of sunlight as they paint the sky with soft hues of pink and orange can be a reflective and serene experience.
19. Go on a boat
Venturing out on a boat or ferry is a delightful way to enjoy the serenity of being on the water while taking in picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. If you don’t get sea sick, it’s a must-do summer bucket list idea, for sure!
20. Attend outdoor events
Attending outdoor events such as music festivals, art fairs, and cultural gatherings provides a dynamic and engaging way to connect with the community while enjoying the splendor of the outdoors. From live performances and interactive exhibits to culinary delights and artisanal showcases, outdoor events offer a diverse range of entertainment and leisure activities.
21. Make lemonade
There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of homemade lemonade on a hot summer day. Whether you prefer classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade, or a hint of mint, finding a recipe that suits your taste is the first step.
22. Go to a bonfire
Gathering around a crackling bonfire with friends and family is a timeless and enchanting way to spend a summer evening. Additionally, the warm glow of the fire creates a cozy and inviting ambiance, providing the perfect backdrop for storytelling, singing songs, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
23. Relax in a hammock
Not all summer bucket list ideas have to be active! Whether suspended between two trees in your backyard or overlooking a scenic vista, a hammock offers a serene and peaceful retreat.
24. Stay in a treehouse
Staying in a treehouse provides a whimsical and enchanting escape that appeals to both children and adults. Whether nestled among the leafy branches of a forest or perched high in a secluded location, a treehouse offers a distinctive retreat from everyday life.
25. Watch fireworks
Gazing at a colorful fireworks display with friends or family against the backdrop of the night sky is an exhilarating and enchanting experience. Furthermore, the vibrant bursts of light and sound create a spectacle that ignites a sense of awe and wonder.
Conclusion
A summer bucket list is about relaxation and fun-filled activities. Whether it’s basking at the beach, enjoying ice cream, having a picnic, camping, or swimming, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the warmth of the sun and explore the abundance of the season by picking fresh fruits, and gathering around a crackling campfire. These activities will help you make the most of this joyous season. If you’re looking for a book to help you afford going away more often, check out The Everyday Bucket List Book here.
25 Must-Do Summer Bucket List Ideas Before The Season Flies By
[0:00] Welcome to the Everyday Bucket List podcast. Get ideas, tips, and inspiration from locals, subject matter experts, and yours truly to pursue travel goals and other bucket list ideas, both big and small. I know I was trying to go to Yankee Stadium last year and that fell through.
[0:20] I actually ended up getting sick, but my husband and I, one thing we didn't know, there's actually a train that has a stop exactly at Yankee Stadium, and I didn't even know that existed. I'm embarrassed. I live in Connecticut.
New York is only two hours away. I literally thought I was going to have to get off, navigate the subways. I don't know my way around the Bronx.
[0:42] You're listening to the Everyday Bucket List podcast. Please fasten your seatbelts, and no matter where you're going or how you're getting there, put your phone on airplane mode because free time should never be interrupted. Hey, everyone.
We are so happy to be back. Once again, we're happy that you are back with us. It's me, Karen Cordova, your host and author of the Everyday Bucket List book.
Whether you are new to the show or a listener that is returning, thank you so much for showing up. If you haven't already booked up your whole summer and you need some things to do, check out this list of 25 must-do bucket list items. Plus, I'll inject a recent bucket list adventure that has been on my list forever, and whether you're looking for a new challenge or want to revisit some old classics, I've got you covered with this list.
[1:37] It has something for everyone. With this in mind, I'm sure that completing any of these ideas can give you a sense of satisfaction and joy. So, number one, why not go to the beach? Whether you revisit the same one every season, you just want to make sure that you go or you can check out a different beach this year.
If you don't have one in your area, maybe you fly somewhere for an inexpensive vacation. I think it's one of those must-do things in the summer. It's a great place to relax, walk around, put your feet in the sand, collect shells.
I recently looked up a list of beaches that are on the east coast of the United States. I'm looking to explore an area that's not too far away. There's a great list of beaches that are very affordable, and the title of the article is 10 Cheap East Coast Beach Vacations.
So, whether you want to go all the way to Florida, there's something called Pompano Beach. It's actually near Palm Beach in Miami, but it's a less expensive family getaway. There's three miles of beach.
You can have a picnic. There's actually an outdoor gym, a children's fountain, a playground. So, there is a little bit for everyone.
We've all heard of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. That's a fun spot to visit. There's also, I believe it's pronounced Wareham, Massachusetts.
It's near the Cape, but it's more affordable than actually being on the Cape. And it's a spot where you could build sandcastles on the shore of Buzzards Bay at Onset Beach. And it's actually a historic Victorian community.
So, if you like the way those houses look, it's a fun place to shop and poke around the area. If you go in the fall, you can actually see a cranberry bog. You can get a tour.
There's also what looks like a more low-key spot in Delaware. It's a popular family destination. There's no entrance fee.
There's a two-mile boardwalk. You can stroll up and down. People watch.
There's tax-free shopping. And like many boardwalks, it's like a carnival-style thing where there's rides and restaurants. And it's a lot of fun.
And the beach is usually right there. It's in Rehoboth, Delaware. And there are many other places mentioned that are sprinkled along the east coast throughout the United States.
They also mentioned Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, Algonquet, Maine. I believe it's called Tyvee Island in Georgia, Cocoa Beach in Florida, and also Carolina Beach in North Carolina. If you're in another country, maybe you seek out a beach out your way.
And I love to find hidden gems. So if you want to take a peek at that article, you can definitely get more information. And another thing I think of in summertime is ice cream.
So whether it's that ice cream shop that you absolutely love and you want to go back, maybe this year you try a different flavor. Or maybe every time you go back, you try another flavor. Maybe you try the whole menu, depending on how much ice cream you like to have.
Or maybe you visit a bunch of different ice cream shops in your area. I did that one summer in my own state. That could be a lot of fun.
You could even make ice cream if you know how to do that. Or just look up a recipe. That could be a fun thing to try.
And also, when you think of summer, you think of picnics. Get a little basket. Throw in things that maybe you would put on a charcuterie board, like some olives and cheese and wine.
That would be really nice to just sit outside and eat. It's a fun time to have different people bring things. Or maybe there's one person who just has all the great stuff.
That could be very enjoyable. Also, go camping. Swim, whether it's an ocean, lake, or pool.
I don't feel right if I don't go in a pool in the summertime. That was something I always did as a kid. So to me, it doesn't officially feel like summer if I don't get to do that.
[5:48 - 6:42]
Another thing that we may overlook is picking fruit. It's so much fun. I think of that as relaxing as well, whether it's strawberries, raspberries, blueberries.
You can also pick peaches. It depends on your area and what is available, depending on the weather. That could be a lot of fun.
Many times, they have recipes that are very simple. You can make things at home. If all else fails, you can always make a smoothie.
There's nothing like some fresh fruit. Another classic, simple thing to do is to make s'mores. Just those marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
There's always other unique recipes if you want to switch it up a little bit. You could try to go on Pinterest or just look on the internet if you want to have some alternative options. Another thing when you think of summer is going to an amusement park.
[6:42 - 11:18]
The last episode, we covered a bunch of affordable options. If you think Disney is just a little too much and it's getting a little too pricey, there are other places you can visit. Another option is to see a baseball game, whether it's just local sports in your town or if you have a minor league team, a major league team.
I think that's an epic summer thing to do. It's just fun to be outside, root for the team, talk to people, get some ballpark food. If you're in an area where there's other things to do, that's fun as well.
I know I was trying to go to Yankee Stadium last year and that fell through. I actually ended up getting sick. But my husband and I, one thing we didn't know, there's actually a train that has a stop exactly at Yankee Stadium.
I didn't even know that existed. I'm embarrassed. I live in Connecticut.
New York is only two hours away. I literally thought I was going to have to get off, navigate the subways. I don't know my way around the Bronx.
It's nice that we found this out. You just have to make sure, I believe it's called the Yankee Clipper, but it's something to investigate if you want to hop on a train versus, like I said, the subway or a car. I'm not big on driving around New York.
Some people are fine with it, but I like idea of just getting off. When the game is over, the train is still available for people to hop back on. Like I said, I would be going back to Connecticut, but it would have stops in other parts of New York if you want that option.
Be sure to research the Yankee Clipper train in advance. It's only available at certain times. Like anything, it could be subject to change, so make sure you get all the details.
Another simple idea is to look for fireflies. I believe these are also called lightning bugs. I remember we used to catch them in a bottle.
It was so much fun. Even if you just see them at night, that could be very exciting. You just have to know where to go and where they like to hang out.
Another great thing when I think of the summer is making tie-dye t-shirts. I know when my daughter played volleyball, it was like a team bonding thing where they all made t-shirts in somebody's backyard. Tie-dye can be a lot of fun.
If you have patience, you can put all those rubber bands on the shirt and get involved with all the dye and everything like that. Obviously, you want to do that outside, so you don't have to worry about the mess it's going to make, but that is definitely a lot of fun. You have something to wear.
Another everyday thing that is a lot of fun to do in the summer is to go biking or even hiking, camping, all those outdoor things. You get exercise, you connect with nature. It's a lot of fun.
One idea that I've mentioned before that maybe you want to get a jump on early in the season is to try to visit a drive-in. I mentioned this before. I think every single time we've tried to go, it was later in the summer.
Then you run out of options. What day are you available? What is the availability of the drive-in? It's more limited, obviously, if you look later, but I'm just starting to see the range in my area. Some drive-ins will have classic kid movies like Frozen or Monsters, Inc.
It is like a family fun night, but then there's also places that have other types of movies like classics like Grease, where you could even see a new movie. I think you pay probably the same movie rate. They're all different.
Sometimes you pay per car. I believe you might even have to pay per person. Different places will charge differently, but I believe the newer movies you're going to pay a bigger price.
It would be so cool to see Tom Cruise's new movie at the drive-in. I know we also have Star Wars coming up. When you think about it, I was lucky to see that when it first came out at the movie theater, but to also see it at home and then you get to see it at the drive-in.
I'm like, okay, this would be another cool thing to do. As I mentioned before, getting exercise is a lot of fun, but if you want to do that in a more organized fashion and make it a goal-oriented thing, you could do a walk-a-thon or some sort of race, a 5K, a half marathon, whatever it is that you feel like you could physically do. That would be a great accomplishment.
[11:19 - 12:59]
I know my husband was very into triathlons when he was in his 20s. Learning how to swim, bike, and run to try to complete that is a lot of work, but hey, why not? If you think you could do it and you're up for the challenge, summer is a great time to do that. Now, another simple idea that you can include into everyday life is to try to see the sunset.
Whether you're just in your neighborhood and you watch the sun go down, you could catch it that way, or if it's something where you know that there's this great spot, maybe there's benches or it's by a park or a beach, you can watch the sun go down. If you're lucky, you could get great photos of it. That is always a fun thing to do.
The sunset always takes center stage, but why not also see the sunrise? If you're okay with getting up early, why not do that? If you happen to already be up, or if you could force yourself to get up early, I joke that I really used to be an early riser, and for whatever reason, I find it very hard now, so I can relate now to people who were never able to get up early, but like I said, if that sounds like fun to you, you can see the sunrise. Also, try to go on a boat. If you don't have a boat or if you don't know someone who would let you on their boat, maybe you could catch a ferry or take a mini cruise.
I mentioned in another episode in Rhode Island, they have a variety of ways that you can go on a boat, whether you're with the public or you rent something privately. It could be a lot of fun, and it's just one of those summertime things. Do it while you can, while it's warm, and before summer is over.
[12:59 - 13:23]
If you're into outdoor events, I used to attend a lot of concerts that were outside, and I want to say, I think I saw REM with Radiohead back in the day, and it was really awesome to have a seat on the lawn. Now that I'm older, I can't necessarily say I like that. I like more structure, and I like to have a chair and feel like, okay, this is my ticket.
[13:24 - 14:54]
Whether you're in a pandemic or not, I really don't like having people that close to me. Boundaries. But anyway, I really want to see Bill Burr.
By the time this publishes, he'll probably already have been there, but he had lawn seats in New Jersey that were only $25 to $35. So a lot of the comedians, what's nice is they'll have a wide range of price points where if you want to be super close up, they might be a few hundred dollars. Obviously, the further out you go, they're going to be cheaper, but to catch something for $25 to $35, that's really nice that they even have that price point for somebody like Bill Burr, who's so big, and it's really nice, especially for people who want to do stuff on a budget, and you still get to be there, and they're on the big screen, and you're there live.
So check out something like that. Another simple idea is to make lemonade. Just try to find a good recipe.
I've made it so many times that now sometimes I cheat a lot, and I'll just get a single glass, and I'll just squeeze a few lemons and add some sugar and water, and I just see how it tastes and just keep playing around with it until I think it tastes really good. So that's a lot of fun, whether you bust out a pitcher and serve it to your friends, or it's just something like, hey, it's summer. I want some good lemonade.
It's always refreshing. And another idea that I think of in the summer is to go to a bonfire, whether you make a bonfire or attend a bonfire. It's just a lot of fun.
[14:54 - 18:04]
Anytime you could be by a fire, obviously in a safe way, you want to make sure there are adults there who know what they are doing. If there's any kids listening, you don't want to do this on your own, but that could be very relaxing and a lot of fun. And by the time you're finished with half of these ideas, you're probably going to want to sit in a hammock.
That is an epic summer thing to do. Very relaxing, very simple. And I know I had a guest on out of Boston that she brings her hammock to different places.
She even brought it to a certain part of Boston and she just pulls it out when she wants to have her hammock. And that's a really cool idea if you can bring that places. And another idea that I mentioned that I think would be cool to do in the summer is to sleep in a tree house.
It's super popular. I mentioned that last time, but I thought it would be very cool for a summer bucket list and that could appeal to anyone, kids or adults. So that's to check out through Airbnb.
And I wanted to go out with a bang for this last idea. So why not try to catch some sort of fireworks throughout the summer? It's always a lot of fun to just relax. It's nighttime and to see those bursts of color in the air.
I'm someone who will stay in the car. I'm lucky that on the 4th of July, there's fireworks in my neighborhood and I literally walked from my house, but it doesn't always have to be for a holiday. Sometimes if people are able to do like a backyard party, if it's allowed in a neighborhood or in your area, and obviously you want that to be done in a safe way.
So those are my 25 bucket list ideas, but I just wanted to tell you about a recent adventure. And this is like a bonus tip because sometimes people only have vacation in the summer. And this might be that time where you do that epic bucket list thing, even though it's not necessarily a summer thing, but I love going to live TV shows.
And I was able to recently go to the view and see Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and the other members of the panel live. It was a little surreal, similar to me seeing Chris Rock. I was like, I can't believe I'm here.
I love this show. I've been watching for years and being a part of the audience is very exciting. You get to see the cameras, the behind the scenes, and there's usually a little entertainment.
There's a comedian there who gets the crowd pumped and they talk to you in between segments. When they're doing their pause for like the commercial break, they take little breaks and instead of sitting there and just waiting for it to start again, they have someone there to entertain you. So I highly recommend doing something like that.
Like I said, I live near New York, so it's a little different, but there was a woman there in line that I was talking to who also went to a bunch of shows. She saw Steve Harvey and some other people. And she told me that she literally flew from North Carolina just for the day, just to see the show.
[18:04 - 20:21]
And I'm like, wow, are you a big fan? She goes, no, I just wanted something different to do. So I'm like, that is so cool. She just hopped on a plane, flew to New York, and then she was leaving that night.
Maybe you try to do something like that. If it's something you really want to do, you don't even have to pay for accommodations. You just come see the show and take off.
Keep that in mind. So I hope you start crossing off some of these ideas. Some of these classic ideas are trying something new.
And as promised, I have your next money-saving tip in the series. If you want to catch all of the ideas, be sure to follow along on whatever platform you're listening to, or you can subscribe. I started a while back.
So I have tip five. Time for some tips. We all know that gas prices are high.
And sometimes to fulfill your summer bucket list, you really need your vehicle. You're not alone in feeling the pain at the pump. In fact, the average gas price is hovering around $5 a gallon in the US.
Though this is for summer 2022, gas prices tend to get higher in the summer every year. The good news is that there's an easy way to save money on gas prices. All you need is the free app called Upside.
I've been using this recently. And what you do is you find a gas station in your area. You get to look and see what's a reasonable price.
You can see how much cash back they're offering. You have to claim the offer, and then you have about four hours to actually go to the gas station. You show up, you fill up at the pump, and then you just follow the rest of the directions.
It's very simple. Don't forget to check in and take a photo of your receipt. If you're on your phone, take a peek at the episode description, and I have a link there.
It will be in the show notes as well. Be sure to use my link so you get an additional 15 cents back per gallon the first time you use the app. It's an easy way to save on gas regularly, and it's an easy way to support the show.
[20:22] We have arrived at our destination. You can unfasten your seat belts, and we'll see you next time for another episode of the Everyday Bucket List podcast. Bye.