by Ashlyn - University of Florida
Get ready to make the most of summer.
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Long days full of sunshine are just around the corner, can you believe it?! This means that you should start thinking about ideas for your summer 2023 bucket list.
A great way to make sure that you have a few very memorable months is by making a list of places you want to go and things you want to do. If you have never made a bucket list before, there is no time like the present.
One wonderful thing about creating a bucket list is that it can include anything that you want. You could choose to add the usual summer activities like going to the beach or going on vacation. Or, you could also amp up your summer bucket list by making it more personal and focusing on the goals that you want to achieve. It is all up to you!
Since this leaves you with an endless amount of things that you could be doing over the summer, you might not know where to start. But don’t fret because I have come up with a ton of ideas that you can use for your summer bucket list to make sure that you make plenty of memories.
Check out this list of 30 super fun summer bucket list ideas for 2023!
Table of Contents
1. Go On a Road Trip
Who wouldn’t want to go on a road trip over the summer? Heading out of town with friends is such an adventurous way to make a lot of memories.
Why not get a group of your friends together and pick a place that you’ve always wanted to travel to? Then, hit the road! It could be a simple overnight trip or an extended stay.
2. Try Out New Recipes
Since you will have much more free time during the summer, why not work on your cooking skills? You could be trying out all the recipes that you’ve always wanted to try.
All you need to do is pick out some of your favorite recipes, go grocery shopping, ensure you have the right utensils, and get started.
3. Start a New Hobby
Have you always wanted to start a new hobby but didn’t have time to during the school year? The summer is the perfect time to do it. There are so many different hobbies that you can choose from depending on your interests.
If you are unsure what kind of new hobby you want to take up, I would recommend drawing, painting, or rollerskating.
4. Have a Picnic With Friends
If you want to get outside, I recommend adding going on a picnic to your summer bucket list. This is such a delightful way to spend time in the sunshine, and it can be a great social activity too.
The key to having a great picnic is making sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks to bring and finding the perfect spot to relax with your friends.
5. Go Stargazing
Spend even more time outside this summer by going stargazing. You may not have thought of this idea, but it is a fantastic way to also spend time with family or friends and dream big.
And, depending on where you live, you may be able to see some really beautiful stars at night. You could also make this activity even more fun by turning it into a bonfire night.
This means you will definitely want to bring along all the items that you will need to enjoy some tasty s’mores while chilling with your friends.
6. Go Thrifting
This is one of my absolute favorite hobbies that I definitely would recommend adding to your summer bucket list. Thrift shopping has become very popular, with vintage clothes being such an important part of the fashion culture.
One of the best parts about thrifting is finding clothing pieces that are rare, or you have never seen anyone wear before. This can make your wardrobe stand out and show off your unique personal style.
So, why not go thrifting for some super cute, one-of-a-kind clothing items that you can add to your wardrobe? Bring some of your friends along for the fun!
7. Go On a Vacation
Of course, going on a vacation is another way that you can spend your time during the summer. If you live in a place that does not have access to the beach, I would highly recommend going to a tropical location for your summer vacation.
8. Take Dance Lessons
Dancing is an amazing hobby, and the summertime gives you the perfect opportunity to take those dance classes that you’ve always wanted to take. Plus, it will make for a great workout, too.
There are a variety of classes, so you can find one to fit your fancy. Tap dancing, why not? Jazz class, sure! Ballet, give it a try!
9. Start a Depop Shop
If you love thrifting or shopping for clothes, you may have come across Depop. Depop allows you to view thousands of items that people are selling from their own closets.
However, instead of buying more clothes, you may be interested in making some money by selling your own, which you totally can!
Just start your own Depop shop, and you will be making money this summer. It’s user-friendly, and soon, the cash will be flowing in.
10. Try Wine & Painting
If you want a fun activity that you can do with your friends, I would recommend adding wine & painting to your summer bucket list. There are a variety of companies that offer classes in basically every city.
If you can’t find any in your area, it won’t be hard to replicate the setting at home. Grab some easels, paints, and canvases, and find a tutorial on YouTube. This activity is perfect for making some art while also spending quality time with friends!
11. Refresh Your Wardrobe
Refreshing your wardrobe is fun. Grab your friends and head to the mall, go thrifting at your local thrift shops, or even surf the web for good deals.
This activity will ensure that you have an updated wardrobe in preparation for the next school year and that you feel your best with your new look.
12. Go To a Theme Park
Of course, everyone knows how much fun theme parks can be! But many of us haven’t been since we were kids. This is one of the best ideas to add to your summer bucket list if you haven’t been in ages.
I highly recommend going to Islands of Adventure to try out the new Harry Potter ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure! If you are in love with Disney, another favorite is Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
13. Start a Journal
Another great practice to start during the summer is journaling. If you do not already journal, there’s no time like the present to begin. Journaling has many benefits for your mental health, and it is also a great hobby if you love writing.
What’s great about journaling is that you can write about absolutely anything, and you can even get creative with how you want your journal to look! Trust me; you will have so much fun picking out a super cute journal to write in.
14. Start a Fitness Routine
Beginning a fitness routine or freshening up your stagnant routine can be one of the many goals that you work toward achieving this summer that will also make you feel great.
Since you will have more free time, you will have no excuses to get your workouts in every week.
15. Have a Movie Marathon
If you are looking for a fun way to chill at home while not spending a bunch of money, I would recommend having a movie marathon night.
Make popcorn, make a list of the movies you want to watch, and hit play! You could also choose a popular series, like Emily in Paris, and watch the whole thing in one sitting.
16. Start a New Book
If you have a bunch of books that you want to read but never can find the time when classes are in session, summer is the time to do it!
Make sure to add all of those books you have been thinking about to your list. Then, it’s time to head to your local bookstore or library!
17. Hang Out With Your Friends
I am sure you will want to add this summer bucket list idea to your list: hanging out with friends! Often, we are so busy during the school year that it leaves us with barely any time to see or hang out with our best pals.
When summer is here, it gives us plenty of time to catch up with our beloved friends, even if that means traveling to see them.
18. Go To the Beach
One summer bucket list idea that I am sure you will be dying to do is taking a trip to the beach. A sandy, sun-soaked setting is the best place to spend your time during summer! It also will get you into a tropical mood. After all, vitamin D is good for the soul.
19. Have a Spa Day
If you want another idea for how you can relax at home, a spa day is another fantastic option. There are a ton of at-home spa kits that you can purchase, or you could put together your own spa routine with all your self-care essentials.
If you really want to treat yourself, you could go to one of the spa places in your area for a massage and some pampering.
20. Start Your Own Garden
One of my favorite summer bucket list ideas is to start gardening! Gardening is the perfect way to get that extra source of vitamin D and get your hands dirty.
What’s great about gardening is you can choose to grow whatever you’d like, whether it be flowers, fruit, or vegetables. It is also incredibly rewarding to see your hard work blossom.
21. Make a Charcuterie Board
Making a fancy cheese tray is a great way to host a get-together with family or friends and have a bunch of tasty snacks prepared! Pick a fun occasion and practice your charcuterie board skills.
Pro Tip: head to Trader Joe’s for the best and most affordable cheese and cracker options.
22. Go For a Hike
Another way you can get outside this summer is by exercising outdoors—one of the most common ways to get a workout in while outside is hiking. Hiking will give you a great workout and is a wonderful way to connect with nature.
Check out some local trails to get started. You don’t need anything fancy to give it a try.
23. Make a Pinterest Board
If you need some extra motivation for a project that you have been working on or if you want to start a vision board, I would recommend going on Pinterest! Pinterest is a creative way to get ideas flowing. Beware, though – it’s addictive!
24. Practice Yoga
Another health-related summer activity idea for your bucket list is to practice yoga. For those of us who want to work on our physical and mental health, yoga is the way to do it.
I would recommend checking out some yoga classes in your area or hopping on YouTube and finding some yoga instructors to follow.
25. Go To a Water Park
Haven’t you been to a water park since you were a child? This is one of the activities that I always look forward to over the summer. Get silly, hit the slides, and go for a swim! I promise: it’ll be a blast.
26. Go To an Art Gallery
For college students looking for a fun, educational summer activity to put on their bucket list, visiting an art gallery is something to consider. Not only is it a great way to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most famous works of art, but it can also be an easy escape from the everyday monotony.
27. Get a Sweet Internship
One activity that should definitely be on your list: getting an internship. Internships provide valuable hands-on job experience, and they can give you a leg up when it comes time to land your first full-time gig after graduation. Research internships in your field and prepare to apply—you never know what amazing opportunities can come from them!
28. Sleep Under the Stars
There is no better way to enjoy the summer than by adding some outdoor activities to their bucket list. Sleep under the stars is one of them! Camping out in the open and star-gazing can be a perfect summer night activity. It’s an opportunity to escape from everyday routines, relax and connect with nature; plus, it’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
29. Watch a Baseball Game
Enjoy the atmosphere of America’s favorite pastime as you spend summer days rooting for your favorite team. Whether it’s a minor league or major league, watch and appreciate the skill and athleticism displayed by players on the diamond. With snacks and drinks in hand, take in all that a game has to offer and see why America loves baseball.
30. Visit a National Park
For those looking to add a summer bucket list item while in college, consider visiting a national park. Not only can you get away from the stresses of campus life, but you will also be able to immerse yourself in nature and take part in activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and more.
What ideas will you be putting on your summer bucket list this year?
What ideas from this list are you going to try? What are you excited about doing this summer? Please leave a comment below and let us know!
For more college life tips like these summer bucket list ideas, check out our related posts below —
- 10 Ways to Detox and De-Clutter Your Life Mid-Summer
- 31 Things to Do With Your Roommate in 2023
- 10 Things on My Winter Break Bucket List
- First Birthday Away at College? Here’s How to Make it Rock!
