Fun Things To Add To Your Summer Bucket List
Summer’s only halfway through, so you have plenty of time to get started on your bucket list for the season. If you’re at a loss of ideas for what to add to your summer bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. It’s not too late to have these ten experiences. Here’s what you can do to make your summer memorable:
1. Go To A Flower Field
Flower fields are the perfect setting for a beautiful summer day. Whether you want to go to pick flowers or to just take pictures, you should add flower fields to your summer bucket list. Check to see if there are any around you at local farms. Some might allow you to pick your own, giving you the materials for a luscious summer bouquet. I can envision myself in a flowy dress having a full on photoshoot in a flower field. Gorg.
2. Set A Reading Goal
One way to spend your free time this summer is by checking off your reading list. There’s nothing I love more than blowing through rom com books at the beach, or sitting on my porch with a good murder mystery. Before you start reading, set a goal for yourself. Challenge yourself to read a certain amount of books this season, whether it’s as little as five or as much as thirty. I like to track my reading progress on the app StoryGraph. That’ll give you a good sense as to how close you are to completing your goal.
3. Host A Fancy Party
Have you ever dreamed of dressing up and throwing a fancy party in your backyard? Now’s your chance to turn that vision into a reality. Coordinate a time with your closest friends to celebrate together. You don’t need to celebrate anything in particular; use this as an excuse to see your friends and eat good food. For bonus points, add a theme to your summer party. Garden parties are super cute: decorate with flowers and dress in your floral finest. I’m itching to have a tea party, even though I’m 21-years-old. How adorable would that be?
4. Swing By The Farmers Market
It isn’t hard to find a farmer’s market near you. In the summertime, they’re everywhere. So why should you get your produce at a grocery store when you can buy it here? The fruit and veggies at farmers markets are always fresh and free of pesticides. Though farmers markets are pricier than grocery stores, you know that the quality of the food you buy will be superior. My favorite products to get at farmers markets are the baked goods. While not particularly healthy, they’re always so unbelievably good.
5. Spend Time On The Water
If you live near a lake or the ocean, take advantage of your surroundings. Round up some friends for a kayaking trip! Kayaking is such a chill form of exercise; you get to sneak some cardio in without having to stand. Plus, you can pack up your boat with snacks for a picnic. For an extra challenge, try paddle boarding. Paddle boarding is a bit more demanding than kayaking, but just as fun. It took me a while to learn how to master paddle boarding, and once I did, I never wanted to get off.
6. Have A Unique Movie Viewing Experience
Ditch the cinema for a more exciting movie watching experience. Outdoor movie theaters are huge in the summertime, making them the perfect addition to your summer bucket list. Though less common, rooftop movies are another great option. When I was in London, I saw Ten Things I Hate About You at a rooftop cinema. The experience was amazing—I highly recommend it! Of course, there’s nothing wrong with drive in movies, either. Pack your car with your favorite snacks and blankets and head to the big screen!
7. Work At An Unconventional Job
It seems like an oxymoron to put “work” on your summer bucket list. But if you’re doing something you love, are you even working? If you’re looking to make money this summer, prioritize your happiness over buffing up your resume. Treat the summertime as your chance to work someplace fun. Maybe you’ve always wanted to work at an old bookstore, like me. Or maybe you want to work as a zookeeper, or as a amusement park ride operator, or as a balloon artist. Send your application to whatever’s calling your name!
8. Learn A New Skill
It’s good to relax in the summer, but if you want to be more productive in this time, pick up a new hobby. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet, take an online class or teach yourself. Cooking is another useful skill to have under your belt. Again, you can take cooking classes, or you can just experiment on your own in the kitchen. Try different recipes and compile a list of the ones you like. No skill is a bad one—expand your horizons and see what you can do!
9. Thrift A New Wardrobe
This is my perfect day: a trip to the thrift store, followed by a coffee shop and bookstore, in no particular order. Thrifting is both a fun and sustainable way of shopping. You never know what you might find at Goodwill; I’ve scored some great items, like a long leather blazer and a (possibly fake) Prada bag. I could spend hours sifting through the racks of clothes at Savers. If you’re on a budget this summer, thrifting will be your best friend. I can always depend on my local thrift stores for a good deal.
10. Spend More Time Outdoors
It might be difficult to measure this goal, but this summer, make it an effort to spend more time outside. Push yourself to leave your house, or go for a walk around the neighborhood. Whatever you choose to do, the fresh summer air and exercise will rejuvenate you. One of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking. Scout out a nearby hiking trail and hit it up on a sunny day. If hiking isn’t your thing, go for a swim or a bike ride around town. Tanning is always a safe option, too.
With a summer bucket list, some people make their goals a bit unattainable. Chances are low that I’ll go skydiving or travel to another country this season. Hopefully, these ten options are more realistic. Make good use of the rest of your summer, and have fun!
Want to build your summer bucket list with a friend? Share this post with them and start planning!
Feature image source: https://pin.it/3OPIRDY
Hi everyone! My name is Jill, and I'm a senior at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. There, I'm studying creative writing and sociology, with plans to work in publishing. Aside from reading and writing, I enjoy traveling and practicing self-care. If you want to connect, follow my Instagram @jillschuck!