41 Fun Summer Bucket List Ideas for 2025

Published on July 9, 2025 | 0 Comments
There are summer bucket list activities for all interests

A well-thought-out summer bucket list isn’t just about the destinations you visit and activities you try — it’s also about all the memories you can make with your friends and family while the weather is warm and the days are long. 

But what if you shake things up this year from the typical travel and tan lines? From backyard grill-outs to crafting sessions and even hunting for gemstones, the best summer bucket list ideas for all ages are the ones that make memories that last long past summer’s end. 

So, whether you’re planning an epic summer for yourself or organizing fun things to do for your kids, keep reading to see which ideas are worth adding to your summer bucket list this year. 

 

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Summer Bucket List Ideas for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class

If you’re the kind of person who watches “Chef’s Table” with the intensity of a sports fan, it’s time to make hands-on learning a part of your summer bucket list. It doesn’t matter if you opt for in-person cooking classes near you or if you’d prefer to partake in online cooking classes from the comfort of your own kitchen — either way, there’s no limit to how much you can level up your culinary skills during the warmer months.

Plus, your other summer bucket list options benefit, too, as it gives you an excuse to show off at the next dinner party or cookout. So grab your apron, sharpen your knives and check “become the friend who actually knows how to cook” off your summer bucket list.

A person in a Cozymeal apron making fresh pasta
via Cozymeal

2. Join an Online Baking Class

Flour in your hair and dough on your hands? Sounds like a successful summer bucket list entry! No matter your skill level, online baking classes make it easy to turn your kitchen into a Parisian pâtisserie for the day.

Let this summer be the summer you perfect your sourdough recipe. Or, if you want a bigger challenge, learn how to make an afternoon tea-style spread of showstopping cakes, ready for wowing all the parents at the next school bake sale. 

Online baking classes help you master the basics using only the tools in your own kitchen, so you can easily recreate your new skills anytime. Plus, it’s a summer bucket list win for those who like to keep cool indoors while their creations rise in the oven. 

3. Book a Food Tour

Food tours are basically cheat codes for getting all the best bites in town, and if you’ve never been on one, they seriously deserve a spot on your summer bucket list this year. 

Even if you’re a long-time resident of your city, taking a food tour near you shouldn’t be missed. There are always new taco spots to try, unassuming gelato joints to revisit or hidden speakeasies you may have never even heard of.

Plus, if you’re traveling, there are food tours across the globe to try, from food tours in Paris to food tours in Dubai. No matter where you take part in this summer bucket list activity, an expert guide will help you uncover the best of the best on the local culinary scene. 

Taking a food tour is an exciting summer bucket list activity
via Cozymeal

4. Treat Yourself to a Private Chef Meal

Why leave your house when fine dining experiences can come to you? Adding a luxury dinner made by one of many private chefs near you to your summer bucket list is the kind of evening indulgence that makes your dinnertime unforgettable. 

There are even options for breakfast brunch if you prefer an elegant early morning meal. And if you love a show while you eat, why not opt for a chef who offers hibachi catering near you?

Your summer bucket list isn’t just about what you do but about how well you treat yourself while doing it, too. Kick back with a glass of something cold while the pros handle the cooking — and the cleanup — and get all the enjoyment of a five-star meal out without the Ubers there and back. 

5. Learn New Skills in Online Mixology Classes

Sure, at the end of a long day of writing your summer bucket list in the blazing heat, you could pour yourself a basic glass of wine or gin and tonic. But what if you could level up your bartending skills without even having to leave your home? 

If this sounds like the perfect summer bucket list option, you've got to try out some online mixology classes and learn how to shake, stir and sip like a pro. Whether you’re team mojito or martini, mixology classes make it easy to mix up your usual routine (and your drinks) without spending your whole paycheck at the local overpriced cocktail lounge. 

After all, if your summer bucket list doesn’t include at least one ice-cold cocktail or mocktail you made from scratch, are you even doing summer right?

A selection of summery cocktails
via Canva

6. Host a Backyard Grill-Out With Your Favorite People

This is the summer bucket list activity that needs no introduction. Gather your crew, fire up the grill and let the smoky scent of charred perfection take over your backyard. 

Nothing says summer quite like a casual summer BBQ where everyone brings something and no one wants to leave. Make sides like fried corn and dill potato salad in advance, so all you have to do when you’re ready to eat is start grilling up all your favorite meats and veggies. 

It’s simple, it’s social and it’s straight from the summer bucket list hall of fame. Throw in some lawn games, set up a playlist and make this the kind of summer grill-out people talk about all season. 

The best part? You can do it again and again — because “having more cookouts than ever before” totally counts as a summer bucket list entry.

7. Pick Your Own Fruit at a Local Farm

Is fruit picking a universal experience for us all as kids? If you’ve never done it, you need to add this to your summer bucket list and see just what the nostalgic hype is all about! 

Get your hands a little dirty, bring a few Tupperwares to load up with fruit and slather on the sunscreen for a day in your local fruit fields. Whether it's strawberries, blueberries or peaches, gathering your own sun-ripened stash straight from the source always seems to make them taste so much better. 

This is the kind of summer bucket list item that completely shakes up your weekend and fills it with straw hats, muddy boots and fruit-stained smiles. Plus, all that fresh fruit means you’re perfectly stocked for other summer bucket list activities like baking pies, mixing cocktails and prepping your next pool party food spread. Berry picking also supports your local farmers, so it’s truly the best of both worlds. 

A woman holding a basket of fresh strawberries
via Canva

8. Enjoy Some Homemade Ice Cream

When the days are too hot to handle, homemade ice cream is the sweet, frosty hero your summer bucket list deserves. Whether you’re team churn or no-churn, there’s something endlessly fun about experimenting with flavors in your own kitchen. 

From classic vanilla bean to vibrant ube ice cream and a tangy, churned blueberry ice cream or whatever wild combo TikTok convinced you to try, it’s creamy, it's cool and it’s not necessarily for sharing. Don’t be surprised if homemade ice cream becomes one of the most popular desserts in your summer lineup!

9. Craft Homemade Pizza

Adding a homemade pizza night to your summer bucket list just feels so “Euro summer” coded. There’s something about having a glass of wine in one hand while you check on the sizzling mozzarella pizza with the other that equals pure and utter bliss in our minds. 

You don’t need a wood-fired oven or a chef’s diploma — just some dough, all the toppings you love and an oven heated to its max temperature (or thereabouts). Get creative with sauces, go bold with cheeses and don’t let anyone shame you for pineapple.

Making pizza at home is exactly the sort of low-key, fun dinner idea your summer bucket list needs. It’s casual enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to be a party food at your next gathering — especially when you turn it into a build-your-own setup with plenty of toppings to go around. Just don’t forget the chile oil! 

A person making a pizza
via Canva

10. Try a New Local Restaurant

If your summer bucket list usually revolves around old favorites like food festivals and backyard barbecues, it’s time to shake things up with a new local restaurant you’ve never tried before. There’s nearly always a new spot opening in town this time of year, and if you’re quick, you may be able to grab opening day discounts. 

Whether it’s a cozy hole-in-the-wall joint or a trendy restaurant in the new hotel you’ve been stalking on Instagram for months, expanding your taste buds is a delicious way to keep this summer interesting.

Exploring your city’s food scene is a summer bucket list idea that gives back to both your palate and your local economy. Plus, showing enthusiasm towards a new spot is a great way to help small businesses build momentum, and who doesn’t want to say they supported the next big thing before it was cool?

11. Dine at a Food Truck Park

While it’s not the first thing you may think of when deciding what to add to your summer bucket list, visiting a local food truck park is the perfect excuse to eat out without breaking the bank. Everyone in the family can grab exactly what they’re craving for dinner.

One moment, you can be diving into Korean fried chicken; the next, you’re joining the line for a gourmet churro or spicy birria taco.

Best of all, this summer bucket list experience feels like a mini food festival every time you go, but (generally) without the cost of entry tickets. Many food truck parks also host live music and lawn games. You can even find fully-fledged food truck festivals.

This summer bucket list activity is ultimately a great excuse to meet up with friends, support local vendors and maybe even discover your new favorite dish. No fancy dress code needed, just a big appetite.

Checking out food trucks is a tasty summer bucket list activity
via Canva

12. Tour an Oyster Farm or Join a Shucking Class

For the seafood lovers and shellfish skeptics alike, adding an oyster farm tour or shucking class to your summer bucket list is a great excuse to get out of the house and breathe in some sea air for a few hours. 

Learn what makes each oyster unique, how to shuck like a pro and why merroir — the oyster version of terroir — makes each oyster taste a little different from the last.

Need another reason to add this to your summer bucket list? Some oyster farms will also have varieties of oysters that are more likely to produce pearls, so you can pick your oyster before seeing what treasure might be waiting inside.

13. Shop For Snacks at the Local Farmers Market

Visiting a nearby farmers market has to be one of the best additions to your summer bucket list if you like supporting local businesses. They’ve got stalls for all ages, plenty of locally-sourced snacks and summer vegetables to peruse, and you may even find a few collectibles or antiques if you’re lucky. 

Adding this to your summer bucket list also gives you a good excuse to try new foods each time you visit. From artisanal cheeses to homemade jams and fresh pastries, every trip to your local farmers market feels like a mini adventure. It’s the kind of summer bucket list activity that’s easy to repeat, because no two markets are ever quite the same.

A person shopping at a farmers market
via Canva

14. Devour a Pound of Peel-and-Eat Shrimp

No summer bucket list is complete without an absurdly large quantity of food to get through! If you’re a fan of peel-and-eat shrimp, why not hit up your local seafood restaurants to see if you can get a banquet of shrimp to enjoy with friends and family for the day? Or, if you’re really into your shrimp, you can just keep it all to yourself. 

Not a fan of shrimp? We’ve got you. Add a fried chicken party or a burger day to your summer bucket list and prepare a food frenzy for your neighbors. Summer bucket list ideas​​ like this require little preparation, so you can spend more time enjoying the warm weather and preparing your stomach for the feast ahead. 

Summer Bucket List Ideas for Adults​

15. Paddle on the Water

If you’re fresh out of pool party ideas for your summer bucket list, it’s time to let Mother Nature take over. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for the day, find your way to the nearest lake or river and take plenty of snacks to fuel all your water-based fun. 

Whether you’re gliding through a mirror-smooth lake or navigating the white water of a winding river trail, this is a summer bucket list idea that checks all the boxes. It offers a break from social media and a healthy dose of physical activity.

Even if you're a beginner, rentals and intro sessions are widely available, so it’s a low-barrier activity worth adding at least once to your summer bucket list this season. 

A person in a kayak on the water near mountains
via Canva

16. Take a Cave or Cavern Tour

If the summer heat is starting to get to you, it’s time to descend — literally — into a much cooler place. Guided tours around local caves and caverns, if you have any nearby, are a great introduction to the geology, history and unique ecosystems.

The cool temperatures of the caves are an added bonus on a hot day, but really, you won’t be thinking about the heat when you’re marveling at the natural beauty of stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean lakes. If there are no guided cave tours near you, it's a great excuse to add a mini road trip to your summer bucket list and explore some underground ecosystems with a guide a little further afield.

17. Hike a New Trail 

When sorting this summer bucket list by category, we knew hiking a trail you’ve never tried before had to be on it for active adults. But this activity isn’t just for those who hike all the time or even just for adults. 

While some routes offer challenging ascents and technical terrain that’s only suitable for experienced hikers, there are also plenty of easier trails perfect for a leisurely stroll with kids or dogs. 

From a local nature reserve to a national park route or a lesser-known coastal path, choosing a hike that ends in a lookout, waterfall or panoramic summit is a summer bucket list activity that makes all the effort feel worthwhile. 

Pack water, wear sturdy shoes and don’t forget to capture a photo or two to commemorate your summer bucket list progress.

Hiking a new trail is a fun summer bucket list activity
via Canva

18. Treasure-Hunt at Weekend Garage Sales and Thrift Stores

Need summer bucket list activities that won’t break the bank? You won’t get better deals than at your local weekend garage sales or nearby thrift stores. From picking out a new favorite denim jacket to grabbing a unique piece of home décor for a bargain, there’s something so satisfying about getting a good deal on pre-loved goods. 

You can always make a list of all the places you want to hit and make this activity into a day-long excursion to find the best items for the best prices. Just Google your local garage sales, thrift stores and even antique malls, then add the dates to your summer bucket list. 

19. Take a Brewery or Winery Tour

Few things say “grown-up summer fun” quite like a day spent tasting small-batch beers or local wines in the beautiful rural scenery. Taking a tour through a brewery or winery deserves a prime spot on your summer bucket list for adults and not just because you deserve some time to catch up with friends, but also because it’s a great opportunity to take a break from your routine and find your new favorite summertime spritz. 

Whether you’re swirling a cabernet at a countryside vineyard or trying hazy IPAs in an industrial-chic taproom, summer bucket list days out like this are truly summer socializing at its finest. Pair your drinks with a cheese board, take the scenic route home with a designated driver, and call it a day well spent. There may even be fun wine festivals in your area to check out. 

People drinking wine at a winery
via Canva

20. Drive Out on a Spontaneous Road Trip

Meticulously planned road trips are fun, but have you ever tried just packing an overnight bag, dropping a pin on the map and seeing where the roads take you? 

A spontaneous road trip might not be the most structured item on your summer bucket list, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. No plans, no pressure — just the best gas station snacks, maybe a few detours and all the open road you could dream of. 

Whether the end point is a themed motel you’ve always wanted to stay at or you just stop driving when you reach an impromptu swimming hole, it’s a great chance to listen to your favorite podcast and let the open road guide your navigation. This is truly as flexible and easy-to-personalize as it gets. 

21. Learn to Surf

The warm weather during the summer months is a great chance to learn a new outdoor skill, so why not add surf lessons to your summer bucket list? From paddling out for the first time to finally learning how to pop up on your own, surfing is a great workout that can be done whether the sun is out or not — just don’t forget to check the surf forecast before you go. 

Most coastal towns have beginner-friendly beaches and reputable instructors who can get you started safely and confidently. You’ll also be able to rent all your own gear, so it doesn’t have to sit in the garage gathering dust during the winter months. 

Even if you don’t become a pro overnight, the thrill of riding your first wave is something you’ll never forget. It’s an energizing, goal-oriented addition to your summer bucket list, and one that rewards persistence with progress.

A person surfing
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22. Volunteer for a Local Cause

If your summer bucket list is full of fun days out and plenty of time in the sun, why not also take a day to give back to your local community? After all, it’s a privilege for many of us to be able to spend time with family and friends during the warmer months, and there are plenty of local charities and non-profits that could use an extra helping hand during this busy season. 

From animal shelters to soup kitchens, giving just a few hours of your weekend to a good cause is both rewarding and a good excuse to learn a few new skills along the way. There are likely local volunteer websites with opportunities near you or check out a national database like VolunteerMatch

If you’re looking for summer bucket list weekend ideas for adults and kids alike, you can also organize group activities like litter-picking at the beach or sidewalk cleaning for the whole neighborhood. There are a whole host of ways you can give back to your community this summer, so there’s no excuse to skip adding this to your summer bucket list! 

23. Fly in a Helicopter to See Your City From Above

Have you ever seen your hometown from above? If not, you’ve got to add a helicopter flight over the city to your summer bucket list. Of course, this is also a can’t-miss thing to do if traveling to another destination during the summer. 

Snap photos of the sprawling houses and streets from an aerial view and coast over natural surroundings, whether that be beaches, lakes, forests or mountain ranges. Plus, if you participate in this activity in one of the world’s best foodie cities, you may even spot some new rooftop bars from above! 

Flights are usually scheduled during the day or at golden hour, so whichever you choose, you’re sure to get some incredible views and photos to remember this exciting experience. 

A helicopter above a beach town
via Canva

24. Search For Hidden Caches While Geocaching

Geocaching is an international treasure hunt hiding in plain sight. It’s also one of the most accessible adventures you can add to your summer bucket list. All you need is a smartphone, the free Geocaching app and some curiosity. 

These hidden caches, which are containers ranging from tiny tubes in signposts to full weatherproof boxes, are tucked away in public places by fellow enthusiasts. Finding them turns parks, trails and even city blocks into interactive scavenger hunts. 

Summer Bucket List for Couples​

25. Soar in a Hot Air Balloon

If taking a helicopter flight doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can experience the same thrill of seeing your city from above with a hot-air balloon ride at sunset or sunrise.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want to see your area from a different perspective, this summer bucket list addition always guarantees unforgettable views as the sun casts golden hues over hills, fields or desert plains. 

This is also one of the more romantic summer date ideas you can plan, and it’s well worth the early wake-up or evening prep time. For couples, friends or solo travelers, ballooning is a serene and scenic way to start or end your day, and it’s best followed with another highlight for your summer bucket list — a show-stopping meal at a nearby restaurant.

Two colorful hot air balloons in the sky
via Canva

26. Drift Down a River on Floaties

Need an excuse to have a relaxing day to recharge? If you’re curating a summer bucket list by category that includes water adventures, don’t forget to include drifting down a river on floaties. Grab a sunhat, lather on the sunscreen and maybe even pack a waterproof speaker or cooler to enjoy the day at your own pace. 

Many popular river routes offer floatie rentals and shuttle services, so you can start and end your float with ease and you can hook your floaties together with a bungee cord so your other half doesn’t float off without you. 

This summer bucket list item is perfect for couples, groups of friends or relaxing solo and nothing alleviates stress like disconnecting from the world while drifting under tree-lined banks and past the occasional wildlife sighting. 

27. Surprise Your Partner With an Overnight Getaway

Sometimes, the best memories are the ones you don’t see coming. Planning a spontaneous overnight trip for your partner — whether it's a stay in a cozy cabin, a boutique hotel Downtown or a beachside retreat — is as romantic as it gets for summer bucket list entries. 

The key to an enjoyable stay is to focus on ease and quality time; rather than trying to make a jam-packed schedule, simply make space in your diary for you both to unplug and enjoy a change of scenery. 

These types of summer bucket list weekend ideas for adults give you a refreshing pause in a busy season. Whether it’s a one-night stay, a full weekend away or more, the joy of escaping together makes it a standout item on any summer bucket list.

A weekend getaway is a romantic summer bucket list activity
via Canva

28. Watch a Movie at a Drive-In or Outdoor Screen

Few things feel as timeless as pulling up to a drive-in theater or lying out a blanket at an open-air cinema. In many places, there are only a few months of the year when the temperature is good enough to sit outside long after the sun has set, so take the opportunity to add “watching a movie under the stars” to your summer bucket list and get the snack bag sorted. 

You can check local listings for screenings of new releases and classic crowd-pleasers. You could even hire a projector for the night and set it up in your backyard. As far as summer bucket list ideas go, this one is affordable and fun for couples, solo movie fans and families alike. 

Pro tip: Don’t pay for the expensive popcorn at the drive-in or outdoor cinema. Just make your own microwave popcorn at home and bring it in a wide-mouth, insulated food jar like a Thermos to keep it warm. 

29. Stargaze Together 

For a peaceful, screen-free evening under the stars, stargazing is a great way to spend time with your partner without the pressure of organizing an extravagant activity.

If you live in a city or town with lots of light pollution, you can head to a designated dark sky reserve or just hop in the car and drive until the streetlamps fade away. Grab a few blankets, some snacks and a flask of hot cocoa, and you’ve got the perfect evening out.

If your summer bucket list leans more on competitiveness, you can play games like guessing the stars above you or being the first to spot a string of satellites. There are plenty of apps that can help you identify the constellations and planets as well. 

At the same time, if you’re curating a summer bucket list that needs more calm and mindful moments, stargazing offers the perfect balance to more high-energy plans. 

The silhouettes of two people stargazing
via Canva

30. Challenge Each Other to a Thrift Store Outfit Swap

Turn a lengthy solo trip to the thrift store into a fun activity for couples with this style-based challenge. Simply hit up your local thrift stores with a set budget to style each other’s outfits. 

Whether you aim for outrageous fashion or a surprisingly stylish result, this activity has to make it onto your summer bucket list for adults if you and your partner love to dress up and support local businesses at the same time. 

This is a low-cost, high-reward addition to your summer bucket list that’s ideal for a spontaneous afternoon out. You never know what gems you’ll find when you’re thrifting for your other half! Plus, it’s a fun way to support sustainable fashion while ticking off your summer bucket list goals.

31. Picnic at a Botanical Garden

Fancy a picnic but tired of going to the same local park? Switch things up this season and add a picnic at a botanical garden to your summer bucket list. With landscaped grounds, rare plant varieties and shaded spots ideal for a blanket setup, this summer bucket list activity brings a calming escape to your everyday routine. 

Many botanical gardens allow outside food, so you can prepare a spread that perfectly suits the occasion, from sandwiches and iced tea to more elaborate charcuterie boards. If you're looking for summer picnic date ideas that are a little more upmarket than just finding a quiet corner of your local park, this is a fantastic option. 

Botanical gardens usually have more funding than public parks, so they are often kept in better condition, from soft, cushioned lawns to carefully manicured hedgerows. With the combination of nature, food and fresh air, summer bucket list options like this are a repeatable favorite when you just need a few hours out of the house.

A couple having a picnic on the grass
via Canva

32. Book a Date Night Craft Workshop

Invest in your relationship and spend some quality time with your partner by adding a date night craft workshop to your summer bucket list. From pottery sessions and terrarium building workshops to rug tufting classes and even beginner dance lessons, hands-on, creative activities with your partner foster connection, laughter and shared memories, making them a strong addition to any summer bucket list. 

Look out for special couples night discounts at your favorite local studios or consider doing taster classes so you can try something new without the commitment to more classes. Taking a creative workshop is also a perfect girls night idea, especially if you’re looking to mix creativity with bonding time. 

Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens and Kids

33. Read Books at the Local Library

If you’re building a summer bucket list for kids this year, make sure visiting your local library is on there. Most kids will eventually reach an age where they’re able to read a short novel from cover to cover in a day or two, so visiting your local library to load up on extra books is an affordable way to help keep your kids occupied during the summer. 

Plus, with weekly reading programs, story time events and access to thousands of titles, spending time at the library encourages young readers to build a love of books while giving parents and guardians a screen-free activity to rely on. 

It’s also a great way to foster independence as children explore new genres and interests. Bonus: Your local library is a calm and air-conditioned retreat from the summer heat.

Reading new books is a fun summer bucket list idea for kids
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34. Hunt For Gemstones and Fossils

For both kids and adults, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of turning over a rock to find a sparkling gemstone underneath. From searching for prehistoric fossils and shark teeth on the beach to visiting a scratch and patch to collect your favorite stones, there are plenty of ways to add some excitement to a weekend adventure if you’ve got a few mini geologists in your crew.

Whether you visit a public mine, go on a guided excursion or explore a designated digging site, searching for crystals, fossils and semi-precious stones appeals to all ages and is a great way to encourage curiosity and patience. 

Adding this to your summer bucket list can also tie into educational activities like identifying minerals and learning about local geology. Just make sure you’re allowed to take home whatever you find, as you may have just uncovered an unknown piece of Earth's ancient history!

35. Ride a Roller Coaster

You cannot go another year without adding a theme park to your summer bucket list ideas for teens. Few things compare to the rush of riding a roller coaster! 

There are also lots of rides and attractions at most theme parks for kids of all thrill levels, from gentle rides and water slides to high-speed coasters that will truly test your courage. Spend the day trying new rides, sampling all the over-the-top snacks, and seeing how many tickets you can win in the arcade — all while snapping photos with your friends for the perfect summer memories. 

Summer bucket list options like this one are fun for all ages, and you’ll still be laughing at the log flume ride photos long after the season ends.

Kids and adults on a small roller coaster
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36. Splash Around at a Waterpark

If you’re looking for summer bucket list entries that beat the heat this season, few experiences match the pure joy and energy of a day spent at a waterpark. Unleash your crew on the high-speed slides while you float along a lazy river in a floatie, drink in hand. 

This summer bucket list idea is also perfect for large groups, as it offers a wide range of activities that cater to different comfort levels and ages. 

A day at the waterpark provides a great break from screens and is an easy way to make memories that last beyond the season. When the sun is at its peak, a waterpark day should be right at the top of your summer bucket list.

37. Tie-Dye Colorful Shirts

Creative projects are ideal additions to any summer bucket list, and the kids will love spending a few hours choosing their colors and carefully applying them to each section of their tie-dye creation. With a few basic supplies — plain white tees, dye in vibrant colors (or just Kool-Aid packets, if you’re really old-school), rubber bands and gloves — you can create wearable art that’s completely personalized.

Simply set up an outdoor station, let the creativity flow and see what exciting color combos your kids come up with. Pro tip: Tick off two summer bucket list entries in one and take your kids thrift shopping beforehand so they can choose their favorite clothing items to dye. This gives their tees even more customization, and it stops their best white t-shirts from becoming sacrifices to the tie-dye. 

Colorful dye and tie-dye t-shirts
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38. Race in a Mario Kart Tournament With Your Friends 

Friendly competition and nostalgic fun make Mario Kart tournaments one of the most exciting summer bucket list ideas for teens. Whether you host at home with a console and snacks or join a local gaming event, the thrill of dodging banana peels, sending out a blue shell on the last lap and hitting the perfect drift to secure victory creates unforgettable memories. 

Summer bucket list ideas like this are also perfect for getting friends together at no expense; all you need is a Nintendo console, four controllers and a whiteboard to plan out the tournament. Play for a winner's trophy, and don’t forget plenty of snacks and a big screen so everyone can watch. 

39. Dye Your Hair With Temporary Hair Dye

It’s the first day of the summer holidays, and your kids’ hair is already lightened from its recent sun exposure. With a few months until school starts again, there’s no better time to experiment with bold colors and new looks than during the summer holidays. 

Whether they go for pastel pinks, mermaid blues or just a few streaks of neon green, temporary dye is one of the easiest and safest self-care activities to try at home. Just make sure you’re using temporary dye and not permanent or semi-permanent dye. 

This dye has been formulated to easily wash out before school starts, and your kids can keep switching up their look all break long. If dyeing their hair is a step out of their comfort zone, you can also experiment with hair tassels and hair chalks to get bright colors without the hassle of dyeing. 

Let your kids dye their hair as part of their summer bucket list
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40. Bake Treats

When writing up your summer bucket list for kids this year, consider things that will help them feel a sense of achievement, as well as keeping them occupied for a few hours. For example, getting your clan together to bake treats for your friends or family members is both simple and rewarding. 

Whether they make classic chocolate chip cookies, fruit-filled tarts or allergy-friendly muffins, this summer bucket list activity allows kids to improve their skills and get a confidence boost from the positive feedback they’re sure to receive after gifting the treats they’ve baked to others. 

41. Compete in a Board Game Night

Game night is a classic that deserves a permanent spot on your summer bucket list. With so many board games available — from fast-paced party games to strategy-heavy classics — it’s a flexible option that works for all ages and group sizes. 

Organize a friendly competition with your go-to crew or invite neighbors for a mix-and-match board game marathon. Grab a collection of both quick and more in-depth games to cater to all tastes. You can rotate hosts, assign themed snacks or even build a summer-long scoreboard as well. 

A family playing a board game
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A thoughtful summer bucket list isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing the right things to make the most of your time, your community and your creativity. 

Choose a few standout skills you want to master this summer, have a few rainy day ideas in your back pocket and don’t forget the sunscreen when the UV index starts climbing. 

For even more activity ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.