How to Design a Lovely Summer (& 30 Bucket List Ideas)

Summer. The longer days, the warmer weather, the more relaxed pace, and a well-deserved break from work or school. No wonder it’s a favourite time of year for many of us.

Is it just me, or does it sometimes feel like summer takes forever to get here, and then the next thing you know it’s passed in a blink of an eye?

And you are left wondering…what did I do…how did I spend my time?

Did I make the most of summer?

Yes? So what’s the answer? How can you feel like you have made the most of your summer?

Design your summer with a summer bucket list

Gretchen Rubins talks about the benefits of designing your summer in episode 224 and episode 325 of one of my favourite podcasts Happier with Gretchen Rubin.

Designing your summer is nothing more than thinking about what you’d like to do or achieve over the summer, and making plans to accomplish it. Gretchen discusses how with a little bit of planning or forethought you can create the summer vibe you want.

One way to do this is to create a summer bucket list.

A summer bucket list is essentially a written list of your plans for the summer. It will help you be more mindful and intentional about how you spend your time.

Writing down your plans down is key. You’ll be much more likely to take action on your summer plans and achieve them when you write them down.

Another great thing about writing down plans is that planning and anticipating something fun will make you feel happier. Having something to look forward to helps you feel positive about the future.

Not only will a written bucket list help you design your summer and give you something to look forward to, but it will also give you a way to look back, relive good memories and reflect on what you’ve done. All of which are great happiness boosters.

Design a lovely summer with these summer bucket list ideas

Tips for creating your summer bucket list

Don’t compare or compete

It can be helpful to get ideas from other people’s summer bucket lists, but remember your bucket list as individual as you and your family.

While it’s fun to look at other bucket lists for ideas or inspiration – don’t fall into the trap of comparing or competing to have the highest number, or the most fun, adventurous or exotic activities.

You don’t have to do 100 things or even 10 things. There doesn’t need to be a set number to achieve at all. It can simply be just a list of pick-and-mix ideas that’d you’d like to try.

Don’t treat it as a to-do list

The aim shouldn’t be to get a whole lot of things ticked off before the end of the summer.

This shouldn’t be another to-do list that makes you feel anxious about getting everything done. The last thing you want a bucket list to do is to make you feel pressured or overwhelmed.

Be intentional about it. Remember, the point of your bucket list is to help you to spend your time in a purposeful way and to do things that make you feel good.

Research Local Events

Find out what’s happening locally – whether in your town, city, state or province.

Are there any local fairs, carnivals, concerts, performances, or festivals planned for over the summer?

What does your local library or museum have planned for the summer? Are there any reading challenges or special exhibitions coming up?

Include a mix of different kinds of activities

When you’re creating your summer bucket list try to include a mix of different types of activities.

For example, think about activities for when the weather keeps you indoors. Perhaps it’s stormy, or raining (happens a lot here in Scotland!) or perhaps it gets too hot to spend too long outdoors.

Other types of activities to think about include:

Favourite activities – those things you like to do every summer
New activities – something you’ve never done before but would love to try
Creative ideas
Activities for the daytime
Nighttime activities
Activities involving the whole family
Solo activities – remember to include things just for you
Free/low-cost activities

Of course, things may fall into more than one category!

Camping is a good example. Maybe camping is something you’ve always wanted to try (or it could be a favourite activity for every summer), it’s outdoors, and if you already have camping gear (or can borrow it from someone else) it can be low-cost.

How to design a lovely summer with a summer bucket list

Summer bucket list ideas

Indoor ideas

1. Watch a movie

Start a list to keep track of movies you want to watch, old and new. Are there any new releases coming out over the summer you can’t wait to see?

2. Visit your local library

As well as browsing the book stacks, find out if your local library is holding any storytimes, book groups, craft activities or other events over the summer.

3. Read a book

Keep a running list of books you want to read so when you finish one, you’ll have ideas for what to read next.

4. Explore a museum or art gallery

Are there any museums or galleries in your local town you haven’t visited yet? Or do you have some favourites you like to go back to?

5. Play a board game

Dig out your favourite board games, or ask friends to bring over their favourite board games and hold a tornament.

6. Complete a jigsaw

Depending upon the size you could aim to complete a jigsaw in a day or over the course of a few days, or a week.

7. Learn a new card game

Or teach your favourite card game to your friends or family.

8. Make a summery recipe

How about homemade ice cream or popsicles, lemonade, elderflower cordial. Or a summer cocktail perhaps?

How to plan a lovely summer with a summer bucket list

9. Compile a summer playlist

Put together a list of your favourite summer songs, old and new.

10. Start a craft project

Paint or tie-dye a t-shirt, try some origami, design jewellery, or make puppets.

11. Go bowling

Great fun for all ages, I’m always surprised how much I enjoy bowling!

Outdoor ideas

12. Go for a walk or a hike

Explore a path or trail in your neighbourhood, or plan an expedition further afield.

13. Attend an outdoor concert or production

14. Go on a camping trip

Or camp in your backyard.

15. Laze in a hammock

While away some time reading a book while swinging in your hammock, have a nap, or just do nothing.

16. Have a picnic

Pack up some tasty treats and a blanket and find somewhere scenic to enjoy them.

17. Grow something in a pot, or in your garden

How about some herbs, strawberries, tomatoes, or wildflowers?

18. Go on a bike ride

19. Have a scavenger hunt

20. Go berry picking

Then bake something delicious with the berries. Perhaps make some jam or preserves.

21. Host a BBQ/cookout

22. Make a bonfire

Whether you are away camping or have a fire pit for your backyard, remember the marshmallows and make some s’mores too.

23. Stargaze

Grab a blanket, lay on the ground and gaze up at the sky. Which constellations you can spot?

24. Do some yoga outside

25. Visit a farmers market

Try tasting a new fruit or vegetable you discover at the market. Get inspired to create some tasty summer meals with fresh, local ingredients.

26. Create some sidewalk art

Grab some chalk or watercolour paint and get creative.

27. Visit a state or national park

It could be for a picnic, a walk, a hike, camping or all four!

28. Dip your feet in cool water

Whether it’s in a paddling pool, at the beach, in a river, a pond, a stream, a lake (or a loch) nothing says summer like dipping your bare feet into refreshing cool water.