It’s official – summer is here!
And what a sweet relief it is. After the year we’ve had, I’m sure none of us need ANY prompting to get into the summertime groove.
Need some ideas for setting those summertime vibes or having super-fun reunions with your friends? Here are 32 summer bucket list ideas to celebrate summer!
P.S. Want to create your own bucket list with YOUR very favorite ways to celebrate summer? Click here!
Set a summery vibe
Since many of us have spent so darn much time at home (and some of us might still be working from home), it makes sense to bring those summertime feelings inside our houses.
The best way to do that? Think about your senses. All of them.
One of my favorite things I’ve learned about seasonal decorating from the Nester is to embrace all the senses in our home. We often just think about the visuals, but being intentional with what we’re hearing, smelling, and tasting is key.
Here are some ways to celebrate summer involving all the senses.
32 Summer Bucket List Ideas
See
1. Bring out the summer things!
It seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about how setting small environmental cues can have a huge impact on your actions. Want to get outside more? Put your sunscreen and sunglasses in a tote by your door. Want to use your outdoor space? Add some string lights and open your blinds so you don’t forget.
2. Decorate your space.
Think light and breezy. Find some light-colored throw pillows. Frame a photo of a favorite beach vacation. Grab some light, gauzy curtains from Ikea.
3. Switch out your closet to summer clothes.
Put away your heavy sweaters and other winter clothes (if you haven’t already) so they aren’t taking up visual and physical space.
Smell
4. Burn a summer-scented candle.
I can’t tell you how much I want to splurge on this Summer Camp one from Homesick Candles.
5. Try a new tropical-scented body lotion or body wash.
This pineapple mango one is in my Target cart right now.
6. Open the windows after your neighbor mows the grass.
Maybe just not while they’re mowing so you don’t interrupt your Zoom meeting.
7. Test out a room spray.
Maybe this one from Mrs. Meyers?
Hear
8. Create a definitive summer playlist.
(Or borrow one from Spotify! I’m partial to this fun one).
9. Listen to summer background sounds.
Check out Rainy Mood or these ocean sounds.
10. Open your windows (again).
This is especially dreamy when it’s raining. When it’s sunny, listen to the birds!
Taste
There are so. many. good summer recipes.
11. Try this shrimp boil.
We made this sheet pan shrimp boil at the recommendation of Erin Moon’s Instagram and we felt like good Marylanders as we sprinkled our shrimp with Old Bay seasoning.
12. Grill anything.
Our favorite is chicken marinated in Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki skewered with peppers, onions, and pineapple.
13. Check out this fresh, crunchy coleslaw.
My mom makes this Asian-style coleslaw all the time in the summer, and I crave it as soon as Memorial Day hits (which is saying a lot because I hate most coleslaws).
14. Make s’mores.
Obviously it’s preferable to roast them over a fire, but toasting them in the oven will do if your apartment complex is not keen you starting a bonfire on your balcony. Or make s’more bars (this recipe looks divine)!
15. Whip up a smoothie.
This cherry limeade smoothie tastes like a tart, grown-up Slurpee in the best way possible.
16. Try a whiskey smash.
Our current favorite drink for a warm evening on the balcony is a whiskey smash. I don’t usually like whiskey, but these are amazing.
17. Upgrade your margarita.
Or make yourself a margarita, but please please please don’t use the mix from the grocery store. Try this recipe instead.
Related: 4 Smoothie Recipes to Beat the Heat
Feel
Summer is hot and sweaty. Let’s skip this one.
More Activities to celebrate summer
Itching to get out of your house (FINALLY?!?)? These fun activities will do the trick.
18. Get outside.
Try taking your regular activities outdoors. Reading a book? Bring it to the park. Eating dinner? Set your balcony table. Drinking coffee? Pull up a chair on the patio.
19. Grow something.
We’re already loving our balcony herb garden (and it’s got Adam yearning for an actual yard). We also have a thriving crop of green onions going. (Want your own? Just take some green onions from the grocery store, cut them off two inches above the roots, then put the stems root side down in water. Change the water when it gets gross, and you’ll have usable green onions in less than a week!)
20. Have a picnic.
Pack some sandwiches or cheese and crackers and head to a park. Heck, even get takeout and eat in your car!
21. Go for a drive.
Anyone else do this as a kid? Bonus points if you roll down the windows and blast your summer playlist!
22. Go out for ice cream.
Better yet, make a list of the ice cream shops in your area and try to hit all of them before the summer ends.
23. Get near water.
Find a river or a lake or an ocean. Stand near it and feel better.
24. Go on a hike.
(Or at least take a walk around your neighborhood.)
25. Stargaze.
If you live in a city and can’t see the stars from your backyard, check if there’s a dark sky park in your area. While you’re there, try an app for spotting constellations.
26. Find a spot to watch the sunset.
If you don’t live near a wide open space, try finding a hill or a lake facing west.
27. Go camping.
Find a park or a campground – or hey, try glamping!
28. Have a bonfire.
If you don’t have a backyard, look for nearby parks or campsites and head to one just for an evening.
29. Support local farmers and shop at a farmer’s market.
Berries are particularly worthwhile to buy fresh from a farmer. You won’t believe the difference in taste!
30. Check out a Shakespeare in the Park performance.
Bonus points if you bring a picnic!
31. Pick strawberries.
My family had a strawberry patch when I was growing up, and summer doesn’t feel like it’s in full swing until I’ve had fresh strawberries. Google a u-pick patch near you!
32. Find a good beach read!
I’ve got a whole list of books that feel like summer right here.
Don’t forget – if you want this list of ways to celebrate summer in a printable form, I’ve got you! Just enter your info below!
What are your favorite ways to celebrate summer? Tell me everything in the comments!
