With the spring semester coming to a close, summer is getting nearer by the day. As it gets closer, I can’t help but daydream about summer and all the possibilities it holds. With that in mind, I have composed a summer bucket that will make sure you take full advantage of those precious few months free from academic responsibility.
1. Plan a camping trip with friends
Camping is an adventure in and of itself; adding friends into the mix almost guarantees an unforgettable night.
2. Read a bestseller series you’ve wanted to read
Whether it’s a book you’ve had in your library and haven’t had time to read or one you have yet to buy, now is the time to read it! With all the down time, you’ll have to relax, summer is the perfect time to read that book you’ve been eyeing!
3. Visit at least three new restaurants in your hometown
Everyone has their go to restaurants, but consider broadening your horizons and branching out to new places as well. Who knows, you might find a new favorite place in the process.
4. Plan a reunion with your high school friends
With all the time you’ve spent apart, you now have the chance to FINALLY plan that get together you’ve all been chatting about in your group message for months.
5. Treat your parents to dinner
With all your parents have done for you, it’s worth it to treat them for a change. Think of it as a thank you for all they’ve done for you throughout the years.
6. Learn a new skill/hobby
Whether it’s a new sport, a new instrument, or anything in between, learning a new hobby is a worthwhile challenge.
7. Take a risk
For me, this involves sky diving (since I have a minor fear of heights) but can really involve anything. Whether it’s trying something extreme or simply going out of your comfort zone, you won’t regret taking the risk later.
8. Go to the pool (or the beach if you live near one)
Summers are usually hot, and what better way to cool down than by taking a trip to the pool or beach? Plus, it makes for a fun day spent with friends and family.
9. Go star gazing
I think spending time looking at the stars is underrated. It’s important to take the time to admire how beautiful the world truly is and star gazing is a perfect way to do this.
10. Attend the state (or local) fair in your area
Even if you’re not a fan of them, fairs are a summer staple. They offer a change of scenery and the chance to eat new foods you otherwise probably wouldn’t (aka anything fried) and to spend time with friends.
11. Host/attend a bonfire with friends
I live for those nights where you and a group of friends can gather around a fire, eating s’mores and talking about life.
12. Go to a drive-in movie theater
Going to a drive in theater gives you the ultimate throwback experience. Not only is it fun, it also allows you to experience movies in an awesome new way.
13. Watch Jojo on this season of "The Bachelorette"
It’s the show we all love to hate and hate to love. Whether you’re a Bachelor fan or not, you can’t deny that it does provide entertainment.
14. Go golfing
Even if you don’t like to golf, it’s so relaxing and gives you an excuse to stay outside for an extended amount of time and work on that tan.
15. Make popsicles
With the summer heat that’s sure to come, what better way is there to cool down than with a Popsicle?
16. Take a spontaneous road trip
Road trips are one of my favorite things to do. There’s nothing better than hitting the open road and seeing where it’ll take you. As they say in Up, “adventure is out there!”
17. Make tie-dye T-shirts
Although they take time, making tie-dye shirts are still fun to make. It’s also super rewarding to see the shirt you made after it’s finished.
18. Have a movie marathon
There’s nothing more relaxing than rounding up some friends and spending a day and having a marathon. Plus, there’s no better time than summer to catch up on that movie or Netflix series you’ve been wanting to watch.
19. Try a new recipe on Pinterest
Baking can be so much fun and summer is the perfect time to experiment on a delicious looking recipe you pinned on your food board.
20. Practice a hair or makeup tutorial from YouTube
Practicing now can give you the skills you need to perfect that new smoky eye or up do by fall.
21. Start a blog
Blogging provides a creative outlet for expressing any ideas you have or simply writing about your day.
22. Make exercise a daily goal
Summer is the perfect time to get into great shape. After all, you’ll have more time to take that yoga class, hit the gym, or simply go for a run outside.
23. Get up early to watch a sunrise (or sunset)
The past two summers I’ve had the opportunity to watch the sunrise with friends after completing my town’s moonlight bike ride. I can tell you, watching the sun rise over the horizon is a breathtaking sight that’s worth getting up early to see (or, in my situation, just not going to bed at all).
24. Go to an outdoor concert or festival
Concerts are a summer staple and this summer is no exception. Make time in your schedule to go see that band you’ve always wanted to see- you won’t regret it.
25. Play messy Twister
I have always wanted to try messy Twister because it looks so fun. Who wouldn’t want to play twister with paint on the dots?
26. Visit the animals at the animal shelter
You get to play with puppies. Do I need to say more?
So the next time you find yourself bored over the summer, you can simply look at this bucket list of fun things to do. You can even make your own personalized version as well. The possibilities are endless!
