Ready to make this summer unforgettable? Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or new skills, this ultimate summer bucket list for 2025 has you covered. From easy weekend ideas to creative tech-powered adventures, these 50 ideas are fun, affordable, and beginner-friendly.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Hike a new trail near your home or a short drive away.
2. Go for a sunrise bike ride before work.
3. Spend a night wild camping under the stars.
4. Try paddleboarding or kayaking on a local lake.
5. Visit a national park you’ve never been to.
6. Swim in a natural body of water – lake, river, or sea.
7. Take your dog (or borrow one! You can ask your friend or take one from a local shelter) on a weekend hike.
8. Climb to a scenic viewpoint and take a drone (or a drone-like!) photo.
9. Spend a day at a beach with zero phone access (if that feels restorative – no pressure!).
10. Attend an outdoor yoga session or retreat.
Travel & Getaways
11. Visit a country you’ve never been to – even if it’s nearby.
12. Take a scenic train ride through nature (I took one in Sri Lanka this year – it was 7 hours of amazing views! I’m not kidding, check it out yourself here).
13. Book a solo trip, even if just for the weekend.
14. Travel with carry-on only to challenge yourself.
15. Explore a destination without planning anything in advance.
16. Do a house swap or stay in a local guesthouse.
17. Visit a village with less than 1,000 residents.
18. Try a short digital detox while away – even just a few hours, if that feels good.
19. Take a road trip with a friend and no set destination.
20. Explore a city only on foot and public transport.
21. Plan a surprise getaway for someone you love.
22. Sleep under the stars – in a tent, campervan, or just a sleeping bag.
Home-Based Joy
23. Have a picnic in your garden or local park.
24. Pick your own fruit at a local farm.
25. Grow something from seed – even on your windowsill.
26. Host a summer-themed dinner with friends.
27. Set up an outdoor movie night with a projector.
28. Try cold showers every morning for a week.
29. Plan a one-day staycation itinerary in your hometown.
30. Try three new summer recipes.
31. Create a mini home spa using natural ingredients.
32. Make your own herbal lemonade or infused water bar.
Creative Projects
33. Start a travel video diary on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
34. Make a summer scrapbook or visual journal.
35. Design a mood board for your dream summer.
36. Create a short film about a place you love.
37. Launch a weekly photo challenge with friends or followers.
38. Write postcards and actually send them.
39. Talk to ChatGPT (or some other AI tool) and design your new house display artwork with its help.
40. Paint or sketch something you see on a walk.
41. Record a podcast episode about your bucket list.
42. Create a summer-themed playlist and share it online.
Learn & Grow
43. Try a new type of movement – like pilates, surfing or aerial yoga (I soooo much recommend it! I practiced aerial silks for 3 years and loved it).
44. Watch documentaries about places you want to visit.
45. Join a creative online class (writing, design, storytelling).
46. Start learning a language for your next trip.
47. Practice mindful travel – journal during your trips.
48. Learn to cook a traditional dish from a country on your wishlist.
49. Read one book from a local author in every destination you visit.
50. Take time off – real, intentional rest with no guilt.
Accessibility Note
Not every idea on this list will suit every body or circumstance. If hiking or wild camping isn’t possible for you, consider a scenic drive, a virtual nature tour, or a gentle outdoor stroll with a friend. What matters most is finding summer joy that works for you.
Your Turn!
What’s on your summer bucket list this year? I’d love to know what you’re planning, dreaming of, or already doing. If you tick off anything from this list, tag me on Instagram or send me a DM (reminder that this is my profile) – I’d love to cheer you on!
