I have always loved the idea of a summer bucket list. There is something so fun about the 2010s-era bucket list handwritten in glitter gel pens that you must entirely check off before school starts in the fall.
Every year, I set so many high expectations for myself of all the fun things I am going to do, but somehow, by the end of the summer, I am left with a mostly blank list of activities I never got around to. This summer is going to be different. This summer, I have decided to finally commit to the summer bucket list.
So, whether you want to make the most epic summer 2026 bucket list or you’re just looking for some fun activities to do this summer by yourself or with friends and family, here are some ideas of how to make your summer super fab.
Visit a new museum
Museums are perfect for the hot summer days when you want to stay inside. Whether it’s an art, history, or science museum, it is always fun to learn something new or explore somewhere in your area you’ve never visited. Also, most museums offer student discounts that you should take advantage of!
Attend a local sporting event
A local sporting event is an awesome summer activity you might not think of. I grew up in a baseball family, and I can say there is nothing better than a hot summer night spent in the stands of a Kansas City Royals game with a tiny helmet filled with Dippin’ Dots.
Take a sunrise hike
I am always so excited when I wake up early enough to see the sunrise, and I feel like a sunrise hike would be super enjoyable to connect with nature and get outside before it gets too hot. It would be such a gratifying way to start your day.
Go to an outdoor concert
I want to go to as many concerts as possible this summer. Listening to live music always makes me happy and lawn concerts are so fun when it is nice outside. If you have a music venue around you, keep an eye out for concerts you know you’ll like or go to a concert you might not have considered attending to discover something new!
Try a new craft
Crafting is a great activity you can do by yourself or with friends. We all have those crafts saved on Pinterest that you haven’t gotten around to doing, and summer is the perfect time to complete them. You can make decor for your apartment or dorm, DIY accessories like phone cases or key chains, or keep it simple with drawing, watercoloring, or collaging.
Have a beach/pool/lake day
Obviously, a day at the beach, pool, lake or whatever body of water you have access to is a must for the summer. You can bring a picnic, music, a book, or games to enjoy while you spend your day relaxing and swimming.
Start a book club or complete a reading challenge
My friends don’t know it yet, but they will be joining my book club this summer. Surprise! Whether you enjoy reading or not, I think a book club is a great way to connect with others, whether you have a big group or just a couple of people. I feel like it opens you up to interesting conversations and might encourage you to read or enjoy something you wouldn’t necessarily have done by yourself.
If you don’t want to do a book club, you could give yourself a reading challenge! You could challenge yourself to read a book in one day, complete an entire book series, or read every book by a certain author.
Try a new physical activity
Summer is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby, and recreational sports are a fun and easy way to stay active. Sand volleyball, pickleball, or basketball are all pretty accessible and super fun to try with friends or family. Also, getting really good at a random sport would be a super cool accomplishment by the end of the summer.