Summer is the perfect time to relax, have fun, and try new things. With no school, it’s a great time to make memories, learn new hobbies, and accomplish things before the school year starts again in the fall. Whether you want adventure, creativity, or just time to chill with friends, this list of summer bucket list ideas for teens has something for everyone.
What is a bucket list?
A bucket list is a fun list of things you want to do or try, usually before a certain time like the end of summer. It’s a way to set goals, make plans, and fill your days with exciting memories. Your bucket list can include big adventures or small moments, as long as they make you happy and help you enjoy life a little more.
Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoorsy summer bucket list ideas are perfect for teens who love fresh air, sunshine, and a little adventure. Being outside is a great way to spend time away from digital screens. From hiking to hidden waterfalls and camping under the stars to paddleboarding at a local lake, these activities help teens unplug, get moving, and make unforgettable memories outside.
- Go to the beach and watch the sunset
- Have a water balloon fight
- Try paddleboarding or kayaking
- Go on a sunrise hike
- Camp in the backyard
- Visit a national or state park
- Ride bikes to a new place
- Go zip-lining or indoor rock climbing
- Go stargazing on a clear night
- Go rollerblading
- Go tubing or rafting down a river
- Build a sandcastle with friends
- Visit a botanical garden or arboretum
- Plant something and try to grow it all summer
- Try slacklining in the backyard
- Walk dogs at a local animal shelter
Summer Bucket List Ideas With Friends
Summer bucket list ideas are even more fun when you do them with friends. Here are some bucket list ideas that you can do with friends and make memories together!
- Host a backyard movie night with snacks
- Throw a themed pool party
- Make your own slip-and-slide with a plastic tarp
- Try a new ice cream shop or dessert bar
- Plan a day with no phones
- Go thrift shopping for funny outfits
- Do a friendship bracelet exchange
- Play a giant outdoor board game
- Host a sleepover with themed snacks
- Have a DIY spa night
- Go bowling or mini golfing
- Try a “$10 thrift store outfit challenge”
- Do a nail-painting party
- Do a blindfolded makeup challenge
- Have a themed dress-up day just for fun
Creative Bucket List Ideas
Creative and crafty bucket list ideas are a great way for you to express yourself and try something new this summer. Some ideas include tie-dyeing shirts, painting in the sunshine, and making a scrapbook of your favorite memories. If you’re creative or love doing crafts, check out the following bucket list ideas!
- Tie-dye old T-shirts or socks
- Start a summer scrapbook or photo journal
- Make your own summer playlist cover art
- Film a mini summer vlog or short film
- Decorate your room with a new aesthetic
- Try pottery
- Bake and decorate summer-themed cookies
- Design your dream summer outfit
- Create your own comic or graphic novel
- Paint rocks and leave them around town
- Learn calligraphy or hand lettering
- Make a custom phone wallpaper
- Draw sidewalk chalk art on your driveway
- Write a poem or summer short story
- Make a custom tie-dye hoodie
- Try sewing or upcycling old clothes
Travel Bucket List Ideas for Teens
Travel bucket list ideas are a fun way for you to explore new places and make the most of your summer break. Whether you’re taking a mini road trip with friends, discovering a hidden gem in your own town, or checking out a local fair or museum, every little adventure can lead to big memories.
- Go to a local festival or fair
- Take a road trip
- Visit a museum or gallery nearby
- Try a food you’ve never eaten before
- Be a tourist in your own city
- Go to a concert or outdoor music event
- Visit a waterpark or amusement park
- Check out a drive-in movie theater
- Visit a farmers market
- Visit a bookstore or indie shop you’ve never been to
- Take a ghost tour or historical walking tour
- Check out a local art fair
- Visit a zoo or aquarium
- Try geocaching in your area
Personal Development
Adding personal development ideas to your summer bucket list is a great way to grow while still having fun. You might try learning a new skill, setting a goal, or doing something that challenges you. It’s a chance to learn more about yourself and feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.
- Make a vision board for the school year
- Learn a new hobby like guitar, coding, or photography
- Read 3 new books
- Get your first job or internship
- Learn to cook one full meal by yourself
- Try meditation or yoga
- Organize your phone/photos
- Create a digital detox plan for a week
- Write a letter to your future self
- Start learning a new language
- Make a budget and start saving money
- Write down 10 things you like about yourself
Bucket List Ideas For Introverts
Summer bucket list ideas for introverts are all about quiet moments and meaningful activities. You might enjoy reading a new book, journaling your thoughts, trying out a creative hobby, or going for peaceful walks. It’s a great way to recharge, reflect, and enjoy summer in your own calm and cozy way.
- Try drawing or painting something every day
- Organize your room just the way you want
- Watch a movie you’ve never seen every week
- Take long walks while listening to podcasts
- Try out journaling for your thoughts or dreams
- Learn origami or paper folding
- Write a fictional story just for fun
- Work on a puzzle while listening to music
- Watch an entire documentary series
- Start learning to play an instrument
- Try embroidery or cross-stitch
- Make your own candle or soap
- Learn how to use photo editing apps
- Make a stop-motion animation
- Build a fort in your room just for you
Cheap or Free Summer Bucket List Ideas
Cheap or free summer bucket list ideas are perfect when you want to have fun without spending a lot of money. Simple things like watching the sunset, visiting the library, or having a picnic at the park can still make great memories. These ideas let you enjoy summer without the stress of spending too much.
- Go to the library and check out books or movies
- Watch the clouds and try to spot shapes
- Have a board game night at home
- Walk to get your favorite cheap snack
- Make popsicles at home
- Do a DIY scavenger hunt around your neighborhood
- Make friendship bracelets from leftover string
- Visit a splash pad or public pool
- Volunteer somewhere for a day
- Go through old photos and make a slideshow
- Write a short play and act it out with friends
- Create a playlist and trade it with a friend
- Learn a TikTok dance