20 Little Things on My Summer Bucket List (for 2025)

20 things on my summer bucket list, inside and outside, to savor not only the weather but time and memories with family and friends. 

Good morning friends. Memorial Day to me is the unofficial start to summer, it’s like the whole world is in bloom. The warm weather and the promise of vacation days and time with friends and family lighten the load we all seem to carry after a long cold winter.

I wrote a bucket list of things that I plan on doing over the next few months. Not necessarily a wish list of adventures. But a bucket list of 20 little things to do this summer that will help me, and maybe you too, slow down and enjoy our family, friends and all of the beautiful things that summer has to offer.

20 Things to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

1. Enjoy the Flowers

Stop and smell the roses, pick a dandelion, blow it and make a wish. Snip a few hydrangeas or peonies from your beds, add a few herbs, pop them in a vase and bring the color and fragrance of your garden inside.

Or forage for wildflowers and flowering branches. I like to use my Barebones gathering bag and pruners for this and I even keep a set in the car, just in case there are some colorful weeds or flowers while driving.

Maybe even press a few flowers between the pages of a book or in a press to remember this summer of slowing down.

2. Walk Hike Bike

Take a long walk on the beach, enjoy the sand between your toes, the waves lapping at your feet.

Hike in the mountains or on the trails near you. If you live near a national park or have plans to visit several parks this summer make sure to get a park pass and a Passport to the National Parks. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks, sunscreen and be sure to check the weather forecast.

Having a mobile phone and a map helps in case you lose your way.

Or a walk around your neighborhood. Make sure to wear a good pair of shoes, a hat and use sun protection.

Dust off your bike and take a bike ride to town or to do errands. Before heading out, make sure your tires are inflated, that your breaks work well. and that you are wearing a helmet. Carrying a small repair kit in your pack can also be a lifesaver on longer rides.

Exploring new bike and hiking trails is a great way see more of your local parks, and town as well as learning more about any state you may be visiting while on holiday. It is also to get fresh air, vitamin D and to spend time with the entire family

Setting out on two wheels or two feet can transform an ordinary day into a small adventure.

3. Go to the Library

Visit the the library, just as you did as a kid and join the summer reading program. Believe it or not they have one for adults too.

Savor the additional daylight hours and spend time reading by yourself or with your family. Join a summer book club or start one with your friends.

Don’t feel like visiting the library, visit “my bookshop” for all of the books I share on the blog.

4. Plant a Garden or Some Flowers

If you have the space to plant a garden why not grow a few of your own vegetables this year?  If you’re limited on space, you can plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables in containers.

You and your children or grandchildren will get so much joy from watching your seeds grow into beautiful flowers or delicious fruits and vegetables. Not mention using them to make some of your favorite salads or meals.

As for the flowers, is there anything more beautiful than a bouquet made from flowers picked in your own garden?

Need some tips for flowers of vegetables? Check out the gardening basics from my friend Wendy and vertical gardening tips from Kim. 

5. Make Meals From Your Garden

Make a meal from the farmers market or your own garden. Use the tomatoes and basil from your garden and make a caprese salad, or a grilled zucchini and tomato stack salad with feta cheese and pesto.

Roast the tomatoes with garlic and herbs to put up for winter or to make tomato sauce or soup.

The basil will make a delicious pesto that you can use on pasta, in dressing or drizzled on bruschetta.

A salad made with lettuce, green, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and whatever else you have growing is an easy lunch or dinner.

Don’t forget you can use the zucchini to make sweet treats too. Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Homemade Zucchini Bread, and Chai Zucchini Loaf Cake with Cinnamon Glaze are favorites at my house.

6. Plan a Staycation

Take a staycation in your town. Look up the 10 best things to see in your town and take a day or two to do and see a few of them. Visit a museum, the arboretum, botanical gardens, pick peaches, visit the zoo, take in an outdoor concert or music festivals, or a local museum.

Take a little road trip to the next town or city near you.

Get to know a new area of your town or city, you may discover great place to shop or eat. There are so many fun things in our own “neck of the woods” that even if we do not have the time for a big summer break we can still have the best summer seeing and doing new things.

7. Rainy Day Spa Day

Although we all love the sun in the summer there are going to be a few rainy days. If you find yourself with nothing to do on the next rainy weekend spend the day at the spa.

A spa day in your own home is also a great idea, do a facial, give yourself a pedicure or a manicure. Enjoy the excuse to pamper yourself, you deserve it! I recently discovered Moroccan black soap and exfoliating mitts and my skin is so soft and smooth.

Why not try a 30 Day Self Care Challenge this summer?

8. Get Up Early

They say the early bird catches the worm. I say skip the worm and take time to savor the birdsong, the quiet and the peace before the other people in the house or your neighborhood wake up.

Write in your journal, Enjoy a cup of coffee, a walk or just sit and be.

9. Bake some of your favorite family recipes

Yes, I know you don’t want to use the oven on hot days. But how else do you make strawberry shortcake or rhubarb crunch and take advantage of the summer fruits?

If you have a toaster oven bake in it instead. I make bread, brownies and crumble all the time in my Breville toaster over or in my Airfryer.

Or make a no bake treat, like this scrumptious cheesecake!

10. Make Ice Cream

When I was little my grandparents had one of those ice cream makers that needed rock salt and ice. We would spend what felt like hours taking turns cranking the handle. Today there are tons and tons of recipes that are no-churn and they are delicious.

You simply make the ice cream base, pour into a lined loaf pan and freeze. Then scoop into a bowl, or a cone, top with nuts or sprinkles or my hot fudge topping and enjoy.

You could also use cookies or brownies and make ice cream sandwiches.

My favorite no-churn ice cream is, chocolate brownie with fudge swirls.

11. Go Camping

Camp out or camp in. If you don’t like bugs or being outside, simply camp in the house. Pull out your sleeping bags, or blankets, throw the couch cushions on the floor and set up camp with your kids and your pets.

If you are more adventurous set up a tent in the yard or find a camp ground or park near you for a weekend of fun. Don’t forget to pack the fixings for s’mores around the campfire.

12. Make some homemade lemonade or sweet tea

There is something satisfying about sipping fresh, made from scratch lemonade on a hot summer day. It’s a refreshing, tangy, sweet treat that is endlessly customizable. Basil lemonade is a refreshing twist on plain lemonade as is strawberry lemonade.

As for the tea, all you need are a few tea bags, water and a large jar or pitcher.

Pour yourself a glass of tea or lemonade and sit on the porch or the deck and enjoy a little break.Grab a book, a stack of magazines and a few friends and laugh the day away.

13. Send some snail mail

Get some post cards from your town and send them to family and friends. Or write letters about all of the summer fun you are having, just like you did as a kid at camp.

14. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

Start and end the day by connecting with nature. Wake early to watch the vibrant, stunning and completely unique hues of pink, purple and orange. Enjoy the peace and tranquility, lower your stress levels and start the day on a happy note.

Sunsets are romantic and just as beautiful and they are not just for appreciating while on vacation in a special place. Most every day there is a beautiful sunset, unless it’s raining. End your day by taking a moment to enjoy the awe and beauty of a sunset.

15. Spend time with your pets

Go for walks with your dogs, set up a pool or a sprinkler in your back yard and let the pups swim or relax in the water. Our animals are here for such a short time in our lives, make them feel as special as they make us feel everyday.

16.  Sleep in on the weekends

Enjoy an extra hour or two of sleep on the weekends. Or just have a “lie in” relax and take time to write in your journal, read a book or make a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate.

Maybe even treat yourself to breakfast in bed. Pamper yourself, take care of yourself and make time for yourself. It is always a good idea!

17. Watch an outdoor movie

Many municipal parks have movies in the summer outdoors that you can take advantage of so be sure to check your local magazines or newspaper. Pack a picnic blanket your favorite snacks and drinks and enjoy a movie under the stars.

Or you can set up a screen of your own. Hosting a DIY outdoor movie night makes summer evenings magical and relaxed. It’s a simple way to create a special event where everyone can unwind under the stars.

You can purchase a or make one using the tutorial video below. This is a fun activity for the whole family or a few friends from the neighborhood.

Spread out blankets, lawn chairs, or pillows so everyone can watch comfortably. Add warm throws just in case it gets chilly.

And don’t forget the snacks. Set up a table with popcorn, candy and drinks. You could also add homemade treats or summer themed snacks.

18. Pretend You are a Kid Again

What was your favorite free time activity once the end of the school year arrived? Whatever it was, do it! Summer is the perfect opportunity to add levity back into your life, set aside your cares(if only for a day) and enjoy time with family and friends making memories.

​Here are a few fun ideas:

• Visit county fair
• spend the day at the zoo
• go to amusement park, here are 16 of the Top Amusement Parks in the US. 
• take in a baseball game
• spend time at the water park and and play on the water slide
• attend pool parties
• go for a boat ride
• catch fireflies
• plan a scavenger hunt with your kids or grandkids
• visit the science center
• roller skating
• beach days with the sand between your toes, salt on your skin and fun jumping in the waves.

19. Visit the Local Farmer’s Market, Berry Patch or Orchard

Go to the farmers market on the weekends not only for flowers, baked goods and eggs but also for cheese and meats. You get to see, smell, and taste the season’s best offerings. The market is a great opportunity to learn more about farms, produce and new foods available in your area, as well as, to meet local experts for all of the foods that you like.

Plus, it feels like a little community celebration, often there is a local band, or musicians, little ones running, jumping and dancing. Families enjoying a sweet treat, a cup of coffee and meeting friends. If you’ve never been to your local market add it to your summer calendar, you’ll find it’s a great way to brighten up a weekend routine.

Visit the local berry patch or orchard and pick summer fruits with your children or grandchildren. Some of my favorite memories as a child were picking peaches and blueberries with my siblings, I am sure that we ate more than we brought home.

20. Savor the Time with Family and Friends

Summer will fly by and soon we will be picking pumpkins and buying Christmas gifts. Enjoy the time you have with your family and friends, savor the weather and warm days and create memories. Put down your phones, turn off the social media and just soak in the laughter and fun. Life is short, don’t miss it.

That’s All for Now

I hope that you enjoyed the 20 little things on my summer bucket list and I hope that you make your own summer bucket list. Enjoy the summer months because soon the winds of change will be blowing along with the Fall leaves.

What do you have on your bucket list this year? 

If you need some Summer Bucket List Themes and Ideas read this post by my friend Coco!

Have a wonderful day friends, thank you for spending part of it with me.

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