Summer break is the perfect time to make a bucket list. Whether your teenager is looking to fill their days with adventure, relaxation, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Our list of 101 ideas for a summer bucket list for teens is packed with activities that range from totally free to splurge-worthy experiences. So, encourage your teen to grab their friends, sunscreen, and sense of adventure—let’s make this summer unforgettable!
Summer Bucket List for Teens Download
If you’re looking for ideas to keep your kids busy, this bucket list is a great start! There’s something on this list that I’m certain your teen or tween will love! We’ve even created this free download for easy sharing! The download includes a printable list of all 101 ideas plus a page to curate your own bucket list.
101 Ideas for Summer Fun!
Here’s our list of 101 ideas. We know every idea isn’t for everyone, so pick and choose your faves to build your personal summer bucket list.
1. Go for a Bike Ride
Dust off your bike and hit the trails or rent an E-bike. Whether it’s around your neighborhood or Downtown, biking is a fun and healthy way to explore your town.
2. Have a Beach Day
Pack your sunscreen, towel, and some snacks, and head to the nearest beach for a day of sun and surf. If you’re not near the coast, even a local lake makes an awesome beach day.
3. Try Geocaching
Go on a modern-day treasure hunt! Download a geocaching app and find hidden treasures in your area.
4. Visit a Farmers’ Market
Explore a local farmers’ market and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce. You might even find some unique crafts and homemade goodies.
5. Go Camping
Set up a tent in your backyard or at a local campsite. Don’t forget the marshmallows for roasting over the fire!
6. Have a Movie Marathon
Choose a theme, grab some popcorn, and binge-watch your favorite movies or series with your family or friends.
7. Go Hiking
Find a favorite or new trail and spend the day hiking and enjoying nature.
8. Visit a Theme Park
Spend a day riding roller coasters and playing games at a theme park. It’s the perfect way to get your adrenaline fix.
9. Try Paddleboarding
Rent a paddleboard and hit the water. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the summer sun and have some laughs in the process.
10. Have a Water Balloon Fight
Cool off on a hot day with a fun water balloon fight with friends.
11. Go to a Concert
Check out local concert listings and see if any of your favorite bands are playing nearby.
12. Learn to Surf
Take a surf lesson and ride the waves for a thrilling summer experience.
13. Visit a Zoo or Aquarium
Spend the day observing and learning about animals at a zoo or aquarium.
14. Have a Picnic
Pack a picnic basket with your favorite foods and find a scenic spot to enjoy a meal outdoors.
15. Go Roller Skating
Hit up a roller rink and kick it old school. You’d be surprised how much fun a night at the roller rink can be.
16. Visit a Museum
Spend a day at a museum exploring exhibits on art, history, or science. Bonus if you have a free museum near you!
17. Try Rock Climbing
Head to a climbing gym or find a safe outdoor spot to try rock climbing. It’s a great workout and loads of fun.
18. Go Kayaking
Rent a kayak and paddle around a lake or river. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the water.
19. Have a Bonfire
Gather your friends, some wood, marshmallows, and hotdogs for a classic summer bonfire.
20. Visit a Water Park
Spend the day sliding down water slides and floating in lazy rivers at a water park. Water parks are always tons of fun!
21. Try Archery
Find a local archery range and take a lesson. Whether you consider yourself athletic or not, it’s a unique and fun sport.
22. Attend a Sports Game
Whether it’s baseball, soccer, or another sport, attend a live game and cheer on your favorite team.
23. Go Horseback Riding
Find a local stable and go for a horseback ride. It’s a beautiful way to explore nature.
24. Make a Time Capsule
Gather some mementos, write a letter to your future self, and bury a time capsule to open years later.
25. Try Zip Lining
Find a zip line course and soar through the air for an unforgettable adventure.
26. Volunteer
Give back to your community by volunteering at a local charity or event.
27. Go Fishing
Grab a fishing rod and head to a nearby lake or river. It’s a relaxing way to spend the day. (Don’t forget your fishing license!)
28. Have a DIY Spa Day
Treat yourself to a spa day at home with DIY face masks, manicures, and relaxation. Don’t forget the drinks and snacks!
29. Visit a Botanical Garden or Arboretum
Go outside and spend the day exploring the beautiful plants and flowers at a botanical garden or arboretum.
30. Go Mini Golfing
Challenge your friends to a game of mini-golf. It’s a fun way to tap into your competitive side,
31. Try Out a New Recipe
Get creative in the kitchen and try cooking or baking a new recipe. You’ll pick up some great new cooking skills in the process.
32. Have a Photoshoot
Grab your camera and have a fun photoshoot with friends. Find cool locations and experiment with different poses and lighting.
33. Go to a Drive-In Movie
Experience a classic drive-in movie. Splurge on some snacks from the concession stand and enjoy a film under the stars.
34. Attend a Festival
Check out local festivals and fairs. From food to music, there’s always something exciting happening.
35. Learn a New Instrument
Pick up an instrument you’ve always wanted to learn and start practicing. You can find free beginner lessons on YouTube or affordable music lessons on Outschool.
36. Go on a Road Trip
Plan a road trip to a nearby city or attraction. Make it a day trip or overnight if you’re able!
37. Have a Game Night
Invite friends over for a game night with board games, card games, or video games.
38. Visit a National Park or State Park
Explore the natural beauty of a national or state park. Go hiking, take photos, and enjoy the great outdoors.
39. Try Skateboarding
Learn some tricks on a skateboard or just cruise around your neighborhood.
40. Go Stargazing
Find a dark spot away from city lights and spend the night stargazing. Bring a cozy blanket and some snacks.
41. Take a Dance Class
Sign up for a dance class and learn a new style, whether it’s hip-hop, salsa, or ballet.
42. Go to an Escape Room
Challenge yourself and your friends to solve puzzles and escape from a themed room.
43. Have a Cookout
Fire up the grill and have a cookout with friends and family. Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings, plus some popsicles for a cold treat.
44. Go to a Fair
Enjoy the rides, games, and food at a local fair. Don’t forget to try some cotton candy!
45. Have a Sleepover
Invite your friends for an epic sleepover with movies, games, and snacks.
46. Try a New Sport
Pick up a new sport like tennis, golf, or ultimate frisbee and give it a try.
47. Go Fruit Picking
Visit a local farm or orchard and pick fresh berries or apples. It’s a delicious and fun activity.
48. Attend a Workshop
Find a workshop on something you’re interested in, like photography, writing, or painting.
49. Have a Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt for your friends with fun and challenging clues.
50. Try a New Hobby
Try something new and explore a hobby like knitting, drawing, or gardening.
50. Sign Up for Summer Camp
Spend time away, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories.
52. Have a Paintball Battle
Gather your friends and have an action-packed paintball battle.
53. Try Yoga
Join a yoga class or follow along with a video at home for some relaxation and stretching.
54. Watch the Sunrise
It might feel early, but you’ll be glad you set your alarm to experience a gorgeous sunrise.
55. Go to a Flea Market
Explore a flea market and find unique items and hidden treasures.
56. Have a DIY Project Day
Tap into your creative side with a DIY project, whether it’s making jewelry, decorating your room, or crafting.
57. Visit an Art Gallery
Spend the day appreciating art at a local gallery. Some will even offer free workshops or art classes with local artists.
58. Go Boating
Rent a paddle boat or kayak and spend the day on the water.
59. Have a Karaoke Night
Get out of your comfort zone and sing your heart out at a karaoke night with friends.
60. Try Photography
Grab a camera and delve into photography. Capture nature, architecture, and candid moments.
61. Visit a Planetarium
Learn about the stars and planets at a local planetarium.
62. Go to a Performance
Enjoy a night at a local theater or symphony hall. In the summer, you can often find free outdoor performances!
63. Have a Science Experiment Day
Get curious and try out some fun science experiments at home.
64. Visit a Historic Site
Learn about history by visiting a local historic site or monument.
65. Go Ice Skating
Find an indoor rink and enjoy some ice skating, even in the summer.
66. Have a Craft Day
Get creative with a craft day, doing everything from making friendship bracelets to creating custom T-shirts.
67. Get a Summer Job
Make a little money and gain first-hand experience in a summer job. Don’t discount jobs like babysitting or yard work! It’s a great way to make a little spending money.
68. Visit a Local Landmark
Be a tourist in your own town and visit a local landmark or attraction. It’s important to take the time to explore our own communities.
69. Go Bowling
Enjoy a classic game of bowling with friends or family.
70. Try Windsurfing
Take a windsurfing lesson and ride the waves in a new way.
71. Have a Movie Night Under the Stars
Set up a projector and screen for an outdoor movie night with friends.
72. Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
Learn about and observe animals at a local wildlife sanctuary.
73. Take an Online Class
Outschool offers tons of online classes for teens, so you can explore all kinds of interests and build new skills.
74. Visit a College or University
Start thinking about the future by visiting a college or university you’re interested in.
75. Have a Paint Party
Gather some friends and have a paint party. Get creative with canvases, paints, and brushes. YouTube has lots of guided paint lessons to follow!
76. Visit a Local Pool
Spend the day splashing around at a local pool. It’s a great way to stay cool and have fun.
77. Try Go-Kart Racing
Experience the thrill of go-kart racing at a nearby track. Challenge your friends to a race!
78. Have a Book Club
Start a book club with friends and discuss your favorite books over snacks. Book clubs are one of the best ways to have fun reading.
79. Visit a Trampoline Park
Jump and flip at a trampoline park. It’s an easy and fun way to get some exercise.
80. Visit Local Libraries
Check out a new library near you. They often offer different classes and events for free!
81. Have a Beach Bonfire
If you’re near a beach that allows bonfires, gather your friends for a night of music, s’mores, and fun.
82. Go Flower Picking
Visit a local farm that allows you to cut your own flowers to create fragrant bouquets.
83. Have a Sports Day
Organize a day of sports activities like soccer, basketball, or volleyball with friends.
84. Have an Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Invite your friends over for a huge ice cream sundae bar with all your favorite toppings!
85. Have a Garage Sale
Clean out your house and make some money in the process. Include your friends for a multi-family yard sale.
86. Visit Family Members
Do you have extended family you don’t get to see often? Take some time to visit them this summer.
87. Have a Cook-Off
Challenge your friends to a cook-off. Pick a theme and see who can create the best dish. Chili cook-offs are always a big hit.
88. Try a New Cuisine
Find a restaurant nearby with new-to-you cuisine. Experience flavors from other cultures and broaden your senses.
89. Try Indoor Skydiving
Experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe, controlled indoor environment.
90. Go Snorkeling
If you’re near the coast, try snorkeling to explore underwater life.
91. Attend a Convention
You can find conventions for all kinds of things… comics, board games, writing, etc. Sign up for one this summer.
92. Try Ax-Throwing
Channel your inner lumberjack and head to an axe-throwing range for a unique experience.
93. Have a Sand Volleyball Game
Find a sand volleyball court and have a friendly but competitive match with friends.
94. Go to a Food Festival
Taste a variety of cuisines and enjoy live entertainment at a local food festival.
95. Have a Photography Challenge
Challenge your friends to a photography competition with a theme. Capture creative and fun shots.
96. Visit a Waterfall
Take a hike to a nearby waterfall and enjoy the natural beauty and refreshing mist.
97. Have a DIY Tie-Dye Party
Gather some white clothes and tie-dye kits, and create colorful designs with friends.
98. Go Bird Watching
Bird watching isn’t just for, ahem, old people! The Merlin Bird ID app by Cornell makes it fun and easy to identify birds all around you.
99. Visit an Observatory
Spend an evening at an observatory looking at the stars and learning about astronomy.
100. Have a DIY Pizza Night
Make homemade pizzas with friends, choosing your favorite toppings and baking them to perfection.
101. Plan a Community Service Project
Organize a community service project with friends, like a neighborhood clean-up, 5K, or a charity fundraiser. Check to see if any local organizations or churches will partner with you. Not only will you feel great about giving back to the community, but this looks great on resumes.
Wrapping Up: Summer Bucket List for Teens and Tweens
This comprehensive list will help ensure that your teen’s summer is filled with fun and memories instead of hours each day glued to a screen. Whether it’s a simple activity close to home or a more adventurous outing, these bucket list ideas will keep your teenager engaged with friends and family and experiencing life. So, encourage them to dive into these activities and make this the best summer yet!
