Summer is just around the corner, and with it come long sunny days, warm weather, and more opportunities to slow down, get outside, and enjoy simple moments of joy. Summer doesn’t last forever, which is why we need to take advantage of it while we can.
Although it is a joyful season for many, for others, it can be hard to stay present due to racing thoughts and eating disorder lies. For this reason, we’re sharing ideas for your own summer bucket list to help you connect with moments of joy in a way that feels supportive and realistic for you.
We’ve grouped these ideas into different sections to help make them easier to navigate depending on what you might need in the moment. There’s no “right” way to use this list, some days you might feel drawn to something new or active, and other days something quieter or more familiar may feel better.
The intention is to offer a range of gentle options so you can choose what feels most supportive, realistic, or even slightly interesting to you right now, without any pressure to do it all.
Summer Bucket List Ideas
When you want a change of scenery
- Watch a sunrise or sunset
- Go horseback riding
- Read at a park
- Have a picnic
- Go to the aquarium
- Walk barefoot in the grass
- Try cloud watching
- Go to an art museum
- Sit outside during a summer rainstorm
- Ride a bike somewhere new
- Go swimming
- Watch fireworks
- Go stargazing
- Watch a movie outdoors
- Visit a carnival or amusement park
When you want to create or express yourself
- Make a summer playlist
- Paint or color outside
- Try pottery, crocheting, or jewelry making
- Create a scrapbook of summer memories
- Start a journal
- Take photos of things that make you smile
- Learn a simple recipe or mocktail
- Make friendship bracelets
- Try a DIY craft night
When you need comfort
- Have a spa day
- Watch a comfort movie with snacks
- Visit a local coffee shop
- Spend an evening off your phone
- Build a cozy reading corner
- Light a candle and journal
- Have a sleepover
When you want connection
- Host a game night
- Write letters to friends
- Plan a beach/lake day
- Have a themed dinner night
- Volunteer in your community
- Try a new hobby
- Go on a walk with someone
When everything feels like too much
- Sit somewhere quiet and just breathe slowly
- Step outside for fresh air for 2–5 minutes
- Lie down and put one hand on your chest, one on your stomach
- Put on a calming show, you don’t need to focus on
- Drink water or something grounding slowly
- Turn off notifications for a short break