I’m trying to push myself to grow in different ways and do a lot more with my life, but I also wanna help you do the same with your life as well.
And that’s why I think creating a seasonal bucket list is a great way make sure you’re getting the most out of the year, and making as many special memories as you can.
With that said, I’ve curated 10 simple but fun things you can add to your own summer bucket list. They’re relaxing and fun outings and activities you can do to romanticize your life and make things feel a bit more special. So grab a few summer bucket list ideas and start crossing them off!
1. Explore New (And Not So New) Cuisines
Trying a new cuisine, or going deeper with a cuisine you already like, is definitely one of my favorite summer list ideas.
And I’m not just talking about going to a restaurant. I mean taking the time to find some amazing looking authentic recipes and making them from home.
Over the last two years, I’ve made Polish pierogies, Paraguayan mbeju, Japanese gyoza, Mexican chilaquiles, Chinese sheng jian bao, and so many other amazing dishes.
Also, another great way to experience a cuisine is to take private cooking classes. I’ve done this for both Peruvian and Brazilian food, and it was an amazing experience.
If you’re creating your own 2026 summer bucket list, then please make sure to put this on there! It will make your life so much more fun (and tastier).
2. Pick Berries & Then Have a Berry Themed Brunch
One of my most favorite memories as a kid was to pick berries during the summer. And there are so many kinds you could be picking this year such as:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
And then once you have your berries, invite some friends over for good conversation, iced coffee, and brunch recipes you made with your picked berries. Also, this could become a fun seasonal tradition you have with your friends!
3. Have a Picnic at the Beach
Make a trip to the beach and have a picnic instead of heading to a park. Just bring some picnic blankets, pack some sparkling lemonade, maybe make a Trader Joe’s stop for some fun snacks, and put on a good playlist.
This is honestly the perfect thing to add to your summer bucket list.
4. Take a Spontaneous One Day Road Trip
Grab a friend (or two), pick a random city, scenic location, or small town to explore, grab some food along the way, and make a day of it.
And once you’re back, have a sleepover and watch a movie together. It’s a nice way to end a long (but fun) day.
5. Wake Up Before Sunrise Just Once (and On Purpose)
Watch the sky change colors, drink some good coffee in silence, and let the world feel empty for an hour or so. Bonus points if you bring your journal or even read while the city sleeps for a bit longer. It’s a free bucket list idea that’s simple but beautiful and peaceful.
6. Recreate a Summer Day from Your Childhood
Nothing says “summer is here” like doing something straight out of your childhood.
So eat those snacks you loved, do a fun activity your younger self liked (bike riding, swimming, board games, etc.), maybe do an outing to a waterpark, and then end the day watching something nostalgic.
7. Host a Bring Your Favorite Thing Night
No theme and no pressure. Everyone just brings one thing they genuinely like or love (so think a book, a snack, a song, a story, etc.) and explains why. Simple, fun, and a nice way to spend the evening with good friends.
8. Write a Letter to Your End-of-Summer Self
Whether it’s a bit of encouragement, a funny letter, or some meaningful thought you had at the beginning of summer, seal it, put it somewhere safe, and read it on your last summer evening.
9. Have a French Morning Ritual
Put on a chill French playlist, have some fresh bread, good coffee, make a beautiful French breakfast, open up the windows, maybe light a candle, read a book, and have a slow morning to yourself.
You can also do this with another country you personally think is cool, and do it as often as you want this summer
10. Learn One Tiny but Personal Skill
The summer of 2026 is the summer where you take on that one skill you felt you had no time for, but really wanted to learn.
So think identifying constellations, tying a fancy knot, making incredibly beautiful coffee drinks, embroidery, or flower arranging.
This is the season to lean into what genuinely interests you and let yourself become a little more you in the process.
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.