Hello summertime! I know we technically are still in spring, but anything post-Memorial Day is summer to me. Now that we are just floating into June I thought it would be a good time to make a summer bucket list to get excited about the season. I love making bucket lists because they really help me put ideas into action and make everyday life that much more interesting. So, read below for some of the activities, projects and other random ideas I have on my bucket list and maybe you will be inspired to make your own!

the bucket list

wear neon colors

If you want to add some everyday pizazz to your summer, try incorporating touches of neon! I personally love wearing clothes with neon accents (e.e. Lily Pulitzer) or carrying accessories that have bright pops of neon color. I also love going with a bright neon nail polish or scarf once in a while!

summertime art

Summer is a great time to play with different painting colors and styles. I love to do beach-inspired watercolors or more bright abstract ink paintings to capture the bright energy of summer.

beach day

For those of us who live driving distance from a beach or shore, taking a beach day once in a while is a must!

make a special drink

I definitely think summer is a great season to experiment with some creative cocktails, smoothies or mock-tails! My recommendation? Head to your local Dollar Tree and get some fun glasses and straws and find a recipe on Pinterest for a killer frozen drink. I personally want to try making a frozen Peach Bellini!

board walk

There is something about that summer boardwalk aesthetic that just feels like quintessential summer. I feel like part of growing up in the northeastern United States meant summers at the board walk. Usually with a melty ice cream cone in hand, sunburned shoulders and salt-dried hair in the evening breeze.

beach read book list

Some of these bucket list ideas might be out of your reach or interest, but gathering a small list of beach reads for the summer is a simple way to make summer a little more special! Head to your local library or pop on Amazon to find some fun summer reads to fill your long hot days with adventures and smiles.

local zoo

Who doesn’t love a quality animal fix? Not only do you get to see cute furry animals but you also get that feeling of adventure as you frolic about the many different animal compartments. I am a huge fan of the river otters and ANY kind of wild cat!

aquarium

The only thing even more thrilling than a zoo to me is an AQUARIUM!!!! I love how immersive aquariums are and how blue and brilliant everything is. Something about being exposed to the underwater kingdom through that veil of glass is just magical and peaceful.

upcycyle fashion diy

I am so excited to try out an “upcycle” DIY project. I think summer is a great time to repurpose some old clothes or try your hand at a project. In fact, I have a really fun project that I plan to post about soon, so stay tuned!

local farmer’s market

There are many farmer’s markets nearby that I have not yet explored. This is a great, bite-sized summer activity for a summer morning or early afternoon before the day heats up too much. Plus, fresh veggies!

s’mores on the fire

I LOVE a campfire pretty much any time of year but especially on summer nights when it cools off a bit and you are ready to emerge from the air conditioning. I have these great sticks made for roasting several marshmallows on the fire at once. I LOVE torching my marshmallows until they are black and flaky, haha. How about you?

backroad drive in new area

I am talking about a long backroad drive somewhere DIFFERENT than your normal stomping grounds. This must include an iced drink of choice, an epic drive playlist, windows down and a sunset at some point. This can also include stops for scenic pictures, stops for ice cream or burgers or stops at random shops that seem inviting or entertaining.

park picnic

I think taking a simple afternoon to stroll or picnic at a new park is a great way to pass a summer afternoon. Bringing a blanket, some fresh fruit and a few books is just the most relaxing, rejuvinating afternoon ever.

summer blockbuster binge

When I was growing up we used to go to Blockbuster (the local DVD rental store) each weekend and check out a few fun flicks to watch after long days out by the pool. Of course now this is made easier by Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime….or whatever other subscription services are out there. I love watching movies like Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean or any surfer movie!

garden time

Whether you have a green thumb and garden of your own or not, spending some time by a garden now and again is an incredible way to nourish your spirit this summer. Sometimes I love visiting a local floral nursery or garden center just to walk around and take in the greenery!

what about you?

What are some items on your summer bucket list this year? I would love to hear your craziest and most fun suggestions!