Today marks the summer solstice — the longest day of the year and the official start of summer, which means it is the perfect time to create a meaningful summer bucket list. I found some beautiful inspiration from The Everygirl’s list of fun summer activities — perfect if you are building your summer bucket list. I have put together mine with joy, rest, and intention in mind — and I hope it inspires you to make one too.
This year, I wanted to be more intentional about how I spend the season. So I put together My Summer Bucket List — a mix of joyful, simple, feel-good activities that celebrate everything I love about summer: fresh food, family time, slow mornings, warm evenings, and just enough sparkle. ✨Here’s what’s on my list:
Watch the Sunrise
Start the season as it begins — with a calm, quiet sunrise. I am planning at least one early-morning walk just to feel that magic of golden hour before the world wakes up.
Visit the Farmers Market Weekly
Summer produce is the best, and I want to fill my kitchen with juicy peaches, berries, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. I am especially excited to try new recipes using whatever is in season — salads, grilled veggie platters, and fruit-forward desserts.
Host a Summer Salad Night
I am planning a little gathering where everyone brings a summer salad—something easy, fun, and fresh—think watermelon + feta skewers, orzo pasta salads, and citrusy vinaigrettes.
Try a New Summer Mocktail
I have pinned a few recipes for strawberry basil lemonade and cucumber mint coolers. I want to experiment with a signature drink for summer — something light and refreshing to sip during sunset.
Take a Family Photo Walk
Instead of an outdoor movie, I’m planning a sunset photo walk — just us, wandering through a local park or neighborhood, taking fun or candid pictures along the way. It’s a sweet way to capture memories and notice little details in everyday life.
Host a Bake-Your-Own Treat Day
I want to spend a carefree afternoon baking something new — maybe fruity muffins, a simple galette, or lemon loaf cake. Even better if my little one helps with stirring (and taste-testing). It is a lovely way to slow down and fill the house with sweet summer scents.
Refresh My Wellness Routine
I want to simplify and reset my daily rhythm: more outdoor walks, journaling on the balcony, 10 minutes of yoga in the morning, and less screen time before bed. A mini summer reset for my mind and body.
Make Homemade Ice Cream or Popsicles
We’ll be getting creative in the kitchen with easy, kid-friendly recipes like berry yogurt pops, peach puree popsicles, or even a no-churn ice cream. Messy, delicious, and worth every bite.
Add a Soundtrack to MY Summer Bucket List
I want to create a playlist that becomes the background to our summer — something we can listen to on car rides, in the kitchen, or during quiet afternoons. A mix of nostalgic tracks, feel-good beats, and songs that make us want to dance barefoot in the garden.
Have a “No-Screens” Evening by Candlelight
One evening this summer, I want to turn everything off — off the TV, the phones, all of it, and just light some candles. Maybe we will play board games, talk, or simply sit outside listening to the sounds of summer. Just one peaceful, unplugged night.
My Summer BUCKET LIST Intention
This summer, I am not chasing a packed calendar or the pressure to “do it all.” I am choosing something slower, more present, and rooted in what brings me joy. For me, that means early mornings filled with light, food that tastes like sunshine, laughter with my family, and small rituals that bring calm to the chaos.
This bucket list isn’t about perfection — it is not a to-do list to stress over or complete. It is a gentle guide. A reminder to make time for what matters: the simple pleasures, the spontaneous adventures, the quiet pauses, and the memories we make in between.
Summer is fleeting, but the moments we create — baking with our kids, walking at sunset, playing music that becomes the soundtrack to the season — those stay with us.
So, whether you make your summer bucket list or just borrow a few ideas from mine, I hope you will carve out space to feel more grounded, more connected, and more yourself this season. Even if it is just for a moment.
