Graphic of a pair of sunglasses propped up in the sand at the beach with the words Summer Bucket List layered over the front of the image

Bucket List: Exciting Summer Activities!

family fun parenting tween activities

Get ready--it's time for summer fun!

As summer break approaches, parents everywhere are gearing up to keep their kids entertained. Whether you're meticulously planning every moment or opting for a mix of spontaneity and structure, we've got you covered with this comprehensive list of almost 100 summer activities. Fill in the last five spots on the list with your own ideas!

Compiled by the seasoned adventurer and BaseCamper, Ella, these ideas are tailored to summer activities she would do with her friends and family but can easily inspire your own summer bucket list. 

Let's dive in!

  1. Host a movie marathon or binge watch a whole season of a show.
  2. Host an epic outdoor movie night with friends.
  3. Get into the spooky spirit with a scary movie.
  4. Organize and play classic outdoor games like Capture the Flag, Kick the Can, or Sardines with the neighborhood crew.
  5. Embrace the joy of a sleepover.
  6. Roast marshmallows and make gooey s’mores over a fire.
  7. Grill up some deliciousness with a backyard barbecue.
  8. Start a book club for endless reading adventures.
  9. Dive into a captivating book with just your bestie.
  10. Get creative with a bullet journaling session.
  11. Compete in a thrilling ping pong tournament.
  12. “Set” up a volleyball match for some friendly competition.
  13. “Serve” up some fun with a game of badminton.
  14. Enjoy a friend marathon spending 12 or 24 hours together. 
  15. Make a splash at the pool and throw a killer pool party. 
  16. Challenge yourself to wake up super early at 4:30 AM.
  17. Stay up all night and watch the sunrise.
  18. Stay cool with a game of water balloon Twister.
  19. Hit the mall for a shopping spree.
  20. Dare to get your ears pierced together.
  21. Strut your stuff with a fabulous fashion show.
  22. Get cozy and crafty by making blankets with friends.
  23. Sip on fancy drinks at a local coffee shop.
  24. Make some cash with a garage sale.
  25. Take a leisurely walk with friends and get to know each other better.
  26. Cruise around town on a bike ride.
  27. Go on a sunset bike ride.
  28. Get up early to watch the sunrise.
  29. Camp out under the stars in the backyard.
  30. Make it even more fun by sleeping on a trampoline.
  31. Indulge in a new pampering product from the beauty store.
  32. Unwind with a relaxing DIY spa day at home.
  33. Show off your skills with a cooking competition.
  34. Have a laid-back, late-night pizza party with friends.
  35. Build epic worlds and adventures in Minecraft.
  36. Plan an awesome imaginary trip with friends.
  37. Get artsy and paint cool designs on your shoes.
  38. Customize your own t-shirts or sweatshirts.
  39. Show off your friendship with matching shirts.
  40. Cool off with some sweet snow cones. Try a new flavor.
  41. Make a splash at the water park.
  42. Take a dip in the river.
  43. Pull hilarious pranks on each other.
  44. Create a thrilling scavenger hunt.
  45. Explore nature on a scenic hike.
  46. Make and enjoy delicious fruit bowls. Make your own recipe.
  47. Go stargazing and spot constellations.
  48. Get a strike (or a spare) at the bowling alley.
  49. Beat the heat with an epic water balloon fight.
  50. Try a new water sport.
  51. Indulge your sweet tooth at a local candy store.
  52. Get creative painting rocks.
  53. Have a nature painting session outside.
  54. Treat yourselves to creamy delights at the ice cream parlor.
  55. Get crafty and make adorable phone charms.
  56. Create memories with DIY mini books.
  57. Personalize tote bags with your initials.
  58. Find the most exciting book to read at the bookstore.
  59. Check out a book from the library in a new genre.
  60. Get snacks from the Asian, Mexican, and Indian markets.
  61. Visit a local farmer’s market.
  62. Sip on refreshing Boba tea.
  63. Go on a Target run.
  64. Test everyone’s taste buds with a Guess the Oreo contest.
  65. Pucker up for a sour candy challenge.
  66. Make somebody’s day by volunteering.
  67. Cultivate your green thumb by planting a vegetable or flower garden.
  68. Build a super hard obstacle course challenge.
  69. Belt out your favorite tunes with karaoke.
  70. Write a song–the music or the lyrics or both.
  71. Design and make a DIY photo booth and have a photoshoot.
  72. Make a music video.
  73. Find a new recipe to try. Make it challenging.
  74. Try a new food with exotic flavors.
  75. Shoot hoops or have a basketball tournament.
  76. Go to the zoo and pretend you’re on a safari.
  77. Brighten someone's day with a random act of kindness.
  78. Bake delicious treats like cookies or cupcakes. Save some for later.
  79. Spoil the furry companions by making dog treats.
  80. Take those furry friends on a walk.
  81. “Reel” in the fun by going fishing.
  82. Experiment with trendy hairstyles.
  83. Run or walk a 5K.
  84. Add groovy style to your wardrobe by making tie-dye socks or t-shirts.
  85. Invent new popcorn toppings.
  86. Enjoy a leisurely picnic at the park.
  87. Bust a move and learn a dance routine together.
  88. Hand write a letter to someone special and send it snail mail.
  89. Visit a museum with friends.
  90. Hand wash and dry the car.
  91. Find inner peace. Do a yoga session outside.
  92. Make new friendship bracelets.
  93. Rearrange your room.
  94. Give each other mani-pedis.
  95. Have the best summer ever! 
  96. ____
  97. ____
  98. ____
  99. ____
  100. _____

Finish the list to get to 100 summer activities! Mix and match them to create your perfect summer bucket list. There’s something here for everyone.  

Here's to an unforgettable summer filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories with your tween!