Fun Summer Activities Checklist (2024)

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Even if you don't have any vacation plans yet, we've got the perfect list of summer activities that'll help you relax, refresh, and enjoy every single moment of the season. Whether you want to spend more time in the great outdoors, have a little throwback fun, or just savor every bit of summer flavor out there, you'll find something to cross off your summer bucket list.

Nostalgic

Everyone loves a throwback—and doing these summer activities that you may have loved as a kid will definitely bring some joy to your summer.

• See a movie at the drive-in.
• Walk on the boardwalk and listen to the boards creak under your feet.
• Blow bubbles.
• Play tag, hopscotch, or one of your favorite childhood games.
• Ride a roller coaster.
• Play miniature golf.
• Win a prize at the fair.
• Catch fireflies at night.
• Build a sandcastle at the beach.
• Cruise around town on a bike, roller skates, or a skateboard.
• Do a cannonball into the pool.
• Enjoy the view from the Ferris Wheel.
• Run through the sprinklers.
• Have a water balloon fight.
• Help your kids host a lemonade stand.
• Tie dye a t-shirt.
• Climb a tree.
• Build a fort (indoors or out!)
• Jump in puddles after a rainstorm.
• Wear cut-off jeans and flip-flops.

Eat and Drink

With all that gorgeous summer produce out there, there's plenty to enjoy and savor (and either grow your own or pick at the farm). But don't forget to indulge in a few more decadent summertime treats—like s'mores or frozen co*cktails.

• Eat a whole lobster with your hands
• Pick berries and peaches at a farm.
• Make pesto.
• Buy a Creamsicle from the neighborhood ice cream truck.
• Roast marshmallows over a fire and make s'mores.
• Make lemonade from scratch.
• Eat corn on the cob.
• Sip a sweating glass of iced tea.
• Eat a slice of watermelon.
• Buy fresh produce at the farmers' market.
• Mix up a pitcher of sangria.
• Eat a soft-serve vanilla ice cream cone with rainbow sprinkles.
• Dig your own clams.
• Make your own iced coffee.
• Make homemade ice cream.
• Have a barbecue.
• Eat cucumber sandwiches.
• Plant a mini herb garden.
• Drink a frozen co*cktail. (Add a fun umbrella to it, too!)
• Eat something fried at a carnival or fair.
• Make your own ice pops.
• Make a fruit pie.
• Go to a local food festival.
• Host an old-fashioned ice cream social.
• Grill everything (including dessert!).

Relax

Those warm summer days are custom made for taking time to chill. Add a few of these relaxing summer activities to your must-do list this summer.

• Nap in a hammock.
• Have a picnic in the park.
• Sit on a porch swing.
• Stargaze while lying in the grass.
• Watch the sunset from a beach.
• Dangle your feet off a dock.
• Bring a blanket and picnic at an outdoor concert.
• Watch the clouds go by.
• Go river tubing.
• Go to a Renaissance fair or a Shakespeare in the park performance.
• Paint rocks to decorate your garden.
• Lounge under a tree and read a book.

The Great Outdoors

Long days and plenty of sunshine make spending time outdoors even more enticing in the summer. Even if you're not exactly "outdoorsy," you'll probably find something on this list that'll get you out to enjoy some fresh air.

• Pick wildflowers.
• Swim in a lake.
• Rent a bike.
• Go fishing.
• Go camping.
• Play tennis.
• Go for a hike.
• Go kayaking or canoeing.
• Toss a Frisbee.
• Try bodyboarding or surfing.
• Seek out birds and butterflies.
• Plant wildflower seeds.
  
• Visit a national park or state park.
• Try out pickleball.
• Learn to skip stones.

Just Because

These little mindful, joyful summer activities will definitely add a lot more fun to your life this season—so make sure you set aside time to enjoy them.

• Collect seashells at the beach.
• Take a last-minute road trip.
• See a summer blockbuster.
• Read a trashy novel.
• Walk barefoot in the grass.
• Get caught in a summer rainstorm.
• Sleep with the windows open.
• Make a summer playlist.
• Smell freshly-cut grass.
• Feel the sun on your back.
• Roll up your pant legs and go wading.
• Go to a baseball game.
• Give yourself a pedicure in the perfect summer shade.
• Buy a big sun hat.
• Put out a hummingbird feeder or a bee and butterfly water dish.
• Create sidewalk chalk art (or share a cheerful message with your neighbors).
• Wear a pretty sundress.
• Make a fairy house.
• Dye your hair a fun, summery shade.
• Hang wind chimes in the breeze.
• Look for treasure at a garage sale.
• Host a lawn game tournament.