23 Things To Add to Your 2023 Summer Bucket List
Originally published on the I Earned It Blog.
Fun-Filled Activities the Family Will Love
The summer gives us plenty of opportunities to get out and try new things. Here are 23 fun activities to try this summer:
1. Go Stargazing
The best way to go stargazing is to find a place with minimal light pollution, such as a rural area or a designated dark sky park. It’s also important to check the weather and go on a clear night.
2. Have an Outdoor Movie Night
Outdoor movie nights can be a great way to have fun with only a few items:
- Projector and screen
- Speakers
- Comfortable seats (blankets and pillows are great too!)
- Snacks (you don’t have to limit yourself to popcorn)
- A movie the fam will love
3. Get Cozy by the Campfire
The best campfires happen when we’re in good company, so get out the marshmallows, blankets and a couple friends for an unforgettable time. Remember your safety precautions, like checking for red flag warnings and having water on hand. Smokey Bear has some excellent campfire safety tips!
4. Have a Backyard Campout
Backyard campouts are great ways to enjoy the outdoors and all the fun of camping in your backyard! Just grab a tent, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, flashlights, snacks and a few friends.
5. Have a Picnic
Summer is the perfect time to have a picnic. Grab food, drinks, utensils, napkins, and a blanket to sit on, and remember to clean up after yourself!
6. Have a BBQ
It wouldn’t be summer without a BBQ or two! BBQs allow you to gather with friends and family to enjoy good food and company.
7. Have a Yard Sale
The summer can be a great time to purge the house of those shoes you bought but never wear, toys that no longer get played with or just about anything. Plus, having a yard sale is an excellent way to enjoy the warm weather while making extra cash.
8. Take Family Photos
With the nice weather and the kids out of school, summer provides the perfect opportunity to get those family photos you’ve been wanting.
9. Take a Road Trip
Road Trips are a great way to cure boredom and see new places. Plus, there’s no better bonding experience than spending hours playing eye spy and jamming to your favorite tunes in the car.
10. Visit a Beach
Beaches go hand-in-hand with summer. There’s no better way to cool off and relax than feeling the sand beneath your feet and dipping your toes in the water.
11. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Visiting a farmers market can be fun and social, allowing you to connect with your community and purchase fresh, locally-grown produce.
12. Go to Your State Fair
Attending a state fair can be a fun experience for people of all ages. State fairs provide a wide variety of entertainment, such as carnival rides, games, and live music, plus you can indulge in delicious and unique food.
13. Go for a Bike Ride
Bike rides are a fun way to spend time with the family while getting some exercise and fresh air. And they’re an excellent opportunity to disconnect from screens and technology and enjoy nature.
14. Go Hiking
Hiking is an excellent way to exercise and enjoy the beauty of your state.
15. Go Swimming
If there’s one thing kids love about summer, it’s endless hours of swimming. Swimming is a fun, low-impact sport that even Grandma can enjoy.
16. Volunteer
Summer can be a great time to give back to your community. You can find many volunteer opportunities on sites like VolunteerMatch.
17. Plant a Garden
Planting a garden gives you access to fresh, healthy and organic produce that is good for the body and tastes better.
18. Try New Recipes
If you’re planting a garden, you’ll have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to experiment with new recipes.
19. Learn a New Skill
The summer can provide a lot of extra free time. Learning a new skill is a great way to spend that free time.
20. Read a Book
Reading in the summer can be a great way to relax and unwind while expanding your knowledge and imagination. It allows you to escape into different worlds and perspectives while enjoying the beautiful weather and outdoor scenery.
21. Watch the Sun Rise
Watching the sunrise can be a fun way to enjoy the beauty of nature and start your day off early to fit in all those extra summer activities.
22. Watch the Sun Set
Watching the sunset can also be a fun way to enjoy the beauty of nature, especially if you’re not keen on getting up early to watch the sunrise.
23. Soak Up the Sun
Overall the summer is a great time to soak up the sun, whether doing one of the activities above or simply sitting outside to enjoy the weather.