Fun Summer Activities Checklist

Need inspiration for summer fun? Check out our list and see how many you can cross off before Labor Day hits.

2 pairs of feet walking on a beach boardwalk
Photo: AMANDA MARSALIS

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.

Summer Fun Checklist

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.
  • Run through the sprinklers.
  • Have a water balloon fight.
  • Tie dye a t-shirt.

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 cocktails.

  • Eat a whole lobster with your hands
  • Pick berries and peaches at a farm.
  • 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.
  • Have a barbecue.
  • Eat cucumber sandwiches.
  • Drink a frozen cocktail. (Add a fun umbrella to it, too!)
  • Eat something fried at a carnival or fair.
  • Make your own ice pops.
  • Make a fruit pie.
  • 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 lie on the grass 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.

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.

Just Because

These little mindful, joyful summer activities will definitely adda 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.
  • Create sidewalk chalk art (or share a cheerful message with your neighbors).
  • Wear a pretty sundress.
  • Make a fairy house.
  • Look for treasure at a garage sale.
  • Host a lawn game tournament.
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