My 2025 Summer Bucket List (With Easy & Affordable Ideas You’ll Actually Do)

My 2025 Summer Bucket List (With Easy & Affordable Ideas You’ll Actually Do)

Can we take a quick second to talk about how summer always arrives with this gigantic energy and all these Pinterest-perfect expectations? Go on dreamy tropical vacations! Host Pinterest-worthy BBQs! Have the “best summer of your life!” Ugh, no thanks.

Some summers, I’m just craving slower mornings, longer evenings, and maybe a little iced coffee in between. This year? It’s all about joy in the small, simple moments that actually feel good. That’s why I put together this summer bucket list – a reminder that the best kind of summer is the one that feels right for you.

This one’s for doing more of what genuinely fills your cup. It’s my low-pressure, high-vibes guide to making little memories that stick around  Bonus? They’re 100% affordable, easy, and zero stress.

Feel free to snag a few ideas, remix the list, or just use it as inspo to sprinkle a little extra sunshine into your days.

Now grab a popsicle, because it’s about to get summer-y.

Why a Summer Bucket List Helps (Even If You’re Not a “List” Person)

Okay, real talk. I’m not always a “bucket list” kind of person either. But something about summer just screams intention. Like, yeah, I want those sweet little moments—but summer moves FAST, and it’s so easy to blink and suddenly it’s… September.

A list helps because it’s like, “Hey, don’t just scroll away your sunny Thursday. Try one tiny thing.” These aren’t life-changing missions or epic tasks. They’re just small, happy choices to sprinkle into the season.

Trust me, this is the no-pressure (but super satisfying) way to make summer feel like YOURS.

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Are you in? Cool. Let’s do this.

25 Summer Bucket List Ideas That Don’t Cost a Fortune (But Feel Good Anyway)

• Watch the sunrise in your comfiest sweats — messy bun and all.
• Make a summer playlist with songs that give you main-character energy.
• Host a lazy picnic — even if it’s just on your balcony with iced coffee.
• Bake something fruity and totally extra (yes, that includes boxed cake).
• Walk barefoot in the grass and romanticize your life.
• Try a sunrise or sunset stretch sesh — no fancy moves required.
• Hit up a local thrift shop just for the adventure.
• Re-watch your favorite teen summer movie (you know the one).
• Make a photo wall or digital scrapbook from your phone camera roll.
• Start a little plant family (or just keep one alive, no pressure).
• Go tech-free for a few hours and just be.
• Have a DIY spa night — cucumbers, candles, and chaos welcome.
• Make a new summer drink — iced, sparkling, fruity, whatever.
• Read something that’s not for work or “growth” — just fun.
• Go on a mini road trip or explore a nearby town like a tourist.
• Watch the stars while lying on a blanket (or your car hood).
• Write a love letter to yourself. Frame it if you’re feeling fancy.
• Try a new hobby without being “good” at it.
• Plan a “no plans” day and just see where it takes you.
• Have a girls’ night with mocktails and your favorite throwback songs.
• Eat dinner outside — solo, with friends, or with your journal.
• Set one tiny intention each week and actually track it.
• Make a “summer highlights” video or Reel — just for you.
• Text someone a compliment out of nowhere.
• Celebrate one random little win this summer — and actually pause for it.

Your Summer, Your Rules

And there you have it. No pressure. No crazy deadlines. Just a list of little things that feel easy and fun and affordable (because, hello, not all summer magic equals $$$).

Save this list, share it with your BFF, or steal a few ideas for your own version. Just do what feels you.

Honestly, if you even tick off one thing this summer, you’re already winning. And that’s the vibe we’re manifesting right now 

Here’s to a slow, sweet, and sunshine-y season.