Summer Bucket List for Teens and Kids – Free Printable

Summer break is the perfect time for teens and kids to explore new interests, take on exciting challenges, and create lasting memories. Putting together a summer bucket list for teens is a great way to ensure every moment of the summer is packed with fun and adventure. Whether you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone, learn a new skill, or simply have a great time, this list has something for everyone. Here is a list of 50 suggestions along with other ideas to help support fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing, and social-emotional skills in teens – plus they are all just plain FUN! You can download  PDF of the bucket list at the bottom of the post. This printable is included in the Summer Journal.

​General Ideas for Summer Activities for Teens

Here are some general suggestions to spark ideas for summertime fun!

• Try a New Sport – Summer is the best time to try out a new sport. Whether it’s roller skating, surfing, or joining a local baseball game, engaging in physical activities is not only a fun way to stay active but also a perfect opportunity to meet new friends. Learning a sport can be a highlight of a teen’s summer bucket list, offering both fun and challenging experiences.
• Plan a Road Trip or Day Trips – Nothing screams summer fun like a road trip or planned day trips to nearby cities, state parks, or theme parks. These excursions are ideal for spending quality time with family members and friends while exploring new places. Each trip offers a different perspective, beautiful views, and the chance to create stories you’ll tell for years to come.
• Volunteer at a Local Charity or Animal Shelter – Giving back to the community is a fulfilling activity that can make a huge difference. Teens can volunteer at a local charity, animal shelter, or even organize a bake sale to raise money for a good cause. This act of kindness is not only a good idea for personal growth but also helps in building empathy and understanding of different life situations.
• Discover the Joys of Reading and Creative Writing – Visiting your local library to discover new books or joining a book club can transform your summer vacation. For those who enjoy writing, summer is a great time to pen a short story or start a blog. These activities offer a fun way to work on communication skills and delve into various imaginary realms.
• Experience the Thrill of Amusement Parks – Heading out to a theme park or water park is one of the best summer bucket list ideas. The thrill of roller coasters, the fun of water slides, and the joy of carnival games make for an unforgettable day. It’s a perfect setup for a hot summer day, ensuring everyone has a great time.
• Get Creative with Arts and Crafts – Starting a DIY project or taking a cooking class can be a great way to learn new things. Crafting, cooking, or even gardening offers not only a creative outlet but also practical life skills that can be useful for years to come. Teens can also explore photography or have a photo shoot with friends to capture the essence of their summer.
• Earn and Learn: Taking on a Summer Job – For older teens, getting a summer job can be a pivotal part of their teen summer bucket list. Whether it’s working at a local cafe, bookstore, or even starting a small online business, earning your own money is a rewarding experience that teaches responsibility, hard work, and the value of money. Plus, it’s a great way to start saving for college goals and learning new life skills.
• Embrace Outdoor Adventures – Summer is the ideal season for outdoor activities. From hiking in the nearby mountains to camping under the stars, engaging with nature offers a fresh perspective and a break from the digital world. Activities like fishing, biking, or even a simple picnic at a local park can be added to your printable summer bucket list.
• Explore New Cultures and Languages – Learning about different cultures or starting to learn a new language can be an exciting and enriching experience. Teens can explore local museums, attend cultural festivals, or join online classes that introduce them to new ways of life and different global perspectives.
• Create Memories with Fun and Games – Organizing a scavenger hunt, setting up a water balloon fight, or even a family movie marathon are fun things to do that bring people together. These activities are not just entertaining but strengthen bonds with friends and family.

25 Ideas for a Summer Bucket List for Teens and Kids

Here are 25 great ideas for the summer months.  You can download a list of 50 of these fun summer bucket list ideas at the bottom of the post.

• 🍦 Eat ice cream
• 🏊‍♂️ Swim in a lake
• 🏖️ Play in the sand
• 🚲 Go on a bike ride
• 📖 Read a new book
• 🧺 Have a picnic outdoors
• 🏛️ Visit a local museum
• 🪁 Fly a kite
• ⛺ Camp under the stars
• 🌄 Watch a sunset
• 🎶 Attend a music festival
• 🥾 Explore a nature trail
• 🍋 Make lemonade
• 🍅 Visit a farmer’s market
• 🏄‍♂️ Try paddleboarding
• 🏰 Build a sandcastle
• 🍖 Have a BBQ party
• 🎣 Go fishing
• 🎡 Amusement park fun
• ⛳ Play mini golf
• 💦 Water balloon fights
• 🏄 Learn to surf
• 🌱 Start a garden
• 🧤 Volunteer locally
• 🐎 Go horseback riding

Get 25 more ideas on the free printable below.

Create Your Own Bucket List

If you would prefer, you can write your own list and practice your handwriting at the same time.  Check out this DIY Summer Bucket List here. At the end of a long, fun-filled summer, teens and kids will have not only checked off many great summer bucket list ideas but also gained new experiences, skills, and memories to last a lifetime. Don’t forget to download your free one-page PDF checklist with 50 summer bucket list ideas. Each item on the list is represented by a fun emoji to make your summer planning even more exciting!

More Helpful Resources for Teens

For more ideas and resources, check out these posts on activities and life skills for teens:

• Smart Goals for Teens
• Therapy Activities for Teens
• Teenage Life Skills Checklist
• 15 Valuable Life Skills to Teach Teens

Embark on your summer adventure with enthusiasm and make it your best summer yet!