Walk down the aisles of any store these days, and you’ll see the back-to-school items — packs of pencils, brightly-designed backpacks, and rows upon rows of notebooks — already prominently displayed. It’s still July, but our society seems to be perpetually set on fast-forward.
The good news is, we still have many weeks of summer left so you still have time to create your summer bucket list!
The term “bucket list” gained widespread attention because of the 2007 film The Bucket List starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson as two friends racing to complete goals before they “kick the bucket.” Since then the phrase has become ubiquitous, making appearances in sitcoms and songs, parenting blogs and political speeches.
While the traditional bucket list consists of goals you want to accomplish during your lifetime, there’s also value in making a smaller bucket list — like a summer bucket list —because it allows us to practice mindful living in a shorter time span.
Now that you’re ready to start your own Summer 2025 Bucket List, here are some categories to get you started.
Places to Visit
Vacation time, including the time spent planning a trip, brings physical and mental health benefits, so start with some travel. While you still have time to plan a big summer trip — if the budget allows — you can also start with smaller travel goals. Try a state park you haven’t visited before, check out a local restaurant that’s been receiving rave reviews, or make the rounds to your favorite ice cream shops.
Activities to Try
Summer is a great time to try new activities. Maybe you’ve always wanted to kayak in your neighborhood lake or get friends together for a pickleball tournament. You could schedule a tie-dye party with your friends and their kids or make homemade ice cream for the first time.
Neighborhood Facebook groups, your local library, or websites like Meetup are helpful places to find activities in your area to get you out of your comfort zone while adding items to your bucket list.
People to Spend Time With
Checking out a state park and learning how to snorkel are fantastic items to add to your list, but summer is also a perfect time to reconnect with loved ones. Visit the great-uncle you haven’t seen in a few months, invite neighbors over for a bonfire, and schedule a coffee date with your college friend. Prioritize people by putting them at the top of your list!
Goals to Accomplish
While you might not have time to train for a marathon before the end of summer, you can accomplish other fitness goals. Sign up for a 5K or increase the number of push-ups you can complete. If fitness goals aren’t your jam, add some other practical goals to your summer bucket list: organize the pantry, improve your Spanish skills, or read five books.
Effective goals are SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Keep this in mind as you create your bucket list.
Anti-Bucket List?
You also might want to consider what you don’t want to do this summer. Don’t be afraid to add these to your anti-bucket list. Maybe you want to cut back on your time doom-scrolling or avoid work emails on the weekend. Research shows we can change habits. Find hope in that as you create your anti-bucket list of things you want to avoid for the rest of the summer.
Why Your Bucket List Matters:
A 2021 study on living intentionally shows a “clear sense of purpose” is associated with “better sleep, more happiness, and less feelings of loneliness.” Crossing items off a bucket list can help you find that sense of purpose, and a summer bucket list is a great way to get started.
