40 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens

Looking for a great way to get your teens having fun during the summer months? This Teen Summer Bucket List is full of fun activities that will get you bonus points!

Summer break is a time for relaxation, fun, and adventure. 

It’s a great time when teens can take a break from their studies and enjoy all that the warm weather has to offer. However, without a plan, the summer months can easily slip away without any memorable experiences. 

That’s where a summer bucket list comes in. 

A summer bucket list is a list of activities that teens want to do during their summer break. It’s a great way to make the most of the summer break and create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. 

This is a list of fun and creative activities that teens can add to their summer bucket list, along with tips on how to make them happen. 

So, whether you’re looking to stay busy or just need some inspiration, keep reading for the ultimate summer bucket list ideas for teens.

Have So Much Fun with your Teen’s Summer Bucket List

Go on a road trip

Plan a fun and adventurous road trip with your friends or family. Choose a destination, pack your bags, and hit the road. Make sure to plan your route ahead of time and bring plenty of snacks and games for the ride.

Summer is the perfect time for camping in much of the U.S. One thing I want to do next time we go camping is try a little birdwatching. I read this guide about birdwatching while camping and am excited to see which birds we find next time we head out into the woods.

Don’t forget to make your own bug spray before you head out to camp. This stuff smells great and will keep the bugs away!

No matter where you’re traveling to, check out these summer travel tips. Packing a first aid kit is important, but there are many others on the list as well!

National Parks are always on our list for summer. Not only because the yearly passes are affordable, but because no matter where you are in the country, you can drive and find a National Park to visit! I found this list of National Parks to visit and have already added a few more to our list.

Learn a new skill

Summer break is the perfect time to learn a new skill. Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, taking a cooking class, or learning a new language, pick something that interests you and dive in. There are plenty of online resources and tutorials available to help you get started.

Volunteer in your community

Giving back to your community is a great way to make a positive impact and meet new people. Volunteer at a local food bank, animal shelter, or hospital. Not only will you be helping others, but you’ll also feel good about yourself.

Have a picnic in the park 

Grab a blanket, some sandwiches, and your favorite snacks and head to the park for a fun and relaxing picnic. Bring along some games or a book to enjoy while you soak up the sun.

Eat something awesome!

For a quick, healthy breakfast or snack on the go, try this simple and refreshing smoothie bowl recipe. The kids will enjoy making their own, adding fruits and granola.

We are kicking off summer with some healthy treats, but you know after a week or two, we’re all craving something sweet. A fun summer dessert to add to your “must try” list is making your own ice cream. Try some new flavors!

We all love donuts, but they can get expensive, so why not make them at home? This is a great donut recipe that your kids will enjoy making and eating. They’re inexpensive to make and you can customize them with different toppings (chocolate chips, sprinkles). You’ll be able to get creative while satisfying those sweet cravings!

Do your kids love blueberries? Mine do! This delicious cast iron blueberry crisp is perfect for summer. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries to create that sweet and tart taste we crave so much during these warmer months. 

Kids are always asking for a drink, and of course they want fun drinks, not just water. How about some Lemonade? Yum! It’s the perfect way to cool off on a warm summer day and easy to make a big batch of when friends are over.

Get your kids to cook dinner for your family when you need some fresh ideas. The kitchen is a great place to learn life skills.

Make something awesome!

Get the whole family involved in fun crafts and activities.

Looking for a quiet day inside, because it’s raining or maybe it’s just too hot?

Each of these film canister rockets cost less than a dollar to make. They are not the most dangerous thing you can launch, but they are fun for kids and adults alike! The best part is that this activity will keep your family entertained for hours (or at least long enough to get through dinner)!

Do you have a teen who loves outdoor activities? Make beautiful flower painted rocks that will be sure to brighten up any day! All it takes is some paint, water, and rocks. You can use different colors depending on the look or theme of the rock or just one color if simplicity is what you’re after. And they will make a great addition to your own backyard.

Glow in the dark bowling is a fun way to spend time with your family. All you need is some glow sticks and some water bottles, and you’re ready for some good clean fun! This game can be played indoors or outdoors, so get creative with where you play. You can even set up an obstacle course that will make it more challenging and exciting for everyone involved.

Need more fun ideas? Check out this list of ideas to add to a teen bucket list:

• A road trip to at amusement park or local theme park
• Enjoy a day at a local minor league baseball game
• Check out an outdoor concert at a nearby city or check out the outdoor events at a local park
• Learn something new at local museums
• We love checking out farmer’s markets where we get to meet local farms
• A spa day is a fun experience for teen girls. Make homemade scrubs and face masks and do manicures with cute summer nail designs.
• Have a karaoke party and put on a free concert
• Plant a vegetable garden
• Learn a new tiktok dance 
• Research your family tree

• Attend a music festival or outdoor concert
• Teen boys might be interested in learning a new sport
• Host a bake sale for a local charity or local animal shelter
• Create a time capsule
• Find a YouTube video to learn a new hobby or new skills
• Try learning a new language or about different cultures
• Have a water balloon fight
• Host a yard sale or garage sale
• Have a Harry Potter movie marathon

• A bike ride is always a good time
• Have a family member make a scavenger hunt
• Tour a college campus
• Host a backyard movie night
• Explore your city like a tourist. Visit museums, parks, and other notable spots that you may have never been to before.
• Try a new water sport. Summer is the perfect time to try a new water sport like scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, or surfing.

What kinds of fun things are on your own summer bucket list?

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