101 Summer Bucket List Ideas For a Slow & Relaxing Summer

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Summer is a time to slow down, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. When I think of summer, I think of all my childhood summer vacations from school, family road trips, playing in the grass, and drinking ice cold lemonade. In this post, I’m sharing 101 summer bucket list ideas for a slow & relaxing summer that you can enjoy solo, with kids, or the whole family!

As I get older, I long for slow lazy summer days. Remember those as a kid?! My new goal this summer is to sit outside for at least 30 minutes per day with my phone turned off, just soaking in the sun and listening to the sounds of nature. Plus, I hope that I get to do most of the things on this list!

This summer bucket list is all about savoring the cozy little moments and going back to old-fashioned summer fun. Whether you only have an afternoon or a whole weekend to spare, I hope this list helps you find inspiration to have a memorable and relaxing summer day.

So grab your favorite sunhat, pour yourself a glass of fresh lemonade, and let’s dive into the slow summer bucket list!

Cozy Solo Activities

1. Read a book outside in a hammock
2. Take a morning walk with a warm cup of tea or coffee
3. Have a solo picnic with homemade treats
4. Journal under a shady tree
5. Try your hand at watercolor painting in nature
6. Press wildflowers and create a summer scrapbook
7. Take a scenic country drive with the windows down
8. Wake up early to watch the sunrise
9. Spend an evening stargazing with a cozy blanket
10. Bake a homemade fruit pie with summer berries
11. Write handwritten letters to friends or family
12. Take a leisurely bike ride through a park
13. Create a summer playlist and listen to it while lounging outside
14. Visit a botanical garden and take in the scents of summer blooms
15. Forage for wild herbs and flowers

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Cozy Family Fun

16. Make homemade lemonade or iced tea
17. Have a backyard movie night
18. Build a bonfire and roast marshmallows
19. Take a family road trip
20. Visit a small-town farmers’ market and support local vendors
21. Have a board game night with yummy snacks
22. Make homemade ice cream as a family
23. Do a “summer scavenger hunt” for fireflies, seashells, or flowers
24. Have a Sunday morning pancake breakfast on the porch
25. Go berry picking and make homemade jam
26. Decorate the porch or patio with twinkle lights and comfy cushions
27. Visit a farm or petting zoo
28. Make a homemade pizza with fresh garden toppings
29. Enjoy an afternoon of baking or cooking together
30. Write and mail postcards from a summer adventure

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Activities with Kids

31. Make flower crowns with wildflowers
32. Paint some rocks
33. Set up a lemonade stand with homemade treats
34. Have an old-fashioned tea party outside
35. Make a DIY bird feeder and watch the birds visit
36. Make fresh popsicles with fresh fruit
37. Collect seashells at the beach
38. Make a cozy “campfire” indoors with fairy lights and pillows
39. Create a scrapbook of summer memories
40. Play in the sprinkler
41. Read outdoors on a picnic blanket
42. Have a glowstick dance party on a warm summer night
43. Pick dandelions and make wishes
44. Camp out in the backyard with a tent and lanterns
45. Make summer-themed homemade playdough with lavender or citrus scents

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Relaxing Water Activities

46. Take a slow paddleboat ride at a lake
47. Have a sunset beach picnic
48. Play water games in the backyard
49. Collect driftwood and make rustic home decor
50. Go to the community pool for a dip
51. Read a book outside while dipping your feet in the water
52. Make sandcastles with intricate designs
53. Go on a scenic canoe or kayak ride
54. Take a sunrise or sunset walk along the beach
55. Draw pictures in the sand

Cozy Moments in Nature

56. Start a herb garden at home
57. Start a nature journal to document the beauty of summer
58. Have a flower-picking afternoon and arrange them in a vintage vase
59. Go camping
60. Visit a “pick your own” fruit farm
61. Visit a lavender field or sunflower farm
62. Have a “silent nature walk” and soak in the sounds of birds and leaves
63. Collect pinecones and turn them into homemade fire starters
64. Visit a butterfly garden and watch them flutter around
65. Take a nap in a hammock with a light summer blanket

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Creative Pursuits

66. Make homemade candles with summer scents like coconut or citrus
67. Try a new knitting or crochet project
68. Start a summer-themed bullet journal
69. Make DIY pressed flower bookmarks
70. Create a scrapbook with polaroids from your summer adventures
71. Try a new bread recipe, like honey lavender or rosemary focaccia
72. Write poetry inspired by warm summer nights
73. Make a vision board for the summer or the holidays
74. Sew a simple summer dress or linen napkins
75. Decorate your front door with a cozy summer wreath

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Nostalgic Summer Experiences

76. Watch fireflies dance in the backyard
77. Swing on an old-fashioned wooden swing
78. Have a vintage-inspired picnic with a wicker basket and checkered blanket
79. Write a letter to your future self to open next summer
80. Listen to an old vinyl record while sipping iced tea
81. Run through a field of tall grass barefoot
82. Visit a flea market and find a cozy treasure
83. Try a new homemade jam flavor, like peach basil or blueberry lavender
84. Make fresh whipped cream and put it on everything!
85. Write a handwritten summer memories journal

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Comfort Cooking in the Summer

86. Make homemade rhubarb pie or peach cobbler and serve it with ice cream
87. Infuse water with fresh fruits and herbs for a refreshing drink
88. Try making a seasonal charcuterie board with fresh summer fruits
89. Have breakfast outside with homemade scones and jam
90. Make a summer cocktail or mocktail with fresh mint and citrus
91. Bake a loaf of zucchini bread and share it with a neighbor
92. Grill fresh peaches with honey and serve with yogurt
93. Experiment with making iced chai or cold brew at home
94. Pick fresh corn and grill it with butter and herbs
95. Try a new summer soup, like chilled cucumber or tomato basil

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Seasonal Festivities & Cozy Celebrations

96. Host a cozy midsummer night gathering with candles and fairy lights
97. Attend a small-town summer festival
98. Watch an outdoor theater performance or movie
99. Have a picnic under the fireworks on the Fourth of July
100. Make a gratitude list for all the little joys of summer
101. Create a cozy summer tradition you’ll repeat every year!

I hope you found this list of summer activities useful in planning out your slow & cozy summer! I had so much fun creating this list, and it truly makes me crave those childhood summers again. Hope you found it just as inspiring to plan some magical memories with your loved ones this season!

What cozy summer activities are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this list with someone who loves a slow and magical summer just as much as you do!