205 Summer Activities for Adults to Try This Year

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer presents a treasure trove of opportunities to step out and enjoy life.

Whether you’re looking to unwind, pursue a new hobby, or simply soak up the sunshine, there’s a diverse array of activities waiting for you.

Summer offers the chance to reconnect with yourself and others through a variety of experiences designed for adults.

Imagine diving into summery foods or embarking on travel adventures that ignite your spirit. Picture yourself enjoying picnics, parties, or even a quiet afternoon with a good book by the water.

The season is ripe for making the most of your free time, with options to suit every interest and passion. Whatever your taste, let the summer be your guide to indulging in activities that rejuvenate and inspire you.

To prepare for summer, we at Healthy Living Guide have crafted a summer bucket list ideas of 250 activities for adults to try out this year. From outdoor adventures and creative pursuits to self-care practices and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this comprehensive guide.

Outdoor Activities During Summer

Whether you’re looking to spike the ball on the sandy beaches or cross the finish line on a scenic route, the warmth of the summer offers a perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor sports.

Embrace the season and challenge yourself with these exhilarating activities, suitable for every fitness level:

1. Hiking in a nature reserve
2. Beach volleyball
3. Kayaking on a lake or river
4. Camping under the stars
5. Outdoor yoga in a park
6. Stand-up paddleboarding
7. Cycling on scenic trails
8. Outdoor fitness classes
9. Running or jogging in a scenic area
10. Picnic in a botanical garden
11. Attend an outdoor concert or music festival
12. Play frisbee in a park
13. Join a beach volleyball league
14. Take a scenic bike ride
15. Try rock climbing in a natural setting
16. Organize a barbecue with friends
17. Go on a nature photography hike
18. Take a scenic boat or canoe trip
19. Attend an outdoor film screening
20. Play a round of golf
21. Join a local sports league (soccer, softball, etc.)
22. Try your hand at fishing in a nearby river or lake
23. Participate in a beach cleanup event
24. Take a scenic hot air balloon ride
25. Explore a new hiking trail
26. Play tennis or pickleball in a local park
27. Go on a zip-lining adventure
28. Have a bonfire or beach bonfire night
29. Take a guided wildlife tour
30. Try your hand at outdoor painting or sketching
31. Go on a sunset or sunrise photography expedition
32. Join a community gardening project
33. Take a scenic horseback ride
34. Attend a outdoor dance or fitness class
35. Try geocaching in a local park
36. Take a scenic helicopter tour
37. Play beach soccer
38. Explore a nearby waterfall or natural landmark
39. Go on a hot air balloon ride
40. Take a scenic train ride through the countryside
41. Visit an amusement park and try some roller coasters
42. Take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride
43. Participate in an outdoor obstacle course or mud run
44. Try birdwatching in a nature preserve
45. Join a community clean-up project for parks or beaches

Indoor Summer Activities for Adults

Not an outdoorsy person? No problem, so are some of us in the editorial team. Although we love to get outside and get some extra dose of sunshine boost after a long winter, sometimes we just want to relax and stay indoors. Here are some fun and engaging indoor summer activities for adults that will keep you entertained.

46. Read (at least) a new book
47. Start your own blog / YouTube channel / Instagram account
48. Have a binge-watching session of your favorite shows
49. Experiment with new recipes you’ve never tried before
50. Dive into the world of video games
51. Join online meditation classes for relaxation
52. Play creative and fun drinking games
53. Indulge in a luxurious breakfast in bed
54. Witness the beauty of sunrise and sunset from your window
55. Create a vision board for your goals and dreams
56. Host a movie marathon featuring your favorite films and TV shows
57. Connect with family and friends through phone calls
58. Tidy up your apartment for a refreshing environment
59. Organize your closet and home for a sense of order
60. Enroll in classes to improve skills and knowledge
61. Learn a new language using platforms like Duolingo
62. Pamper yourself with a home spa session at least once a week
63. Engage in classic board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and chess
64. Journal every day for self-reflection and mindfulness
65. Declutter your laptop, mail box, and social media accounts for a digital detox
66. Create a personalized self-care menu
67. Take on a wellness challenge for a healthier lifestyle
68. Channel your creativity by writing a short story
69. Write unsent letters to your younger and/or future self for reflection
70. Play virtual games with friends for socializing
71. Bake some special cake for a friend who has birthday in summer
72. Participate in virtual DIY projects and competitions
73. Enjoy a relaxing DIY bath bomb-making session
74. Craft scented candles at home for a cozy atmosphere
75. Indulge in a “Mukbang” eating experience
76. Treat yourself to a staycation by renting an Airbnb
77. Explore indoor gardening or plant care
78. Attend virtual art or cooking classes
79. Organize and participate in a book club
80. Craft your own DIY projects, from home decor to handmade gifts

Cheap Summer Activities Ideas for Adults

Looking for some ideas that won’t break the bank this summer? Look no further! Here are another 30 summer activities ideas to add to your summer bucket list. You can either enjoy these activities alone or invite your friends and family to join in the fun. 

And you know that? Not only are they affordable but many of them are even free summer activities you can do right from the comfort of your own home. So get ready to have a fun and memorable summer without spending a fortune!



81. Outdoor movie night
82. Picnic in the park
83. Diy water balloon fight
84. Nature scavenger hunt
85. Host a potluck dinner
86. Free outdoor concerts
87. Visit local farmers’ markets
88. Community events
89. Library book club
90. Stargazing night
91. Outdoor photography day
92. Volunteer for a cause
93. Camping in your backyard
94. Attend a free workshop
95. Visit a museum on free admission days
96. Outdoor yoga
97. Host a clothing swap
98. Take a dip at a local pool
99. Host a budget-friendly BBQ
100. Explore local street art
101. Go fishing
102. Public beach day
103. Visit a nearby national park
104. Have a game night with friends
105. Attend a local festival or fair
106. Have a bonfire and make s’mores
107. Take a walking tour of your neighborhood
108. Visit free outdoor attractions, such as botanical gardens or public art installations
109. Have a picnic at the beach or lakefront
110. Pick a bouquet of wildflowers
111. Set up an inflatable pool and have a mini pool party

Luxury Summer Activities for Adults

Now, let’s spice up your summer with some more luxurious activities. Treat yourself and indulge in these experiences that will make your summer truly memorable. 

In our defense, we all deserve a little bit of luxury every now and then. And, after all, unless you’re super rich and money is just not your problem, these activities are not something you’ll be doing every day, anyway.

You know, sometimes, pampering yourself with something fancy can be a great way to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries. Treating yourself good since you deserve it. So, why not?



112. Book a weekend getaway at a luxury resort
113. Take a sunset cruise on a yacht
114. Attend a music festival or concert VIP style
115. Book a spa day, complete with massages, facials, and other treatments
116. Have brunch at a fancy rooftop restaurant
117. Rent a luxury car and take a road trip
118. Plan a wine tasting tour at local vineyards
119. Go on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset
120. Splurge on tickets to a sports event or championship game
121. Treat yourself to a designer shopping spree (with a limited budget, of course, if you don’t want to break the bank)
122. Take a helicopter tour of your city or nearby attractions
123. Book a stay at an exclusive, adults-only resort
124. Attend a black-tie event, such as a gala or charity ball
125. Rent a beach house or villa for the weekend
126. Have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
127. Get tickets to a Broadway show or musical
128. Spend the day at an exclusive country club, playing golf or tennis
129. Have a gourmet picnic in a picturesque location

Creative and Artistic Summer Activities Ideas

OK, enough with the luxury and pampering, let’s talk about some fun creative and artistic activities you can do this summer. These activities are perfect for expressing your creativity, learning new skills, and having a blast with friends or family.



130. Attend an art class or workshop
131. Start a DIY project at home, like painting furniture or making your own home decor
132. Have a paint and sip night with friends
133. Take a photography class
134. Go on a photo walk to capture the beauty of summer
135. Join a local theater group and audition for a play or musical
136. Create an outdoor movie night with a projector and snacks
137. Host a music jam session with friends
138. Learn a new dance style 
139. Start a journaling or scrapbooking project 
140. Take a fancy cooking class 
141. Attend a writing workshop or join a writing group 
142. Visit an art museum or gallery
143. Take a landscape painting workshop
144. Take a floral arrangement class 
145. Join a local choir or singing group 
146. Start a backyard garden 
147.  Create and sell handmade crafts at a local market or online. 
148. Attend a poetry reading or open mic night 
149. Collaborate with friends to create a short film or music video.
150. Participate in a community mural project 
151. Take a calligraphy or hand lettering class
152. Create your own fashion designs
153. Create a personalized photo album or scrapbook as a gift for someone special 
154. Make homemade candles, soaps, or bath bombs 
155. Take up knitting, crocheting, or sewing

Easy & Effortless Summer Activities

We hear you! Sometimes, the thought of planning and executing an elaborate summer activity can be overwhelming. 

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of easy and effortless activities that you can do this summer to have fun and express your creativity without too much stress or effort.

Are you a busy parent or a young professional with limited free time? Or even someone who just wants to relax and unwind without having to plan too much? These activities are perfect for you! 



156. Have a picnic in a nearby park
157. Have a brunch with your special someone or friends at home
158. Go for a hike in your local nature reserve
159. Have a movie marathon with your favorite snacks and drinks
160. Take a day trip to the beach or lake
161. Make homemade ice cream or popsicles 
162. Buy some fresh flowers and arrange them in a vase
163. Have a game night with board games or video games
164. Create your own summer playlist 
165. Visit a nearby farmer’s market and try some fresh produce
166. Go to the cinema and watch any random movie 
167. Have a BBQ party in your backyard or balcony
168. Take a bike ride
169. Try out a new recipe for something you’re familiar with (last summer, I tried out a new recipe for pancake, and this has been my no-brainer go-to breakfast ever since)
170. Have a DIY spa day at home
171. Go stargazing on a clear night (and don’t forget a cozy blanket and some snacks)
172. Buy some herbs from the store and make your own herbal kitchen garden
173. Bake some wildflower cupcake (spoil alert: they’re so beautiful you don’t even want to eat them) 
174. Try a new summer make up trend
175. And since we’re talking makeup, why not a new summer hair cut?
176. Make a big lemonade pitcher and enjoy it on a hot summer day
177. Go fruit picking at a nearby orchard or farm 

Romantic Summer Activities for Couples

Want to spend your time with your significant other in a romantic and memorable way this summer, and create beautiful memories together? Here are some ideas for you:



178. Have a romantic candlelight dinner at home
179. Book a couple’s massage at a spa
180. Take a sunset boat ride on a lake or river
181. Plan a picnic in a scenic spot, with some wine and cheese
182. Rent a cozy cabin in the mountains for a weekend getaway
183. Watch the sunrise together on an early morning hikestar
184. Have a couples photo shoot at a picturesque location
185. Take a romantic road trip to a nearby town or city
186. Plan a surprise weekend trip for your partner to their favorite destination
187. Attend a music festival or concert together
188. Write love letters to each other and exchange them
189. Cook a fancy dinner together at home
190. Take dance lessons as a couple
191. Create a scrapbook of your memories and add to it each summer
192. Re-create your first date night
193. Have a movie marathon in bed
194. Plan a surprise picnic in your backyard
195. Have a wine tour in a nearby vineyard

Friends & Family Friendly Summer Activities

For those who would love to spend their summer days surrounded by their loved ones, here are some fun and friendly activities to try. 

In fact, summer months can be the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and family, create new memories, and strengthen bonds. 

The quality time spent together will surely be cherished forever. So, this list of summer activities will surely help you make the most out of your time together:



196. Host a backyard BBQ party in the backyard
197. Have a pool day with water games and BBQ
198. Have a game night with classic board games of all time (think Monopoly, Scrabble, etc.)
199. Host a kid-friendly picnic at the park with activities and snacks
200. Plan a day trip to a nearby amusement park or water park
201. Go berry picking together and make homemade jam afterwards
202. Make homemade ice cream or some cool summer treats together
203. Visit a local farm and interact with the animals
204. Create your own mini Olympics with fun outdoor games like sack race, water balloon toss, etc.
205. Create a friendly competition such as a scavenger hunt or talent show 



Tips to Organize Your Activities

If you plan to host or participate in multiple activities, it can be helpful to create a plan and schedule ahead of time. 

The last thing you want is to send out the invitation just to find out people already have plans, or even worse, traveled out of town. 

So, to help you avoid any scheduling conflicts and make the most out of your summer activities, here are some tips to organize your plans:

Send out Invitation Early

As soon as you have a general idea of the activities and dates, send out invitations to your friends and family. The earlier you do this, the more chances they will be available to join in on the fun.

Even if someone cannot make it, you still have time for plan B, or to invite someone else. This way, you won’t end up with an empty backyard and a pile of uneaten burgers.

Create a Shared Calendar

With everyone’s busy schedules, it can be challenging to keep track of dates and times. Consider creating a shared calendar that everyone can access and update with their availability or any changes in plans.

This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and no one misses out on the fun. Plus, it can also be a great tool for coordinating transportation and other logistics.

Assign Responsibilities

Unless you would like to make it a surprise date night with your partner or a celebration with your closest friends, consider assigning responsibilities for the activities.

This can include bringing food or drinks, setting up and cleaning up after the activities, or even taking photos to capture the memories. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed with all the tasks and can enjoy the activities yourself.

Plan for Bad Weather

Unfortunately, summer is not always sunny and warm. So, it’s important to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Make sure to have some indoor activities planned or a rain date set for outdoor activities.

Even the summer heat can sometimes be too much to handle, so having some indoor options can be a relief for everyone. Plus, it’s always better to be prepared than disappointed.

Have a Backup Plan

That brings us to our next tip – always have a backup plan. Even if the weather is perfect, unforeseen circumstances can still arise. It’s important to be prepared and have alternative activities or locations in case something unexpected happens.

For example, if you plan on having a picnic in the park, make sure there’s also a nearby indoor venue that you can go to in case it starts raining or if the park is unexpectedly closed. 

It may take some extra planning, but having a backup plan will save you from any potential stress or disappointment.

Be Mindful of Budget

Summer activities can quickly add up and become expensive. Make sure to set a budget and stick to it. This will help you make decisions when planning activities and also prevent any financial strain.

Don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money to have fun. There are plenty of affordable or even free activities that you can do during the summer. You can also look for deals or discounts to save some money.



Before You Start Planning

Now with this list of fun summer activities to choose from, make sure you have all the necessary information before you start planning. Consider things like transportation, age appropriateness, cost, and time needed for each activity. 

Also, involve everyone in the planning process to ensure that everyone’s interests are taken into consideration. This will lead to a more enjoyable and inclusive summer experience for all.

So go ahead and start planning your ultimate summer bucket list now! Remember to stay safe, be prepared, and have fun with your loved ones. Happy summer!