Summer has officially arrived! It’s the season of sunshine, ice cream, and the beach. What better way to spend the good times ahead than with someone you love? A few years back, I made a post about fun things you can do in the summer, so I also wanted to create a printable list for couples. Maybe romance is in the air for you right now, but if not, don’t fret! This summer bucket list for couples works just as well if you want to make plans with your BFF.
Or heck, maybe you just want some creative ideas for yourself. After all, solo dates are some of the best ways to engage in self-care!
A Little Note
I think with summer, we tend to feel this pressure to make the best of it. We see shows, movies, and social media posts about people having “the best summer ever!” We might get a sense of FOMO or compare ourselves, which is never a great feeling. In life, we’re all in various mental, physical, and financial positions. Remember to be kind to yourself this season. It’s okay if you don’t get to do all the things you wanted.
Also, some people just generally feel sad during summertime. I’ve heard it called “reverse season depression” online!
I’m much more of a fall and winter girly, myself. To be vulnerable here, the last couple of summers were pretty rough for me. My mental health wasn’t at its best and I stayed home through most of it. I’m just now getting back out there again.
Life comes with ebbs and flows, but I promise that doing something small for yourself each day will help you find those moments of joy.
Without further ado, let’s get to the list. And I hope you have an amazing summer!
Summer Bucket List for Couples
1. Watch the sunset together.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a pretty sunset on a calming summer night. Best part? It’s free! And you can watch from anywhere. This is also a great way to unwind together after a long day.
2. Roast marshmallows.
Yum. Who doesn’t love a good s’more? No worries if you don’t have a backyard (I don’t!) You can make s’mores indoors pretty easily with just a few ingredients. Here’s a good recipe from the Food Network!
3. Go to a garden center.
Do a quick Google search and see if there are any garden centers near you. You can go to a plant nursery to pick something out for your home or simply just to check out the greenery!
4. Visit an animal sanctuary.
This is an awesome activity for animal lovers. There’s an organization called The Gentle Barn that offers activities like cow hug therapy! They have locations in California, Tennessee, and Missouri.
5. Cook a special dish for the season.
Spend time together by making a tasty dish you’ll both love.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Pasta al Limone by A Cozy Kitchen
- Very Berry French Toast Casserole by Eating with Erica
- Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken by Gimme Delicious
6. Get milkshakes at a local ice cream shop.
Is there anything that defines summer more than ice cream? Grab some delicious milkshakes from your favorite local shop. Or maybe even explore a new place you’ve never been before!
7. Go hiking at a forest preserve.
Spending time in nature is good for your mental and physical health. Sometimes, it’s beneficial to disconnect and take in your surroundings. You don’t even need to hike. Taking a leisurely stroll in a forest preserve is just as nice!
8. Visit the art museum.
Check out the beautiful art at a local museum! If you’re trying to watch your budget, see if they offer free admission on a particular day of the week. Many museums do!
9. Make a sandcastle at the beach.
Alejandro and I recently went on a trip to Michigan and got to visit the beach at St. Joe’s and New Buffalo. While we were there, we made sand castles with my little brother. It was a lot of fun!
10. Fly a kite.
Another iconic summertime activity! I love that this kite is beginner friendly and an affordable option as well.
11. Get dinner at a food truck.
The perfect summer bucket list for couples that are foodies! Food trucks always have the best dishes. Nothing can beat a taco truck for me, personally. Instant happiness!
12. Play a card game at the park.
Playing a game at the park is super relaxing. You can also bring a blanket and some snacks! Make a day of it.
My personal favorite is “We’re Not Really Strangers.” Get to know each other even more with 150 deep questions!
“We’re Not Really Strangers” Card Game
13. Visit a coffee shop you’ve never been to.
We do this often. That’s because my husband absolutely LIVES for coffee! Of course, I love it as well. We all have our favorite places, but try out a new one this summer!
14. Ride a roller coaster together.
Get a rush of adrenaline by riding a roller coaster!
15. Go to the farmer’s market.
You can buy so many goodies at a farmer’s market. Fruits, veggies, cookies, jams, cheese….and you’re supporting local businesses. Side note…the way I’m actually getting hungry writing this one!
16. Get tickets to a matinee.
Go to the movies in the middle of the day!
I highly recommend watching the live adaptation of The Little Mermaid! Alejandro and I both loved it. We thought Halle Bailey was the perfect Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King was adorable as Prince Eric. They had great chemistry and it was such a fun movie for the summer!
17. Go to a sporting event.
If you’re both sports fans, this kind of date would be a nice way to bond. If not, you can still enjoy a ball game because of the ambiance and yummy snacks. You win either way.
18. Spend time in a lazy river.
My personal favorite “ride” at the waterpark. You can be as chill as you want!
19. Pick out clothes for each other at a thrift store.
Are you a fashionable duo? Then thrifting would be the perfect summer date for you.
20. Go on a hot air balloon ride.
Okay, this one might not be as practical as the others. However, I just had to add it to my summer bucket list for couples. Hot air balloon rides always look so iconic. Maybe it’s not the best idea for you if you’re scared of heights, but something to try if you want a unique summer date idea!
21. Go to an open mic.
For an entertaining date night this season, look for open mic events in your area. They’re an awesome way to discover new artists, comedians, poets…whatever interests you most!
22. Pick fruits and veggies at a farm.
This is a fantastic way to get in-season produce for cooking like:
- Strawberries
- Corn
- Melon
- Avocado
- Bell peppers
Here is a bigger list for you to reference.
23. Play a round of volleyball.
Break a sweat—and have a good time—with a volleyball match between you and your partner!
Jump to the “Summer Bucket List For Couples” Printable!
24. Go on a boat ride.
You can find some good discounts on Groupon for boat tours. When I looked it up, I was able to find one in Chicago for almost 50% off! This idea would be a fun and romantic summer memory.
25. Make snow cones.
You only need three ingredients with this recipe and this snow cone machine is on sale as I’m writing this post! In a pinch, you can also always use a blender or crush the ice by hand in a ziplock bag.
26. Take polaroid pictures.
Be in the moment and take candid photos of you and your partner together. Another idea: you can make a summer scrapbook filled with all the Polaroids you take during your adventures!
27. Enjoy a tasty BBQ (even if it’s takeout!)
Grill some yummy burgers, hot dogs, or veggie skewers on your grill. If you don’t have the space for a grill, no worries! (Personally, Alejandro and I don’t since we live in an apartment). Consider checking out some BBQ places nearby with good reviews for takeout.
28. Draw with chalk outside.
Release your inner child by drawing with sidewalk chalk! Absolutely love this wholesome summer activity.
29. Stargaze at an observatory.
What’s more romantic than looking at celestial events with your partner? Usually, you can schedule a tour at an observatory and it’s free. (However, be sure to check in advance to set a date because they do fill up quickly.)
30. Eat watermelon.
Fresh watermelon + hot summer day = the best combo
31. Watch your most memorable childhood movies.
Share some nostalgic summer movies that you both enjoy. The Parent Trap, Jaws, and Toy Story are some really good options!
32. Read a book together.
Have your own little book club! Choose a book (or a few depending on how much time you have) and talk about it with your partner before the summer ends.
33. Send each other letters.
Another sweet and romantic summer bucket list for couples idea! Writing letters is a creative yet classic way to communicate with your partner…especially if you’re long-distance or can’t see each other that often.
34. Visit a sunflower field.
Bask in the glory of cottagecore! Sunflowers are in-season during the summer so you can marvel at nature while spending quality time together. It’s a win-win situation.
35. Go on a Ferris wheel ride.
A quintessential summer activity! Anytime I think about Ferris wheels, I picture a beautiful summer evening at the carnival. You can snuggle up at the top of the ride: classic cheesy rom-com moment.
36. Play a co-op video game.
Playing a video game together would be a fun summer experience! There are so many indie games that you can try with your partner. I will forever recommend Stardew Valley as the #1 wholesome and cozy game to play if you’re looking for a good co-op option.
37. Take a scenic train ride.
This can be something as simple as taking a train ride to the next town. Amtrak even offers stunning trips like their Glacier National Park Getaway and a New Orleans Ultimate Getaway!
38. Stay the night or weekend in a cottage.
If you’d like to spend some time in nature but still pamper yourself, see if there are any good deals for cottage or cabin stays. We recently stayed at Sweethaven Resort in Union Pier Michigan and loved it. The price was reasonable and it was a lot of fun!
39. Explore your hometown like a tourist.
Check out your city or town’s official website for things you can do in the area. It’s crazy how we can always discover something new about the places we live even if we’ve been there for so long. Also, don’t forget to visit your all-time favorite spots!
40. Relax in a blow-up pool.
I’m just thinking about childhood memories of playing mermaids with friends in the blow-up pool. Good times! Why not refresh yourself on a hot summer day and chill with a cold beverage in your hand?
41. Get treats from a chocolate shop.
Do you and your partner have a sweet tooth? A cute date at a chocolate shop would be the greatest date ever!
42. Go canoeing.
For all the adventure lovers out there! Canoeing would be an excellent option for you.
43. Light candles during a rainstorm.
Incredibly romantic and comfy! You can watch a show together or listen to music with the sounds of rain in the background. Or you can just have a chat while cuddling on the couch. Those little moments together mean the most.
44. Volunteer at an animal shelter together.
What’s better than spending the day helping out adorable animals? Call up some animal shelters nearby and ask if they are looking for volunteers!
45. Listen to the perfect “summer” album.
What album embodies summer for you? For me, it’s Coco by Colbie Calliat. This summer, I’ve also been enjoying FLO’s EP The Lead, and am excited to hear more music from them. I’ve linked both albums if you’re curious!
Summer Bucket List for Couples Printable!
Click the image to print it out for free 🌞
What are some of your summer plans? What do you look forward to most during the summertime?
I’m not a huge outdoorsy person – and the warm weather over here absolutely DRAINS me – but I do appreciate the nice, bright sunlight during the Summer, so I am looking forward to it finally making its way over here 😊
Roasting marshmallows *indoors* sounds right up my alley, and I’m super lucky that my boyfriend’s bedroom is on the second floor of his house so we get to see the sunset all the time, and I’m really looking forward to the beautiful skies that Summer will bring ☺️
We’ll probably go for a walk to our local park and look at all the ducks in the local lake too, as that’s something we did for our 6 months and it was really lovely!
I totally understand! It’s been SO hot over here in Illinois and it makes you sleepy lol
Aww, that’s awesome!! I love that you can look out at the sunset together. Very sweet. And yes, gotta love a delicious roasted marshmallow indoors…it’s like you’re camping, except a lot more comfortable 😅 I’ve always been more of a fan of “glamping” personally.
A walk in the park sounds wonderful. I hope you have an amazing summer!! 💕☀️