The ultimate Summer bucket list

With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to create your own summer bucket list filled with 10 must-do activities that will make the 2025 summer season unforgettable. You can do these activities with friends, family, or even by yourself if you want! Most of the items will also be able to be completed even on a budget.

1. Make a summer playlist: Having this playlist can make the rest of the items on the list more fun. It’s a way to capture the essence of the season with your favorite, upbeat summer tunes. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, this personal soundtrack will help you keep the memories you make and enhance the vibes.
2. Take a road trip to a nearby city or town: This is an easy way to escape daily life without needing to travel far. Going to dainty, small towns or exploring a big new city offers so many possibilities for fun. You can take in the scenic views on your drive, try local food, see cool landmarks, and overall make spontaneous stops throughout the day.
3. Have a picnic: This is the perfect way to soak in the sun, relax outdoors, and spend valuable time with family or friends with your favorite foods. You can pack your favorite snacks and bring the coziest blanket. Not only can you choose your own foods, but the scenery as well! You have the option of going to a local park, a beach, or even your own backyard. It’s an affordable, easy way to make the most out of the nice weather.
4. Watch the sunrise or sunset at a scenic spot: There’s something so beautiful about witnessing the sky come to life with all the different colors. The peacefulness of the early morning, or the calm of the incoming night, is a great moment to embrace nature’s beauty and recharge either with your favorite company or alone. The unforgettable view will leave you refreshed and ready for the next moment of fun.
5. Try a new recipe: This is a great way to freshen up your summer bucket list with different cuisines and flavors; you can even experiment with fresh, seasonal ingredients like different fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Cooking something new can be exciting and rewarding. Not only will you enjoy the experience, but you get the added bonus of enjoying a delicious homemade dish in the end.
6. Host a backyard barbecue or cookout: Hosting a get-together is a must-do to bring together good food, great company, and fun memories. You can get out the grill and make some iconic summer meals. Enjoying time together by eating, chatting, and playing games is a great way to spend summer evenings.
7. Have a craft day: Whether you’re working with paint, beads, or fabric, crafting allows you to unwind and express your creativity. You can make anything you want including personalized gifts, home decor, paintings. This is another activity you can choose to do with friends or by yourself. Additionally, it will once again add a sense of accomplishment when you finish your project.
8. Have a movie marathon: Having a movie marathon is the ultimate way to unwind and enjoy your summer. Bring blankets, popcorn, and your favorite summer movies. Iconic summer movies you can add to your “must-watch” list include “Mamma Mia!”, “Teen Beach Movie”, “Dirty Dancing”, “The Parent Trap”, and “500 Days of Summer”.
9. Have a bonfire: This is one of the most quintessential summer activities that is a must on your list. Buy ingredients for s’mores, grab your favorite people, head to the backyard, and enjoy the warmth of the fire under the stars. The cozy atmosphere screams “summer” and is another great way to capture the magic of the essence of summer nights.
10. Spend a day at the beach: If you’re reading this, you have a great beach available to you right here in Long Branch. This activity alone is a great way to spend a summer day because you have so many options on what to do. You can sunbathe, play volleyball, swim in the ocean, build sandcastles, take long walks along the shore, or pack food for a beach picnic. The salty air mixed with the warmth of the sun makes a day at the beach an unforgettable way to enjoy summer.
    With these 10 must-do activities, you’re sure to create lasting memories and make the most of your summer. Let this list inspire you to embrace the summer moments and make your 2025 season one to remember!