Ultimate summer bucket list for teenagers
Looking for summer ideas for teens? Here's the ultimate summer bucket list for teenagers – packed with fun, creative, screen-free and social activities.
Got a bored teen on your hands? Whether they’re 13 or 17, this huge summer bucket list for teenagers is bursting with cool, creative and confidence-boosting ideas to keep them busy, happy and inspired all summer long
Why make a summer bucket list for teens?
Creating a summer bucket list gives teens something to look forward to, encourages independence and creativity, and helps them make the most of their time away from school.
It's a fun way to stay motivated, set personal goals, and make unforgettable memories along the way.
Jump to:
- Outdoor adventures
- Screen-free fun
- DIY & creative projects
- Social & group ideas
- Personal growth & self-care
- Budget-friendly & boredom busters
- Summer photo/video challenges
- Foodie fun
- Summer challenges & goals
- Just-for-fun and silly stuff
- How to create your own summer bucket list
101 summer bucket list ideas for teenagers
These summer ideas for teens mix fun, creativity and challenge — perfect for ages 13–19, whether they want adventure, downtime or a bit of both.
Outdoor adventures
1. Go on a sunrise or sunset hike – Catch the golden hour with friends or solo vibes.
2. Try paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing – Test your balance and soak up nature.
3. Camp in your garden (or a real campsite!) – Sleeping under the stars = summer unlocked.
4. Plan a beach day with friends – Sand, sea and snacks – what more do you need?
5. Visit a new local park or nature reserve – Explore somewhere you’ve never been before.
6. Have a picnic with a homemade snack board – Fancy snacks + fresh air = perfect day.
7. Try wild swimming (safely, with supervision) – Embrace the cold and feel refreshed.
8. Climb a tree (yes, even as a teen!) – Go back to your childhood roots – literally.
9. Start a summer-long step challenge – Compete with mates to hit your goals.
10. Do a photo scavenger hunt in your town – Spot funny signs, cool doors or secret corners.
Screen-free fun
11. Read a book you actually choose – One you won’t be tested on. Bliss.
12. Try origami or paper crafts – Fold your way into a new hobby.
13. Keep a summer sketchbook or doodle diary – No rules, just scribbles and ideas.
14. Make a time capsule to open next summer – What would future-you want to find?
15. Bake something completely from scratch – Cookies? Cake? Bread? Your call.
16. Tie-dye an old T-shirt – Create wearable art in your garden.
17. Build a blanket fort (and chill in it) – Teens deserve forts too.
18. Learn basic sign language – A powerful skill that’s super rewarding.
19. Start a puzzle you finish by August – 500 pieces? Challenge accepted.
20. Write a short story or poem – Let your imagination go wild.
DIY & creative projects
21. Make a vision board for your future – Dreams + glue sticks = motivation.
22. Create a summer playlist and share it – Your soundtrack to sunshine.
23. Decorate your room or a noticeboard – Refresh your space with your style.
24. Paint your own plant pot – Then add a little green buddy!
25. Build a bird feeder from recycled materials – Help your local birds in style.
26. Make friendship bracelets – Old-school and always cool.
27. Learn a few TikTok dances – and remix them – Add your own twist for bonus points.
28. Upcycle your old clothes – Give them a second (cooler) life.
29. Create your own mini comic or zine – Tell your own story your way.
30. Try nail art on yourself or friends – Tiny canvases for tiny masterpieces.
Social & group ideas
31. Host a themed movie night – PJs, popcorn and matching snacks.
32. Plan a ‘fancy dinner’ for friends – Even if it’s in your garden with paper plates!
33. Organise a water fight – Bonus: add music and silly hats.
34. Try a ‘silent disco’ with Bluetooth headphones – Dance like nobody can hear you (because they can’t).
35. Do a group karaoke night – Sing it loud, sing it proud.
36. Try a mystery taste test with your mates – Guess the flavours… or try not to gag.
37. Host a make-your-own pizza night – Toppings chaos is part of the fun.
38. Have a DIY spa day with a bestie – Face masks, cucumber slices and gossip.
39. Go thrifting together with a £10 challenge – Who can find the coolest thing?
Personal growth & self-care
40. Join or start a community teen group – Meet new mates and make a difference.
41. Start journalling each day (even just 1 line) – It’s like a brain hug.
42. Try a “no social media” weekend – Rediscover your attention span!
43. Make a list of 10 things you like about yourself – Positive vibes only.
44. Meditate for 5 minutes a day for a week – Find your inner chill.
45. Create a ‘calm down’ playlist – Instant relaxation when things get stressful.
46. Try a basic yoga video – Stretch, breathe and feel amazing.
47. Make a gratitude list once a week – Small joys are still joys.
48. Learn to cook 1 full meal by yourself – Impress your family (and yourself).
49. Do something kind for someone without telling them – Secret good deeds = the best kind.
50. Build a bedtime routine that actually feels good – Wind down your way.
Budget-friendly & boredom busters
51. Have a board game or card night – Dig out the classics or learn a new one – no screens needed!
52. Make ice lollies with your own recipe – Blend juice, fruit and yoghurt into tasty frozen treats.
53. Walk dogs at a local shelter (with permission) – Combine fresh air, furry friends and good deeds.
54. Visit a free museum or gallery – Explore art or history without spending a penny.
55. Make a bucket list bingo with your friends – Turn your summer goals into a game – cross off as you go!
56. Have a “zero spend” weekend – Challenge yourself to have fun without spending anything.
57. Try parkour or urban exploring (safely!) – Test your limits by leaping and climbing – start small!
58. Volunteer at a community event – Feel-good vibes and useful experience, all in one.
59. Play mini golf (or create a home version) – Use cups, spoons and creativity for your own crazy course.
60. Make and fly a paper or plastic bag kite – Catch the wind with something you built yourself.
Summer photo/video challenges
61. Do a 1-second-a-day summer video – Capture tiny moments and stitch them into a cool montage.
62. Take a themed photo each day for a week – Pick a theme – colours, patterns, faces – and get snapping.
63. Film a “day in the life” vlog – Show your everyday summer magic from morning to night.
64. Make a funny stop-motion animation – Bring objects or drawings to life, one frame at a time.
65. Try a glow-up or transformation reel – From messy hair to dressed-up flair – document the switch!
66. Recreate childhood photos – Find an old photo and mimic every pose and outfit.
67. Make a fake ad for something silly – Market the world’s worst product – bonus points for drama!
68. Start a “my summer in 20 pics” folder – Collect your favourite moments and memories in one spot.
69. Create a parody music video – Lip-sync with over-the-top acting and props – hilarious guaranteed.
70. Document 3 favourite moments from every week – Track your summer highlights for an easy feel-good record.
Foodie fun
71. Make your own bubble tea – Mix up chewy tapioca pearls and sweet milky tea.
72. Host a mini bake-off with friends – Who can bake the tastiest or silliest treat?
73. Try a new fruit or veg each week – Expand your tastebuds with colourful picks from the shop.
74. Invent your own smoothie recipe – Mix fruit, yoghurt and mystery ingredients to find your perfect blend.
75. Have a cereal taste test challenge – Line up the brands, close your eyes, and guess the crunch.
76. Make sushi (with cooked ingredients or veggie) – Roll up some rice, wrap in seaweed and get creative.
77. Go on a café crawl – Try a new drink or snack at every stop.
78. Cook breakfast in bed for your family – Surprise them with pancakes, toast or fruit – made by you!
79. Try cooking something from another culture – Explore the world through food, one recipe at a time.
80. Make DIY chocolate bark with your favourite toppings – Melt, mix and sprinkle – then break into tasty shards.
Summer challenges & goals
81. Try a 30-day challenge – Pick one habit (like stretching or journaling) and stick to it.
82. Learn a new skill on YouTube – Juggling? Magic tricks? Ukulele? There's a tutorial for everything.
83. Do a mini internship or shadow someone at work – Get a sneak peek into a job you’re curious about.
84. Write a letter to your future self – Seal it up and read it in a year (or more!).
85. Earn your own spending money – Offer babysitting, dog walking or lawn mowing in your neighbourhood.
86. Try a random act of kindness every week – Secretly make someone’s day – no thanks needed.
87. Memorise the lyrics to your favourite song – Be ready for your next karaoke moment or car singalong.
88. Train for a 5k run or walk – Build stamina while getting fit and feeling strong.
89. Apply for a teen award, badge or scheme – Look for Duke of Edinburgh, Scouts, or local initiatives.
90. Finish something you’ve been putting off – Cross it off your list and enjoy the relief!
Just-for-fun and silly stuff
91. Dress up in the weirdest outfit possible – Mismatch socks, sunglasses at night – go full fashion rebel.
92. Make a ridiculous smoothie with mystery ingredients – Banana + ketchup? Pineapple + pickle? Taste at your own risk!
93. Walk backwards for a whole hour (safely!) – Challenge your coordination and confuse the neighbours.
94. Try not to laugh challenge with friends – Stare-down + bad jokes = belly laughs guaranteed.
95. Invent a new game and make a rulebook – Go wild with creativity – even if it’s nonsense!
96. Do a silly fashion photoshoot – Strike a pose in PJs, hats or cardboard accessories.
97. Make a list of your funniest summer memories – From fails to giggles – laughter is a souvenir.
98. Prank someone gently (and sweetly) – Swap sugar for salt – then bake them cookies to say sorry.
99. Make a mixtape with the weirdest combo of songs – Opera to techno to TV jingles – pure chaos.
100. Create a TikTok filter idea and sketch it out – Think rainbow sparkles? Alien eyes? Make it weird and wonderful.
101. Spend a whole day saying yes (within reason!) – Take on the challenges your friends suggest (safely, of course).
How to create your own summer bucket list
Pick your favourite ideas from the list above, then choose a mix: some solo, some social, some silly and some that stretch you.
Write or print them out, decorate your list, and keep it somewhere visible. Don’t stress about doing them all – it’s your summer, your way!
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.