For many, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall fun times. But there are probably still some pretty warm days ahead! There will be plenty of time to get outside and enjoy summer weather before the leaves start to change. These are our 10 summer bucket list ideas that’ll help you end this summer with a bang!
One last camping trip
Camping is one of our all time favorite summer activities. It gets us out of the house, out of the city, and into nature. Whether you’re camping with a big group of friends or on your own, there are tons of benefits. Fresh air, exercise, less stress, and good food all make camping an amazing end-of-summer activity.
Go boating
Whether you’re in a kayak, going canoeing, or enjoying a relaxing day in a motor boat, boating is a fantastic way to spend a late summer day. Going boating means you get to unplug from all the devices that keep us tethered to day-to-day life and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air instead. Enjoying a day in a kayak or a canoe also means some good exercise too!
Enjoy your local park
Visiting your neighborhood park is an excellent way to get outside and enjoy a small slice of nature in the city. Spending time in green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as increase your creativity. City parks aren’t the only parks worth visiting. State parks and national parks are there for you to enjoy any time of year!
Hike a new trail
We definitely have our favorite hiking trails, but how’s this for a summer bucket list idea: hike a trail you’ve never hiked before! Hiking trails are there for you to enjoy everything has to offer, and it’s great exercise too! Hiking helps build strength, reduces your risk of heart disease, lowers your blood pressure, and increases bone density.
Find a local swimming hole
It’s the end of summer, but it’s still pretty warm outside! As much fun as swimming pools are, few things beat the local outdoor swimming hole. Swimming is great exercise, but swimming in nature has some added benefits too. Sunshine provides you with vitamin D (though always use sunscreen!) and the fresh air is good for you too. Plus it’s just more fun swimming alongside all the water critters like crawdads and fish!
Take a road trip
If you’ve been putting off that summer road trip, now is the time to take it! If you go alone, it’ll give you the chance for some self-reflection and to experience the solitude of life on the road. If you bring friends and family, it’s a bonding experience! Plus you get to see so many wonderful things along the way, from national monuments to some of the most amazing cities in the world. And you never know who you’ll meet along the way!
Head to the beach
Going to the beach is the quintessential summer activity, and time is running out for swimming in the ocean! Visiting the beach is great for so many reasons. Not only is it relaxing but it’s good for your body too! Walking on the sand burns more calories than walking on paved surfaces, sand acts as a natural exfoliant which is good for the skin, and the fresh air is good for you. Take a dip before it gets too cold!
Go rock climbing
Hiking and going to the beach is fun and all, but if you’re looking for more of a high octane activity, rock climbing is a good fit! Rock climbing doesn’t just require strong muscles but a sharp mind too. You really have to think long and hard about your next step when you’re rock climbing. Along with the mental and physical stimulation, you’ll get to experience so many beautiful places in nature too.
Plant a tree
What better way to honor nature at the end of summer than to plant a tree? Many see tree planting as a springtime activity but there are a number of trees that do well when planted in the late summer and fall. Trees like alder, maple, sycamore, pines, and crabapple do well when planted around this time of year. Let’s plant some trees!
Be a tourist in your own town
If you live in a larger city, there are probably a lot of things to see and do that you just haven’t gotten to yet! Visit a smaller, niche museum or check out new restaurants that may have opened over the summer. Get outside of your normal routine!
