Summer. It’s a glorious time of year. But if you’re like me you may say it every year, where did the summer go? It seems like just yesterday was early June and life was full of warm weather, cotton candy, and the endless possibilities that come from late afternoons in summer.
So if the idea of summer suddenly crashing into fall leaves you scrambling to hold onto the warm summer sun you’re still in luck. There’s still three whole weeks of the season yet left! Check out these 7 last-minute summer bucket list ideas that can help you hold onto all that is awesome about the sensation of the late summer season.
Check out these 7 last-minute summer bucket list ideas that can help you hold onto all that is awesome about the sensation of the late summer season this year.
Sleep outside: Consider heading in the great blue yonder of your own backyard! Becuase what’s more summer than sleeping under the stars? Just grab a couple sleeping bags and head to the front porch or layer a sheet over a couple lawn chairs to create a fort. All of which will help you create beautiful midsummer nights dream.
Make a summer jam: If summer had a quintessential favor it would surely be berry. A juicy, ripe, mixed berry flavor to be exact. Lucky for you, you’re a short twenty-minutes away from jam making bliss. Check out my recipe for no-cook blueberry freezer jam. A jam that can help you preserve the flavors of the season for months to come!
Roast s’mores: Break out your patio fire pits and chimineas and enjoy an end-of-summer roasted s’mores session. Afterall, what better way to spend planning your fall bucket list than while basking by the flames of the bonfire covered in gooey s’mores? You haven’t truly celebrated summer until you can smell bonfire smoke in your hair!
Tackle a garden project: Nothing makes you feel quite so useful as building something with your own two hands. So grab the family and build a birdhouse, plant spring bulbs, plant a cold-weather crop, or create a relaxing seating area for fall with DIY pallet chairs.
Dine al fresco: One of my favorite ways to enjoy the end of summer is by grabbing a blanket and heading to our patio for a fun family dinner, al fresco-style! Nothing screams summer like a dinner by way of fire fly lighting!
Enjoy watermelon: Don’t let summer pass you by without enjoying some ice cold watermelon. Whether it’s eaten au naturale, frozen like popsicles, or blended into a smoothie or slushie, you just haven’t lived this summer until you indulge in this amazing summer melon before the end of the summer season!
Shop your local farmer’s market: Stop by your farmer’s market to pick up end-of-summer treats like fresh strawberries, corn, watermelon, blueberries, cherries, cantaloupe, squash, zucchini, and raspberries. It’s a great time of year to stock-up on fresh produce which can be canned, blanched, frozen, or dehydrated and enjoyed all winter long!
Ride a bike: The destination isn’t as important as the journey here- just grab your bike and take in the world even if you just ride a few blocks away from your home. The importance here? Taking in a few moments of feeling the end-of-summer wind in your hair!
Host a neighborhood scavenger hunt: Round up kiddos or even just a group of friends and neighbors and have an outdoor scavenger hunt! Look for items that are quintessentially summer-flowering plants, tall grasses, lady bugs, beach balls, pool noodles, bathing suits, baseballs, and more. Make it a zero-waste activity by creating a pdf list and emailing all participants on their smart phones and tablets and see who can find the most objects in a 30-minute minute span!
Have an ice cream cone: Drop everything you’re doing and hit up your local ice cream shop for a cone. Make sure to skip the cup and treat yourself to a waffle cone. Oh, and make it two scoops of ice cream. That’ll ensure the summer vibes last just a little bit longer on the way home. My favorite ice cream cone? One scoop of butter pecan and once scoop of peach ice cream in a chocolate waffle cone!
Take a road trip: There’s nothing as exhilarating than cruising along a sun-drenched country road while you listen to a loud stereo and snack on yummy, roadside foods. So research your state and take off on a weekend or day trip that you’ve never visited before. If the kiddos are already back in school and you’re short on time consider checking out a national park or a free, quirky regional summer festival or state fair. There’s fun t be found along every road in this great nation. Just be sure to pack sunscreen and your favorite songs of summer playlist for the drive!
Well, friends, there is my list of 11 last-minute summer bucket list ideas. I hope this list will motivate you to take advantage of every last drop that this current end-of-summer season has to offer you in your neck of the woods! Whatever you choose to do, just remember to make the most of what’s left this summer. Afterall, fall is just around the bend!
Now I have to ask, what’s your favorite thing you’ve checked off your bucket list this summer? Or what fun activity will you be putting back on your list this September? I’d love to hear about it below!
