100 Fun Things to Do This Summer

Save this summer bucket list! We’re sharing 100 fun things to do in summer, igniting your spirit for adventure and ensuring an unforgettable season of fun and cherished memories. Moreover, we’re hoping this list inspires your own ideas to create the ultimate summer bucket list.

Ah, summer, the enchanting season when the world blooms with vibrant colours and the air is filled with the scent of adventure. However, sometimes the season speeds by too quickly. Therefore, as the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to seize the moment and create unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling escapades, soul-soothing relaxation, or delightful experiences with loved ones, we’ve compiled a list of 100 exciting activities to make your summer absolutely extraordinary. Additionally, our diverse selection includes a wide range of options, such as picnics, stargazing, outdoor festivals, road trips, art classes, and more, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Dust off your sunglasses, slather on sunscreen, and let the summertime magic begin!

Unleashing the Summer Spirit: A Checklist of 100 Summer Activities

1. Take a spontaneous road trip to a nearby town. Furthermore, embarking on a spontaneous road trip with friends offers an opportunity to create unforgettable memories, discover hidden gems, and embrace the thrill of the open road.
2. Build a sandcastle at the beach. After that, take pictures!
3. Go camping under the stars. However, if you don’t like camping, glamping works too!
4. Host a backyard barbecue with friends and family. Additionally, organizing a neighbourhood barbecue allows you to savour delicious grilled dishes while fostering a sense of community and bonding with your neighbours. Similarly, you could host a big picnic in the local park.
5. Try your hand at water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
6. Attend an outdoor music festival.
7. Explore a local farmers market and indulge in fresh produce. LOCAL LOVE: we like visiting Lansdowne farmers market in Ottawa!
8. Learn to make homemade ice cream and share it with loved ones.
9. Embark on a scenic hike and embrace nature’s beauty.
10. Have a picnic in a picturesque park.
11. Take up a new hobby like photography or painting.
12. Enjoy a thrilling amusement park ride.
13. Go on a sunset cruise and marvel at the changing colours of the sky.
14. Visit a water park to cool off and have fun.
15. Read a captivating book by the poolside.
16. Volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about.
17. Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows for s’mores.
18. Explore a new city and immerse yourself in its culture.
19. Attend an outdoor yoga or fitness class.
20. Have a DIY spa day at home with facemasks and pampering treatments. Get all your supplies together, prepare light snacks and refreshments – and enjoy!
21. Learn to play a musical instrument.
22. Go stargazing on a warm summer night.
23. Visit a local fair or carnival and indulge in sweet treats.
24. Have a movie night with your significant other under the stars with a projector and blankets.
25. Take a bike ride along scenic trails.
26. Visit a local museum or art gallery.
27. Try your hand at gardening and grow your own herbs or vegetables.
28. Fly a kite on a breezy day.
29. Attend an open-air theater or Shakespearean play.
30. Join a sports league or play a friendly match with friends.
31. Take a day trip to a nearby island or coastal town.
32. Explore underwater wonders through snorkeling or scuba diving.
33. Enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural lake or river.
34. Host a neighborhood potluck and exchange culinary delights (make this easy pasta salad!)
35. In addition to hosting a gathering, taking a cooking or mixology class can be a fantastic way to learn new recipes and expand your culinary skills.
36. Watch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset from a picturesque spot. For example, over a quiet lake.
37. Have a water balloon fight with friends. But, remember not to aim for the face!
38. Try your hand at paddleboarding or surfing.
39. Set up a backyard cinema for your family and enjoy a classic movie marathon. Additionally, setting up a backyard campfire complete with s’mores and movies brings a cozy and nostalgic charm, allowing you to enjoy the magic of a summer night right in your own backyard.
40. Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled game night featuring board games and card games. Additionally, these game nights provide a fantastic opportunity to foster strong bonds, create lasting memories, and engage in friendly competition that will keep everyone entertained for hours on end.
41. Take a scenic train ride through the countryside. After that, stop at a local restaurant.
42. Attend an outdoor concert or live music performance. During the concert, don’t forget to take snapshots and create a memory box after the fact.
43. Take a yoga or meditation retreat to find inner peace.
44. Explore a local botanical garden and marvel at the floral wonders.
45. Go fruit picking at a nearby orchard. After that, enjoy eating your fresh fruits!
46. Additionally, try your hand at local fishing and relish the serene beauty of nature.
47. Take a scenic hot air balloon ride. For example, at sunset over the water.
48. Attend a sports event and cheer for your favourite team.
49. Have a beach bonfire with friends and share stories.
50. Learn to dance a new style, like salsa or tango.
51. Visit a wildlife sanctuary.
52. Additionally, take a photography walk and capture the captivating beauty of your surroundings.
53. Have a DIY outdoor painting session with an easel and canvas.
54. Join a local community garden and connect with fellow green thumbs.
55. Visit a nearby vineyard or winery for a wine tasting experience.
56. Indulge in a variety of culinary delights by attending a local food festival. Furthermore, these local gatherings offer a unique opportunity to savour mouthwatering dishes prepared by talented chefs and discover new flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.
57. Go on a horseback riding adventure through scenic trails.
58. Create a new summer workout routine. For example, jog by the river and stretch in a park!
59. Furthermore, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding on a tranquil lake.
60. Go on a thrilling zip-lining excursion through the treetops. LOCAL LOVE: Camp Fortune in Chelsea, Quebec, has some awesome ziplines to discover!
61. Moreover, explore a nearby cave or underground attraction.
62. Rent a convertible and go for a scenic drive along the coastline.
63. Attend a rooftop party and dance the night away.
64. Take a pottery or ceramics class and create your own masterpiece.
65. Similarly, visit a watercolour workshop and learn the art of painting with hues.
66. Have a DIY outdoor movie night with a projector and cozy seating.
67. Take a day trip to a nearby waterfall and enjoy its refreshing spray.
68. Join a book club and spend lazy afternoons reading in the shade. On the other hand, a sunny spot at the beach is nice too.
69. Go on a wine and cheese tasting tour in picturesque vineyards.
70. LOCAL LOVE: In Ottawa, explore the experimental exhibits and interactive displays at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Discover the wonders of science, innovation, and technology!
71. Attend a local photography exhibition and get inspired by talented artists.
72. Try your hand at stand-up comedy and perform at an open mic night.
73. Visit an outdoor sculpture garden and appreciate artistic creations.
74. Take a cooking class focused on grilling techniques and barbecue delights.
75. Join a beach clean-up event and contribute to preserving the environment.
76. Have a sunrise breakfast by a waterfront and watch the world awaken.
77. Learn to create stunning flower arrangements in a floral design workshop.
78. Go on a guided wildlife safari and observe majestic animals in their habitat.
79. Take a leisurely boat ride on a serene lake or river. Likewise, paddle boating is a fun activity.
80. Moreover, attending a summer sports camp can be an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills and engage in a variety of exciting athletic activities. Whether you’re passionate about soccer, basketball, swimming, or tennis, these camps offer professional guidance, fun-filled competitions, and a chance to connect with fellow sports enthusiasts.
81. Have a DIY outdoor spa day with refreshing facials and foot soaks.
82. LOCAL LOVE: Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Ottawa River and witness the stunning cityscape and natural beauty from a different perspective. Choose from various sightseeing cruises that offer narrated tours, sunset cruises, or even dinner cruises with delicious onboard dining options. It’s a fantastic way to unwind while enjoying breathtaking views of Ottawa’s landmarks and skyline.
83. Attend a local theater production or comedy show. After that, share your review with friends.
84. Plant a wildflower garden for bees. Meanwhile, enjoy the colourful view yourself!
85. Furthermore, going on a bird-watching expedition can provide an enchanting experience as you set out on a thrilling journey to spot rare species and nurture your fascination for the remarkable diversity of birds.
86. Join a local astronomy club and observe celestial wonders through a telescope.
87. Take a woodworking class and create a unique piece.
88. Volunteer at an animal shelter and spend time with furry friends. On the other hand, you can temporarily house a cat or dog for the summer while they await their forever home.
89. Attend a food truck festival and savour a variety of delectable street food.
90. In Gatineau, visit the Canadian Museum of History’s IMAX Theatre for an immersive cinematic experience. Enjoy larger-than-life documentaries and movies that bring history, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes to vivid reality on the giant screen.
91. Go on a nature excursion and capture the beauty of wildlife in their natural habitat.
92. Explore a nearby ghost town and unravel its mysterious history.
93. Take a scenic helicopter tour of your city or a nearby landmark.
94. Explore the Rideau Canal in the National’s Capital, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink turned picturesque waterway in the summer. Rent a kayak, paddle board, or pedal boat to leisurely navigate through the scenic canal and admire Ottawa’s beautiful waterfront.
95. Take a swim class and brush up on your skills (or learn a new technique).
96. Rent a pontoon boat and have a relaxing day on the lake. Gather your friends or family and cruise around the calm waters, basking in the sun, and enjoying the scenic views. Furthermore, you can even anchor in a secluded spot for swimming, picnicking, and creating lasting memories.
97. Learn to make homemade preserves or jams using seasonal fruits.
98. Host a summer-themed costume party and have a blast with friends and family.
99. Get involved in a community garden project and contribute to the planning and planting efforts. For example, collaborate with others to design and organize the garden, choose suitable crops or flowers, and coordinate planting schedules. This activity not only allows you to enhance your planning skills but also provides an opportunity to engage with your community and contribute to a shared green space.
100. Additionally, last but not least, have an unplanned picnic lunch at a hidden gem location.

Embrace the Sun-Kissed Days

Ultimately, summer is a season of endless possibilities, where the world beckons us to embrace the warmth and create lifelong memories. From thrilling adventures to moments of relaxation, the list of things to do in summer is as vast as the azure sky above. So, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the sun-kissed days ahead; whether you choose to embark on an adrenaline-pumping escapade, indulge in creative pursuits, or simply unwind amidst the beauty of nature, let this summer be a tapestry of unforgettable experiences.

Remember, the key is to seize every opportunity, savour every moment, and create a summer filled with joy, laughter, and connection. Grab your bucket list, mark off the activities that excite you, and embark on a summer adventure like no other.

Summer is calling, and it’s time to answer with an enthusiastic “Yes!” So, grab your sunscreen, put on your adventure hat, and dive headfirst into the 100 things to do in summer. Your extraordinary season awaits!

Happy summer adventuring!

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Emily Smith

Emily Smith, Editor of The Best of This Life, has been crafting lifestyle content and delicious recipes for over a decade. Featured on platforms like BRIT + CO, Today's Parent, and Chatelaine, she writes about family, food, home, and wellness, inspiring readers to live well and savour life's beauty. Based in Ottawa, she shares her adventures with her husband, two beautiful kids, and their mischievous cat, Zoro.

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