Best Summer Ever sign so add some of these epic ideas to your summer bucket list.
Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash

Do you want to have the time of your life this summer? Perhaps, try some things you have never done before? Start planning right now with my EPIC summer bucket list ideas for 2024.

For your convenience, I have divided this list into two categories, thrifty and “not so thrifty”. This list has fun things to do that will fit any budget.

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Thrifty summer bucket list ideas for 2024

1. Pan for gold

There are many places where you can pan for gold for free. You’ll need an old pan and some kind of scoop. In fact, a small garden shovel will work if you already have one. BUT if you would rather pan for gold in style, you can invest in a gold panning kit!

2. Go mud bogging

While you may spend some time cleaning your truck later, it makes for a super fun experience! This old truck still has mud on the headliner and driver’s seat. BUT…worth it!

Our old white Dodge Ram that came straight out of a mud pit!

3. Skeet shooting

This is a really fun shooting sport that can be quite thrifty if you belong to a gun club. If you don’t belong to a gun club, you’ll want to make some calls to various skeet shooting ranges and compare prices. Otherwise, you may end up paying more than you should for the experience.

4. Dig for diamonds

Wait, what? You can do that? Yes, you can! Wanna know the best part? You get to keep what you find so you could end up walking away with a diamond worth a small fortune. Check out Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas!

THRIFTY TIP: Take your own digging and sifting equipment so you don’t have to rent anything!

5. Book a scavenger hunt on Viator

Viator has a huge selection of scavenger hunts in various destinations all over the world. The scavenger hunts are easy to fit into any travel itinerary and provide a wide range of ideas for your epic summer bucket list.

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6. Reunite with a friend or relative

Been thinking about a long-lost friend or relative lately? Why not make contact with them and set up a time to reunite this summer?

7. Go to a car show

There’s no shortage of car shows in the summer months and almost all of them are free!

A beautiful red Mercury Monterey!

The owner of this beautiful Mercury Monterey actually let me set in the driver’s seat! How cool is that!

A beautiful red Mercury Monterey that I was able to set in at a car show.

9. Visit an astronomical observatory

Do you like the idea of exploring beyond the Earth’s atmosphere without actually leaving the planet. There are many observatories with HUGE telescopes open to the public! AND guess what? Most of them are FREE! So why not add an “out of this world” experience to your summer bucket list.

8. Go hunting for crystals

Seriously? Crystal hunting? That’s a thing? YES!!! Epic, right? And guess what? It’s FREE, so what are you waiting for? You should seriously consider adding this to your summer bucket list for 2024!

Curious where to go? Hike the Crystal Vista Trail in the Ouachita National Forest!

Crystals which you can find if you add crystal hunting to your summer bucket list.
Photo by Dan Farrell on Unsplash

11. Attend a gun show

If you’re okay with braving the crowds, consider attending a gun show. Admission varies from one gun show to another, but most are relatively inexpensive.

Want to add one to your summer bucket list for 2024? Check out this gun show list!

10. Go on a foraging expedition

Foraging is very much a part of my lifestyle and has been as far back as I can remember. It is such a peaceful, rewarding experience. Also, you’ll get plenty of exercise and bring home some amazing wild edibles.

My mulberry stained hands showing what a mulberry looks like when it's still attached to the tree.
A bowl of berries.
My berry-stained hand which you're sure to get if you add foraging to your summer bucket list.
A morel mushroom that's larger than my entire hand.
Wild asparagus I harvested while foraging.
2 morel mushrooms which you could harvest if you add foraging to your summer bucket list.
A blue bowl filled with berries which you could harvest if you add foraging to your summer bucket list.
Blackberry jelly that I made from wild blackberries I harvested.
Persimmons on a persimmon tree which you can forage when ripe.

Are you new to foraging and wild edible preservation? I suggest booking a foraging expedition with someone that is knowledgeable about wild edibles.

13. Go to a craft show

Craft shows are amazing! You’ll certainly be in awe of how many talented people there are when you see all the beautiful hand-crafted creations. Who knows, maybe you’ll come out inspired to start making your own crafts?! It can make a nice side hustle which equals extra money for your travel fund.

12. Go surfing

Catching waves can be such a thrilling experience and makes for some thrifty fun if you already own your gear. BUT what if you don’t? Can you still try surfing without spending a fortune? Absolutely! You’ll need to shop it out though. The rental fees will vary depending on location but in most cases it’s relatively inexpensive to try.

A person in the middle of a huge wave while surfing which you should add to your summer bucket list.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

15. Book a murder mystery detective experience

You used to only be able to do these by physically visiting the location in which the mystery was staged. However, you can now do them online. They are a convenient and thrifty addition to your summer bucket list.

EPIC TIP: Do you want to be the talk of your neighborhood? Create and host your own murder mystery detective experience!

14. Chase waterfalls

I love chasing waterfalls! So much so that I actually found a hidden gem on public land that locals in the area didn’t know about! That hidden gem is pictured below.

A hidden waterfall on public land that I found while chasing waterfalls.

16. Go on a trail ride

Perhaps you have horses or have friends with horses? You should consider adding a nice leisurely trail ride to your summer bucket list!

17. Go treasure hunting

THIS! So, you can hunt for treasure in many ways and there’s no telling what you may find. I remember going on treasure hunts with my Daddy many times. He liked to use a metal detector and actually found some pretty cool stuff.

I actually have a stack of really OLD treasure maps in my hand as we speak. Writing this article reminded me that I still had those stashed away and should probably start making plans.

18. Go to a drive-in movie

Yes, they are still a thing! AND they have been making a comeback. I actually prefer them over indoor theater experiences. For the most part, it is inexpensive to go to drive-in movies.

THRIFTY TIP: We always hit double feature nights, so we get 2 movies for the price of one! You can also pack your own drinks and snacks.

My boys at a drive-in movie which you should consider adding to your summer bucket list.

19. Visit a UFO watchtower or observation deck

I didn’t know this was a thing until recently. BUT it’s a thing! AND it’s thrifty. I will be conducting more research on this, but it may be something you’re interested in adding to your summer bucket list.

20. Go caving

I fully realize this isn’t for everyone and for many it requires conquering several fears. If you can overcome those fears, I promise there’s such a beautiful world worth exploring beneath the surface of the Earth.

The inside of a cave with sun rays peeking shining through a small opening in the top of the cave.
Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash

You can definitely find thrifty cave tours if you do a little research. There are guided and self-guided options. You’ll have to choose what’s right for you. I will point out that a lot of your popular show caves are WAY overpriced and simply not worth the cost of admission.

I personally like self-guided adventures through wild caves. For the most part, exploration of wild caves is free. However, in some cases you may need to obtain a permit.

21. Go on a ghost hunt

Ghost hunting is relatively inexpensive, and you can schedule as many ghost hunts as you want. You can investigate day or night and have fun researching potential hunting destinations.

22. Watch a fireworks show

This is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. There are many public places that put-on firework shows. Admission is usually free! Most firework shows in the United States occur in and around the 4th of July. However, some theme parks and other attractions set off fireworks nightly during the summer months. With a little planning, you can find a perfect spot to watch them from.

Large fireworks show which you could experience by adding it to your summer bucket list.
Photo by Arthur Chauvineau on Unsplash

Also, you can choose to put on your own fireworks show. While most people only do this around the 4th of July, there are firework stores open year-round. So, why not put on your own firework show just because you can.

23. Go rock climbing

Rock climbing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But it has so many benefits, you may want to consider adding it to your summer bucket list. Regardless your skill level, it is possible for you to go on a rock-climbing adventure. If you’re just starting out, you may want to try an indoor rock-climbing gym or perhaps try bouldering. See if you like it. You’ll never know if you don’t try!

24. Volunteer

There are so many ways you can volunteer your time to help people. Assess the needs in your local community and see what you can do to make a difference this summer.

25. Go to a renaissance festival

Have you ever seen a jousting tournament? Took part in an axe throwing competition? Watched a blacksmith in action? If you answered no to those, you should certainly make time to go to a renaissance festival this summer!

A jousting tournament which you could experience by adding a renaissance festival to your summer bucket list.
Photo by Casper Johansson on Unsplash

26. Go on a short-term mission trip

Most usually, churches will raise money for parishioners that volunteer to go on mission trips. It is a great way to travel, see new places, meet new people, experience new cultures, and help those in need.

27. Attend a historical reenactment

There are many different kinds of historical reenactments. One of the most popular are war reenactments of various different battles. But war reenactments may not be your thing. Perhaps you prefer wild-west reenactments? Or historical play reenactments! Regardless your preference, consider adding a historical reenactment to your summer bucket list.

28. Ride a camel

Everyone should experience riding a camel at least once in their life. It’s relatively inexpensive and you’ll remember it forever.

Meet “little me” on my very first camel riding adventure in my home state of Mississippi! My apologies for the image quality, but it was taken with an old polaroid.

Me in a red shirt and jeans riding a camel with a red harness and saddle blanket.

29. Participate in a seance

If you have an open mind and an interest in the spirit world, participate in a seance!

30. Go to an art show

Whether art is your thing or not, you should consider going to an art gallery. When you walk through the doors of an art gallery there’s a sense of peace that’s almost inconceivable. Moreover, you’ll be mentally stimulated and perhaps even leave with a desire to express yourself through your own works of art.

31. Plan a fishing trip

There are a ton of different fishing methods and types of trips you can take. For the most part, fishing is extremely thrifty. Keep in mind though, booking deep-sea fishing excursions or guided ice fishing trips get rather expensive.

32. Go on a driving tour

Driving tours can be such a fun experience! I highly recommend adding driving tours to your summer bucket list. You can read my post on driving tours for more information!

The front of a silver and black ram truck in front of a stunning Ozark Mountain view.

33. Go backpacking

There’s nothing quite like hiking into the middle of nowhere with a well-stocked pack and spending a few days away from it all! You’ll appreciate the beautiful scenery, and the fact that you have absolutely no reason to rush.

34. Take in a parrot show

Have you ever attended a parrot show? If not, you should! They can put on quite a theatrical performance. You’ll be blown away by their ability to sing, dance, perform tricks, and so much more.

35. Go on a canoe trip

Canoeing is such a fun water sport that draws millions of people to public waterways each summer. There are short trips and long trips so you can choose what best fits your schedule.

Also, there are different levels of difficulty. You’ll want to be mindful of your skill level when choosing a destination, so you don’t end up in rough water you’re not ready for.

SAFETY RESOURCE: My post, Canoe Trip Tips can help you prepare for the unexpected!

36. Plan a camping trip

Many families plan a yearly camping trip in the summer months. It’s a great way to relax and spend quality time with each other.

Looking through the opening of a tent at the wilderness.
Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash

37. Write a book

Spend those “dog days of summer” working on that novel you’ve been putting off!

38. Go to the circus

Going to the circus can be a fun experience, especially if you have children. Just make sure you’re prepared to deal with huge crowds!

39. Go mountain climbing

Pick a mountain and chase that view! You’ll be in for a breathtaking sight if you do!

40. Go off-roading

Have you ever been off-roading? If not, try it! You’ll be in for a wild ride and scenic views. There are public lands where you can legally go off-roading. Difficulty levels vary so make sure you plan in accordance with your abilities.

White jeep sitting off road in front of a stunning mountain view!
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

41. Attend a Magic the Gathering event

This card game is insanely popular and requires some serious strategy. You can find events almost anywhere and admission is typically cheap. If you don’t want to attend a public event, then plan a private gathering of your own.

Need a starter deck? This Magic the Gathering Starter Deck is perfect for beginners.

42. Glow Bowling

Glow bowling is a unique bowling experience where the lighting encourages things to glow in the dark. When you go glow bowling, make sure you plan your wardrobe accordingly. Certain colors illuminate better under a black light.

43. Go to a steam show

Steam shows are fun for the whole family! You’ll get plenty of exercise as you stroll through the grounds looking at old vehicles and machinery powered by steam. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see steam power in action as tractors compete to pull excessive weight.

Old green steam tractor like what you would see if you added steams shows to your summer bucket list.
Photo by Splash Pic on Unsplash

44. Go to a small comedy club

Need more laughter in your life? Consider visiting a comedy club this summer. There’s some great talent out there, and you can easily find a club with an affordable cover charge.

45. Go to a tractor pull

Consider adding a tractor pull to your summer bucket list! You’ll get to see some pretty cool tractors pushed to their limits as they try to pull excessively heavy loads.

46. Go dancing

You can almost always find somewhere to go dancing. There are so many different types of dancing you’re sure to find something you like. If you don’t feel like dancing or have physical limitations that prevent you from dancing, you can always go to a dance show.

47. Go to a magic show

Feeling the need to escape reality for a bit? Book tickets to a magic show and be mesmerized by masters of deception! You’ll want to make sure you do some research and compare prices. Some magic shows are reasonably priced, and some are overpriced.

48. Go to a rodeo

Looking for a little excitement? How about adding a rodeo to your summer bucket list? You’ll get to experience everything from super thrilling events like bull riding to super cute events like calf scrambles. AND those rodeo clowns are pretty hilarious too.

THRIFTY TIP: Avoid big rodeos that are heavily advertised. They usually cost a pretty penny. Instead, search out small town rodeos and compare prices. You won’t be disappointed!

49. Go to a casino

Consider adding a casino trip to your summer bucket list! Casinos can be a REALLY fun experience, but you really need to set a spending limit before going. While there isn’t an entrance fee or admission fee to get into most casinos, you can end up spending a ton of money if you aren’t careful.

50. Be part of a live studio audience

Ever thought about being part of a live studio audience? How about picking a favorite show and snagging tickets to see it in person? Think about it!

51. Attend an auto race

Auto races can be an exciting and unpredictable experience! Afterall, you never know when there’s going to be a crash! While you will be well entertained, these events can wreak havoc on sensitive ears. I highly recommend wearing hearing protection.

THRIFTY TIP: Tickets to smaller races are quite reasonable, and you can usually save some money by booking in advance!

52. Go storm chasing

Severe storms will always find you, but have you ever went looking for severe storms? If you’re weather obsessed and need an adrenaline rush, you may want to give storm chasing a try. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a storm when its moving in, and you can get some pretty neat sky pictures.

Dark storm front moving in!
Super cool storm pic with a funnel going to the ground.

“Not so thrifty” summer bucket list ideas for 2024

53. Book a virtual reality experience

Where are my gamers? Do some research and find virtual reality centers near you. Compare prices and immerse yourself in a virtual world! Epic, right?

54. Go on a scenic train ride

THIS! There are so many scenic train rides to choose from. Research them and book one you like!

55. Go sailing

Book a sailing experience and simply relax. Enjoy the waves, catch some rays, see some wildlife, and watch a beautiful sunset. You won’t regret it, I promise!

Meet “little me” on our Santana 21! My apologies for the image quality, but they were taken with an old polaroid.

Me on our white Santana 21 ocean going sailboat with my dear friend. Add sailing to your summer bucket list.
Me on our white Santana 21 ocean going sailboat with my dear friend. Add sailing to your summer bucket list.

56. Book a race car experience

Are you a race car fan? How would you like to drive an actual race car? Exciting, right?! Perhaps, you should consider adding a race car experience to your summer bucket list!

57. Go on a hot air balloon ride

Imagine climbing into a giant basket and ascending thousands of feet into the sky. Then, imagine slowly drifting along while gazing at breathtaking views. Sounds amazing, right? Maybe you should consider adding a hot air balloon ride to your summer bucket list.

58. Go skydiving

You’ll free fall for a bit and then depend on a parachute to save you from sudden impact. If you’re looking for an insane adrenaline rush and EPIC views, this is it!

59. Swim with the dolphins

There are many places where you can swim with dolphins! They are intelligent, graceful, stunning creatures that will instantly melt your heart. You’ll definitely want to put this photo-worthy experience on you summer bucket list.

A graceful dolphin with its mouth open surrounded by seemingly blue water.
Photo by darin ashby on Unsplash

60. Book a cruise

When most people hear the word “cruise” they usually think of ocean cruises to tropical places with thousands of people onboard. But there are many types of cruises. Those that aren’t comfortable booking ocean cruises should at least consider booking lake or river cruises. They’ll be less people onboard, and you’ll still have an epic experience! Regardless of your preference, you should consider booking some type of cruise this summer.

61. Go on a helicopter tour

Want a bit of a unique experience? Go on a helicopter tour! You’ll get to sightsee from the sky. How cool is that!

62. Attend a concert

Concerts tend to create memories that last a lifetime! I remember my first concert like it was yesterday! Randy Travis delivered an incredible performance at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. I stayed awake long enough to hear him perform my favorite song before crashing out in my Daddy’s arms. If you get a chance to score some reasonably priced tickets this summer, jump on it!

63. Stained glass class

Have you ever taken a stained-glass class? I haven’t, and it is on my list! You can make so many cool things once you learn the basic techniques! Do some research and find a stained-glass class near you!

A colorful stained-glass window which you can learn to make if you go to a stained-glass class this summer.
Photo by Rodrigo Curi on Unsplash

64. Go on a snorkeling tour

Want to explore underwater and see a whole new world? Give snorkeling a try!

65. Book a haunted stay

There are haunted mansions, hotels, castles, plantation houses, inns, etcetera that you can book a stay in. You’ll want to conduct some serious research and see which places pique your curiosity. Each place has its own unique story behind it’s hauntings and each come with its own price tag.

66. Go parasailing

Here’s an adrenaline rush for you that packs stunning scenic views! While it is definitely something you should consider putting on your summer bucket list, you’ll want to carefully weigh the expense. You’ll also want to budget for any “optional” expenses such as photographs of your experience.

67. Go to a waterpark

Waterparks are always a great way to spend hot summer days! Make sure you shop around for the best prices and consider purchasing season passes if you intend to go on a regular basis. Waterparks aren’t as affordable as they once were.

A large waterslide at a waterpark which should be on your summer bucket list.
Our youngest coming out of a waterslide at a waterpark which should be on your summer bucket list.

68. Go to a monster truck show

Monster truck shows can be really cool! They are actioned packed, and you’ll get to see some really awesome trucks. However, this is another one of those events where I suggest noise cancelling earmuffs if you have sensitive ears.

69. Visit an aquarium

Want to surprise your kids with a trip they’ll never stop talking about. This is it! It’s a very educational experience as you can learn about a variety of underwater creatures. It’s also quite relaxing!

70. Go white water rafting

This adrenaline pumping experience is hard to beat! Run those rapids, get soaking wet, and try really hard to stay in the raft! It’s definitely a recreational activity you should consider putting on your summer bucket list.

71. Take a carriage ride

Romance immediately popped into your head, didn’t it? There are plenty of places that offer carriage rides so why not surprise your special someone this summer.

72. Go ziplining

Are you interested in zipping down a huge cable high above the landscape? It’s quite the heart racing experience! You can find ziplining experiences all over the world, so I recommend shopping it out. Take the length of the zipline and scenic view potential into consideration when booking your experience. Also, take some time to read reviews!

73. Book a safari

What a great experience the whole family will love! Do some research and consider booking a safari. There are many different types of safaris all over the world, and prices vary drastically.

I personally recommend a wild animal safari! You won’t regret it, and you’ll want to take a ton of pictures!

An animal's mouth wide open with teeth showing as it's trying to take a treat from my husband's hand.
Very friendly creature with 2 horns reaching for a treat!

74. Go to an amusement park or a theme park

Let the thrills begin! This is a great family adventure with a ton of things to do. You’ll want to conduct some research here. Compare location, prices, hours, attractions, etcetera. AND you certainly need to read reviews! I can’t stress that enough.

75. Go to a paintball range

Do you like adrenaline filled, action packed adventures? If so, you’ll want to give paintball a try!

Conclusion

I hope these summer bucket list ideas help you plan a summer you’ll never forget. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section of this post or reach out to me by email. Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!