It’s the best time to achieve all the goals you’ve been dreaming about!

These are the days when you can have the most fun, do those things you’ve always wanted and enjoy the warm weather. And what better way to make it all happen than with a summer bucket list!

Are you one of those people who always set ambitious summer goals but somehow never quite get around to doing them? You start the season full of excitement and big plans like beach days, road trips, new hobbies, maybe even learning to surf—but then life gets in the way.

Trust me, you’re not alone. Even the longest, sunniest days can feel packed and before you know it, summer’s over and you’re left wondering where the time went.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide. It’s not just another list of fun ideas, but a thoughtful, intentional approach to crafting a summer bucket list you’ll actually stick to. It’s time to turn those big summer dreams into real memories you’ll carry long after the season ends.

What’s a bucket list?

A man is presenting a long list to another man.
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First of all, some of you might be wondering — what is a bucket list?

The term bucket list originated in the 90s, but it became popular through the 2007 movie The Bucket List. The story follows the final days of two dying men trying to fulfill their all-time to-do list.

If you got the idea from that, a bucket list is a collection of things you want to do — you can think of it as a life goals checklist.

A summer bucket list is the same concept, but with specific goals for the season. It can include things like going to the beach, eating ice cream, having a water balloon fight — anything summer-coded.

Getting started on your summer bucket list

A man is river rafting in his kayak.
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First, draft your goals before putting them on paper! Start by thinking about all the things you want to do over the next three months.

You can add both general and more specific goals, like going to your favourite artist’s concert (I’ve heard The Weeknd is coming to town this July), having a picnic or going on a road trip to Niagara Falls.

Think outside the box and be adventurous — but keep those goals realistic and achievable.

Also, think about who you want to share these plans with—whether it’s just you, your friends, family or your partner. And consider whether you’re in the mood for outdoor adventures or cozy indoor activities.

Events to include in your bucket list

A group of people are dancing around someone dressed in a zebra costume.
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Your bucket list can include as many goals as you want — some people go for 25, 50 or even 100! If you feel like you need some extra inspiration to finish your draft, here are some of the most popular events around Toronto that you can add to your list:

Staying on budget

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Before finalizing your draft, make sure you organize a budget and keep your ideas within it. 

Plans like learning how to paint or having a movie marathon can be fun and affordable! Some other low-cost or free activities around the city include:

Let’s set up your list together

List of activities for summer.
Photo provided by Nathalie Gomez

Now you’ve reached the fun part: it’s time to turn your draft into your final bucket list!

Grab a piece of paper or poster board to lay out your list. If you prefer to make it digitally, apps like Canva are perfect for this task.

Add a big “Summer Bucket List” title, write out all your goals and include colorful visuals like images, stickers or drawings — the sky’s the limit when decorating your list!

To make the process even more enjoyable, you can create your bucket list alongside your friends.

Completing your summer bucket list

A book featuring a map and the words 'PLACES I WANT TO GO...' lies on a table beside a potted plant, a pair of glasses and a cup of coffee.
Photo by That’s Her Business via Unsplash

One of the most effective ways to stay on track with your summer bucket list is to keep it visible—somewhere you’ll see it every single day. The more you’re reminded of your goals, the more likely you are to stay motivated and actually follow through.

Try hanging it on your bedroom wall, pinning it to a corkboard, taping it to your mirror or even setting it as your phone or laptop wallpaper. Wherever you choose, make sure it’s in a place that keeps it front and center in your daily routine.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, aim to tackle just two or three items per week—ideally over the weekend or whenever you have the most flexibility. This helps break things down into manageable steps and gives you time to really enjoy each experience instead of rushing through the list.

Remember, the goal isn’t to complete everything in record time; it’s about savoring the season and making the most of it in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Three women are relaxing and reading in the sun, while two men are setting up umbrellas in the background.
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Whether you’re chasing thrill, trying something new or simply soaking up the sunshine, every item you cross off brings you closer to a summer well spent.

One creative and heartwarming way to keep track of your journey is by making a summer scrapbook. Not only is it a fun project, but it also becomes a keepsake full of memories you can revisit for years to come.

Fill it with photos, journal entries, ticket stubs, pressed flowers, doodles—anything that captures the spirit of each experience.

Make it a yearly tradition and you’ll build a collection of summer stories that grow with you.

So go out, make it count and let this summer be one you’ll never forget!

Feature image courtesy of David Gor via Unsplash

Complete your bucket list with unforgettable on-campus experiences. Discover how to make the most of your summer at Humber!

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