75 Best Summer Bucket List Ideas For Couples (2024) (2024)

Love is in the air, and summer is calling! It’s that time of the year when the sun shines a little brighter, the days get a little longer, and romance blossoms like never before.

If you’re looking to make the most out of this magical season with your significant other, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to embark on your best summer yet with the ultimate summer bucket list for couples.

Whether you’re seeking cozy moments at home, exhilarating outdoor escapades, budget-friendly activities, luxurious indulgences, or even some downright crazy experiences, there are some really great date ideas below that you can tick off your summer bucket list.

In fact, there’s an extensive list of 75 ideas for your best ever summer with your girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse.

From romantic picnics in your backyard to wild skydiving adventures, no stone has been left unturned in a quest to inspire you and your beloved to create your own summer fairytale. So, grab your partner’s hand, put on your favorite sunglasses, and make some memories together.

Whether you’re a young couple in the early stages of your relationship, celebrating many years of togetherness, or anywhere in between, this summer bucket list is designed to cater to all kinds of couples. Get ready to strengthen your bond, rediscover each other’s passions, and embrace the beauty of the season together.

Here’s the best summer bucket list for couples.

At Home Bucket List Ideas

If you’re planning to spend a lot of quality time with your partner at home this summer, there’s plenty you can do from the comfort of your own home to have lots of fun.

These summer bucket list ideas for couples can all be done at home.

Have a romantic picnic in your backyard

Set up a Pinterest-worthy picnic area in your backyard, grab some romantic snacks and some wine, and watch the stars together.

Host a movie night and watch your favorite films together

Movie nights are always so much fun. Choose a movie each (preferably something romantic likeLove at First Sight), get the popcorn ready and cosy up for an at-home movie experience.

Cook a fancy dinner together

Cooking together is a really romantic thing to do, especially if you’ve planned several courses to enjoy over the space of the evening.

Have a DIY spa day with homemade facials and massages

This couples bucket list item is a great way to spend the day together just relaxing at home. Grab all your pampering products in advance and just chill out in robes while you each treat the other to beauty treatments.

Create a scrapbook of your favorite memories

This is a lovely idea for couples to do together at any time of the year, but if you’re looking for something fun to do together in the summer it’s a really inexpensive activity. You also end up with a keepsake you’ll both cherish forever.

Build a blanket fort and have a cozy indoor picnic

Time to go back to your childhood days and have fun together building a fort in your living room. Cuddle up together underneath and indulge in some delicious snacks.

Have a games night with board games or video games

A couple’s game night is so much fun, especially if you bring a little healthy competition in to the mix. Get stuck in to your favorite games and see who can beat the other.

Take a virtual cooking class and learn to make a new dish

Virtual cooking classes became really popular when we were all stuck at home during the pandemic, and they’ve continued to be one of those great ideas that everyone loves to do, especially as a couple.

Plan a themed dinner night and dress up accordingly

Start by brainstorming a theme for the dinner night. Popular dinner night themes include decades, countries, movies, books, food types, and colors. Then you can plan the menu and create a playlist of music that fit the theme. On the night of the dinner, set the table with decorations that match the theme and dress up accordingly.

Have a karaoke night and sing your favorite songs

Transform your living room into a lively stage as you and your partner unleash your inner rock stars during a fun-filled karaoke night, belting out your favorite songs with gusto and creating unforgettable memories together.

Do a puzzle together

This is a quaint bucket list idea for a quiet in together. Some great conversations can be had while you’re focussing on a simple jigsaw puzzle, and it’s a really inexpensive summer bucket list activity.

Have a wine tasting evening at home

When it comes to picking wines for your intimate at-home tasting, there are a few approaches you can take. You can choose a specific theme, such as exploring wines from a particular region, focusing on a specific grape variety, or even selecting wines based on a specific flavor profile. Alternatively, you can opt for a diverse selection that includes a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines to cater to different preferences.

Plan a candlelit dinner on your balcony or patio

Candlelit dinners are just one of the most romantic things you can do as a couple in the summer. You don’t need to cook your dinner; to save time you can order in. The point is to just have a really romantic atmosphere even while you’re just staying at home together.

Have a paint night and create artwork together

This fun idea is easy to set up. You can find watercolor or acrylic paints easily in art supply stores and supermarkets. Either choose a subject you can each paint (to see who is the best artist!) or have a go at painting a portrait of each other instead.

Write love letters to each other and read them aloud

Create an intimate and heartfelt moment by sitting down together at home, penning heartfelt love letters to each other that capture the essence of your feelings, and then share the tender words aloud. So cute and romantic!

Finish a DIY home improvement project

Undertake a DIY home improvement project together, whether it’s building a custom bookshelf, installing a new backsplash, refurbishing old furniture, or creating a personalized gallery wall. Roll up your sleeves, gather your tools, and unleash your creativity as you work side by side, putting the finishing touches on your project.

Organize a photoshoot to capture your love

You can do this by hiring a professional photographer or setting up a DIY setup with a tripod and camera remote, and let the camera capture the essence of your love as you pose, laugh, and create stunning images that you can keep forever.

Create a personalized playlist and have a dance party

This is such a fun way to have a summer night in together. You both get to pick your favorite songs, preferably ones that are great to dance to, and have a little boogie together.

Do a DIY science experiment or craft project

Whether it’s creating homemade slime, designing tie-dye t-shirts, building a mini solar-powered car, or crafting personalized jewelry, there are some really fun ways to spend a unique date night at home in the summer months. Unleash your inner scientist or artist as you gather supplies and then follow step-by-step instructions together.

Plan a home-based scavenger hunt

Create clever clues and hide them around your living space, challenging your partner to solve them and uncover hidden surprises or rewards along the way. You can choose some of your partner’s favorite things as rewards to find along the way.

Learn a new language together using online resources

Learning a new language together is one of the best things you can do if you have a travel goal in mind. Select the language of your dream country to visit together and then explore language learning apps, websites, and online courses before you dive into daily practice sessions.

Plan and create a vision board for your future together

Planning and creating a vision board is a really effective way to inspire you both to work towards building the life of your dreams. Set aside time to reflect on your shared goals, dreams, and aspirations, gather magazines, images, and quotes that resonate with your vision, and collaboratively arrange them on a board or canvas.

Plant a veggie garden together

You don’t need a big yard or veggie patch to do this. Lots of vegetables can be grown in containers on balconies or patios. It’s a really fun thing to nurture small seedlings and watch them flower and fruit, and then enjoy the spoils of your garden together when cooking.

Camp in the backyard

If you’re saving money this summer but still want to have a summer bucket list for couples, a great way to ‘get away from it all’ for little money is to have a camping trip in your own backyard. Light a fire and make s’mores. Camping is tons of fun and summer is the perfect time to do it as it’s warmer at night.

Bury a time capsule together

I just adore this idea as something to do as part of a romantic bucket list. Select meaningful items that represent your present lives, such as handwritten letters, photographs, small mementos, or significant tokens, place them in a sturdy container, choose a special location, and bury it together. You can unearth it in the future to relive those precious moments and reflect on how far you’ve come.

Physical Activity Bucket List Ideas

If you’re a couple who loves getting out in the fresh air and exploring, these ideas on your summer bucket list for couples are just perfect for you.

Embrace the great outdoors together this summer, get that adrenaline pumping and experience some of the awesome activities that just go down so well in the summer time.

Go hiking in a nearby nature reserve or national park

You can hike at any time of year of course, but hiking in the summer means longer hours of daylight, better temperatures and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and flowers you wouldn’t normally see. A state park or nature reserve is the perfect place for a summer hike.

Rent bicycles and explore a new area together

Choose a scenic location, rent bicycles suitable for both of you, and set off on an expedition to lose yourselves in the beauty of nature, visit local landmarks, and discover some hidden gems.

Try paddleboarding or kayaking on a nearby lake or river

Rent paddleboards or kayaks suitable for beginners, grab your life jackets, and head to the tranquil waters. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with each other and the outdoors, while also enjoying a fun and invigorating physical activity.

Go camping and spend a night under the stars

If you’ve been planning to go on a camping trip together then the summer is the perfect time to tick that off your couple’s bucket list.

Have a beach day and swim in the ocean

Pack your beach essentials—towels, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks—and head to the coast. Find a beautiful spot on the sandy beach, set up your gear, and just enjoy the relaxing vibes. You can build sandcastles, play beach games, and simply have a fantastic time together surrounded by the stunning ocean views.

Go for a sunrise or sunset jog together

Sunrise and sunset are some of the most spectacular times of any summer’s day and are not to be missed. If you and your girlfriend or boyfriend love to run, schedule a run together to catch the sky views.

Take a dance class, such as salsa or ballroom

Taking a dance class together, such as salsa or ballroom, is a fantastic activity for couples as it strengthens your bond, provides a fun physical workout, and creates lasting memories. It doesn’t matter if neither of you can dance, as you’ll just find it so much fun anyway.

Go rock climbing or bouldering at an indoor or outdoor gym

Find an indoor or outdoor gym equipped with climbing walls, rent the necessary gear, and challenge yourselves to conquer the heights. Support and encourage each other as you navigate the climbing routes, build strength, and test your problem-solving skills.

Take a yoga class together in a park or studio

Whether in the embrace of nature or within the nurturing walls of a studio, practicing yoga together allows you to align your energies, enhance flexibility, and find solace in each other’s presence, promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Go on a long, romantic walk and explore your city

So often in our busy lives we don’t see what’s right in front of us. Take the time to explore where you live or a local city, acting as tourists for the day. It can be a really eye-opening experience and can lead you to discover some new favorite places as a couple.

Have a tennis or badminton match

The warm weather is a great excuse to get out and play badminton or tennis in a couple. It’s also a good summer double date idea. Rent out your nearest court and have a game or two. If it brings out a little competition between you both, well that can be even more fun!

Try out an outdoor fitness boot camp class

This experience creates an opportunity to support each other’s goals, improve your overall health, and enjoy the thrill of conquering challenges side by side, all while creating lasting memories of shared sweat and triumph.

Go horseback riding through scenic trails

Horse riding is a really romantic couple’s activity, especially if you’re in a setting with some gorgeous scenery. You can find a local riding school that can take you out on a tour by horseback if you’re not confident riders already.

Have a water fight

The chances are, you’ve not had a fun water fight since you were a kid. If not, grab water guns or water balloons and get stuck in! It’s also a really refreshing thing to do on a hot summer day.

Try a new water sport

Together you can choose from from a variety of exhilarating water sports to try as a couple, such as riding the waves on surfboards, testing your balance and core strength with paddleboarding, exploring scenic waterways with kayaking, or immersing in the underwater world through snorkeling.

Learn to rollerblade or ice skate together

This activity not only improves your coordination, balance, and cardiovascular fitness but also strengthens your bond through shared laughter, support, and the exhilaration of mastering a new skill together.

Go on a geocaching adventure

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting activity where you use GPS coordinates or a smartphone app to locate hidden containers, called caches, and sign the logbook inside. It’s an adventurous and interactive way to explore the world together, uncover hidden treasures, and create unforgettable memories as a couple.

Luxury Bucket List Ideas

If your ultimate goal as a couple this summer is to have some luxury experiences, these summer bucket list ideas for couples are some really fun things to do if you’re looking to splurge on having a great time.

Plan a weekend getaway to a luxury resort or hotel

This is the best couples bucket list idea if you’re a long distance couple. You can meet somewhere halfway between where you both live, and book into a luxury resort for a few days or a week. Make sure it has a hot tub!

Book a couples’ spa day with massages and treatments

For the ultimate day of pampering and relaxation, a spa day is an indulgence that you will both enjoy.

Take a private yacht or boat tour

This really is a luxury when it comes to bucket list adventures. Whether you opt for a sunset cruise, island hopping, or exploring hidden coves, the private setting allows you to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and create lasting memories amidst the serenity of the open water.

Enjoy a fine dining experience at a high-end restaurant

If there’s a restaurant you really want to go to but have put it off because it’s quite pricey, pick a day of summer where you will treat yourself and your other half to a lovely meal there.

Book a hot air balloon ride

A hot air balloon ride is a really romantic trip to take with your partner, and one of the best anniversary gifts for him that you can both enjoy together. You often get to sip champagne while you float gracefully over the countryside, enjoying the picturesque views.

Go on a helicopter tour of a scenic area

A helicopter ride is a bit of a splurge but since we’re talking about luxury bucket list ideas for a couple this has to be included. It’s a real indulgence and one you won’t regret if you decide to go for it.

Take a private cooking class with a renowned chef

Research local chefs or cooking schools that offer personalized sessions, and select a cuisine or specific dishes you’d like to learn. The chef will guide you through the preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation, allowing you to learn valuable culinary skills while bonding as a couple.

Take a private wine tasting tour with a sommelier

A vineyard is always a great place to visit as a couple. They’re usually in really scenic and romantic locations and can be a learning experience if you hire a sommelier to help you with the wines.

Rent a convertible and take a road trip along a scenic route

This idea is perfect for creating your own scene straight out of a classic movie like Roman Holiday or The Graduate.

Have a private outdoor movie screening under the stars

There are companies that specialize in setting up private outdoor movie screenings for special occasions. They provide equipment including projectors, screens, sound systems, and seating arrangements. To make this experience more romantic they often include additional options such as themed decor, lighting, gourmet popcorn, cozy blankets, or even inflatable loungers for a premium movie night experience.

Free Bucket List Ideas

If you want your hot couple summer to be full of simple pleasures that are also super affordable or just plain free to do, here are some fantastic ideas to choose from.

Explore a museum or art gallery on a free admission day

Research and plan your visit, arriving early to beat the crowds. Take your time to engage with the exhibits, embracing learning and capturing memories along the way. Look out for guided tours or special events to enhance your experience. Afterward, find a cozy spot to reflect and discuss your favorite pieces!

Visit a farmer’s market and sample local produce

While attending a farmer’s market, you often come across free samples of local produce and food products. Farmers and vendors often offer small portions of their products for visitors to taste and try, which is a lot of fun.

Go stargazing on a clear night

All you need is a clear night sky, preferably away from bright city lights, to fully appreciate the beauty of the stars. You can choose a quiet spot in nature, such as a park or open field, or even your own backyard. Stargazing is a wonderful way to connect with nature, relax, and marvel at the wonders of the universe with your partner. It’s a romantic and cost-free activity that can be enjoyed at any time.

Volunteer together for a cause you both care about

Strengthen your bond by identifying a shared cause, researching organizations, coordinating availability, attending orientations, and actively participating in volunteer activities together.

Go on a nature walk and identify different plants and animals

This is such a lovely bucket list idea for the summer. Head to the great outdoors or a botanical garden and have fun looking out for new and unusual species.

Explore a nearby beach or lake and collect seashells or rocks

As a couple, exploring a nearby beach or lake and collecting seashells or rocks allows you to connect with nature, enjoy quality time together, and find some keepsakes of your outing together.

Visit a free local community event or festival

Look out for local events near you that you can attend for free. You can gain a sense of community, cultural exposure, entertainment, new experiences, and the opportunity to create shared memories.

Adrenaline-Filled Bucket List Ideas

If you and your partner love to get involved in adrenaline-fuelled energetic activities here are some new things you can try together this summer:

Go skydiving together for an adrenaline rush

Skydiving is the ultimate couple’s activity if you’d love to do something epic together. You could also try indoor skydiving at an indoor wind tunnel instead.

Try bungee jumping from a high platform

Bungee jumping is such a fun activity and you can do it in some of the best places on the planet.

Go ziplining through a forest or over a canyon

Nothing beats the thrill of ziplining, plus you get to sail over some really beautiful landscapes while you do it.

Go paragliding or parasailing for an exhilarating experience

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as a couple by engaging in the thrilling activities of paragliding or parasailing. Experience the breathtaking sensation of floating through the air, propelled by wind and surrounded by stunning panoramic views.

Go white-water rafting or kayaking

Some of the best places in the world to do this include the Colorado River in the United States, Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Futaleufú River in Chile, Kaituna River in New Zealand, Tara River in Montenegro, Noce River in Italy, Ayung River in Bali, and the Franklin River in Australia.

Take a trapeze or aerial arts class together

This is so much fun and you both get a workout at the same time. Not to mention you will learn some new skills.

Go on a thrilling roller coaster ride at a theme park

Head to an epic amusem*nt park to ride the biggest roller coasters, the ferris wheel and the water slide.

If you’re intimidated by ticket prices, sites likePark Saversare a great place to start looking for deals and tips on how to make a theme park adventure more affordable.

Take a helicopter tour and land on a glacier

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a glacier by taking a helicopter tour and landing directly on the icy expanse.

Try a high-speed jet boat ride on a river or lake

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you try a high-speed jet boat ride on a river or lake, where the rush of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and the thrill of speeding through the water combine to create an unforgettable experience.

Go on a shark cage diving adventure

Not for the faint of heart, this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline rush that won’t be easily forgotten.

Try indoor surfing or flowboarding on an artificial wave

In this couples activity you ride an artificial wave, allowing you to practice your skills, catch the thrill of riding the surf, and enjoy an adventurous water-based activity regardless of the weather.

Go on a thrilling ATV or dune buggy excursion

This is one of the most fun things you can do on sand dunes or through canyons. Make sure you hire an experienced driver so you can safely tick this off your summer bucket list for couples.

Go on a wild animal safari or wildlife photography tour

It’s possible to have private tours of wildlife parks where you can get up close and personal to some big game like never before.

Participate in a mud run or obstacle course race together

Find a big sporting event near you and get training for the ultimate endurance test together. Training together can be a lot of fun and you will both have an awesome sense of achievement once you’ve smashed the race.

Try your hand at an escape room

Escape room experiences are so popular now and you can find them in most cities. Not as easy as you might think, to excel in escape rooms key skills you need include problem-solving, communication, observation, teamwork, time management, creativity, and resilience. You get bonus points if you both manage to get out!

Book a last minute trip to another country

This is the ultimate summer bucket list activity for a couple. It even works well if you’re in a long distance relationship because you can plan to meet at your destination. Romantic places to have on your summer bucket list include the Trevi Fountain in Rome, the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

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