Summer has rolled on in and it is time to get out there and have some fun! Summer bucket lists are usually made as little mental notes that you make to yourself, but some people go all out and made a little DIY project out of it. I personally make those little mental notes and tend to forget them as the days go on. So whether you have a summer bucket list all planned or not, here are some essentials that you may or may not have to add to yours!

1. Beach Please

Nothing says summer like the beach. I would not be happy if I was not able to get to the beach at least once over the summer. There are so many things that you can do while you are at the beach. You can soak up some rays, play Kan Jam with your friends and even new friends you will make while you’re there, listen to music, go surfing, and these are only some of the endless possibilities! Get some of your friends together, pack up your beach bag and get out to the water! You will be sure the make plenty of memories!

2. Tie-Dye

When I think of summer, I think of tie dye. This is definitely a must Summer DIY. Look around your room for anything white that you may not want to wear anymore because it’s all dull and maybe it’s even stained, but don’t throw it out just yet! Head out to your local craft store and pick up a tie-dying kit and get to crafting! You may walk away from the project with colorfully stained hands, but you will also walk away with some awesome “new” clothes! If you want to step out of your tie-dying comfort zone, pick up white bed sheets or something you wouldn’t think of dying. Just remember that if you want the colors to be super bright, leave the dye to soak for a good four to five days and then wash it out. The longer you wait, the more vibrant it is going to be.

3. Ice Cream!

It does not matter how old you may be, ice cream is loved by all. Whether it is store bought, from the ice cream truck, or an ice cream shop, it will definitely put a smile on your face. Take some time to run after the ice cream truck as you see them drive down your road, or head out to that little mom and pop ice cream shop in town and go all out. Ice cream is the perfect summer treat so treat yourself, you deserve it!

4. Go to a Concert

I don’t know about you, but concerts are a must for the summer, especially if it is an outdoor concert. There are plenty of artists performing around, so check it out. Get a couple of your friends to join and remember to take a ton of pictures! But don’t become so “into” taking pictures and Snapchats where you do not get to enjoy the music. Let the music take over and rock on.

5. BBQ Fun

With Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, there are plenty of barbecues to come. Don’t lock yourself inside all summer, get outside and spend some time with your friends and family. Whether you are hosting the barbecue, behind the grill, or just lounging around waiting to be fed, there are memories to be made. Barbecues are a perfect time to get the family together and have a little reunion since everyone has their own busy lives. It is a time for you all to get together and relax, plus food… which I mean, it’s food and food is life.

6. Sky Lanterns

Some of you may have no clue what sky lanterns are, but you will soon know! Sky lanterns are these paper lanterns that when you light them, you send them soaring into the sky. If you have a bunch of your friends and you let them go, the sky will be filled with these lanterns that look like floating stars. Yes, it may not look like the scene from Tangled, but it is still pretty amazing. If you want, you can make a wish as you let the lantern go too. Make a wish upon your little floating star.

7. Amusement Parks

Okay, who doesn’t like amusement parks? Summer is the best time to go too! Plan ahead and get a good group of friends that want to go. I mean, you could just randomly get up and go too, but if you plan ahead of time, you will have something to look forward to! Amusement parks are definitely a good getaway, especially for adrenaline junkies like me.

8. Movie Marathons

Not every day is perfect during the summer. There are going to be those stormy, rainy days where you do not want to get up from bed, let alone get dressed and do something. Invite some friends over or just take a day to yourself and binge watch TV. Whether you watch binge watch your favorite TV series on Netflix, some of your favorite horror movies, or even all of the Disney or Pixar films, you will have a good day. Get all comfy, grab some snacks and get watching!

9. Bonfires & S’mores

Bonfires are a summer necessity, and with bonfires there are s'mores. Get some friends together and around the fire. Tell some ghost stories if you want, listen to some tunes and just take some time to unwind and hang out. Just remember to get out to the store before the fire, so you can pick up the yummy essentials that are chocolate, marshmallows and of course, graham crackers.

10. Nature Walks

During the summer, you want to be outside as much as possible. Since the weather is great and you want to achieve that golden tan, go out to a nature preserve and go on a mini adventure! Take some time to truly appreciate nature and get in some steps to keep your heart pumping. Remember to pack a backpack with some nature walk essentials: snacks, bug spray, sunblock, water, sunglasses, a camera (for your photography needs), and a first-aid kit just in case!

11. Road Trips With No Destination

Road trips are amazing. Nothing is better than jumping into your car or a friend’s car with no particular destination and just driving. Get a couple of your close friends together, pick a couple of random places that you may want to check out, pack some snacks, get out there and drive. Blast the radio or make a playlist with your favorite road trip tunes to keep the party going. Roll the windows down, be adventurous and go make some memories.

12. Try Something New!

There may be some times where you have no idea what to do with your life. You sit around bored, staring at your phone as you google “things to do when you’re bored”. Try something new! Step out of your comfort zone for a little and do something you never thought you would do. Participate in a 5K color run, make your own slip and slide, learn how to do a flip, or even have a paint party with your friends! Fill up some water balloons with some water and washable paint and fight to the paint-filled death! The activity ideas are endless, so be creative and have fun!