Hi friends! Today I’m sharing my 2023 Summer Bucket List Checklist with you all! Schools out, scream and shout. It’s Memorial Weekend this weekend and I’m ready to talk all things SUMMER.
After the previous years being mid Covid-era, we have found lots of creative and unconventional fun things to do in the summer at home to entertain the family without draining the bank account. Looking back, it honestly completely changed my perspective on quality time with family. Keep reading to check out what I recommend having on rotation for your Summer 2023!
What’s so great about a Summer Bucket List?
These past couple of years have taught me that we don’t always have to be so busy. It taught me that everything we need is right in front of us, and it’s the people we hold closest to us. Every single day goes SO fast, especially with the ages that my kids are at. During the months that they are in school, it’s literally non-stop. From school, to dance, to dance competitions, after school activities, play dates, and weekend trips – it all goes by in the blink of an eye.
So we really try to take the Summer season to slow down a little and really enjoy each other. Don’t get me wrong, I’m super excited to finally travel again with my family this summer and for a fun packed schedule! I’m just thankful for all the hardships as it helps you recognize the amazing little things in life. We couldn’t be more excited for another great summer with our kiddos.
When I think of some of my favorite summer memories, I think of simple days spent outside with friends and loved ones. Days spent lounging by the pool or beach. Nights spent watching stunning sunsets or catching fireflies. I think of camping trips, exploring nature and making s’mores by the campfire.
I think its ironic how the most nostalgic summer memories didn’t cost a penny! This is good news for Summer 2023…. I mean gas prices are HIGH y’all. Really high. When everyone is looking free or in-expensive ways to have family fun and create lasting memories, I have your bucket list guide below!
Check out my Summer 2023 Bucket List Checklist BELOW:
- Have a backyard party with your family. Have drinks, yummy food, corn hole tournaments (bag toss), and other fun outdoor games such a Spike Ball, Volleyball, backyard football, etc.! Invite friends and family. Get away from the screens for a while!
- Visit a place you have never been to before. This is something my family and I have been making a point to do this year. After all that we experienced with this Covid era, we realized how much we missed traveling to new places. With boarders open, it’s important that we take advantage of seeing the world around us!
- Have breakfast with friends or a breakfast date with your significant other. Or more like it, brunch. I have an entire list of places to brunch in Nashville if you’re in town (or visiting town). Check it out HERE
- Spend the day outdoors go hike a local trail! Radnor Lake State Park is absolutely beautiful here in TN! Probably one of my favorite hikes. I love it because it’s shaded, and with how hot it gets here in the Summer- believe me you’ll thank me later.
- Read a new book. Taking the time to read can feel like a challenge sometimes. Even if you just pick it up and read a chapter or two every morning when you get some quiet time while you drink your coffee. Even if you only read one book all Summer! You’ll be glad that you spent the morning reading rather than scrolling aimlessly on IG.
- Have a bonfire – don’t forget the s’mores, fun stories to tell, a speaker for music, and belly laughs.
- Be a tourist in your own city. This is pretty easy to do in Nashville. Check out a full list of things to do HERE
- Go out on a river and kayak/canoe or just go swimming. You can actually go paddle boarding right in the city… check it out here
- Go on a bike ride around the city. or rent a BIRD scooter! We have so much fun riding around on these. But GO SLOW and be super careful. And definitely don’t do it if you’ve had one too many (if you know what I mean).
- Go to an outdoor concert I mean you can literally go to a concert every night if you want here in Nashville. Here you can find a list of some coming up soon!
- Stargaze. Just because. If it’s too hot during the day, this is a good late night date night idea.
- Go to a water park. Nashville Shores is a BLAST! So is the Opryland Waterpark called SoundWaves
- Go to a wine tasting. Arrington Vineyards is the move! We absolutely love to go here for date night OR as a family and have a picnic! It’s family friendly, but you can also get your wine tasting in
- Have a picnic. Check out my Family Picnic Essentials HERE
- Go on a road trip with friends or family. Drive to Pigeon Forge and rent a cabin in the mountains! Check out our trip and all of our recs while you’re there HERE
- Volunteer somewhere. Find a cause that you are passionate about and contribute! You’ll feel so good about making this part of your Summer bucket list.
- Go to a farmer’s market and get local fruit and veggies.
- Make a Summer Charcuterie Board
- Build a planter & plant fresh herbs for all of your fresh recipes this summer!
- Explore a new restaurant in your city. There are literally new restaurants popping up every day around here. Check out some of my favorites HERE
- Visit a zoo. The Nashville Zoo is one of our all time favorite spots!
- Watch a drive-in movie – have you ever been to one? Stardust Drive-In is great!
- Go a full day without the Internet or TV. This would be a fun/scary challenge for the whole fam!
- Make fresh lemonade. Check out this Lemonade Float Recipe that me and the girls made… SO GOOD.
- Get out of the city for a weekend, rent a cabin, or go camping. We have SO many great Airbnb’s around us that are only an hour from Nashville! Check out one of my personal favorite Airbnb cabin properties HERE
- Make your own bucket list! I have put together quite a few ideas – use this list to compile your own that fits your families wants/needs this Summer 2023 season!
Now that the kids are officially out of school, I’m ready to put this bucket list into ACTION! What about you? Thank you so much for reading and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! I hope everyone has a SAFE and FUN start to their Summer 2023! Cheers!