Renew Your Bond with a Summer Bucket List

Summer is officially in full swing, although with the recent heat wave that’s swept the country you’ve maybe been in summer mode for a few weeks already. There’s something about the longer days and warmer temps that makes everything feel lighter, laid back, and full of potential.

But sometimes, lots of potential means added pressure to maximize the time together, make memories, and enjoy life to the fullest. A summer bucket list is a fun, no-pressure way to make the most of the next three months while connecting with your partner. Here’s why:

You’ll create opportunities for fun and connection.

Even just sitting down to make the list can be a good time, (plus we’ve made it even easier with our free printable template!) Enjoy your cold beverage of choice while you each brainstorm as many things as you can, then share your ideas and compile the final list. The items and activities that make the final cut can be a fruitful source of date ideas and bonding time. You can get the whole family involved or keep it just you and your spouse.

You’ll share new experiences.

Bucket lists usually include some new experiences. Whether it’s attempting to water ski for the first time or tackling your fear of heights on a zip line, you’ll strengthen your bond through the shared vulnerability that comes with “I have no idea what I’m doing!” As a bonus, you’ll boost feel-good endorphins – the same ones you felt when you were first dating.

You’ll be spontaneous.

Part of the fun of a bucket list is the random mix of activities, some of which might require you to drop what you’re doing to cross of that thing on the list! (Do you hear the ice cream truck?!) Some of the best memories come when you least expect it, so don’t be afraid to go where the wind takes you.

You’ll have things to look forward to.

There might be a lot of things on your list that you can do at the spur of the moment, but others might require planning ahead. And if there’s something fun marked on the calendar, the building anticipation and excitement is part of the experience.

You’ll realign on priorities.

Making your list and choosing what you’ll do and when will get you talking about what’s most important – and not just through the summer. You might discover you both really want to take the kids on a big family vacation next year, so this summer will be about staycations to save money. Anything that spurs important conversations and gets you on the same page about your goals is a good thing.

So what are you waiting for? The days are only getting shorter, so sit down together and make your list today. We’ve gathered some ideas to get you started, but feel free to share your creative ideas in the comments!

• Hit up a baseball game.
• Visit all the free museums.
• Spend a day at the zoo.
• Have a picnic.
• Go to a waterpark.
• Go swimming in a pool/lake/river, or all of the above.
• Attend an outdoor concert.
• See a parade.
• Hit up a yard sale and buy gifts for each other.
• Watch a sunrise/sunset.
• Get food from a food truck.