It's almost summer, which means no homework, soaking up the sun at the beach and pool, and hanging out with your best friends 24/7. Those glorious summer months are the perfect time to try something new even if it means leaving your comfort zone and making amazing memories in the process. During the summer, you’re no longer worn down by the stress of everyday schoolwork. Plus, the weather’s perfect to head out and have some fun under the sun, literally. So, make sure you take advantage. There are only three months until fall weather, hoodies and back-to-school season. If you’re tired of doing the same thing every year, don’t worry — we've got you.
To help you make the most of your break, we've created the ultimate summer bucket list. Try some of these or try them all and remember to bring your besties along. Here are 40 ways to live it up over the next few months!
1. Watch the best summer movies.
Hop on your favorite streaming service and watch a classic summer film like Booksmart, Mamma Mia! or The Parent Trap.
2. Book a cruise.
If you've always wanted to travel by sea, here's your chance.
3. Rock some of these cute summer nail designs.
You'll definitely have trouble deciding which one to wear first.
4. Try out 7 no-heat hairstyles.
Get ready to slay all summer '21.
5. Binge-watch 6 Lili Reinhart (who plays Betty on Riverdale) movies and TV shows.
We're assuming you already made it through every Riverdale episode.
6. Whip up a homemade face mask.
Turn it into a spa night with your bestie.
7. Master a pretty waterfall braid.
Complete your summer fit with this braid.
8. Nap. A lot.
Wake up, eat and then nap some more, if you want.
9. Host a karaoke party and sing the songs of the summer.
It will be so worth it!
10. Set up a bullet journal.
It will change your life.
11. Learn how to contour and highlight like a pro.
Kick your makeup skills up a notch.
12. Recreate Patrick Starrr's Little Mermaid makeup tutorial.
Bonus, the video features Plastique Tiara from RuPaul's Drag Race as a real-life Ariel.
13. If you haven't already, register to vote online.
Even if you're still not old enough to vote, you might be able to still register.
14. Try out TikTok makeup hacks.
Who knows? You might find your new favorite technique.
15. Shop this Zebra Print Bikini.
Once you see it, you'll want to wear it everywhere.
16. Roadtrip with your besties!
Make sure you make the perfect playlist first.
17. Have an all-day Netflix movie marathon.
Get ready for all those summer releases!
18. Jam out at a music festival or outdoor concert.
Coachella might not be an option, but there's a bunch of other music festivals coming back this summer.
19. Spend a day at the pool.
Go ahead, you deserve it.
20. Go thrifting.
You'll definitely find something everyone doesn't have.
21. Kiss a cutie on the beach.
Because why not?
22. Sign up for a race.
You might not be marathon-ready, but you can definitely sign up for a shorter one.
23. Have an outdoor picnic.
Live out your cottagecore fantasy with a picnic. Invite your besties and plan out what finger food each will be bringing!
24. Volunteer.
Sign up for a local clean-up crew or volunteer at the local pet shelter.
25. Barbecue with your friends (just make sure to get permission from the 'rents first).
Turn it into a little party.
26. Tie-dye your old clothes.
Nothing's better than homemade swag.
27. Host a bake-off with your bestie!
Freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies sound amazing.
28. Read an amazing new book.
Now that school's over, you have full reign on your next read. Catch up on the Shadow and Bone book series before season 2 airs on Netflix.
29. Try something you've never done before.
Sign up for a talent show or take a salsa dance class. Summer is a great time to broaden your horizons.
30. Do a fun photoshoot with your friends!
But make it more interesting than just a basic selfie sesh.
31. Play video games.
Whether you play at home or head to an arcade, video games are a fun way to switch up the vibe.
32. Try your hand at a TikTok trend.
We can't all be Addison Rae, but at least we can try.
33. Learn how to read Tarot cards.
Because you've been on TarotTok enough to know a thing or two.
34. Binge-watch Outer Banks on Netflix.
OBX has the perfect vibe for summer. Catch up before season 2 drops!
35. Make some music.
If you're an artist looking for an excuse to drop some music, this. Is. It.
36. Catch flights, not feelings.
With the world opening back up again, it's prime time for traveling. Take a much-needed day trip or even a week-long vacay with your family.
37. Educate yourself on important topics, like equal rights.
No one is too small to let their voice be heard. Read up on resources for starting conversations about inclusivity, mental health assistance for people of color and supporting marginalized communities in the wake of tragic events.
38. Sell your clothes online.
Selling your unwanted clothes online is an option that's good for the environment and your wallet. Plus, it's always good to make room for new additions to your closet.
39. Get career advice from industry experts.
While summer is a good time for some rays and relaxation, it's also an opportunity to network and move up in your career. Regardless of what field you're interested in, Seventeen's How I Made It IG Live series is a great place to hear from industry professionals.
40. Catch up on all the latest celeb news on Seventeen.com.
Yes, this is a shameless self-plug, thanks for asking!
Follow @Seventeen on Instagram!
Samantha Olson
Assistant News Editor
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
Jasmine Gomez
Commerce Editor
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
