My 2024 Summer Bucket List: 23 Ideas to Enjoy a Simple Summer | Wit & Delight

My goal this summer is to do less (and my summer 2024 bucket list reflects that). I say this every year and immediately find ways to fill up my time. June was busier than I expected and I’m wondering how that ended up happening when I thought I would have more time to be bored.

These past few years with my kids, ages 6 and 7 (soon to be 8), have been golden years for me. want Being, doing less, and ChillIt’s been a lot harder than I expected, and I know it’s important and timely because it’s such a special time in my kids’ lives, and I don’t want to miss out on any of the mundane, everyday things that are an essential part of summer.

The discomfort and need to slow down

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to do nothing on Friday and Saturday nights. I wanted to fill the time by hanging out or doing something that would distract me from being home with my family. I knew my kids were itching to do the same. Instead, we cuddled up and watched a rainy day movie. needle and Free WillyI found myself wondering why I wanted to fill time when I was completely exhausted. I haven’t found the exact answer yet. What I do know is that slowing down is inherently uncomfortable if you’re not used to it (even for self-described introverts), and it takes time to grow out of this discomfort.

So my summer bucket list is small. I go into this summer without expectations of doing too much, because I know that choosing not to pack our schedule too tight is good for all of our family, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. I’m hoping for more time together, time that may not make it into the photo album, but one that will be etched in all of our hearts.

Here is my bucket list for summer 2024. What I want to do this summer is…

Summer 2024 bucket list

1. sleep.
2. Camping in the backyard.
3. Choose flowers.
4. Let’s go out for ice cream.
5. Make popsicles.
6. Bird watching in the neighborhood.
7. Draw pictures for fun.
8. I read a book.
9. Gaze at the stars on a warm night.
10. Play card games.
11. Solve the puzzle.
12. Play tennis.
13. Let’s eat cherries.
14. Let’s go out in the rain.
15. Cannonball into the pool.
16. Stay up late.
17. Visiting my sister in San Francisco.
18. Stretch your body.
19. Take a walk in nature.
20. Tell a story.
21. Spend some time drawing.
22. Collect four-leaf clovers.
23. Write for fun.

What’s on your bucket list this summer?

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning tennis and will forever be Testing the limits of her creativity. Follow her on Instagram Follow.