Let’s face it, June can be a glorious yet slightly overwhelming month. The pressure to cram in epic adventures before the three months of summer fades is real. I’m all about saying ‘yes’ instead of ‘stress’ to summer fun, and this June Bucket List is your roadmap to making the most of the month.
Here are my favorite things to do in June to satisfy your inner foodie, thrill-seeking nature, and creativity — guaranteed to make this month the most epic chapter of your summer story.
Fun Things to Do in the Month of June
1. Eat at a Local Food Truck
Have you tried becoming a tourist in your own city – with your taste buds as your guide? A food truck adventure is a great way to do it. One day you could be savoring melt-in-your-mouth tacos, the next, devouring juicy burgers piled high with exotic toppings. Also, what I really like about food trucks is that they’re budget-friendly.
2. Host a Backyard Barbecue
Where there’s smoke, there’s more than just fire – there’s a backyard barbecue waiting to happen! June is prime time to turn your backyard into a sizzling social hub. Invite your favorite peeps, fire up the grill, and get ready for a day filled with yummy burgers and hotdogs.
3. Brainstorm Summer Date Night Ideas
June nights deserve something more than the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine. Shake things up with a date night that celebrates the season. Challenge yourselves with a salsa dancing class, go on a nighttime bike ride (complete with pit stops for ice cream!), or hit up a local farmers market for inspiration and whip up a romantic meal together.
TIP: You can check out my date night bucket list for more great ideas!
4. Attend The Dragon Boat Festival In China
If you’re a traveler like me then June is your chance to witness the electrifying Dragon Boat Festival in China, held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (which bounces around the Gregorian calendar between late May and June).
This festival features dragon-shaped boats that glide across rivers with paddlers churning like pistons. Plus, you’ll get to dig into delicious zongzi (think pyramid-shaped rice dumplings), the iconic century egg, or (if you dare) a sip of realgar wine.
5. Create a Sidewalk Chalk Masterpiece
Remember the carefree days of childhood spent sprawled on the sidewalk, lost in a world of colorful chalk creations? June is your chance to recapture that magic. You can try recreating your favorite childhood hopscotch game or make a chalk mural masterpiece (here’s a beginner’s tutorial if you decide to go that route).
6. Buy Roses for Someone Special
Roses are in bloom in June, so it’s the perfect month to give a bouquet. Red roses are a classic symbol of passionate love, but don’t be afraid to explore the world of rose colors. Pink roses represent affection and appreciation, perfect for a best friend or family member. Yellow roses symbolize friendship and joy, a great way to brighten someone’s day. White are my favorite 🙂
7. Find the Perfect Swing
Everyone’s version of a perfect swing is different. For me, it’s often tied to an experience. It could be a quiet afternoon on a porch swing or an adventure on a rope swing by the lake.
8. Celebrate Father’s Day
Dads wear many hats: cheerleader, coach, fix-it man, and master chef of the backyard barbecue. This June, let’s celebrate Father’s Day by acknowledging all the amazing things dads do.
One tip I can give you is to personalize your celebration to his interests. Is he a history buff? Does he have a hidden musical talent? Surprise him with tickets to a concert (bonus points if it’s a band from his youth!).
9. Make Your Summer Bucket List
June brings sunny days, warm nights, and endless possibilities. Don’t let summer pass you by — create an epic summer bucket list to guide your adventures.
Dreaming of conquering a mountain or learning to salsa dance under the stars? Write it down! Your bucket list can mix outrageous goals like skydiving with simple pleasures like perfecting the art of a backyard hammock nap. Grab a pen and plan your dream summer today.
TIP: My Summer Bucket List can help spark your imagination and give you ideas to get your summer plans rolling.
10. Create a Summer Playlist
Summer screams poolside lounging and carefree vibes, but let me ask you this: what’s the soundtrack of your summer? Cue up ‘Watermelon Suga’ by Harry Styles for me!
11. Dine Al Fresco
June is perfect for enjoying your dinner with a side of sunset or lunch under the shade of trees. Whether you’re munching on baguettes in Paris or burgers at a local food truck, eating outside gives you a mini vacation vibe.
12. Ditch the Blow Dryer & Air Dry
Ready to free yourself from your hair’s number one nemesis? I am! Say adieu to the blow dryer and let your locks live their best life! Air drying isn’t just better for your hair, but it’s also a time saver in the morning.
13. Do a Mid-year Bucket List Goal Check-in
Let’s hit the pause button and take stock of your year so far! A mid-year bucket list check-in is the perfect time to see what’s on track and what’s still on the horizon. Maybe you crushed some goals early, or perhaps it’s time to dust off a few plans and give them a fresh start. Use this moment to celebrate your wins and map out how to make the rest of your year just as amazing.
14. Do an Outdoor Workout
Why confine your workout to four walls when the world is waiting outside? Whether you prefer a peaceful hike in the woods or a challenging run on the street, take your workout outdoors—plus, the vitamin D is an added bonus!
15. Partake in National Rosé Day
If the summer months had a flavor, it would definitely be rosé! National Rosé Day on the second Saturday of June is your chance to indulge in this iconic pink wine. Pair it with a summer picnic, a rooftop soirée, or even a chill night in with friends.
16. Go Camping
Head out to your favorite spot, pitch a tent, and let nature take the lead. Campfires, starry nights, and the thrill of the great outdoors await you. And don’t forget the s’mores—roasting marshmallows is a camping must!
TIP: For more inspiration and camping-related ideas, check out my Camping Bucket List.
17. Go Strawberry Picking (& make Shortcake!)
Head to a local farm with a basket and pluck your way to happiness among rows of bright red strawberries. Once you’ve picked your fill, take them home and whip up some classic strawberry shortcake.
18. Make Homemade Ice Cream
Don’t settle for the same old ice cream, level up your dessert game by making your own from scratch. Whipping up your own batch is easier than you think, and the best part is you can control the flavors.
19. Enjoy a Waterpark
June is scorching hot in many parts of the world, and what better way to cool down than with a trip to a waterpark? Whether you’re a fan of slides or just want to float lazily down a lazy river (I like a little of both!), waterparks have something fun for everyone.
20. Get a Hummingbird Feeder
I have three hummingbird feeders at my house and these tiny, speedy birds are a joy to watch as they zip around, showing off their aerial acrobats and hovering skills.
You can DIY your own feeder (The Spruce has twelve fun ideas) or there’s plenty for sale online ( I have this standard Home Depot hummingbird feeder and it does the trick!). Setting up a feeder is easy—just fill it with a simple sugar-water solution (it’s just 1 part sugar to 4 parts water) and place it in a spot with a clear view.
21. Play Miniature Golf
Whether you’re testing your skills on wacky obstacles or trying to nail a tricky hole, mini-golf never gets old. Bring your friends or family and enjoy a colorful course complete with windmills, ramps, and maybe even a pirate ship or two.
22. Enjoy the Summer Solstice
With more sunlight hours than any other day, summer solstice is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor adventures, from morning yoga in the park to a barbecue dinner as the sun sets. You could also take a scenic hike, explore a local beach, or host a garden party under the evening sky.
TIP: The summer solstice usually falls around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. Mark your calendar and plan your perfect day in the sun!
23. Go to a Drive In Movie
Ready for a retro movie night? Hit up a drive-in movie theater for a unique and cozy film experience. From the comfort of your car, enjoy the film on a massive outdoor screen. If you can’t find a drive-in nearby, search the local events pages for movies the park.
24. Go to a Fair
And while we’re at it, another timeless must-do summer activity is going to the fair. From challenging games and petty zoos to exhilarating rides and yummy snacks, you’ll find endless things to check off your bucket list.
25. Picnic on International Picnic Day
June 18th isn’t just another day on the calendar; it’s International Picnic Day – a perfect excuse to “wine” down (see what I did there :p) and cheese up while enjoying the fresh air.
Level up your picnic game with gourmet finger foods in mason jars, a DIY charcuterie board filled with artisanal cheeses and cured meats, and maybe even a batch of boozy cupcakes for the adults (wink wink).
26. Make a Summer Reading List
Start by curating a list of your favorites or new releases you’ve been eager to try (like maybe my bucket list book?). Don’t forget to include some classic novels, too!
27. Go to a Music Festival
If you want to amp up your summer, a music festival is the way to go! You can be dancing under the stars to a lineup featuring famous artists and up-and-coming stars.
I hope my June Bucket List has ignited your inner firefly and chased away any lingering cold-weather blues. Remember, the best adventures are often the ones that surprise you, so don’t be afraid to veer off the list and create your own spontaneous moments of magic.
