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

My goal this summer is to do less (and my 2024 summer bucket list reflects that). I say this every year and quickly find ways to fill up my time. June was busier than I wanted to be, so I was looking at how and why I intended to have more time to stave off boredom.

This is the golden time for me and my children, who are 6 and 7 (soon to be 8) with me. want Teach them to focus on the present, to work less, and that it’s okay. chill. It was harder than I expected. I know it’s important and timely. It’s a very unique time in their lives. I don’t want to miss any of the ordinary, everyday things that are so intrinsically tied to summer.

The need for discomfort and slowing down

Last weekend we had the opportunity to do nothing on Friday and Saturday night. I could feel myself wanting to fill that space by doing something to distract myself from hanging out with someone or being at home with my family. I could see my kids wanting to do the same. Instead, we were curled up watching a movie on a rainy day. hook and Free WillyAnd I wondered why I wanted to fill my time even though I was completely exhausted. I don’t have a definitive answer yet. What I do know is that slowing down is inherently uncomfortable if you’re not used to it (even for someone who calls themselves an introvert). And it takes time to get to the other side of that discomfort.

So my summer bucket list is small. I know that choosing not to pile up my schedule with the expectation that there won’t be much to do is good for the whole family, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. I want to have more time together. Time that won’t make it into the photo album, but will be etched into all of our hearts.

Here’s what’s on my summer bucket list for 2024: This summer…

My Summer Bucket List 2024

1. sleep.
2. Camp in your backyard.
3. Choose flowers.
4. Go out for ice cream.
5. Try making candy canes.
6. Go bird watching in your neighborhood.
7. Draw for fun.
8. read books.
9. Look at the stars on a warm night.
10. Enjoy playing card games.
11. Solve the puzzle.
12. Play tennis.
13. Eat cherries.
14. Go out into the rain.
15. Throw a cannonball into the pool.
16. Stay up late.
17. Visit my sister who lives in San Francisco.
18. Stretch your body.
19. Take a walk in nature.
20. Have a conversation.
21. Invest time in drawing.
22. Collect four leaf clovers.
23. Try writing for fun.

What do you want to do this summer?

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is Testing the limits of her creativity. Follow her on Instagram @withanddellight_.