The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Homebodies
Who says you have to be outside to have fun? From indoor camping to karaoke nights, here are cozy, creative ways to make the most of summer (without ever leaving the house).
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I don’t know bout y’all, but I lovvveeeee summer.
The warm weather. The water parks. No school. Vacations. Popsicles?! Nothing can beat that. I stay outside going on side quests when summer hits, and this year, I’m heading outdoors and crossing off items on my bucket list—including hiking the Everglades. As a busybody, I can’t help but take advantage of my free time and fill my schedule.
But what if you’re not the adventurous type? Maybe your vibe is more about staying inside and watching the latest episode of The Good Doctor or curling up under the covers with a good book. Bucket lists are usually for people who want to be out and about, but what about the people inside? Homebodies deserve a list of summer ideas too, so let’s get into it with some ideas just for you.
6 things for homebodies to do this summer:
1. Binge Watch A Movie/TV Show
Let’s be real, life can get hectic pretty quickly. In this day in age, we’re all working day and night to make ends meet. There’s bills to be paid, classes to attend, homework to do, and jobs to work, which leaves little room to sit down and relax. But somewhere in the middle of these things, I know there’s at least one show or movie you have saved on your “watch later” list.
I’m guilty of it too, which is why I’m so glad summer is right around the corner. It’s the perfect time to binge-watch. Challenge yourself to finally get through that series or film you’ve been putting off. Block out some “me time” on your calendar, cook a good meal, cozy up under the covers, and just enjoy it.
2. Build an Indoor Campsite
When you think of camping your mind probably jumps to sleeping in the woods, battling pesky mosquitos, and having to survive off of rations. Not very homebody, right? Well, instead of leaving the comfort of your home why not bring the campsite to you?
Clear some room in your living room and build yourself an old-school pillow fort, just like you used to as a kid. Hang up fairy lights or light a few candles, and play a 10-hour fireplace ambiance video for that campfire glow. With graham crackers, Hershey bars, and marshmallows, you can make easy (and inexpensive) s’mores and get the full camp vibes right from your couch.
3. Host a Gaming Tournament
One word: Mario Kart.
Okay, maybe that’s two words, but nothing beats a good game night—whether it's Mario Kart or anything else you and your friends enjoy. If you got a few, or even just one friend, hit them up and invite them over. Have everyone bring snacks and drinks. Or, if you’re the host-with-the-most, whip up something special to eat and sip on throughout the night.
Love board games? Try out some of the classics like The Game of Life, Monopoly, or Cards Against Humanity if you’re looking for a good laugh. If you love a little chaos, my personal favorite is UNO. Everybody lovesssss UNO. With my friends we like to switch it up and make the loser take a shot. Yeah, things might get a little heated, friendships might be tested—but you can’t say it wasn’t fun.
4. Make Your Thumbs Green
Okay, don’t actually paint your thumbs green. I mean step into your gardening era. Starting a garden can be loads of fun especially when you start to see the fruits (or flowers) of your labor.
It might take some research—different plants need different care—but the process of learning, scouting, and planting can grow (pun intended) your appreciation for greenery. Plus, flowers are a great way to brighten up your home.
Gardening doesn’t have to stop at flowers either. You can grow fruits and vegetables too! Herbs are also wonderful for medical and culinary reasons.
There are so many directions to take your garden in. So, if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, give it a try!
5. Create A Time Capsule
I’ve always thought time capsules were pretty cool. I remember making one for class my freshman year of high school. We included things like prices from that year, our dreams, goals, hobbies, photos, newspapers, and more. By senior year, I got to open it, and it was wild seeing how far I’d come.
Your time capsule could be just that. A way to look back on the past and see your personal growth. You can use whatever kind of box or container you can find and fill it up with memorabilia from your present day: family photos, jewelry, cards, books, notes, anything.
Decorate it however you’d like so it’s easy to spot when the time comes. You can bury it, or simply tuck it away until you’re ready to revisit. Time travel in its simplest form.
6. Host a Karaoke Party
If you’ve never tried Karaoke, this is your sign to do it. Like, what better way to spend the night with friends who are all trying to pretend their Beyoncé? While some people invest in a karaoke machine, all you really need is YouTube.
Grab the remote as a mic, turn your living room into a stage, and perform with your friends. And if you want to spice things up, add drinks to the mix and keep the party going ‘til you decide to call it a night.
Summer fun doesn’t always being going outside. Sometimes the best memories are made right at home. So if you’re a homebody, just know: there’s a bucket list for you too.
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