Are you an empty nester or perhaps have kids in their late teens who are too busy to spend time with Mom and Dad? That is where I find myself these days. Our boys are 21 and 17 and have their own lives. There is less time spent with my husband and me and more times than not; we are our own.
It is a new phase in life and quite an adjustment. Gone are the days of the playground, little league games, children’s museums, etc. However, instead of dwelling on the past, why not focus on the present and the future? This is a time to reconnect with your spouse, friends, and loved ones. To help you do just that, I have created the Ultimate Summer Bucketlist for Adults.
Date Your Spouse
When was the last time you went out with just your spouse? Summer is a great time to start! Make a plan once a week to try a new restaurant, grab a coffee, take a walk together, or have a date night in. Put away the phones, turn off Netflix, and concentrate on each other.
Find a New Hobby or Resume an Old One
Summer is a great time to pick up a hobby. Want to become more active? Join a walking or running group, learn a new sport, like pickleball, or explore your local state parks by hiking. There may have been a hobby you did long before kids came along. Why not restart it? I scrapbook, and now that the kids are older, I have more time to dedicate to my favorite pastime.
Host an Informal Cocktail Party
Summer nights around the firepit are so much fun. However, instead of the smores, why not pick one or two signature cocktails to make, set out some appetizers, and have yourself an excellent get-together.
A Day of Exploration
Get in your car and see where it takes you. My husband and I do this a couple of times a year. We set out toward an area of that state we want to become more familiar with and see what we can find to do. Usually, it involves hiking, visiting a local attraction, and stopping for a meal. It is a great way to get to know your state.
Start a Book Club
With my kids older, I have more time for one of my favorite past times, reading! Why not get your friends involved and start a book club? It can be weekly, monthly, or whatever frequency you decide. Want to make it more interesting? Pick a theme and have members dress up as a character from that genre.
Rent a Sailboat for the Day
While in Greece, my husband and I chartered a sailboat with six other people. We had such a fantastic time. Now that we are back home, we looked at doing the same thing here. It is a great way to spend the day with friends and to see the sites.
Pick your Own Fruit or Veggies
Last summer, my sister, her husband, and I picked carrots at a local farm. It was such a fun and unique experience. We learned that this particular farm offers different fruits and veggies to pick each month. It is quite the variety. Why not pick yourself a healthy snack?
Watch a Sunset on the Beach
There is nothing more romantic than a stroll on the beach during sunset. Make a whole night of it and pack a picnic for dinner, have an adult beverage, and watch the day come to a close with the one you love.
I hope I have inspired you to try something new this summer and embrace this new season of life.
Tell me, what is on your summer bucket list?
