For thrill-seekers at heart looking for items to add to their adventure bucket list, the world is one big playground. There’s so much you can add, it might seem like your bucket list has an endless supply of options. Beyond the traditional adrenaline activities like skydiving and traveling solo, there are some legendary adventures you have to try while you’re alive.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Bucket List Adventure Ideas for Couples
- Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Families
- Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Solo Travelers
- Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Students
- Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Kids and Teens
Whether you’re looking to dip your feet into thrills or you’re always searching for the next crazy thing to try, this list is for you. These 45+ legendary bucket list adventures are all a must to try before you die.
Bucket List Adventure Ideas for Couples
A lot of couples have their own travel bucket list with unique things they want to do together. These adventures below are guaranteed to bring you closer together!
1. Floating Glass Bridges, China
If you think falling in love feels a bit like floating on air, now’s the chance to test this in real life. The floating suspension bridges in the Hunan Province in China have a glass floor over a massive drop.
2. Ice Hotel, Canada
There’s something romantic about curling up together to stay warm. Settle into an actual frozen bed of ice at the Hotel de Glace just north of Quebec.
3. Shark Diving, Hawaii
Getting up close and personal with sharks isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but it might be for you and your partner. Hawaiian cage diving is really the best way to see the biggest sharks up close.
4. Zipline, Canada
British Columbia, Canada is home to one of the best (and fastest) ziplines in the world. Ask for a double zip line to plunge side-by-side with your partner.
5. Alton Tower, UK
For couples who are into all things spooky, spend the night in this Staffordshire castle. This castle is so haunted that guests have to fill out a waiver before they come inside.
6. Route 66, USA
Everyone knows about the iconic Route 66 spanning across the American Southwest. Why not travel this famous span of the open road with your partner?
7. Inca Trail, Peru
Walk in the footsteps of ancient people by walking the famed Inca Trail. This 4-day trek follows the peaks of Peru, arriving at the ruins of Machu Picchu.
8. Stargazing, Namibia
Looking up at the stars is one of the most awe-inducing activities there is, especially when you’re away from the city lights. Namibia is home to some of the best views of the Milky Way in the world.
9. Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
Hawaii is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Kilauea Volcano is no exception. Get up close with your partner to feel the true meaning of the words “burning love.”
10. Devil’s Den, USA
Located in Central Florida, Devil’s Den is appropriately named. Dive or snorkel in this collapsed subterranean river, exposing some of the clearest spring water in Florida.
Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Families
Families who adventure together, stay together. These are the memories that build lifetime bonds, so why not recruit the entire family on your next excursion?
11. Cross-country road trip
One of the best ways to see the United States (or any country) is by car. Packing the whole family together and following the open road is sure to be an adventure.
12. Alaska cruise, USA
While your whole family might not be up for a trek around the rural parts of Alaska, you can still take in the breathtaking sights with an Alaskan cruise.
13. Camping in Glacier National Park, USA
Montana’s shining National Park is the perfect place for families. With snow-capped peaks, alpine glaciers, and endless hiking trails, this is a family wonderland.
14. Skiing, Switzerland
A lot of families love skiing in the winter, so why not kick things up a notch with a trip to Switzerland? Home to the highest peaks, glacial lakes, and some of the best skiing lodges around, this is a trip the family will love.
15. Visit Cinque Terre, Italy
For the quintessential European getaway, visit Cinque Terre. You’ll recognize the colorful buildings and majestic coastline, and there’s so much for families here.
16. Take a Safari, South Africa
Safaris are a popular bucket list must-do. Visit one of South Africa’s many Big 5 Game reserves to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
17. White water rafting in Idaho, USA
Though this might not be suitable for younger kids, teens and adults alike love white water rafting. The best place to do this is in Idaho along the Salmon River, where you can experience Class II rapids.
18. Niagara Falls, USA or Canada
Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, so why not see it for yourself? Take a family boat tour or stay dry at the observation deck to see this beauty up close.
19. Phuket, Thailand
Thailand is one of the most up-and-coming travel destinations, and there’s so much here for families to enjoy. Phuket is perfect for adventure-seeking kids and their parents, with endless water sports and must-dos.
20. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone is one of the nation’s best parks for a reason. With hot springs, wildlife, waterfalls, and canyons, this is a natural playground unlike any you’ve ever seen before.
Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Solo Travelers
Some adventures are best for sharing, and some are even more special when they’re taken alone. If you’re up for the challenge of solo traveling, check out these must-dos.
21. Take the train across Europe
Europe is one of the places in the world where trains make it easy to get around. It’s easy to visit just about any major European city by taking the interrail system, so why not hop from place to place?
22. Island hop in Thailand
Speaking of hopping from place to place, you can do the same with islands in Thailand. Each of Thailand’s smaller islands has its own personality, from quiet and cute to bustling and exciting.
23. Stay in luxury in Bali, Indonesia
Who said adventure-seeking meant all work and no play? Taking some time to kick back in Bali is one of the best ways to unwind on your own.
24. “La Tomatina” in Bunol, Spain
If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of a giant food fight, now’s your chance. “La Tomatina” is a celebration where everyone throws tomatoes at each other.
25. Hike the Appalachian Trail, USA
Unless you have an entire year off to travel, you might only be able to do a portion of the Appalachian Trail that spans from Georgia to Maine.
26. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Hiking is one of the best solo activities, and one of the best places to solo hike is in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers otherworldly views of the island’s landscape.
27. See the Northern Lights, Norway
If you’ve always wanted to see the spectacular Northern Lights, travel north in Norway. It’s a bit of a trek, but it’s worth it.
28. Hang glide in Rio, Brazil
If you’re ready to catch some air, one of the best places to do it is Rio. Launching from one of the city’s many peaks, you’ll land on Sao Conrado beach.
29. Walk the Skywalk, Costa Rica
Are you afraid of heights? If you want to put it to the test, walk on the Arenal Skywalk, high-flying suspension bridges above the treetops of a rainforest.
30. Swim in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
While you’ve likely seen photos of this lagoon everywhere on Instagram, that doesn’t mean it’s not spectacular. This is the ultimate solo swim.
Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Students
When you’re a student, time is on your side. You don’t have to worry about life’s many responsibilities pulling you down, so why not live life to the fullest?
31. Cliff jump in Hawaii, USA
While you shouldn’t haphazardly jump off just any cliff in Hawaii, the South Point cliffs are perfect for this exhilarating activity.
32. Explore the Blue Grotto, Italy
Though not for the faint of heart, the Blue Grotto in Italy is one of the most unique sights in Capri. You’ll need to take a small boat inside, but then the views are out of this world.
33. Full Moon Party, Thailand
Full Moon Parties are exactly what they sound like, parties that take place during the full moon. This is a notorious student travel spot, so you’re sure to spot young travelers from around the world.
34. Kayak through Three Sisters Springs, USA
Three Sisters Springs is one of the many freshwater springs in Florida. Home to a natural manatee refuge, this is a great way to get close to Florida’s wildlife.
35. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
If you’re an advanced climber, this is the time to achieve your goal of climbing the highest peak in Africa. As long as you’re prepared for heights and altitude sickness, you’re ready to start climbing.
36. Swim the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Who doesn’t want to swim with sea turtles and other gorgeous underwater wildlife? Take a swim at this famous spot off the coast of Australia.
37. Ride the Tran-Siberian Railway
This slow-moving train between Moscow and Beijing proves that it really is the journey, not the destination.
38. Spend the night at Stiltsville, USA
Stiltsville is the name of a floating community of homes off the coast of Miami, Florida. While you’ll need to know someone in the Miami Boating Club, spending the night miles from shore is truly an unforgettable experience.
39. Hike Mont Blanc, France
Mont Blanc is the tallest peak in Europe. Hiking around it through France and Switzerland brings some of the best views around, plus there are plenty of towns to stop in along the way.
40. Complete the Half Dome, USA
The Half Dome hike is one of the most challenging at Yosemite, and it’s also the most memorable. It might be hard work, but the view from the top is worth it.
Adventure Bucket List Ideas for Kids and Teens
Let your kids in on the bucket list fun! Teach them how to make a bucket list of their own, and start crossing things off together.
41. Camp at a local park
You don’t have to travel far to experience a big adventure. Camping at a local state or national park is a great way to explore the outdoors.
Tip: You can go camping in the fall, too! Read our list of fall bucket list ideas for more inspiration.
42. Ride in a hot air balloon
For those not afraid to soaring high, you can’t beat the views of riding in a hot air balloon. This unique experience won’t be forgotten.
43. Dog sledding
You don’t need to race to try dog sledding for yourself. With many day trips in Canada, Alaska, and other chillier places, dog sledding is a great way to see the winter landscape.
44. Visit the Amazon, South America
The Amazon is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, so why not see it as a family? With so many trips and treks to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect fit.
45. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Since kids aren’t able to climb Everest (with good reason!), experience the gorgeous terrain from the base camp. At the foothills of the Himalayas, this is a gorgeous place to explore.
What Will You Accomplish?
There’s so much to do with your limited time on earth. How will you make the most of it? Whether you explore your own backyard or take the entire globe by storm, there’s nothing stopping you from experiencing the best life has to offer.
All of this talk about living life to the fullest begs the question of what happens after? Start end-of-life planning to give thought to your own legacy.
If you're looking for more to add your your bucket list, read our guide on the best books to read before you die.