Life is short. Suddenly years have passed, and it’s time to look back on the things you’ve done. What do you want to accomplish in your time on earth?
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Bucket List Ideas for an Adventure-Seeker
- Bucket List for Nature Lovers
- Bucket List Ideas to Get Closer to Family
- Bucket List Ideas to Do with Friends
- Bucket List Ideas for School or Your Career
- Bucket List Ideas for Personal Growth
- Cheap Bucket List Ideas You Can Do Close to Home
A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket.” Not sure where to begin? Check out these 70+ unique bucket list ideas to try before you die and then head over to our guide on how to make a bucket list to record your choices.
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Bucket List Ideas for an Adventure-Seeker
Are you a thrill-seeker? If the pounding of adrenaline is what makes your life worthwhile, these ideas are for you. Even if you’re not an adventure-seeker, challenge yourself.
1. Go bungee jumping
Bungee jumping is the thrill of a lifetime. Test your body’s limits with a literal “leap” of faith!
2. Get a tattoo
Tattoos are a way to express yourself. While it’s intimidating to decide what to get, a tattoo is an ultimate adventure.
3. Try an extreme sport
Extreme sports like snowboarding, surfing, and climbing get your blood pumping. You never know until you try!
4. Go white water rafting
Rafting on rough waters is a big adventure. See for yourself why so many people flock to the rising rivers every year.
5. Set a world record
Leave your mark! Set a world record. No matter what you do, be the best in the world.
6. Travel somewhere exotic
Travel sets the soul on fire. Explore somewhere exotic and outside of your comfort zone.
7. Visit the World Wonders
The 7 Wonders of the World are definitely worth the visit, though they can be a bit remote. It’s all about the journey, not the destination.
8. Scuba dive
Sometimes the best thrills are underground. Go on a scuba dive excursion to see what you discover in the deep blue sea.
9. Learn to surf
Catch a wave by learning to surf! Even if you aren’t very good, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.
10. Climb a mountain
Life feels so small from way up high. Put on some hiking boots and climb your nearest mountain for a shift in perspective. The view is worth it!
Bucket List for Nature Lovers
Nature lovers have a lot to choose from when it comes to creating the perfect bucket list. Get closer to all this natural world has to offer with these ideas.
11. Visit the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is so well-known for a reason. Visit for yourself to see just how vast and wide nature is.
12. Take a U.S. road trip
What better way to experience this diverse country than by taking a road trip? Stop at National and State parks along the way to see what you can find.
13. See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are the stuff of legends. Visit the Northern Lights in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, or Scandinavia.
14. Go on a safari
For a wild experience, go on a safari in a far off place. Learning about conservation is a worthwhile experience in itself.
15. Snorkel in a reef
Grab a snorkel set and take a short dive below the surface to see the wonders of the ocean. Our reefs are quickly becoming depleted — visit while you can.
16. Swim in all the major oceans
Take a dip in all of the world’s major oceans. You’re sure to see diverse sights!
17. Sail on a sailboat
The world looks different when you’re far from land. Lose sight of the short by taking a sailing trip.
18. Visit a remote island
Get away from life’s bustle by traveling to a remote island. Experience untouched nature and the beauty of solitude.
19. Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail
From Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail is over 2,000 miles long. Taking some time to travel this path gives you a chance to discover yourself.
20. Plant a garden
Pick up some tools and bring nature to your backyard by planting a garden. Better yet, you’ll have some crops to choose from for your kitchen.
Bucket List Ideas to Get Closer to Family
Family experiences bind us together. Your bucket list doesn’t have to be something you do alone. It’s best when you share your goals with those you love most.
21. Host a family dinner
Bring the entire family together for a family dinner. Use this opportunity to share what you’re thankful for.
22. Bake together
Nothing brings people closer than baking sweet treats. Find a new recipe and get to work!
23. Make a lemonade stand
A lemonade stand is a family classic. Gather the young ones and try entrepreneurship on for size.
24. Go on a family vacation
Taking a family vacation is a way to experience a new type of fun with those you love. Break from your daily routines and explore together.
25. Go bowling
Bowling is a class for a reason. You don’t need any experience or skills to visit your local bowling lanes as a family.
26. Have a picnic
Who said meals had to be eaten in the dining room? Pack up a picnic set, get outside and enjoy a meal on a sunny day.
27. Create arts and crafts
Why not spend family time creating together? Find a family-friendly arts and crafts set or class and build something worth saving.
28. Discover your family tree
Take a trip down memory lane to trace your family tree. Where did your family come from? Better yet, what can you learn from their story?
29. Make s’mores
S’mores are the ultimate treat. Gather around a campfire (or the microwave) and enjoy some s’mores.
30. Make a living room fort
Embrace this childhood classic to bring joy to your whole family. Create a living room fort and host your own movie night.
Bucket List Ideas to Do with Friends
Beyond your family, your bucket list also brings you closer with friends. Bring your best buddies in on the action by including them in your bucket list plans.
31. Host a potluck
Nothing brings people closer together than food. Have all of your friends cook their own dish for a potluck celebration. Yum!
32. Take a trip together
You never know a person better than when you’re traveling together. Take a trip with your closest friends to test your relationship.
33. Host a “girls” or “boys” night
Gather up all your girl or guy friends for an infamous night out. Just do something fun together!
34. Play cards
Cards might sound old-fashioned, but don’t underestimate just how fun this can be. Just be warned — things get competitive!
35. Sing karaoke
Belt it out with a karaoke night. Sing your favorite songs together and see who has the best voice.
36. Have a movie night
Binge your favorite movies or TV shows all at once. Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks.
37. Go to a concert
Share your favorite artist by inviting a friend to a concert. Sing, dance, and enjoy the show.
38. Try a new restaurant
Again, what’s better than food? Try something new by eating out at a new restaurant together.
39. Write a friendship letter
How often do you express your feelings to your friends? Share how much they mean to you with a heartfelt friendship letter.
40. Go on a spa day
Kick back and relax with a spa day. Why not share this time with those you love?
Bucket List Ideas for School or Your Career
Your bucket list isn’t all about fun and games. You also want to develop professional achievements. Here are the best bucket list ideas to establish your school and career life.
41. Graduate from college
Graduating is a huge accomplishment. Graduate from a program you’re passionate about.
42. Mentor a younger student
Life is better when you give back. Mentor someone who needs extra help.
43. Attend a work conference
Strengthen your skills and network by attending a work conference. Bonus points if it’s a new city!
44. Receive a big promotion
Big promotions don’t come around that often. Work hard to move up in your career.
45. Start a business or side hustle
Step out on your own by building a side hustle. There are no limits to what you can do.
46. Speak at a school or work event
Show your skills as a speaker. Give a talk at a school or work event and become an expert.
47. Lead a major work project
Stop living in the shadows. Take the reins on a significant work project and let your skills shine.
48. Perfect your resume
Working on your resume isn’t always easy. Take some time to perfect your CV.
49. Find your mentor
Your network is the best tool for getting ahead. Reach out to a mentor you respect.
50. Negotiate a raise
Ask for what you deserve! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there to get a raise.
Bucket List Ideas for Personal Growth
Your growth as a person never ends. Challenge yourself to learn, explore, and expand your mind with these personal growth ideas.
51. Go vegetarian/vegan for one month
Learn about plant-based living by going vegetarian or vegan for a full month. Not only will you learn how to cook new things, but you’re doing good.
52. Get a gym membership
Challenge your body with a gym membership. Commit to bettering your health.
53. Try a new sport or exercise
Working out doesn’t have to be hard. Join a new sport or exercise class to try something new.
54. Forgive an old grudge
Those old grudges are holding you back. Let them go once and for all.
55. Create a reading list
Are there books you’ve always wanted to read? Make a reading list. Read our list of the best books to read before you die for some inspiration.
56. Apologize for an old friend
We’ve all made mistakes, but moving on is essential. Let go of past guilt with an apology, even if it’s long overdue.
57. Start end of life planning
Use an end of life planning checklist to get your final wishes in order. Life is never guaranteed. Prepare for whatever the future might bring.
58. Build your credit score
When was the last time you checked your credit? It might not be glamorous, but it’s undeniably critical to qualify for a mortgage, new apartment, and, in some states, even car insurance.
59. Pay down your debt
Don’t let debt hold you back. Create a debt payoff plan to achieve a brighter financial future.
60. Donate to charity
Give back to those less fortunate than you. Find a cause you believe in and donate.
If you want to make a donation in memory of a loved one, you can set up a memorial fundraiser and invite others to donate too with a website like Everloved.
Cheap Bucket List Ideas You Can Do Close to Home
Who said bucket lists are expensive? You can do any of these ideas below on a limited budget. No travel necessary!
61. Volunteer for a cause
Even if you can’t contribute funds, you can give your time. Spend time doing good for others.
62. Try yoga
Yoga is good for the mind and body. You can find an affordable mat and free tutorials online to get started with your own yoga practice.
63. Go camping
There’s nothing as refreshing as the great outdoors! Get away from it all with a night camping.
64. Learn an instrument
Learn an instrument to discover your passion for music. Whether you learn the guitar or the piano, this is a great new skill.
65. Be a tourist in your town
See your own city through a new lens. Visit museums, attractions, and more to experience your city as a tourist.
66. Finish a classic novel
Stop putting off that book you’ve been meaning to read. The classics are classics for a reason.
67. Take a long vacation
Taking an extended vacation off from work is a huge stress-reliever. Visit an exotic destination or stay close to home. Just give yourself a break!
68. Travel solo
Traveling alone is a challenge. Trust yourself to thrive somewhere new, even if you don’t speak the language.
69. Conquer a fear
Fears are only temporary obstacles. Learn how to conquer one of your fears.
70. Run a marathon
Finally, run a marathon to show what your body can do. There are no limits when you put your mind to something.
Accomplish More with Your Bucket List
Your bucket list is a promise to yourself. It’s a promise that you’ll never stop trying new things and challenging yourself. If you’re ready to accomplish more, look at these ideas above. Which ones stand out to you?
There’s no time like the present. Create your bucket list today to see what you’ll accomplish tomorrow. Life passes by quickly. What do you want to do with the limited time you have? For more inspiration, see our list of 50 things to do by 30 and the best fall bucket list ideas.