Each night, the sun sets a little earlier, which means summer on Long Island is already drawing to an end. Before you kiss your sunny beach days goodbye, join us as we recap our 2025 summer bucket list. There are still a few days left to enjoy those summer breezes, fun times with friends and family, and excellent food at the end of a sun-soaked day!
Which of these summer activities have you checked off your bucket list this year? If you haven’t done them yet, try to get them off your list before the summer season ends!
Fun on the Beach
There’s nothing better than a summer day at one of Long Island’s beautiful beaches. Whether you spend your time on the sand or in the water, we encourage you to apply sunscreen liberally and keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated!
Here are some fun things you can add to your summer bucket list:
- Build an epic sandcastle
- Collect seashells
- Read a summer-themed book under a beach umbrella
- Take a dip in the ocean
- Play beach volleyball with friends
- Learn how to surf
- Fly a kite
- Ride horseback on the beach
- Watch the sun rise over the water
- Do yoga on the beach early in the morning
- Enjoy a romantic beach picnic under the stars
Backyard Fun in the Sun
Some of the best summer memories are also made in your backyard. Tire yourself out with family fun during the day, and then relax around a crackling bonfire.
- Have a picnic with your family
- Set up a tent and camp in your backyard
- Have a bonfire
- Host a pool party
- Have a water balloon fight
- Make a rock garden
- Watch a movie outdoors with a video projector
- Lie on your back in the grass and stargaze
- Catch fireflies
Summer Day Trips
Long Island offers numerous day trip options, so do your research and make the most of it before the fall season arrives! Whether you take a solo trip to a museum, go boating with family, or hit the local shops with friends, there are so many ways you can make the remaining summer days special!
If you’re looking for places or activities to add to your summer bucket list, here are some things you can try:
- Visit Long Island Aquarium
- Go ziplining at WildPlay Element Parks
- Try climbing at The Adventure Park Long Island
- Rent a boat and hit the waves
- Visit an art gallery
- Explore the historical Washington Spy Trail
- Go whale watching
- Spend a day shopping with the girls
- Go golfing
- Recharge with great food at The Refuge!
Summer Foodie Fun
Eating and drinking are an essential part of any summer bucket list, so why not make your meals and drinks the best they can be? Enjoy local seafood, find new favorites, and don’t forget to visit us at The Refuge (because we want to see you having fun this summer!).
- Find a new favorite coffee shop
- Have a few sips at a Long Island winery
- Check out a local brewery
- Make sun tea at home
- Go out for a Sunday brunch
- Try oyster shucking and enjoy them afterward
- Go fishing and cook your catch over an open fire
- Visit a retro-style ice-cream parlor
- Eat at a restaurant with outdoor dining
- Make s’mores with kids
- Eat peach cobbler
- Have a backyard BBQ
- Enjoy fine dining at The Refuge (Have you tried our Shrimp Tacos?)
Indoor Summer Relaxation
But not all summer days have to be spent outdoors. You can also kick back in the comfort of your own home with some quality family time activities. These summer bucket list ideas could be the perfect transition into cooler weather and a new season.
- Pop popcorn and have a family pajama movie night
- Print your summer photos and make a scrapbook
- Make a summer sensory bin
- Play boardgames
- Handwrite a letter to someone you love and mail it
- Make friendship bracelets
- Bake cupcakes and decorate
- Make pizza night special with DIY pizza toppings
- Build a fort
- Create a spa atmosphere in your bathroom
- Read out loud (or listen)
Choose The Refuge
No matter what you do to round out your summer bucket list, we hope you include us at The Refuge. Conveniently located on Route 110 in Melville, we serve great Sunday brunch, delicious lunch and dinner, and can also cater your next big event! Explore our menu or contact us to learn more!