Summer Walking Bucket List Challenge
This post is part of our Summer of Simple Walking series. Check out the intro post for more information and links to other helpful posts.
Summer is such a great time for walking—for getting out and enjoying the longer days, the sunny skies, the colorful blooms, the sunset glow, or a stroll with a friend. But this time of year is less about achieving step goals and more about experiences.
And that’s why this month’s walking challenge is the Summer Walking Bucket List Challenge!
The goal is simple:
Instead of worrying about mileage or step count, focus on enjoying the experience of walking. And check off as many items as you can during the month—or before summer ends.
This month’s challenge isn’t high-pressure. There aren’t any strict guidelines or deadlines. Just choose an item on the list, lace up your shoes, and enjoy your walking experience.
What Makes This Challenge Different?
Often, we’ll feature walking challenges that focus on the numbers—on things like:
– miles
– steps
– distances
– streaks
Challenges like that are great for the times of year when you’ve got the time, the energy, and the motivation to push yourself. During the summer, though, they can be overwhelming. And, honestly, you might not have the time or the energy to tackle a challenge like that.
So, instead, we’re focusing this month on the experience of walking.
This challenge is about:
– enjoying the season
– creating memories
– focusing on movement
– taking advantage of summer weather to enjoy moments outside
After all, walking isn’t just about getting steps. It’s about finding joy in the experience, too. Sometimes that means taking in a sunset or walking while catching up with a friend or enjoying your coffee while taking a break from the summer chaos.
All of those walks count, too.
Your Summer Walking Bucket List
- Explore a new park
- Take a sunrise walk
- Take a sunset walk
- Take a no-headphones walk
- Walk with a friend
- Take a photo of a summer flower
- Walk to a coffee shop
- Walk with your family
- Walk while talking on the phone
- Walk by water
- Try a new route
- Explore a nature trail
- Walk around a farmers market
- Take a photo walk
- Go on an after-dinner stroll
- Walk during golden hour
- Walk on vacation
- Check out a new podcast or audiobook while walking
- Walk somewhere you’ve never been before
- Explore a downtown area
- Walk just for some “me time”
- Take a 10-minute Walking Snack
- Enjoy a colorful sunset
- Listen to a fun summer playlist while walking
- Invite someone new to join you
- Spot a butterfly
- Check out a summer festival or fair
- Complete your own bonus summer walking adventure
Make It Yours
The fun thing about this challenge is that you can do it whenever and however you want.
You can work toward doing one each week or completing them all. You can find your favorites and repeat them. You can even add your own ideas to the list.
This summer, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s not about getting a certain number of miles or steps every day. The goal is to enjoy your summer—one simple walk at a time.
Summer can definitely be a crazy time of year. Honestly, this summer is probably the craziest one I’ve ever had—and sometimes that can make you feel completely out of control. But summer doesn’t last forever. It won’t be long before the kids will be back in school and you’ll go back to your regular routine, day after day. It will be stable and predictable—but it probably won’t be as fun and exciting.
Before another summer slips away, be sure to take some time to slow down, appreciate the change of schedules, and make some new memories. Whether you’re checking out a new trail, enjoying the sunset, or taking some time out to walk with a friend, every walk is a chance to enjoy the season a little more.
Do you have any other bucket list ideas to add to the list? Which ones are your favorites?
