Summer isn’t just about sunshine and vacation, it’s also the perfect time to reset, recharge, and refocus. That’s why I’ve been setting fun and intentional summer goals each year, to not only create core memories but also to check in with myself and make sure I’m living life with purpose. If you’re craving more meaning this season but don’t want to feel overwhelmed by a to-do list, I’ve got you. This post is full of real-life ideas and stories to help you make the most of summer in an intentional, joyful way.
So whether you want to embrace a slower pace, get outside more, or finally do the thing you’ve been talking about for months, here are 10 intentional summer goals that are both simple and fun, and just might change your whole vibe this season.
Table of Contents
1. Have Weekly “Unplugged” Days
Let’s start strong with something that has made a massive difference in my mental clarity: unplugging. And not just for an hour here and there, I’m talking about a full day without screens. No Instagram scrolls. No emails. No background noise from Netflix.
Last summer, I picked Sundays. I’d keep my phone in the drawer and instead spend the day reading outside, journaling, cooking something new, or walking around the neighborhood. At first, I felt weird without the constant stimulation. But by week three, I craved that quiet.
If a whole day feels impossible, try just a half-day or start with screen-free mornings. Your nervous system will thank you.
2. Try One New Outdoor Activity Each Month
Summer = the great outdoors calling your name. I used to think I wasn’t an “outdoorsy” person. But then I tried paddle boarding on a whim and loved it. From there, I started checking out local hiking trails, renting kayaks, and even joined a friend for an outdoor yoga class at a park (shout out to bug spray and thick mats for making that one bearable).
Here’s the beauty of this goal: it doesn’t require extreme adventure. It could be…
- Renting a bike for the afternoon
- Going on a nature photography walk
- Visiting a new state park
- Having a picnic at sunset
Every time I tried something new outside, I came back feeling lighter and more connected to myself.
3. Start (or Restart) a Morning Routine That Actually Feels Good
Mornings in summer feel different, don’t they? There’s something about waking up to early light and birdsong that makes it easier to carve out time for yourself. So I used last summer to create a morning routine that felt gentle but grounding.
Here’s what my ideal intentional morning looks like (on days I’m not rushing out the door):
- 6:30am wake-up with no snoozing
- A full glass of water + stretch
- 10-minute meditation or quiet journaling
- A short walk outside before the heat kicks in
- Coffee on the patio with a book (no phone)
Start small. Even 10 minutes can change the entire tone of your day.
4. Do a Summer Reading Challenge (Your Way)
I used to only read in bursts, like right before bed or on vacation. But setting a summer reading challenge helped me get back into the joy of reading for fun, not just for productivity.
You can make your challenge personal:
- Pick a theme: memoirs, thrillers, self-growth
- Choose a number: 5 books by Labor Day?
- Or go by time: 30 minutes of reading a day
I joined a local library challenge last summer and ended up discovering new authors I never would’ve picked up otherwise. Pro tip: audio books totally count. I listen while I do laundry or drive. It’s the easiest way to sneak in more stories.
5. Host Something-Even Something Small
This one pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it became one of my favorite parts of last summer. I hosted a “rosé and snacks” night with some girlfriends on my patio. Nothing fancy, just mismatched chairs, a cheese board, and a chilled bottle. And it was perfect.
Connection doesn’t have to mean planning a big BBQ or formal dinner party. Think:
- Morning coffee and bagels with neighbors
- A Friday night wine tasting
- Ice cream social for the kids (or the adults!)
- S’mores night with a fire pit
I found that intentional hosting, creating space to connect, filled my cup in a way that nothing else did.
6. Take Yourself on Weekly “Solo Dates”
Summer gets busy fast. And while I love spending time with friends and family, I realized I was rarely carving out time just for me. So I started planning solo dates once a week.
It felt awkward at first, but now? I genuinely look forward to them. Some of my favorite solo dates:
- Visiting the local farmers market and grabbing a pastry
- Going to a matinee movie alone
- Bringing my journal to a quiet park
- Wandering through a bookstore with a coffee in hand
It doesn’t have to be a big deal. But intentionally treating yourself like someone worth spending time with? That’s powerful.
7. Create a Summer Bucket List (That’s Actually Doable)
Forget the 50-item bucket lists that feel more stressful than inspiring. I keep mine simple, 10 things that sound fun, seasonal, or fulfilling.
Here’s what mine looked like last year:
- Make homemade lemonade
- Watch a movie at the drive-in
- Visit a sunflower field
- Stargaze on a blanket in the backyard
- Eat dinner outside once a week
- Try paddle boarding
- Take a day trip to a nearby town
- Go berry picking
- Read three books
- Make a summer playlist
Crossing off each one gave me a little dopamine hit, and reminded me that intentional joy doesn’t have to be complicated.
8. Declutter One Space a Week
Hear me out. Summer might not seem like the time to declutter, but there’s something about open windows and longer days that makes it feel easier to let go of the extra stuff. I gave myself a “one space per week” goal last summer. It wasn’t a full overhaul, but little by little, my home started feeling lighter.
Here’s where I started:
- Bathroom drawers
- Pantry
- Closet (yes, even the dreaded seasonal clothes swap)
- Junk drawer
- Bookshelves
Set a timer for 20 minutes and see how much you can clear. Bonus points if you donate something after.
9. Make One Health-First Commitment
I’m all about balance, especially in the summer when there’s ice cream and late nights galore. But choosing one health-focused intention helped me feel better physically and mentally.
Last year, I committed to drinking at least 80oz of water a day and walking for 30 minutes every evening. Nothing wild. Just consistent. And I stuck to it.
Pick one thing that supports your well-being:
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep
- Trying a new workout class
- Cooking at home 3 nights a week
- Meal prepping for work lunches
- Stretching before bed
It’s not about restriction, it’s about nurturing your energy so you can actually enjoy all the summer fun.
10. Document the Season (Without Pressure)
I used to be that person who forgot to take photos. Then I swung too far the other way, trying to make every moment “Instagram-worthy.” This year, I’m focused on documenting summer in a way that feels creative, not performative.
Here are some ideas:
- Use a disposable or film camera for summer snapshots
- Keep a one-line-a-day journal
- Start a shared photo album with family or friends
- Print photos and make a simple scrapbook in September
My personal favorite? A voice note journal. Every Sunday, I record a 2-minute summary of the week. What I did, how I felt, what I’m learning. It’s like a time capsule I’ll actually want to revisit.
Intentional Living > Hustle Living
Summer doesn’t have to be jam-packed to be meaningful. In fact, the slower, softer days are where the magic often hides. By setting fun and intentional summer goals, you’re giving yourself permission to savor the season your way. Not someone else’s highlight reel.
My advice? Pick three of these to try. Don’t wait for the “perfect weekend.” Start small. Start now. Before you know it, you’ll look back at this summer as the one where you truly showed up- for yourself, your joy, and the life you’re creating.
So, what’s one intentional summer goal you’re excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
With love,
Bri and Cat
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