Must-Do Summer Bucket List Adventures

Back-to-school ads are everywhere, but summer is far from over. With more than a month of summer left, there’s plenty of time to enjoy some final bursts of fun. If you want to make the most of these last summer days, you’ve come to the right spot. Make sure to complete these seven items on your summer bucket list before the season ends!

Go to the Drive-In

Nothing says “summer” quite like going to the drive-in. The time-honored seasonal tradition is a fun and retro way to end any day. You can bring the whole family, or cram all of your friends into your truck bed, while you snack to your heart’s content. It’s also the perfect spot for a low-key date night. 

Milford Drive-In Theater, Milford
Northfield Drive-In Theatre, Hinsdale

Have the thrill of a lifetime

What’s a summer without a visiting a theme park? Whether you’re a rollercoaster connoisseur, or a waterpark devotee, there are plenty of theme and adventure parks throughout New Hampshire for you to check out. Have kids? No problem! These parks have something for everyone. 

Canobie Lake Park, Salem
Story Land, Bartlett
Santa’s Village, Jefferson
Clark’s Bears, Lincoln
Whale’s Tale Waterpark, Lincoln
Water Country, Portsmouth

Pick up a new hobby

With some extra time on your hands, why not get outside and learn something new? Try your hand at surfing or stand-up paddle boarding by signing up for a lesson! It’s always fun to get out of your comfort zone and do something different. 

Surfing Lessons and Rentals:
Summer Sessions, Rye
Cinnamon Rainbows, North Hampton
SUP Lessons and Rentals:
Portsmouth Paddle Co., Portsmouth
Summer Sessions, Rye

Take a tour

Get to know your home state by going on a scenic tour. New Hampshire’s diverse landscape is waiting for you to explore! You don’t have to travel far to see scenery that will take your breath away! 

Seven Rivers Paddling, Seacoast
Sunapee Cruises, Sunapee
Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire, Statewide Excursions
Experience Squam, Holderness
Covered Bridges, Self-Guided
Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough

Do something unique

With so many annual traditions to keep track of, you don’t want your summer to be an annual copy and paste. Pepper in some variety by doing something different. 

Oyster Farm Tour with Fox Point Oysters, Little Bay
Naturalist Programs with the NH Audubon Society, Auburn, Hebron and Concord
Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour, Isles of Sholes
American Classic Arcade Museum, Laconia
Eastman’s Docks Fishing, Seabrook

Attend a festival

Summer winding down means that it’s finally time for the long-awaited festival season! There are so many fun and unique fairs and festivals that round out summer that are worth checking out. 

League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair, Newbury
Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival, Milton
Sunflower Soirée, Canterbury
Sunflower Bloom Festival, Sun Fox Farm, Concord
White Mountain Boogie ‘n’ Blues Festival, North Thornton
Cornish Fair, Cornish
10th Annual Gate City Brewfest, Nashua

See the top of the world

Maybe not literally, but the peak of Mt. Washington is close enough. You don’t have to hike it, unless you’re really up for adventure, but driving up the auto road to the summit is a surefire way to see some breathtaking views, and appreciate what New Hampshire has to offer. Besides, it’s a fun road trip- just maybe hold off on getting the bumper sticker.