Being a teenager is one of the most exciting times of your life — everything feels new, the world is wide open, and you have the energy to do it all. These 100+ bucket list ideas for teens are packed with adventures, challenges, and experiences to make the most of your teenage years.
Social & Friends
- Pull an all-nighter with your best friends
- Go to a concert of your favorite artist
- Throw a surprise party for a friend
- Go on a road trip with friends (even just a day trip)
- Have a water balloon fight in the park
- Go to prom or a school dance
- Make a short film or video with friends
- Have a massive group sleepover
- Go to a sporting event live
- Start a group chat tradition or inside joke wall
- Go to an escape room with friends
- Have a themed costume party
- Go camping with friends (no parents)
Adventure & Outdoor for Teens
- Go cliff jumping at a safe, popular spot
- Learn to surf or paddleboard
- Go rock climbing (indoor or outdoor)
- Try zip-lining
- Go kayaking or canoeing
- Hike to a summit and eat lunch at the top
- Go on a bike ride to a place you’ve never been
- Camp under the stars
- Jump off a rope swing into water
- Go to an amusement park and ride everything
- Go skiing or snowboarding
- Try skateboarding or learn a new trick
- Go horseback riding
Creative & Artistic
- Learn to play a musical instrument
- Start a YouTube channel, blog, or podcast
- Write a song or poem
- Create a photography project
- Make a scrapbook of your teen years
- Learn to draw or paint
- Design and print your own t-shirt
- Perform at a talent show or open mic
- Learn video editing and make a short film
- Start a journal and write in it regularly
School & College Prep
- Get straight A’s for a semester
- Visit a college campus you’re interested in
- Win an award for something you’re passionate about
- Join a club or team you’ve been curious about
- Apply for a scholarship
- Read 20 books in a year
- Learn a new language using an app
- Take a class outside your comfort zone
- Start a school club
- Mentor a younger student
Solo Experiences
- Travel somewhere without your parents for the first time
- Eat at a restaurant by yourself
- Go to a movie alone
- Take yourself on a solo adventure day
- Learn to cook five meals from scratch
- Get your driver’s license
- Start saving money for something big
- Learn basic self-defense
- Do your own laundry (and actually fold it)
- Open a bank account and manage your own money
Free & Cheap Ideas
- Go thrift shopping and find an amazing outfit under $20
- Have a movie marathon at home
- Go stargazing in a place with no light pollution
- Play tourist in your own town
- Learn a card trick or magic trick
- Volunteer for a cause you care about
- Have a game night — board games, card games, video games
- Explore a new neighborhood in your city
- Go to a free community event
- Watch the sunrise from the best spot near you
Life Milestones to Hit as a Teen
- Dye your hair a bold color
- Get your first job
- Write a bucket list for your 20s
- Stay up all night and watch the sunrise
- Learn to change a tire
- Write a letter to your future self
- Take a spontaneous day trip
- Overcome a fear
- Make a time capsule to open in 10 years
- Have the best summer of your life