Unison
ISSUE 3 MAY 2025
Summer Bucket List! BY: SOPHIA GBADEBO ‘27 AND MOTUNRAYO ‘28
Summer break is finally here! After months of testing and homework we’re going to trade our textbooks for sunshine. Whether you want to explore, relax, or try something new, this bucket list is your go-to guide for a perfect summer. 1. Amusement Park
6. Plan a Picnic
Whether a local fair or Six Flags, an amusement park is the perfect way to kick off summer! Bring friends and family for a day of fun. Ride the tallest coaster and scream as loud as you can, or go on a water ride for relief from the hot sun. Amusement parks are filled with all types of treats– be brave and try a new snack. Win a prize at a gamebooth like a huge stuffed animal, or just bragging rights. Finally, when the day comes to an end, buy a cheesy souvenir on your way out. Whether a big hat or a light up sword, get something to remember the day.
There is something so timeless and relaxing about a simple summer picnic. Spread out a blanket at the park, the beach, or even your backyard with a cooler full of food and drinks. Pack sandwiches, chips, fruit, lemonade, and some homemade treats. Bring a speaker to play some of your favorite tunes, a book for easy entertainment, or some card games to keep things fun. Picnics are all about spending time with people as well as nature. So unplug, unwind, and make some fun memories.
2. Beach Day
7. Sunset Walks on the Beach
There is nothing quite like the warm sand and ocean breeze for the ultimate summer reset. Build sand castles, read a book, or just lie down and catch a tan to unwind. Want to ensure you will have a great time? Pack some extra snacks and a speaker for a full beach-party vibe.
After a long day of fun in the sun, relax by taking a stroll along the beach in the evening. Watch the sky turn into beautiful shades of pinks and orange as the tide rolls in. Enjoy the serenity, reflect on your day, take some beautiful pictures, or just talk with a friend.
3. Movie Night
8. On the Water
Who said the fun has to end after the sun sets? Grab some popcorn, blankets, your pajamas, and get a list of your favorite movies. You can even choose a theme such as horror, rom-coms, animation, or action. Or, if you just want to laugh until your stomach hurts, pick some popular comedies. Regardless of what you choose to watch, movie nights are the perfect way to relax and connect during summer break.
This summer, do not just dip your toes in the ocean, but take the opportunity to try a water sport like jet skiing, paddleboarding, tubing, or kayaking. Check local lakes, rivers, and beaches that offer rentals for beginners. You do not need to be a pro, just willing to get soaked and eager to have an abundance of fun.
4. Swimming Pool Pools are the heart of summer fun. You can check when your local neighborhood pool opens, or if you or your friend are lucky to have one of your own, go there! Do cannonballs off the diving board or laze around in an inflatable floatie. Play Marco-Polo with your friends, make silly videos by the pool, and enjoy snacks and some refreshing drinks. Just remember to wear sunscreen!
July 4th, or Independence Day is certainly a summer highlight, so don your best red, white, and blue clothes, attend a barbeque, and have some classic holiday fun with games, music, and good food. Rye Playland has fireworks every year and nearby at the Barley Beach House, they have a beach party to continue the festivities! When it is time for fireworks, get cozy and watch the sky light up. It is the perfect moment to feel grateful for summer, friends, fun, and freedom!
5. Read a New Book
10. Ice Cream Social
Whether you are starting your assigned reading or just reading for pleasure, this summer is the perfect time to escape to a whole new world in the pages of a good book. If you really want to switch things up, read something you normally would not. A fantasy adventure, a mystery, or maybe a memory. Make it your goal to read at least one new book. You can bring it on your trip to the park, the pool, or the beach. Choose your pace and read a few pages a day, or allow yourself to fly through it in a weekend if you are really enjoying yourself. Regardless of how fast you finish it, reading a new book is a great way to relax and get inspired.
Is there a better way to cool off in the summer than enjoying some delicious ice cream? Gather your friends and journey out to an ice cream parlor or set up your own DIY sundae bar at home. Whatever option you choose, be sure to get plenty of toppings: rainbow sprinkles, hot fudge, gummy bears, whipped cream, cherries on top, you name it. Take the opportunity to try different flavors or even crazy flavor combinations. An ice cream social is an easy summer event where you are sure to laugh, snack, and have a great time.
9. Fireworks and July 4th Parties