It’s summertime again. If you're anything like me you feel like you're not making the most of another great summer but you don’t know what to do. It can feel like there just isn’t anything to do in this amazingly big city. It isn’t that there’s nothing to do, it's that we get into the routine of our everyday lives and we can’t get out of our own little bubbles. Summer is the time of going on grand adventures but you don’t have to travel far to try something new.
Having summer fun isn’t just for the kids out of school. From wine tasting to water slides there's so many great ways for adults to get the most out of this time of the year. This summer bucket list is the ultimate guide to adult activities that you and your friends can use to maximize the season. Leave the kids at home for most of these suggestions and get your dream summer rolling!
Follow along with our Bucket list bingo and try to complete as many squares as you can! Be sure to tag us @gilbertcitylifestyle on Instagram or @GilbertLifestyleMagazine on Facebook so we can see what you have been doing. You could be featured in our next print issue, or even win some great local gift cards.
1. Spend the day tubing down the Salt River
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to drive out to the Salt River and relax floating down the river enjoying the summer sun and my favorite cold drink. Lucky drifters will get to catch a glimpse of the Salt River Wild Horses drinking along the river. Witnessing their majestic beauty as you float in your tube will be an experience you’ll never forget. www.saltrivertubing.com
2. Get your retro on at Level One Arcade
All of your favorite retro games are located in one place. Located in Downtown Gilbert Level One Arcade has over 100 rotating games while your favorite 80’s and 90’s music for you to jam to. If that's not enough for you they also have a variety of delicious cocktails, draft beer and appetizers to fuel you while you get your game on. www.level1arcade.bar
3. Escape to a spa day in the desert
We know the summer can be stressful which is why slipping away for some quality relaxation and recovery is a must. The Aji Spa at Wild Horse Pass Resort is the perfect secluded location for you to unwind from the stress of everyday mental fog. With a selection of traditional massages and facials combined with the rich history of herbal remedies from the two native tribes. The spa is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon this summer. www.wildhorsepass.com
4. Go wine tasting
Sometimes it's nice to do something a little bit fancy! Garage-East offers wine tasting daily from 11am through 4 pm. This is a great way to enjoy a variety of different wines from across Arizona and possibly find a new favorite! www.garage-east.com
5. Take a walk
A simple and fun way to spend some time outside of your house. There’s lots of great places to go for a stroll in Gilbert and feel like you're in the heart of the great outdoors. Our favorite place is the Riparian Preserve at sunset. It is a great place to catch all the local wildlife coming out to enjoy the cool night air with you. Take a chance to clear your head and get a breath of fresh air. www.gilbertaz.gov
6. Try something new
There are lots of great local restaurants you might have never tried before. Get out of your restaurant rut and find a new favorite. Get out of your normal driving zone. If you live in South Gilbert, head North to see what is happening up near Baseline and vice versa. Try to choose small local...you will be pleasantly surprised on what you have missed.
7. Have a picnic in the park
A great way to spend a late afternoon is with a blanket and a picnic in the park. You can make your own charcuterie board to take with you and watch a stunning Arizona sunset. Even with the summer heat, most parks have sun shades and water features that seem to cool the air, The lake near the Four silos offers an amazing evening experience and if your adventurous you can take you fishing gear.
8. First Friday Art Walk
The first Friday of the month is one of the biggest nights for artists across the valley. Over 80 galleries, live music and street performers join in to make this one of the best events in Phoenix every month. Walk around and enjoy!
9. Grow your own Salsa Garden
A fun unique way to spice up your taco night is to have your own fresh salsa grown from your garden! Tomato, Cilantro, and pepper plants all grow well in Arizona. You can keep your Garden indoors or out just make sure they get plenty of sun! If salsa isn’t your favorite mix it up and create the perfect Herb garden for your home.
10. Take a painting class
We are often looking to express our creative side, and what better way than to take a guided painting class. Pinot's Palette has nightly painting sessions for you to join in solo or with your friends! You can also enjoy a glass of wine while you paint! Somehow the painting gets better with the second glass. www.pinotspalette.com/gilbert
11. Check out the Arizona Boardwalk
The Arizona Board walk is home to Odysea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, restaurants and shops. The Boardwalk has something for everyone whether it’s a date night or afternoon with the kids, you won’t wanna miss this bucket list idea. https://www.azboardwalk.com/
12. Have a bonfire and make smores
You can’t have summer without a late night in the backyard with a fire and melty marshmallows and chocolate. Hot summer days and cool desert evenings makes smores the perfect porch finger good.
13. Go to the waterpark
One of the best things about summer is the waterparks open up for exhilarating water slide fun. If you're not a fan of the sunburn, check out Night Splash at Golfland and slide into the night! www.golfland.com/mesa
14. Read a new book
Sometimes you don’t need to leave your house to expand your horizons. A new book is a great way to escape the routine of everyday life. Whether it’s a Fantasy Novel or Introspective self help book, take some time to jump into the pages of a great book.
15. Check out the STV Entertainment Zone
In what has become the mecca for weekend entertainment the combination of Top Golf, Main Event, and Gun Club 82, make San Tan Village a must do. All three are within a walkable distance and open you up to an evening of sports, gaming, food and great drink options.
16. Free Space