The Provenmille Girl’s Summer Bucket List 2026

What an eventful Quintile 2 of 2026!

After a fulfilling intention-setting January, the last few months have been spent fulfilling assessment obligations at work (my art students and I mounted our biggest show this year!), preparing for graduation (my speech went through four drafts), editing the yearbook and sending it to the printer, and, in between all that, gallivanting in the streets of Turin and Milan (more on that in a future blog post)!

And just like that, summer is here and so is my annual summer bucket list!

I wanted this year’s list to be about returning to the joyful experiences of childhood. I spent my childhood summers literally without any form of technology that we know of today so there was a lot of outdoor play with the neighborhood kids, being resourceful with paper, leaves, and boxes to make playthings, reading books in the afternoons (because it was the height of the daily afternoon brownouts in the 90s), and a few visits to the province for fresh air and more analog joys.

And so this year’s list is like an homage to those experiences - when life was simpler and even more so the things that brought us wonder and delight. I guess this summer, I want to feel like it doesn’t take much to be joyful and to feel grateful not only for those times back then but also that we can manage to still have all those despite living in times full of discontent and comparison. I hope the list inspires you to look back on your own childhood and relive some of its glorious nostalgic moments.

Get a library card.

I personally did not grow up with access to a public library but when I started working in a school, I loved wandering the library stacks just before the school year came to an end, picking out a fresh stack of books to read on summer afternoons.

Make ice pops.

This is a great way to use the fresh seasonal fruits this season. And what a fun way to cool down when it’s sweltering! But why stop at fruits? Make coffee or even wine pops if you so desire.

Read a magazine outdoors.

I love magazines! Take your reading outside and enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sun just like the carefree days when summer seemed endless.

Be a tourist in your own town.

See your hometown through curious eyes and rediscover the sense of adventure that made even ordinary places feel exciting as a kid. You might surprise yourself by stumbling upon a new restaurant or a local attraction that you have always overlooked.

Wear your favorite color.

Remember when dressing up was as easy as just choosing your favorite color to wear? Brighten your day by dressing in the color that makes you feel happiest and most confident.

Take a summer class.

Or how about when our parents used to enroll us in summer enrichment classes? There is fun in learning something new too so take up art or ballet or swimming!

Take an afternoon nap in a dark room with cool sheets.

There’s nothing quite like escaping the midday heat for a refreshing summer snooze.

Watch classic summer blockbusters.

Revisit old favorites or discover iconic films and relive the excitement of summer movie nights.

Do something kind for your neighbors.

Sure, it may not be the same as playing games with the neighbors at our age but making connections is key and a small act of kindness is a great way to build a sense of community.

Eat dessert before dinner.

Because summer is when we loosen up and pretty much give ourselves permission to bend the rules a little!

This summer, take a cue from your younger self. Slow down, stay curious, and make time for the simple pleasures that once made the season feel magical. After all, growing up doesn't mean leaving behind the joys that made summer unforgettable.

Here's to a warm season filled with wonder, whimsy, and plenty of nostalgia!