The Bucket List: 34 Things You Should Do While You’re Still a Teenager

jun 25, 2022

Being a teenager means living through a whole lot of firsts.

From your first homecoming dance and first failed test to potentially your first kiss, first car and everything in between. A lot is also asked of us when we're teenagers, as it's a time when you're stuck between being treated both like a child and an adult at the same time.

However, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the many years that span between 13 and 20, and we've thought of a whole list of them for you. Whatever kind of teen you may be, you can take some inspiration for your own life from this bucket list of things to do before you say goodbye to your teens:

School-Related Items for Your Teenage Bucket List

Go to your first school dance
Join a club
Apply to your dream college
Work up the courage to ask your teacher for a letter of recommendation
Learn a new language
Go to prom, even if you don't have a date
Attend the homecoming football game, even if you don't care about sports

Crowd cheering at stands of sports game: Shutterstock. Fans cheering in stadium holding champion banner and singing on tribunes. People are waiting for start of sports competitions. People holding banner with Champion banner happily eating popcorn.

(via Shutterstock)

Major Goals to Add to Your Teenage Bucket List

Learn to drive
Get your license
Make a new friend
Go on a road trip
Travel abroad
Go on a trip with your family
Go on a trip with your friends
Visit NYC
See your favorite artist live in concert
Get your first job

Barista woman pouring latte: Shutterstock. Barista making latte or cappuccino coffee pouring milk making latte art, retro filter effect

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: 4 Ways to Travel Abroad When You're Young

Holiday Topics for Your Teenage Bucket List

Carve pumpkins in the fall
Go trick-or-treating, even if you think you're "too old"
Wear matching costumes with your friends for Halloween
Have a holiday movie marathon
Do a Secret Santa exchange with your friends
Drink a pumpkin spice latte without caring if it's "basic"
Attend a Halloween party
Kiss someone at midnight on New Year's Eve, even if it's just kissing your friend on the cheek

Man kissing woman on cheek: New year's eve shutterstock: Young romantic couple is having fun outdoors in winter before Christmas with Bengal lights. Enjoying spending time together in New Year Eve. Two lovers are hugging and kissing in Saint Valentine's Day

(via Shutterstock)

Just-for-Fun Things to Add to Your Teenage Bucket List

Make a vision board
Take photos in a photo booth
Sing karaoke
Go swimming at night
Host a sleepover
Bake something from scratch
Learn how to cook a meal from scratch
Get a piercing
Learn how to surf/paddleboard/kayak

Woman smiling on surfboard in ocean: Shutterstock. Woman surfing in the ocean

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: 6 Things You Should Learn How to Do Before Graduating High School

At the end of the day, creating your own teenage bucket list is all about you. Life is what you make it, so make it great by starting your own list with some of these ideas (and maybe a few of your own). And try not to compare yourself to other, either—everyone has a different comfort zone, and you shouldn't feel like you have to leave yours just to live up to what being a teenager is "supposed" to be like.

In fact, there are some things you should know about while you're a teen that people don't always discuss, but we're here to do just that. Click HERE to read about things to know about before you turn 18.

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