45+ Epic Bucket List Ideas In The Tristate Area

It’s almost 2026 – which means you’re about to embark on another year to explore, accomplish your goals, and learn new things. That’s 365 bright and beautiful mornings and star-filled evenings. It’s 52 promising weeks and 12 transformative months full of possibilities.

Plan your best year yet with these 45+ Epic Bucket List Ideas that you can do right here – in the Tristate Area (and beyond – because let’s face it – there’s so much to see and do around here). Plus, grab this 2026 Bucket List Planner to bring your ideas to life and make sure you do & see it all!

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Bucket List Ideas for New York

New York City

1. Visit The Rockefeller Christmas Tree. If you haven’t done it yet, do it. Yes, it’s chaotic, but it’s a must-see at least once in your life. Looking up at that gigantic tree gives you all the Christmas feels! (Pro Tip – Get there at 5am for a quiet, magical experience when the lights first go on for the day and avoid the crowds!)

2. See a Broadway Play. Mamma Mia is back on Broadway for a few months! And there are tons of options for nearly any interest. Check out Wicked, Stranger Things, & Juliet, Hell’s Kitchen, Little Shop of Horrors, and the classic Lion King on Broadway!

3. Visit Dumbo in Brooklyn and get that iconic picture you know you’ve always wanted. Make sure you walk the Brooklyn Bridge, explore the Timeout Market, and have some classic Brooklyn Pizza at Grimaldi’s. Find more fun things to do in Brooklyn here!

4. Visit Summit One Vanderbilt for a unique and unforgettable experience with spectacular views of New York City. Go at night to catch the whole city lit up!

5. Run a 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon in NYC. NYCRUNS.com has a whole list of races to sign up for, like the Cocoa Classic 5k in Brooklyn, the Frozen Penguin 5k in Central Park, and my favorite, the Central Park Half Marathon in February (I ran it this year!) – start running now and gear up for February, where you can see Central Park in a whole new way. You will not be disappointed! Learn how to become a runner here – your heart will thank you.

6. Take an Improv Class. For something different and fun – or something you’ve always wanted to do, sign up for an improv class! Places like Kissin Improv offer beginner classes that elevate your creativity and help you push your boundaries – all while having a great time with lots of laughs.

7. Check out the American Museum of Natural History. It’s a great place on the Upper West Side to spend a day – explore the exhibits, walk with hundreds of butterflies, enjoy an immersive experience, and make sure you get tickets to my favorite – the planetarium. And take a picture under the 94 ft blue whale!

8. Go to a Concert or Game at Madison Square Garden. Watch a Knicks or Rangers game, see Lady Gaga live, Cardi B, Bon Jovi, and so much more! I’ve recently seen Mariah Carey’s Christmas Concert there, and The Pentatonix at Christmastime; they are truly memories I’ll cherish forever.

9. Walk the Highline. The Highline is a cool spot to explore (and it’s free!) It’s a 1.5-mile elevated railway that was turned into a leisure walking trail full of lush horticulture and art. See views of the Hudson River and Little Island, stop at Chelsea Market, and enjoy colorful murals along the way.

10. Take a Flying Trapeze Class in NYC. Ever wanted to see what it’s like to be in the circus? Circus Academy New York offers Trapeze Classes, Aerial Ropes & Silks, Trampoline Classes, and so much more. Try it out on Pier 40 in Manhattan April – October, or year-round at their indoor Brooklyn location. Try something new this year!!

11. Eat at a Rooftop Restaurant. Restaurants like 230 Fifth, Refinery Rooftop, Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel, and so many more offer amazing views of the city. Some offer special events, dancing, and a unique menu for the most magical experience.

12. Window shop on 5th Ave during the holidays. Of course, you can go to the stores anytime of year and they have great window displays, but during the holidays, NYC comes alive and the decorations are breathtaking. Saks 5th Avenue always has fantastic window displays – and the lightshow is back this year! Make sure to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral next door to see its overwhelming beauty, along with the Louis Vuitton holiday windows, Bergdorf Goodman, Dior, and all the shops that always have impressive holiday window displays. And be sure to pop by Macy’s in Herald Square, of course!

Upstate New York

1. Go Skiing in the Catskill Mountains. There’s nothing like fresh fallen snow on the mountainside. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or hanging by the fire, the Catskills have it all. Try Hunter, Windham, Belleayre, or Plattekill Mountains for an unforgettable ski trip.

2. Take a guided tour of Howe Caverns. Travel down 156 feet below ground and see unbelievable natural features like geological formations over 6 million years old! It’s really amazing to see the Earth in such an authentic way.

3. Ride the Rails. Grab some friends or family and spend an afternoon riding the rails! It’s an 8-mile round-trip voyage on a pedal-powered steel vehicle on decommissioned railroad tracks. I mean, how cool is that?!

4. Visit the Adirondack Mountains. Spend a weekend in Lake George – visit Million Dollar Beach and make sure you hit up the Lake George Village at night for shopping and food. Head up to Bolton Landing for more cute stores and the outlet mall. Book a stay right on the lake and add a steamboat cruise to the list for a truly unforgettable trip!

5. Hike a Popular Trail. There are so many mountains and trails in New York to choose from, all with unbelievable views. From beginner to advanced, NY has something for everyone. The Overlook Mountain Trail in Woodstock, Kaaterskill Falls in Palenville, and Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks, to name a few. Pack all of your hiking essentials with this helpful checklist.

6. Go Horseback Riding in the Hudson Valley. Enjoy a guided trail ride at a place like Braden Brook Stables for a taste of farm life. Ride a beautiful horse while taking in scenic views and becoming one with nature. You’ve got to try horseback riding at least once in your life!

7. Visit Warwick, New York. Warwick is a historic village filled with charming shops, delicious eateries, cideries, wineries, farm stands, and much more. There’s a lot to explore here with a Farmer’s Market on Sundays, apple picking, pumpkin picking, hiking, live music at Pennings Farm, and even a drive-in movie theater! Find out all the best things about Warwick here.

Bucket List Ideas for New Jersey

Northern New Jersey

1. See a football game at MetLife Stadium. Whether you’re a Giants fan or a Jets fan, a game at MetLife Stadium better be on your bucket list. There’s nothing like the energy of the crowd and seeing your favorite players out there giving it their all.

2. Visit the American Dream Mall. This mall isn’t just a mall, it’s an experience. It’s got The DreamWorks Waterpark, the Nickelodeon Theme Park, and Big Snow! All INSIDE for year-round fun! There’s mini golf, ice skating, an aquarium, laser tag, and more. It also features nearly every store imaginable, glamorous decor, and a variety of special events.

3. Explore the New Jersey Botanical Gardens. Located in the Ringwood State Park with over 4,444 acres of lush greenery, flowers, statues, and historic buildings, this place feels like a fairy tale. Skylands Manor is a breathtaking castle on the property with gorgeous architecture and views for miles, offering guided tours and events. There are walking trails, biking trails, and more flowers than you could possibly smell in one day. Learn more about the NJ Botanical Gardens here!

4. See a Comedy Show at Bananas Comedy Club. You just never know what you’re gonna get at a comedy club. Bananas always has a great lineup with hilarious talent – you’ll laugh till your cheeks hurt. Just watch out – they like to pick on people from the audience!

5. Learn Country Line Dancing. Country Dancer offers Online Walkthroughs, Group Classes, Private Lessons, Wedding Routines, and Public Events to get you dancing in no time. Grab your cowboy boots and get to steppin!

6. Take a Cooking Class. There are so many great cooking classes in this area! From making your own pasta to sushi making and mixology classes, there are a ton to choose from. Try it solo, as a date night, or with friends. There are all skill levels, varying prices, private or group settings, truly something for anyone who wants to learn how to cook something special.

7. Go to a NJ Devils Game. It’s so fun to watch a hockey game with a crowd. People get really into it. Sometimes the people watching is the best part! Make sure you get to a Devil’s Game at the Prudential Center at some point – they do not disappoint.

8. Relax at Sojo Spa. This spa is the best – with saunas, therapeutic baths, a rock path, a gym, a hydrotherapy pool, and a rooftop terrace with an infinity pool overlooking Manhattan, all included in the daily admission! Indulge in extras like a Korean Body Scrub or a Volcanic Sand Bath. Read all about my personal review of Sojo Spa here!

9. Try a new activity at Crystal Springs Resort. Another amazing spa with year-round events for the whole family, Crystal Springs offers a lot of fun activities as well. They have indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and hot tubs, a 9-hole golf course – plus yoga, fitness classes, rock climbing, basketball, and pickleball are all offered through their Sports Club. Treat yourself to a memorable weekend and try something new.

10. Become a Women’s Soccer League Supporter. Gotham FC has recently made it to the Playoffs and will soon play in a Championship Matchup against the Washington Spirit. Next year, make a point to support women’s soccer and attend a Gotham FC game! Find more info on Red Bull Arena here.

Central/Southern New Jersey

1. See a Summer Concert at PNC Bank Arts Center. It’s actually a lot of fun to get the lawn seats and just hang out for the night, enjoying great music and great company. (There’s a wide range of ticket pricing). Of course, get there early for some tailgating in the parking lot! The 2026 line-up includes bands like Train and Barenaked Ladies, Machine Gun Kelly, Gavin DeGraw, and more. I saw The Zac Brown Band there years ago, and it was a memorable concert for sure!

2. Visit the Jersey Shore. Made popular by the MTV show, the Jersey Shore has been a fun tourist attraction for years, with the bright lights of the Boardwalk, the sandy beaches, and the salty air. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, too, like Sandy Hook (One of my favorites! Read about it here.), Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, Wildwood, and Cape May – plus plenty in between. Enjoy a beach vacation close to home!

3. Watch the Sunset over the Bay. The shore has plenty of fun stuff like shopping, mini golf, and great restaurants, but watching the sun go down over the bay marks the end of an amazing day. The sky lights up in blues and pinks, while you shiver slightly from the breeze on your sunburned skin, and you can reflect on a day well spent and appreciate the beauty that’s around you. Make a point to see it.

4. Attend a Rodeo. Something different to try – a fun experience with a loud and cheerful crowd. The Cowtown Rodeo is the oldest weekly running Rodeo in the USA. May – September, every Saturday night, there’s a 7-event rodeo. Tailgating starts at 3pm. There’s also a Cowtown Farmers Market in the same area to check out if you arrive early – it’s a bit unusual, but the food is good!

5. Go Shopping in Smithville at Christmastime. Historic Smithville is the cutest spot to spend a day Christmas shopping – with quaint shops, one-of-a-kind finds, and tons of holiday flair. You may see Santa walking around handing out candy canes, hop on a train ride, or talk to a magical tree while you’re there! Stay until it’s dark so you can enjoy the holiday light show on the lake, featuring 120 Christmas trees. Learn more about Smithville here!

6. Check out Atlantic City. While it is a bit rundown these days, there is plenty still left to enjoy in Atlantic City. Travel up the Absecon Lighthouse, try your luck in a casino, see a show, ride the Ferris Wheel at Steel Pier, or do some shopping at the Tanger Outlets.

Bucket List Ideas for Connecticut

1. Find Treasures at The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market. One of the Flea Markets featured in Flea Market Flip on HGTV, this flea market is the largest weekly flea market in New England! There is a ton to see, always with a different mix of vendors – and always something special to bring home with you. Don’t worry, the perfect piece will find you. It’s open on Sundays from April through December.

2. Go on a Ghost Tour in Mystic. Learn about colonial and revolutionary history and legends – and spooky stories of the area. Tours usually last a couple of hours and cost about $30 per person. Totally worth it for a creepy night out!

3. Book a Weekend Away in CT. Use a site like VRBO to book a lake home in East Haddam, a tiny home in Norwich, a farm stay in Thompson, a beach retreat in Milford, or a cabin in Norfolk. Pick a cute spot and simply get away. Catch up on reading, explore the area, do some writing, or hide out for a quick couples getaway or even a weekend girls trip!

4. Check out Yale University. Just because you didn’t get accepted doesn’t mean you can’t check it out! Try a self-guided tour of the area or visit the Yale University Art Museum. Enjoy the masterpieces and ogle at the architecture.

5. See a show at The Goodspeed Opera House. A professional musical theatre in a gorgeous historic building along the Connecticut River – plus the recipient of 2 Tony Awards for outstanding musical theater, this place better be on your bucket list. Next year’s lineup includes Jesus Christ Superstar, Crazy for You, The Snow Goose, and Annie.

Bucket List Ideas for Pennsylvania

1. Go on a Yoga Retreat. There are some really beautiful weekend getaway yoga retreats offered in PA with yoga, hiking, meditation, and more. Treat yourself and experience this at least once. Check out Bookretreats.com for some wellness retreats available all over the world – with many located right here in the Poconos Mountains.

2. Check out Peddler’s Village. This is another really cute place with a variety of shops and restaurants, plus tons of events throughout the year. It’s much bigger than Smithville in New Jersey, and it offers so many cool things to do and see – like the Village of Chocolate in February, A Birdhouse Competition and Display in April, A Peach Festival in August, A Scarecrow Festival in September, and the Gingerbread Competition & Display Nov-Jan. It’s also truly special at Christmastime with lights, decorations, and Santa!

3. Try Ziplining. Are you ready for the thrill of ziplining? There are several places in PA that offer fantastic ziplining fun! Check out places like Refreshing Mountain and Hershey Outfitters for your next exciting experience.

4. Go White Water Rafting. Not for the faint of heart! Exhilarating yet scary, this one is a true bucket list idea. Try it at least once…but you might love it so much you’ll have to keep going again and again! There are a ton of places to choose from in PA that offer white water rafting – how cool that we have something like this so close to home!

5. Explore Amish Country. Give yourself a minute to imagine a different way of life. A simpler time, perhaps. Watch the horse and buggies pass by, take an Amish Country Tour, and learn all about their customs, culture, and traditions.

6. Hike in Bushkill Falls. Lovingly nicknamed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill Falls is a must-see destination with 8 waterfalls deep in the Poconos Mountains. Hike the trails and cross the bridges for scenic views you’ll remember forever.

7. Run the “Rocky Steps” and Take A Picture with the Rocky Statue. If you’re a true Rocky fan, you’ll undoubtedly have to run the steps at some point in your life! Right at the bottom of the Philadelphia Art Museum, you’ll be able to snap a pic with the statue, purchase some Rocky merch, run the steps, then come back down to vendors for some water and a snack. It gets busy, but it’s worth it!

More Bucket List Ideas to Come!

I’ll continue adding fantastic bucket list ideas as I continue exploring the tri-state area. I’m giving you an article full of places I’ve personally been, hope to check out, or have heard wonderful things about. The tri-state area is such an exciting place to live, and I’m happy to call it home and share my experiences with you. In fact, I have created my very own 2026 Bucket List Journal that’s now available on Amazon! There is space for all of your Bucket List Ideas – including your Top 10 Places to Explore, 10 Things to Learn, and 10 Goals for the Best Year Ever. Plus Prompts, Tips, Questions, and more! Make sure you grab your copy HERE!