Journaling in summer doesn’t have to mean keeping up with long entries or deep reflections. Sometimes, the most meaningful pages are made up of quick jottings, half-thoughts, or the wrapper from your favourite ice lolly. There are so many things to put in your summer journal.
A journal isn’t about getting it “right” — it’s about paying attention. To what you’re noticing. What you’re drawn to. What you want to remember later.
The little things we collect — scraps, lists, overheard lines, small details — can tell a bigger story than we realise at the time. They show us what this summer really looked like, not the filtered version we think we should capture. Whether you’re journaling every day or just dipping in now and then, this post is filled with fun and meaningful things to put in your summer journal. Use it as a list to dip into or a way to spark new ideas.
Why the Little Things Matter
When you think back on summer, it’s rarely the whole holiday or a big day out you remember most clearly. It’s something smaller. The feel of cool grass under your feet. The sound of a song that was always playing. The way the light looked in your room before you got up.
Those kinds of moments slip through the cracks — unless you catch them. And journaling helps you do exactly that. You don’t need to make them meaningful; they already are. Writing them down (even quickly or messily) makes it easier to see the patterns in how you live, what you enjoy, and what you want more of. That’s where journaling becomes more than a habit — it becomes a way of really paying attention.
25 Fun Things to Put in Your Summer Journal
Here is a collection of 25 things to put in your summer journal. I have divided it into sections for you so you can easily choose something that fits your mood.
Lists to Put in Your Summer Journal
- Favourite summer snacks
- Books you’re reading or want to read
- Songs on repeat
- People you’ve spent the most time with
- Summer bucket list items (done + still to do)
Memories to Put in Your Summer Journal
- One-sentence highlights from each day
- A funny moment you don’t want to forget
- A conversation that stuck with you
- A short story or journal entry from a specific day
- A sketch or map of somewhere you went
Keepsakes to Put in Your Summer Journal
- Ticket stubs, receipts, or wristbands
- Wrappers or packaging from favourite summer treats
- Dried leaves or flower petals
- Postcards or printouts of texts/photos
- Magazine cutouts that feel “summery”
Sensory Notes to Put in Your Summer Journal
- What summer smells like to you right now
- A list of sounds you’re hearing today
- The feel of the weather on your skin
- Tastes you’ve been craving this season
- Colours that keep popping up in your days
Self-Reflections to Put in Your Summer Journal
- One thing you’re proud of this summer
- A routine that’s been working (or not)
- Something you’re letting go of
- What’s felt surprisingly good
- What you want to carry into the next season
My Summer Journaling Toolkit
- Lay-flat softcover journal – easy to write in whether you’re indoors or at the park
- Spiral-bound sketchbook – perfect for art journaling, collages, or visual memory maps
- Dot grid notebook – ideal for people who like freedom but want a bit of structure for layouts or playlists
- Multicolour gel pens – ideal for mood journaling or differentiating between topics
- Pastel highlighters – soft colours for underlining lyrics, drawing attention to memories, or decorating pages
- Fine-tip markers – great for doodles, headings, or summer-inspired colour palettes
- Mini portable photo printer – print summer photos straight from your phone
- Washi tape set (summer-themed) – add colour or hold down found objects like tickets or leaves
- Sticker pack for journaling – look for ones themed around travel, nature, or seasons
- Zippered journaling pouch – to carry your supplies in your beach bag or picnic backpack
- Compact lap desk – makes journaling easy from a park bench, porch swing, or campsite
- Reusable water bottle with time markings – not journaling-specific, but self-care is important
Wrapping Up Things to Put in Your Summer Journal
You don’t have to journal every day — or even write full pages — for your summer journal to be meaningful. Just notice what catches your attention. What made you smile? What felt like a shift? What would you forget if you didn’t write it down?
The things you put in your summer journal don’t need to be big or impressive. A list. A scrap. A scribble. That’s enough. Over time, these small pieces come together to reflect the season more honestly than anything polished ever could. And when you look back, it’s those little moments you’ll be glad you kept.
Disclosure: If you purchase anything from links in this post or any other, I may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, I only ever mention products I love and would recommend whether I was being compensated or not. You can read my full disclaimer here.