40 Things to Do Before 40 That Will Push You Out of Your Comfort Zone

Have you found yourself binge-watching one too many TV shows, wondering when your life got so… predictable? If it’s time to ditch the couch and swap routine for some good fun and adventure days out, you’re in the right place.

If your wild side is calling, consider this your sign to shake things up! We’ve put together 40 things to do before 40—a bucket list designed to push you out of your comfort zone and inject a healthy dose of thrill into your daily life. Whether it’s jumping out of a plane, conquering mountains, or taking on wild, offbeat challenges, these experiences will make sure you hit 40 with stories to tell and zero regrets.

Sky-High Thrills

Because the ground is overrated, and the best views come from above.

1.Hot Air Balloon Ride – Drift effortlessly over rolling hills or city skylines as the sun rises, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. A hot air balloon ride is a peaceful yet thrilling way to take in breathtaking views, where the only sound is the occasional roar of the burner and your own sense of awe.

2. Skydiving – Throw yourself out of a plane at 10,000 feet because… why not? Experience 60 seconds of pure freefall before your parachute deploys. If the thought makes your palms sweat, indoor skydiving is a solid baby step.

3. Helicopter Ride – Soar over mountains, coastlines, or city skylines in a helicopter ride and take in views that make everything below look like a toy town. With the thrill of hovering high above the world, it’s an adventure that guarantees an unbeatable perspective—and a serious appreciation for life at altitude.

4. Bungee Jumping – Imagine willingly walking off a ledge with nothing but a giant rubber band stopping you from making bad life choices. A quick scream, a moment of regret, and then the ultimate adrenaline rush.

5. Paramotoring – Strap a giant fan to your back and take off into the sky like a real-life superhero. The best part? With a paramotoring experience, you’re the one controlling the flight, so go ahead and wave at the regular mortals below.

High-Speed Ground Adventures

Because walking is for amateurs, and sometimes you just need to hit the throttle.

6. Quad Biking – Because everyone should experience the pure chaos of tearing through mud, racing up hills, and kicking up dust like an off-road pro at least once before 40. Grab your best friend, hold on tight, and prepare for a ride that’s messy, wild, and ridiculously fun. 

7. 4x4 Off-Road Driving Experience – Get behind the wheel of a rugged off-roader and take on steep hills, deep mud, and river crossings like an absolute legend. This off road driving experience is the ultimate test of skill and control—because the real fun begins where the road ends.

8. London Bike Tour – Ditch the tube, grab a bike, and see the capital from a whole new angle. Tick off iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the Thames, all while weaving through tourists and pigeons like a true London pro.

9. Hovercraft Experience – It’s not a boat, it’s not a car, and that’s exactly why you need to try a hovercraft experience before 40. Glide over land and water, spin in ways that defy logic, and enjoy a thrill ride like no other.

Water-Based Thrills

Getting wet is a given, so just embrace it.

10. Scuba Diving – If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater (without turning into a mermaid), this is your chance. Whether you're exploring colourful reefs, eerie shipwrecks, or surprisingly chilly UK waters, it’s a must-do before 40. Just be prepared for a judgmental stare from a crab or two.

11. Wild Swimming – Because nothing says "I’m really making the most of life" like throwing yourself into ice-cold water with zero hesitation. Whether it’s a refreshing summer dip or full-on cold water swimming in winter, it’s the ultimate wake-up call—equal parts exhilarating and slightly questionable.

12. White Water Rafting – Grab some mates, hop in a raft, and battle raging rapids like you’re in an action movie. You’ll either bond for life or start a new grudge over who bailed first. Either way, it’ll be unforgettable.

13. Canyoning – Imagine rock climbing, cliff jumping, and sliding down waterfalls all rolled into one ridiculously epic adventure. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an action hero, a canyoning experience is the way to do it before 40.

14. Kite Surfing – It’s you, a kite, and the sheer power of the wind launching you across the water like some kind of adrenaline-fuelled superhero. There’s a good chance you’ll spend more time face-planting than gliding, but that’s all part of the fun.

15. Inflatable Waterpark Experience – Ever watched Total Wipeout and thought, "That looks fun!"? Now’s your chance to take on an inflatable water park, where you can bounce, slide, and wipe out spectacularly in a giant floating obstacle course. Because sometimes, being a big kid is the best kind of adventure.

16. Aqueduct Canoe Tour – Switch things up from your usual water adventures and paddle high above the countryside along a breathtaking aqueduct. The key is to enjoy the scenery—and absolutely not think about what happens if you steer in the wrong direction.

Wild & Survival Challenges

Because who needs Wi-Fi when you have the great outdoors?

17. Go Wild Camping Under the Stars – Ditch the cosy hotel and embrace the wilderness. No electricity, no running water—just you, the stars, and an alarming number of weird nighttime noises.

18. Start a Fire Without Matches or a Lighter – Channel your inner caveman or woman and master a new skill by creating fire using only natural methods—because who needs modern convenience anyway?

19. Try a 48-Hour No-Tech Challenge Outdoors – Imagine a weekend without phones, social media, or GPS. Just you, the wilderness, and a deep appreciation for Google Maps when you return.

20. Make a Raft From Found Materials – Build a raft, get on it, and see if you actually float. If you don’t, well… swimming is an adventure too.

21. Foraging Experience & Wild Food Walk – Step into nature’s pantry and learn how to identify and gather wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs on a foraging experience. There’s something seriously rewarding about finding your own food in the wild—just be sure to double-check what you’re picking unless you fancy an unexpected taste test adventure!

22. Beekeeping Experience – Suit up for a hands-on beekeeping experience, meet the bees up close, and discover how these tiny creatures keep the world buzzing. Bonus: you might even get some fresh honey as a sweet reward!

Strength & Endurance Challenges

Because why not test your limits?

23. Tough Mudder – Climb, crawl, and suffer your way through a brutal obstacle course designed to make you question all your life choices.

24. Run a Marathon or Ultra Marathon – Whether it’s 26.2 miles or more, crossing that finish line will be a moment you never forget (mostly because your legs won’t let you).

25. Do a Charity Challenge – Take on the Three Peaks Challenge, cycle across the country, or trek across a desert for bragging rights and a good cause.

26. High Ropes & Tree Top Challenge – Swing, climb, and balance your way through a high ropes adventure course that will test your nerve, agility, and abs. A great challenge to take on with family, because nothing bonds you quite like conquering heights and laughing at each other’s wobbly landings!

27. Special Forces Experience & Base Camp – Push your limits with an intense S F experience, tackling gritty endurance challenges, survival skills, and military-style obstacles—because 40 is no excuse to go soft.

Mystery, History & Unique Experiences

A little bit weird, a whole lot of fun.

28. Go on a Ghost Hunt – Spend the night in a haunted castle or eerie abandoned building, fully prepared for a ghostly encounter… or at least a few unexplained creaks that will have you questioning everything. Either way, it’s an adventure you won’t forget.

Steam Train Experience & Adventure – Hop aboard a classic steam train experience and step back in time—whether you’re channelling an old-school adventurer, a mystery novel detective, or just secretly hoping for a touch of Hogwarts magic.

30. Try Geocaching – It’s like a real-life treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’ll find hidden boxes, cryptic clues, and a weird sense of accomplishment. Think Indiana Jones, but with GPS and slightly less risk of giant boulders.

31. Jurassic Coast Cruise Experience – Set sail on a Jurassic Coast Cruise, exploring the UNESCO-listed cliffs, hidden coves, and dramatic rock formations that tell a story millions of years in the making. Keep your eyes peeled—you might just spot fossils older than your favourite playlist along the way!

The Great Outdoors

Where fresh air, epic views, and a little adventure make daily life feel far less ordinary.

32. Do a Sunset-to-Sunrise Challenge – Stay outside from dusk till dawn, spending time under the stars and witnessing the world transform through the night. For the ultimate experience, try it on the summer solstice, when the night is at its shortest and the sunrise feels even more magical.

33. Outdoor Yoga – Take your sun salutations to the mountains, the beach, or the middle of nowhere, spending time reconnecting with nature. Breathe in fresh air, breathe out any lingering regrets.

34. Walk Barefoot for a Whole Day – Grass, sand, pavement—connect with the earth one questionable step at a time.

35. Go Stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve – Find a remote spot, lay back, and witness the full magic of the cosmos (while secretly hoping for a shooting star).

The Final 5: Because Every List Needs a Wild Finish

36. Classic Mini Cooper Rental in the Peak District – Take a nostalgic road trip through the stunning Peak District with a classic Mini Cooper rental—quirky, iconic, and way more fun than your everyday drive.

Learn to Ski Experience – Whether you gracefully glide down the slopes or spend most of your time face-first in the snow, a learn to ski adventure is a must before 40. Just maybe start with the beginner slope before attempting any Olympic-worthy moves!

38. Take Part in a Flash Mob – Break into a fully choreographed dance in a public place. Feel awkward? Absolutely. Worth it? 100%.

39. Say YES to an Unexpected Adventure – No overthinking. The next time someone suggests something spontaneous, slightly terrifying, or ridiculously fun—just say yes.

40. Do That One Adventure You Never Thought You’d Actually Do – The big one. The one you always said “one day” about. Today is that day.

So if you were in need of a little inspiration to add more adventure and excitement to your 40 before 40 bucket list, we hope these forty things have given you a little extra spring in your step—and maybe even the push you needed to step out of your comfort zone. Now, it’s time to start ticking them off!