50 Things to Do Before 50 for Those Who Still Love Adventure

Are you in your forties but still convinced you’re 25 at heart? If you refuse to let a few creaky knees slow you down and believe life’s too short for sitting on the sidelines, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 50 incredible activities to inspire you to make your forties your best decade yet.

Just as much fun as your twenties—just with better taste in wine and a slightly longer recovery time.

1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Float effortlessly above rolling hills, rivers, and patchwork fields as you watch the sunrise or sunset from the sky. A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience that blends tranquillity with exhilaration, offering a unique perspective on the world below. The fresh air, the silence of the skies, and the sheer beauty of it all make it a fantastic way to create lasting memories.

2. Go White Water Rafting

Feel the surge of adrenaline as you navigate thrilling rapids, paddling with your team through roaring waters. It’s an unbeatable way to bond with friends or family while pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re rafting through the Scottish Highlands or the rugged landscapes of Wales, white water rafting is an outdoor adventure like no other.

3. Ride a Zip Line

Let go of all inhibitions as you soar over lush forests, deep valleys, or even city skylines. a zip line experience is pure, unfiltered excitement—a chance to embrace adventure at full speed. Who said growing older means growing boring?

4. Host a Dinner Party

Bring your favourite people together for an evening of good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughter. Whether you go all out with a themed tasting menu or keep it simple with comfort food and cocktails, hosting a dinner party is a great idea for connecting, celebrating, and making memories without having to leave your own home. Bonus points for mastering a signature dish that guests will request time and time again.

5. Take Part in a TV Game Show Experience

Always wanted to test your competitive streak? Step onto a real-life game show set and play for glory. Whether it’s a fast-paced quiz or a wacky physical challenge, you’ll feel like a celebrity contestant for the day—complete with lights, buzzers, and the thrill of winning.

6. Go to a Festival in Another Country

Why just read about the world’s best festivals when you can experience them? Dance at a music festival in Ibiza, celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany, or throw paint at India’s Holi festival. From street parades to food feasts, these celebrations are a meaningful way to immerse yourself in new cultures and embrace life's biggest parties.

7. Drive a Supercar

Slide into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Aston Martin and feel the power beneath your fingertips. The growl of the engine, the sheer speed, and the rush of acceleration—it’s an unbeatable thrill that turns an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. A supercar driving experience lets you live out your racing dreams, even if just for a day, and experience the pure adrenaline of handling a world-class machine on the open road or track.

8. Take a Cocktail-Making Class

Master the fine art of mixology as you shake and stir your way through an expert-led cocktail masterclass. Learn how to craft the perfect martini, create Instagram-worthy garnishes, and mix classic cocktails like a pro. This is the perfect blend of fun, sophistication, and skill-building.

9. Visit a Secret Bar

Step back in time and into the hidden world of speakeasies. If you visit London, you’ll find plenty of secret bars tucked behind bookshelves, phone booths, and unmarked doors. The thrill of discovering them is just as exciting as the cocktails they serve.

10. Go Wild Water Swimming

Ditch the chlorinated pool and take the plunge into nature’s most invigorating waters. Whether it’s an alpine lake, a rushing river, or a coastal tidal pool, the icy chill will leave you feeling completely refreshed, alive, and buzzing with energy. Plus, as one of the best outdoor activities for boosting mental health, wild swimming is a natural way to reduce stress, lift your mood, and reconnect with the great outdoors.

11. Join a Flash Mob

Nothing lifts the spirits like a spontaneous act of fun. Whether it's a choreographed dance in a shopping centre or a surprise performance in a city square, taking part in a flash mob guarantees a rush of excitement and the joy of creating an unforgettable experience for those watching.

12. Stay in a Quirky Hotel

Turn a simple staycation into an adventure by booking a night in a one-of-a-kind hotel. Sleep in a treehouse, an igloo, a converted train carriage, or even a lighthouse. It's a chance to transform a getaway into something truly magical.

13. Try an Aerial Yoga Class

Who says fitness has to be boring? Suspended from silk hammocks, you’ll stretch, strengthen, and relax in a completely new way. It’s both a workout and a stress-relief session rolled into one.

14. Take an Alpaca for a Walk

Quirky, fun, and surprisingly therapeutic—spending time with alpacas is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. These fluffy creatures are full of personality, making them the perfect walking companions. Whether you’re strolling through the countryside or getting up close with them at an alpaca experience, it’s a relaxing and joyful way to connect with nature (and make some very fluffy new friends).

15. Go Skinny Dipping

There’s a rebellious thrill in stripping off and diving into the water under the cover of darkness (or, if you’re bold enough, in broad daylight). Whether it’s a moonlit lake, a quiet beach, or a hidden cove, it’s the ultimate act of freedom—liberating, exhilarating, and a little bit cheeky!

16. Try Axe Throwing

Forget stress balls—axe throwing is the ultimate way to let off steam. Channel your inner warrior and experience the sheer satisfaction of hurling an axe into a wooden target.

17. Try Scuba Diving

Explore an underwater world filled with colourful marine life, coral reefs, and hidden treasures. The moment you take your first breath beneath the surface, you’ll realise just how peaceful and surreal the ocean can be. Whether you're diving in tropical waters or exploring a shipwreck closer to home, this bucket list idea will open up a whole new world of adventure.

18. Attend a Murder Mystery Dinner

A thrilling night of mystery, drama, and delicious food. Dress up, play detective, and immerse yourself in a whodunnit experience that’s filled with plot twists, surprises, and plenty of laughs.

19. Take Part in a Colour Run

Run, laugh, and embrace the chaos as you’re covered in a rainbow of powder paint. By the finish line, you’ll look like a walking masterpiece and feel more energised than ever.

20. Learn to Fly a Helicopter

Taking control of a helicopter is an empowering, once-in-a-lifetime experience. With an expert instructor beside you, you'll feel the thrill of lifting off and soaring over landscapes that most people only see from the ground. Whether you're looking for a bucket list adventure or want to take helicopter lessons to master the skies, this high-flying experience is the ultimate way to see the world from a whole new perspective.

21. Try Goat Yoga

Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s every bit as fun as it sounds. Expect playful goats jumping on your back mid-pose, unexpected snuggles, and plenty of laughter.

22. Go on a Mystery Holiday

Book a trip without knowing where you’re going until the last moment. It’s the ultimate adventure for those who love spontaneity and surprises.

23. Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

Feel the wind in your hair, the rhythmic movement of your horse, and the salty sea air as you ride along the shoreline. It’s an experience straight out of a dream.

24. Swim with Dolphins

Connect with these intelligent, playful creatures in a moment of pure magic. The way they interact with you is unforgettable, making this a must for any bucket list.

25. Have a Go at Clay Pigeon Shooting

Precision, control, and an unbeatable feeling of satisfaction when you hit the target—clay pigeon shooting is both a challenge and a thrill.

26. Powerboat Experience

Feel the rush as you speed across the water on a powerboat experience, slicing through waves and taking in the views at high speed. Whether along the coast or down a city river, this exhilarating adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and lovers of the great outdoors.

27. Stay Overnight in a Haunted Hotel

Brave enough to check in? Ghost stories, flickering lights, and unexplained noises make this an overnight stay like no other.

28. Walk Barefoot in the Rain

A small act of rebellion that feels surprisingly liberating. Let go of expectations, splash in puddles, feel the cool water on your skin, and embrace the joy of the moment. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that create the best memories.

29. Sleep Under the Stars

No tent, no walls—just you, a sleeping bag, and the endless night sky. Whether on a quiet hilltop, a remote beach, or your own garden, it’s a humbling way to appreciate the great outdoors and disconnect from the digital world.

30. Try Bungee Jumping

The ultimate adrenaline rush! Standing on the edge, heart pounding, anticipation building—then the moment of freefall. That surge of fear instantly transforms into exhilaration as you bounce back up, leaving you feeling more alive than ever. Whether you're diving off a bridge, a crane, or a cliff, a bungee jumping experience is the perfect way to push your limits and embrace pure, unfiltered thrill.

31. Make Your Own Wine

Ever wanted your name on a bottle of wine? Now’s your chance! From selecting the perfect grape blend to bottling and corking your creation, this immersive experience lets you play winemaker for the day. Whether you're crafting a bold red or a crisp white, you’ll walk away with a personalised bottle—and a new appreciation for every sip.

32. Play a Giant Game of Hide and Seek

Gather a group of friends and take childhood nostalgia to a whole new level. Whether it’s in a vast stately home, a historic castle, or a sprawling woodland, this playful adventure is guaranteed to bring out your inner child.

33. Enter a Guinness World Record Attempt

Why not go down in history? Whether it’s eating the most marshmallows in a minute, attempting the longest karaoke marathon, or balancing spoons on your face, this is a fun and quirky challenge to tick off your list.

34. Go to an Outdoor Cinema or Drive-In Movie

Wrap yourself in blankets, bring a picnic, and watch a classic film under the stars. There’s something undeniably magical about open-air storytelling—especially when it’s paired with popcorn and a great atmosphere.

35. Try a Segway Tour

Glide through historic streets, scenic countryside, or even a modern cityscape in the most effortless way possible. A segway experience is a fantastic way to explore without breaking a sweat, and mastering the art of balance is half the fun.

36. Learn How to Make Your Own Perfume

Craft your own signature scent by blending essential oils and fragrances. Whether you love floral, woody, or fresh citrus notes, this hands-on experience lets you bottle up your personality in the most luxurious way.

37. Go on a Nighttime Kayaking Adventure

There’s something surreal about paddling under the moonlight, with the water shimmering around you. The gentle rhythm of the water, the stillness of the night, and the feeling of gliding through darkness make for an unforgettable kayaking experience that feels almost otherworldly. If you're in the right place at the right time, you might even see the water sparkle with natural light, adding an extra touch of magic to the adventure.

38. Watch the Sunrise from the Top of a Mountain

Climbing in the early hours, witnessing the first golden rays paint the sky—it’s an unforgettable experience that reminds you of the beauty of life’s quiet, reflective moments.

39. Go to a Silent Disco

Multiple music channels, everyone dancing to their own beat—silent discos are as hilarious as they are brilliant. Switch between tunes, belt out your favourite songs, and watch as people break into wildly different dance moves all in the same room.

40. Try Pooch Therapy

There’s nothing quite like the calming presence of a cuddly pup to melt stress away. Spend time with affectionate, well-trained therapy dogs who love nothing more than belly rubs and companionship. Whether you're playing, stroking, or simply sitting beside them, this pooch therapy is a heartwarming way to boost your mood and find pure relaxation.

41. Walk a Famous Film Location Tour

Step into the scenes of your favourite movies—stand where James Bond had a dramatic showdown, explore the magical world of Harry Potter, or visit the real-life settings of iconic blockbusters. But it’s not just about film—walking tours are a must for music lovers too. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of The Beatles in Liverpool or reliving the eras of Taylor Swift on a themed tour, these experiences bring your favourite pop culture moments to life.

42. Attend a Masquerade Ball

Dress to impress, slip on a mask, and enter a world of elegance, mystery, and glamour. The candlelit atmosphere, enchanting music, and air of intrigue make it an evening straight out of a fairytale.

43. Try Parkour (or at Least Give it a Go!)

You don’t need to be an action hero to try a few cool tricks. Even if you just master a simple vault or a controlled roll, the confidence boost you’ll get from conquering an obstacle course is worth it.

44. Go on a Safari

Whether it’s spotting the Big Five in Africa or enjoying a UK safari park, seeing majestic animals up close is a powerful, awe-inspiring experience. Hearing a lion roar, watching giraffes roam, or locking eyes with an elephant—pure magic.

45. Experience an Ice Bar

Step into a world made entirely of ice—walls, seats, even the glasses you drink from. Wrapped up in thermal capes, sip a chilled cocktail in a space that feels like a futuristic wonderland.

46. Take a Surfing Lesson

Riding the waves is an experience like no other. You’ll wipe out (a lot), but the moment you catch your first proper wave, you’ll feel like you’ve conquered the ocean. It’s a brilliant combination of fun, fitness, and pure adrenaline.

47. Try a Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course

Think Total Wipeout, but on water! Clamber over slippery obstacles, launch yourself off giant inflatables, and race across floating courses as you splash, slip, and laugh your way through the ultimate aquatic adventure. Whether you're competing with friends or just embracing the chaos, it's a wild and refreshing way to spend the day.

48. Go to a ‘Dine in the Dark’ Experience

Take your taste buds on an adventure by enjoying a gourmet meal in complete darkness. Without sight, your other senses are heightened, making every bite a surprise and every flavour more intense.

49. Ride a Giant Swing Over a Stunning Landscape

Strap in, hold on, and prepare for the ultimate heart-pounding moment as you’re hoisted high into the air before free-falling into a giant arc over breathtaking scenery. It’s an unforgettable experience that’s equal parts thrilling and liberating.

50. Enjoy an Afternoon Tea River Cruise

Float along a picturesque river while indulging in a classic afternoon tea on the Thames. Sip on fine teas, savour delicate sandwiches and cakes, and take in iconic London landmarks as you glide along the water. It’s the perfect blend of luxury, tranquillity, and sightseeing—because what could be more indulgent than a leisurely cruise paired with a traditional afternoon tea?

So, are you thinking of braving the rapids on a white water rafting adventure, or going full boujie and crafting your own bottle of wine? We’d be right there with you on that one—because if your forties aren’t for epic experiences, questionable decisions, and stories that start with “Remember that time we…?”, then what’s the point? Time to start ticking off that list!

For even more ideas and inspiration on making this decade amazing, check out our ultimate bucket list blog and start planning your next adventure!