Ah, summer, with its sunny days, barbecues and sparklers at dusk, it's one of my favorite times of the year. Longer days, less structure, and vacations also mean more downtime, playtime, and hopefully more family time!
Even though we're homeschooling, summer means a more relaxed schedule (and more beach time!). Summer brings a sense of freedom and relaxation, but after a while, it can get boring. Inevitably, I will eventually hear, “Mom, I'm bored.”
Sound familiar?
Some time ago, my family started the tradition of creating an annual summer bucket list. Even if we don't do all the items on our list, it's a great way to make memories, spend time on fun new summer experiences, and revisit our favorites.
If you're looking to create a list of summer activities, this is a great place to start!
How to make a fun summer bucket list
One of our favorite ways to beat summer boredom is to write a summer bucket list. It motivates us to achieve new experiences to prove they are out of the norm and bring back some old favourites. And when you get bored, it's the perfect time to show the list.
The following will help you create a list of summer activities for your family. A tip: do a first draft before you get the kids involved. That way, you're clear on your priorities before the kids add their own “contributions” (and there will be a lot!).
1. Brainstorm bucket list ideas
Start with some basic ideas. These questions will help you determine what is important. Again, I would recommend doing this step yourself before getting the kids involved.
Here are some questions to think about:
- What are our favorite things to do? What outings or activities recharge us? How can we do more of these things this summer?
- is there any skills or subjects do we want to learn? What do we need to get started? (This helps children learn how to implement their ideas.).
- Is there something in our community that we haven't experienced yet? Or an annual event we can't miss? Do we want to organize a party?
- What are some? easy (free) activities. that make us think of summer?
- Are there any day trips we want to do?
From here, I narrow the list down to those that fit our current family priorities. Then, I take this list to my kids and get their ideas and suggestions.
Now that you have a list of some things you want to do, explore some new experiences. Here are some places to start with ideas for community events and activities:
- What festivals or events does your city host that you haven't attended before?
- Are there any free or low-cost classes or events at your library, recreation or community center?
- Is there a new playground you've been wanting to try?
- Want to watch the 4th of July fireworks?
- Is there a water park or amusement park nearby that you can take a day trip to?
- Are there any great outdoor activities nearby that you want to try?
3. Think through summer routines
Now that you have your list of fun ideas, it's time to think of a schedule. Even though it's summer and we think free time is amazing, it turns out we really crave some structure. Studies show that routines increase a child's sense of independence and control. It also reduces parental annoyance and creates better behavior (win-win!). This is a big reason we make our summer bucket list.
I like to create a somewhat loose schedule for the summer. Then I'll have a general idea of when we can go out and do things. It's good to have a routine…but it's good to be flexible because you never know when the urge to make ice cream at home will hit you on a hot summer day!
Think about new routines and set some visual reminders. Here are some ideas to get involved:
The above will definitely vary depending on the age you have at home.
4. Put a specific event on the calendar
I don't like to plan too many of my bucket list items (there's got to be some spontaneity!). But there are some things I don't want to miss, like parades or fireworks, holiday BBQs with friends and bonfire nights in the backyard.
Some people work better with more concrete plans. If that's you, use your summer routine as a base and add any fun and educational summer bucket list ideas to your calendar. Or if you want to be more flexible, create a list of your items (or a cute poster in Canva) and print it. Post it next to your calendar and when you have free time (or the kids are bored), pick an activity to do!
Summer bucket list ideas for families
If you're looking for some inspiration for your list, here are some of our favorite ideas. The best part? Most of them are free or very low cost. Some ideas are boasting activities. Choose some of these activities or use them as a jumping off point to create your own.
If your family is competitive, check it out THIS adventure point system to use with your summer bucket list. It keeps kids motivated to try new things on their own.
90 ideas for the ultimate summer bucket list
- Walk a new path. Check out apps like All paths to find good kid friendly people near you.
- Create a trend scavenger hunt. Or go to Groupon to find cheap ones in your city.
- Try a new food at the local farmers market.
- Visit a nearby nature center and learn about plants and animals.
- Stay inside the tree house. If you don't have one, add building a treehouse to your list.
- Check out nearby state parks you've never visited.
- Build a sandcastle with your whole family (and enter a sandcastle competition if you can find one!).
- Have a greener version of a water balloon fight in your backyard (use sponges, not balloons, to avoid choking hazards and plastic waste).
- Go to a matinee or drive-in movie. Some cinemas offer free movies on weekdays when they are also less crowded.
- Prepare a batch of frozen meals in advance for friends who are expecting babies.
- place bubble solution in a kiddie pool and use a hula hoop to create giant bubbles!
- Make one lemonade stand.
- Catch fireworks. (Though, unfortunately you can't see them inside every state now.)
- Make popcorn from fruits and chia seeds.
- Have a luau for neighbors and friends.
- A projector + outdoor wall = outdoor movie!
- Teach children to do homemade ice cream (useful when the ice cream truck is rolling).
- Have a picnic at a local park.
- Log in fairy garden craze
- Look for local outdoor concerts (many are free.)
- Stay up late and do some stargazing. You have Stargaze with an app yet? Game changer!
- Go wild foraging for herbs and plants with a local expert.
- Collect shells on the beach.
- Do real food snow cones. (Watch this snow cone machine!)
- Go fishing and learn how to clean fish.
- Visit a local museum (these are sometimes free or have special free days) to learn about the history of your town or neighborhood.
- Play frisbee.
- Fire up some seniors and have a dance party in the living room.
- Take a slide and slide in the backyard.
- Go to a sports game.
- Take a trip to a local pool or swimming hole.
- Play wiffle ball in the backyard.
- Learn how to make simple origami.
- Plan a road trip somewhere you haven't been.
- Finger paint out.
- Draw with sidewalk chalk.
- Put on a puppet show.
- Make a necklace with homemade clay beads.
- Make a birdhouse.
- And a bat house.
- Visit the fire station and get them homemade cookies.
- Make slime.
- Go to the zoo.
- Cool off in warm weather by playing in the sprinkler.
- Visit a retirement or nursing home and make cards for the residents.
- Learn how to score a baseball game.
- Make one DIY beauty recipes and have a spa night.
- Go to the lake and go kayaking or canoeing.
- Ride a Ferris wheel.
- Try a free workshop for children at your local home improvement store.
- Have a game night and learn new card games.
- Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with one backyard camping.
- Teach children to jump rope.
- Make some healthy ice cream sandwiches.
- Take a nap! (Maybe in a hammock?)
- Raise a balloon.
- Build a pillow or blanket fort and stay up late on a summer night.
- Play Capture the Flag.
- They climb trees.
- Join the library's summer reading club.
- Make paper airplanes and race them.
- leave the children plan and cook dinner.
- Choose an empty wall in the garage and paint a family mural. (Or at home for more daring/artistic parents!)
- Play flashlight tag.
- Make root beer from the beginning.
- Learn how to crochet or knit.
- Try an online class from Udemy.com and learn a new skill (many are just $14.99).
- Learn to walk a faint line.
- Find one creator space or attend one mini-producer production.
- Go to a fruit farm and make homemade jam in the fridge.
- Spend a lazy afternoon reading books.
- Ride a roller coaster!
- Watch fireworks or attend a 4th of July parade.
- Take the whole family on a bike ride.
- Go on a boat trip if you live near a lake.
- Practice random acts of kindness for people in your community.
- Try a new one smoothie recipe for a refreshing midday snack.
- Fire up your fire pit and make s'mores and roast hot dogs.
- Eat some cold watermelon on a hot day.
- Learn how to hula hoop or do a cartwheel.
- Plant a garden and get the kids to help! It's a great way to get some sun and play in the dirt.
- Visit a local pad on a hot summer day.
- Go paddling on a lake or reservoir.
- Explore nature and collect items to make a nature collage.
- Have fun playing in the rain!
- Plan a block party with your neighbors.
- Do Homemade marshmallows for more.
- Make a list of every playground you want to try and hit them all.
- Invite some new friends over for a BBQ.
- Learn how to make friendship bracelets and trade with your friends.
The main thing: Have fun!
Making a summer bucket list is a fun way to plan new experiences and prevent boredom. It's a great time to make new memories as a family too.
The important thing is to look at it as family inspiration and not a “to do” list. Even if we don't accomplish everything on our bucket list, it reminds us to spend quality time together and try new things, whether we're on adventures or at home.
Are you creating a summer bucket list? What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
