The Ultimate Summer Bucket List – 100 Ideas

Summer is one of the best times of the year. It’s a season of relaxation and exploration, with more time to try new things. A few summers ago, my family and I decided to spice up our summer routine by creating an annual summer bucket list. We filled it with activities we’ve always wanted to try, from hiking to making homemade ice cream.

A Summer Bucket List is a great way to make memories and spend time on new experiences. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your summer, this is a great place to start!

Summer Bucket List Ideas of the Family

1. Go to the pool
2. Have a picnic
3. Make homemade lemonade
4. Watch the planes take off at the airport
5. Visit the Farmer’s Market
6. Collect seashells on the beach
7. Draw with sidewalk chalk (Write words of encouragement at the park)
8. Mail a letter
9. Play a family board game
10. Family movie at home w/ popcorn
11. Bake something new
12. Visit the Aquarium
13. Visit the Zoo
14. Visit the library
15. Visit a local ice cream shop
16. 5 ROAK (Random Acts of Kindness)
17. Make edible necklaces
18. Make homemade popsicles
19. Hike a new trail
20. Create a scavenger hunt
21. Have a water balloon fight
22. Go to the movies
23. Make bubbles
24. Set up a lemonade stand
25. Have a party just because
26. Go fishing
27. Create a fairy garden
28. Go to an outdoor concert
29. Make snow cones
30. Play frisbee
31. Have a dance party
32. Go to a sports game
33. Play on a slip-n-slide
34. Learn Origami
35. Make Bracelets
36. Have a puppet show
37. Finger Paint
38. Make a birdhouse
39. Visit the fire station and take them cookies
40. Make slime
41. Play in the sprinkler
42. Have a spa night
43. Play baseball
44. Kayak or Canoe
45. Campout in the backyard
46. Jump Rope
47. Fly a Kite
48. Build a blanket fort
49. Join a reading program
50. Make paper airplanes
51. Play laser tag
52. Crochet or Knit
53. Play mini-golf
54. Try an online class
55. Pick fruit
56. Read outside
57. Make smoothies
58. Take a bike ride
59. Watch fireworks
60. Have a firepit
61. Hula Hoop
62. Plant a garden
63. Visit the splash pad
64. Go paddle boarding
65. Make a nature collage
66. Go to a drive-in movie theater
67. Have a water fight
68. Go to a garage sale
69. Make root beer floats
70. Get a temporary tattoo
71. Make popsicles
72. Campout indoors
73. Play kickball
74. Make pizza
75. Do a science experiment
76. Volunteer
77. Paint rocks
78. Eat breakfast for dinner
79. Play beach volleyball
80. Have a slumber party
81. Run in a race
82. Take pictures around town
83. See a play or musical
84. Play hopscotch
85. Make an obstacle course
86. Tie-Dye
87. Celebrate Christmas in July
88. Go geocaching
89. Create a time capsule
90. Try a new food
91. Play flashlight tag
92. Make a flower bouquet
93. Go bowling
94. Have a movie marathon
95. Play video games
96. Go to an arcade
97. Visit a planetarium
98. Take a class
99. Plan a fancy dinner at home
100. Make something with clay

How to Create a Summer Bucket List

Create a summer bucket list with new and old experiences to beat summer boredom. Refer to the list when boredom strikes. Make a first draft to clarify your priorities before involving the kids in creating the list.

Brainstorm

Start by brainstorming. Determine what activities you want to include, as this will set the tone for the summer and ensure the children’s needs and interests are considered.

Here are some questions to think about:

• What are our favorite things to do?
• Are there any skills or subjects we want to learn?
• Is there something in our community we haven’t experienced yet?
• What are some easy or inexpensive activities that make us think of summer?
• Are there any day trips we want to take?

Then, take this list to your kids and get their ideas and suggestions. Their input is valuable and will make them feel included in the planning process.

Find New Local Activities

Summer is the perfect time to explore new activities in your local community. Join local Facebook mom groups or follow local Instagram accounts to find new activities. Here are some ideas of what to look for:

• Local festivals or events hosted by your city
• Free or low-cost vents at your library, recreation, or community center
• New playgrounds
• 4th of July fireworks
• Day trip to a water park or amusement park
• Outdoor activities

Create a Summer Routine

Create a summer schedule to make your days run smoothly. A routine not only increases a child’s sense of independence but also empowers them with a feeling of control. This can significantly reduce parental nagging and foster better behavior. This is one big reason we make a summer bucket list.

Here are some ideas to incorporate:

• A printable checklist of chores
• A goal chart for summer reading or other accomplishment
• A morning routine board
• A boredom jar to help kids learn to take responsibility for their entertainment
• A calendar to show special outings or appointments

Remember to consider the ages of your children when planning summer activities to ensure they are suitable and enjoyable for everyone.

Create a Calendar

Add date-specific events such as parades, fireworks, holiday BBQs, and s’mores nights to your family calendar. Once you’ve added these activities to your calendar, you can plan other activities around them. This will help you organize your summer plans while ensuring a fun summer for the whole family.