For many, this summer will be different. Less is open, and caution is encouraged. Plus, we’re all at varying levels of staying home with the pandemic.
So, we could spend all summer trying not to go crazy, OR we can have a summer bucket list for kids to make this season our best one yet. Regardless of outside circumstances.
In fact, summer bucket list ideas are more important for my family than ever this year. With so much uncertainty, we desperately NEED things to look forward to.
With that, this article contains:
- The ultimate summer bucket list for kids at home, with yummy treats, outside, and going places.
- A fierce summer bucket list for MOM (adults need fun too!)
- 5 Tips for less stress and more fun using a list
We’ll leave no rock unturned! So, let’s check it out the lists!
Summer Bucket List for Kids: At Home
This is a great reminder that there are TONS of fun activities to do at home!
Take a family photo and have it framed
Make a home theater (or indoor fort) in your home and have a movie day
Make journals (or start a summer journal)
Participate in a fun reading program
Make a time capsule
Do the Home Depot crafts (they are still giving them out even though classes have been cancelled)
Try a fun Science project. Check out easy ones HERE.
Engage in amazing 4th of July Traditions. See my ebook for more!
Make friendship bracelets
Do a family puzzle
Throw out the slip in slide or baby pool
Make treats for neighbors
Have a pillow fight
Learn a new board game
Set up a living room campout
Paint rocks (Then, put them around the neighborhood or trail)
Make sun-catchers (or dream catchers)
Make paper airplanes or paper boats
Write a story
Make a bird feeder
Do a random act of kindness. Check out this post for tips on spreading positivity.
Start a pen pal
Related Post:
Delicious Summer Food Ideas
Have fun with food to make your summer an event to remember.
Eat breakfast for dinner (or backwards day with food)
Do a homemade pizza party
Make homemade jam
Bake cookies
Make root beer floats
Eat ice cream sundaes
Make snowcones
Try homemade fruit popsicles
Make BLTs using fresh in season tomatoes
Make s’mores
Have a fondue night
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month in July (or these other fun July holidays)
Summer Bucket List: Outside (at Home)
Nothing beats the sound of bug life this time of year or the starry wonder of a clear summer night.
Create sidewalk art or paint rocks
Gather around the firepit
Plant a garden (or an herb garden)
Do a scavenger hunt walk
Skip rocks in the creek
Campout in the backyard
Catch fireflies
Have a balloon or water gun fight
Run in the sprinklers
Fly a kite
Stargaze, and get out that telescope
Dance in the rain
Do some cloud watching
Nap in a hammock
Make an obstacle course
Summer Bucket List for Kids: Out
If you live in a place where these events/places are open and you feel safe, then add them to the list!
Check out the animals and live music at the county fair
Hit up your favorite pool
Bike around a new trail or neighborhood
Check out three new parks and enjoy picnics there!
Hit up a drive through movie theater
Go to a summer matinee
Visit the zoo
Go to a sports game
Go to an amusement park
Visit a nature center
Buy fresh food at the Farmer’s Market
Go on a road trip (even a short one!)
Visit a state or national park
Go bowling
Try fishing in a new spot
Go to a water splash park
Attend a story time
Go to the beach – and make sandcastles
Visit an aquarium
Go to a children’s museum
Play mini golf
Ride a ferris wheel or amusement park ride
Visit a library you’ve never been to before
Try a new restaurant
Visit a pick your own produce farm
Download the full kid list HERE –
Summer Bucket List for Moms
Here’s the thing. Adults need fun and spontaneity too. And isn’t this summer the best time to go for some?!
So, once the kids are in bed and you can think about your summer, add a few of these on your adult summer bucket list.
1. Add one fun sundress or flirty skirt to your wardrobe
3. Give yourself or get a bright summer pedicure
4. Wear heels or wedges just once
5. Go on a solo bike ride around a new place
6. Clean out your ________ (closet, basement, garage…)
7. Watch a sunrise or sunset
8. Try something new that will improve your life – meditating, journaling, etc.
9. Take a nap (or ten)
10. Go wine tasting (or virtual wine tasting)
11. Plan a summer date with your partner. Try a romantic picnic!
12. Run a 5K or 10K (these can be virtual)
13. Work on a new habit. Check out this list of life-changing habits.
14. Host someone you haven’t seen in a while (in a safe manner if needed!)
15. Make a summer playlist
16. Make sangria or another classic summer drink. Try drinks HERE.
17. Read an amazing book. Get one off the NYT bestseller list HERE.
18. Watch fireworks
19. Bake a fruit pie from scratch
20. Porch sit with tea for an afternoon
21. Brew your own beer or make your own wine
22. Do something you’ve never done before (get a tattoo, go on a spontaneous road trip, learn to surf, etc.)
23. Hike a new trail
24. Volunteer
25. Go camping
26. Get a fresh summer hairdo
27. Write someone a kind note
28. Host a game night with friends (or virtual game night)
29. Take a weekend or week completely off of work and household tasks
30. Buy a delicious ice cream treat on a hot day – to eat by yourself
Download the full mom list HERE –
Now, read on for what to do with our amazing new lists!
5 Tips for Less Stress This Summer
Alright, I’m a sucker for lists. BUT, it can be easy to get stressed out feeling like there’s MORE to do as a mom. And there’s no need for that!
Check out these five tips to leave the stress behind with our summer bucket lists!
1. Make it Manageable
First, ONLY pick the activities that mean the most to you or that you can see yourself smiling with. If you know you’re going to go overboard on activities, then force yourself to keep it to a certain number.
2. Change it to a Dream Board
Who says it has to be a checklist?!
Instead of one big to-do list, think of it as more of a vision board or dream board of ideas.
3. Write Only What You’ve Done
Take this list of ideas, and as you do activities this summer, write them down.
Spend the summer creating a list of fun activities you’ve completed. You’ll be reminding yourself of what you’ve done, not what you have left.
Plus, focusing on positive progress is a huge trick for overall happiness and motivation!
Related Posts:
4. Improvise on Your Traditions
Again, this summer will likely be different. And we’ll adjust. The more we go with the flow, the easier it will be on our mental health.
We normally do a big beginning of summer party, and the kids are refusing to give up on the idea. So, we’ll be throwing out every toy we own and make a feast for just our family. It will be fun and meaningful. And we’ll make it work this year.
How can you be creative with the summer traditions you have?
5. Stay Healthy
Summer = fun, but it’s also a lot of togetherness (which can lead to stress)! You’ll enjoy this time most if you take care of yourself. So, don’t forget your self-care for moms, regular movement, and healthy eating too.
Related Posts: 11 Healthy Summer Tips You Need to Know
Something to Consider With the Summer Bucket List
The best way to create an unforgettable summer is with a plan. Even if it’s a flexible one. So, don’t let this time slip by you! It’s the perfect opportunity to build up our close-knit families.
What will you add to your summer bucket list for kids (or adults)? I’d love to know!
Other summer posts to enjoy…
- 100 Summer Activities for Kids
- 10 of the Best 4th of July Traditions
- 5 Ways to Make the Most of Summer with the Kids
