When it came to planning this summer, I wanted to do something different.
In previous summer’s, we’ve leaned heavily on schedules. And this summer, I wanted to lean on the side of FUN.
I’ve talked about ways to slow down summer before. When I look back to my summer’s growing up, I just remember feeling so free. Like even the smallest moments were magical. This year, I decided to focus less on all the things we HAD to do (and believe me, there were plenty of those things!), and shift my focus toward what we WANTED to do.
So, one night at dinner, I got out a notebook and pen and asked the kids what they wanted to include on a “summer bucket list.” We wrote everything down and placed the open page of the notebook right next to our basket of keys in the kitchen for all to see.
I can’t say we’ve crossed off every item yet, but summer’s only halfway over and I feel confident that we still have time to conquer the rest!
Either way, it got me thinking: Are you looking for something fun to do yet this summer? Are you wanted to make some fun memories with the time that’s left before school starts up again? If so, I’m sharing 25 super simple and fun summer bucket list ideas below!
A few notes before we dive into the list:
Make it FUN!
I’m always in search of the fun stuff, but I also have a tendency to think about the things I “should” be doing. Here’s my biggest recommendation for your summer bucket list ideas: Keep it fun and NOT stressful. If you don’t enjoy taking your kids to the zoo, don’t add it to the list just because you think you should. I’m here to give you full permission to skip it! It’s YOUR list! Make your list special and specific and fun for YOUR family. No need to add items from my list here if they aren’t for you. This list is simply meant to spark some ideas. Do you, sis.
Get the kiddos involved!
I feel like I’m typing with a lot of exclamation points right now!! How fun! Ok, I’m done.😊Anyway, the most fun thing I’ve done with our summer bucket list so far is to ask my kiddos what they want to add to it. Obviously they’re little and still need some guidance/boundaries in this department (because NO we can’t have 10 “yes days” this summer.😳 I love my kids, but ain’t nobody got time for that.) But it’s SO special watching their faces light up when they think of something fun to add to the list.Worth it.
Don’t forget about yourself, Mama.
Is there somethingyou’dreally like to do this summer? A day trip you’d like to take or a shopping spree you’ve been considering? Add it to the list! I think it’s important for kiddos to see their mama having fun and taking good care of herself, too. Maybe you’d even rather make a separate list for yourself. Again, do what feels right to you. We were made to enjoy the little things. Let this summer be the reason you take advantage and have some fun!
Ok, now on to the list!
here are 25 summer bucket list ideas for you to try out this season:
1. Spend the night in a hotel.
With a pool. It’ll be worth it.😊
2. Go to a baseball game.
Our kiddos are pretty little so we’ve only attended local games, but I can’t wait to get to take them to a college or professional game in the future.
3. Visit a new splash pad/pool/water park you’ve never been to before.
It’ll feel like a new adventure!
4. Picnic in the park.
Sometimes lunch at a picnic table while the kids play on playground equipment is all you need to improve your mood for the day.
5. Visit an amusem*nt park.
If you don’t have one nearby, try the rides at your local county or state fair. We just made the trip to Worlds of Fun this summer and it was such a fun, new adventure.
6. Put up a tent in your backyard.
A no fuss way to get the kiddos out of the house.😉
7. Build a fire pit and roast marshmallows.
It’s free + who doesn’t like S’mores?
8. Go on a boat ride.
If you don’t own one, see if you can bum a ride from a friend. On the top of the list of favorite things from our family lake trips, my kiddos always have “boat rides” listed.
9. Make homemade ice cream.
Delicious and nutritious! (Well, maybe not nutritious… but it’s dang good.😬)
10. Spend a day on the water.
There’s something magical about being in the sun on the water. I swear it has the power to wash my worries away.
11. Visit your local farmer’s market.
Never underestimate the power of shopping local! (Plus there’s always lots of fun things to do with the kids.)
12. Catch a fish.
I feel like fishing should be the official pastime of summer.
13. Have drinks with friends on the patio.
Ok, this one may be more geared to the adults, but nothing screams summer like seltzers and letting the neighborhood kiddos run free.
14. Attend an outdoor concert.
Fresh air + live music = can’t lose.
15. Delete your social media apps forat leastone 24 hour period.
I just did this while on vaca with my littles and I’ve never felt so refreshed and free!
16. Catch lightening bugs in the backyard.
And teach your kids the importance of punching holes in the top of a mason jar so they can breathe.😉
17. Go to the zoo.
Always a hit with the kiddos!
18. Take a vacation.
Like a REAL vacation. Take a week, take 2 days, or take whatever you need. But make sure you take the time to get away and break free from the day-to-day.
19. Watch the sunrise.
Even if it means getting up super early one morning. It’s worth it to see God’s creation at work.
20. Go to a Children’s Museum.
And let their little imaginations run free!
21. Run through the sprinklers.
Perfect for kids of all ages! (That includes YOU!)
22. Take an evening walk on a nature trail.
This is one of my favorite things to do as a family. All electronics are turned off and there’s nothing to do but be in nature.
23. Play flashlight tag.
And one-up the traditional game.
24. Bring homemade goodies to a neighbor.
You’ll make their day!
25. Go stargazing.
If you’ve got a tent set up in the backyard, you’ve already got the perfect setting.
Wrapping Up.
Summer is the perfect time to embrace fun and take your sense of adventure to new heights. I hope you enjoy this season to the fullest, friend! I hope you laugh and play and find fun, even in the smallest moments of a basic July Friday night.
Here’s to summer!
**OVER TO YOU: Anything you’d add to the list? I’d love to hear your summer bucket list ideas! Share your suggestions in the comments below!
