A summer bucket list is a perfect way for families to bond, create lasting memories, and embark on new adventures together. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, get creative indoors, or simply enjoy each other’s company, here are 10 exciting summer bucket list ideas to inspire your family fun.
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1. Go Camping Under the Stars: This is something that can be done in your very own backyard if you want. Or you can find a nearby camp ground and have a simple camping night out there. You can bring whatever you want, a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights and marshmallows for a night under the stars.
2. Have a Beach Day: Pack the car up for a fun filled day at the beach. Soak up the sun, splash around in the water, jump in the waves and have fun playing in the sand! Brings along the beach essentials (listed below) to make the day as comfortable as possible.Don’t forget to pack lunch, cold water, and plenty of sunscreen for a day of seaside fun.
Some items that will make this day memorial to bring along:
- Sand toys
- Beach umbrella
- Beach chairs for both adults and kids
- Beach tent for shade
- Shade blanket
- Beach towels
- Cooler
- Beach stroller to carry all the items
- Beach boogey board
- Beach Balls
- Beach toys
3. Visit a Natural Park: Depending on what is violable to you, there are so many things that you can do at a park near you. Or if you want to take a trip you can drive to one that you want to try. Some parks have trails and woods that are good for walking, hiking to even bike riding. Maybe go for an educational nature walk and discuss the different types of trees and flowers, even birds. Some parks even have open spaces for some kite flying and call playing. Bring a picnic basket and eat sone lunch there. If you’re lucky you might even find a playground too with some swings and slides.
4. Create a DIY Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a makeshift outdoor movie theater in your backyard complete with blankets, pillows, and popcorn. There are many ways to do this. You can use a tent, bring a laptop and watch the movie on there. You can rent a blow up movie theater and put out some folding chairs. Or you can use a screen projector and project it onto your wall. Some may even have an outside television already installed, you would just need some blankets and popcorn! Choose a family-friendly movie, and snuggle together under the stars.
Here is a list of some family movies you might enjoy:
- Cinderella
- Enchanted
- The Parent Trap
- E.T.
- Free Willy
- Homeward Bound
- Coco
- Paddington
- Inside Out
- Annie
- Moana
- The Wizard of Oz
- Harty Potter
You can also check out this list of top 40 family movies from Forbes.
5. Have a Water Balloon Fight: Create a fun-filled family water balloon fight in your backyard. Have your kids help you fill up the balloons, split the family into teams, (maybe kids versus parents), and let the splashing begin. Just be prepared to get wet!
6. Visit a Farmers’ Market: While supporting your local farmers market, you can also teach your kids about where their food comes from. They will have a blast getting to them pick out their iw fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goodies. They will be more likely to want to try the fruits and vegetables because they were a part of the choices. Maybe they’ll even try something you never thought they would!
7. Try Pokemon Go: Pokemon GO is a great way to bond with your kids that love Pokemon. You can go on a modern-day treasure hunt by trying geocaching, a GPS-based outdoor activity. All you have to do is download the Geocaching app on your phones, search for the hidden caches in your area, and see what treasures you can find together as a family. You can even add a picnic for lunch and make it a whole day adventure!
8. Have a fun family picnic: Since it’s the summer and the weather might be how you might want to find a place with lots of trees and shade. Sometimes you can even find a place with sprinklers to stay cool. Depending on where you live, having a picnic at the beach or lake might be ideal too. Regardless, picnics are a great way to spend time with your family and create lasting memories.
For more themed picnics ideas click here.
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9. Host a Family Game Night: Whether it’s a rainy summer day or warm summer night, having family game night is always a good time. It’s creates bonding and memories they will never forget. You can bring out the classic board games, card games, or try a DIY scavenger hunt or escape room challenge. Regardless of what you choose, it’ll be a night filled with laughter and fun.
Here are some board games the whole family can enjoy:
- Hedbanz
- Sorry
- Keep It Steady
- Operation
- Candyland
- Twister
- Uno
- Monopoly Junior
- Beat The Parents
- It’s Banana’s
Check out more board game ideas here
10. Make Something New Together: There are a lot of new things you can try together as a family? Maybe try a new dinner recipe or dessert. Make some homemade ice cream or ice pops. Maybe try out a new sport together, or learning a new hobby like gardening. Summer is the perfect time to learn something new together as a family.
Check out my Summer Bucket List Printable!
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11. Find Free Summer Events: In many cities, they offer free summer events such as outdoor concerts or festivals. Some may offer free sprinkler fests, live bands, fireworks and even movies in the park. Look up the free summer events in your area.
Conclusion
With these exciting Summer Family bucket list ideas, your family is sure to have an unforgettable summer filled with love, laughter, and quality memories that are built together as a family. So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready for a summer full of fun memories that will last a lifetime.
I'm 40 years old and a mom of 2 three year olds and a first grader. I am also a Special education teacher. My passion has always been to help people, which is why I started this blog.