Summer Bucket List for Kids

How is everyone feeling about the end of school and the start of summer? Even if you have little ones who aren’t in school yet, you may be wondering what to do over the summer with your kids or how to make the most of summer. Well I’ve got you covered! 

My summer bucket list for kids includes tons of ideas to help you create fun summer memories and keep kids of all ages entertained — from classic activities that will give your kids an old-fashioned summer experience to modern twists on timeless fun.

Whether you want to bring back those nostalgic 90s summer vibes you remember from your own childhood or discover new adventures, this list has something for every family. Think sprinkler runs, sidewalk chalk masterpieces, and lazy afternoons that feel just like the summers you grew up with, but updated for today's families.

But first, let’s get into why parents could use a lot more support during May and why I created this printable for you!

Before I became a parent, I never knew how chaotic the month of May — also known as Maycember — could be. If you haven’t heard of Maycember, the joke is that May feels a lot like December — busy, overwhelming, and stressful, but without the holiday cheer or long break (for parents, anyway). 

From end-of-year tournaments and performances, to school spirit days, to final projects and exams, to classroom parties and graduations, May is often packed! It’s also the time when parents are trying to organize summer schedules, plan fun activities, and figure out how to balance work, home management, and other life events while kids are on summer break.    

Phew. No wonder so many parents and kids feel burned out by May.

While I can’t help you out with the school chaos, I can help you out with a plan for the summer that combines the best of old-school fun with new family traditions! 

My summer bucket list for kids includes a variety of activities for your entire family to look forward to, from screen-free throwback activities to modern adventures. Whether you want to enjoy your favorite summer traditions or create new memories, you’ll find both simple suggestions and more involved ideas to make the most of summer!  

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Why Every Family Needs a Summer Bucket List

Is a summer bucket list worth it? I think so! Here are a few reasons why: 

• Summer always feels like it goes by so quickly! By putting together some ideas for a summer bucket list, you can make sure you have time for all the fun summer activities you want to do as a family. 

• Battle boredom with purpose. First, it’s ok — and good — for kids to be a little bored! This is often what sparks their imagination and creativity. But if kids are continuously complaining that they have nothing to do, that isn’t fun for anyone. Having a list of ideas ready to go can help!

• Many people crave the slow, flexible, and unstructured days of summer. But in reality, we all need a little structure! Routines, especially, give kids a sense of control and independence. 

• Explore the possibilities of summer fun for all ages. There are some things that are just better during summer! My ideas for a summer bucket list can help remind you of your favorite summer activities and encourage you to go on new adventures. 

How to Create (and Use) a Summer Bucket List Your Kids Will Love

• Brainstorm summer bucket list ideas together as a family. Remember, there are no bad ideas during a brainstorm! Even if it sounds silly or unrealistic, write it down. 

• If you’re feeling stuck, ask everyone what their favorite things about summer are or if there’s anything new they want to try. Consider mixing classic activities with new experiences — maybe your kids want to try that lemonade stand you had as a kid!

• Use these ideas along with my printable to create your family’s summer bucket list. If you want, you can prioritize activities by starring the ones that everyone wants to do. Or you can narrow it down with your top 20. 

• Remind yourself to plan ahead. Make sure to note which of your summer bucket list ideas will need you to purchase a ticket or reserve something in advance.

• Put all events with a specific date on your calendar so you don’t miss them. This could be a street fair, outdoor concert, or a barbecue with friends. Anything that requires a ticket or reservation should also go on the calendar. 

• Consider your kids' ages and abilities. If your kids are different ages, consider how to make the activity work for everyone involved — or if you need to split up activities based on age. 

• Remember to have fun! Planning activities for your family can be stressful sometimes, so try to remain flexible, take breaks when needed, and bring lots of snacks (always!). 

• Create a "boredom buster" jar for spontaneous fun. Write out all of the activities from your summer bucket list for kids that are easy to do on a whim, and put them in a jar. When your kids feel bored and say they have nothing to do, have them choose one of the ideas.  

• Make it visible. Hang your summer bucket list for kids somewhere visible so it’s easy for everyone to look at and use. I have a few printables for you below!

• Remember it’s ok for kids to be a little bored and not fill their days with tons of activities or outings. Summer is a delicate balance of giving kids structure and things to do while also giving them time to use their own imagination and rest. 

50 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids

Classic Outdoor Summer Activities (Old-School Fun That Never Gets Old)

1. Run through the sprinklers.  Just like you did as a kid! If your kids love playing in the water, consider getting an inflatable splash pad or water slide for your backyard.

2. Have a water balloon fight . The ultimate 90s throwback activity. My family loves these reusable water balloons. Easy to use and less of a mess!

3. Create a sidewalk chalk mural. A timeless summer classic. Challenge your family to decorate the driveway or sidewalk with an epic mural or encouraging messages for neighbors.

4. Fly a kite.  Old-fashioned fun that's still magical. A classic summer tradition that my family loves to do!

5. Have a picnic.  Screen-free family time at its best. Pack everyone's favorite summer foods and enjoy a picnic at the park — or in your own backyard.

6. Go biking. Bike around the neighborhood or find a fun trail to explore.

7. Go on a hike. Use a site like All Trails to find hikes near you. You can also filter by driving distance, difficulty level, and trail length.

8. Play a lawn game. Try bocce ball, frisbee golf, croquet, capture the flag, or cornhole.

9. Scoot, skip, or rollerblade. Looking for fun physical activities? Grab rollerblades, a scooter, or a skip ball for your kids.

Water Fun & Summer Favorites

10. Go to the pool. We love the pool! Check out my post for my family's favorite pool toys, tips, and more.

11. Splash in a splash pad. Search online to see when your local splash pads open. Don't forget towels and a change of clothing!

12. Go to the beach. If you need help planning a beach trip, check out my favorite beach toys, gear, and more.

13. Try a new outdoor water activity for adventurous families. Go fishing, kayaking, surfing, or horseback riding.

14. Eat (or make) popsicles. Summer's sweetest tradition. These popsicle holders are perfect for kids. You can also make any kind of popsicle you want with a popsicle mold.

15. Make ice cream sundaes. Grab your family's favorite ice cream flavors and toppings to make your own sundaes.

16. Tour local ice cream shops.  Create your own "Best of Summer" rankings. Make a list of 3–5 nearby spots and rate the flavors, cones, and vibes. Maybe crown a "Best Ice cream of the Summer."

Nature & Adventure Activities

17. Go to the zoo. Look ahead for fun events your kids will like and to make reservations.

18. Visit your local aquarium or museum. Look ahead for any events and to make reservations.

19. Visit a national park or state park. Plan ahead to see which parks are nearby or are worth driving to. Some parks also require a reservation in advance.

20. Plant veggies or flowers. Do a quick search online to see which vegetables and flowers thrive during summer, then grab some starts.

21. Visit a farmer's market. Pick 2-3 markets to check out this summer and see how they compare.

22. Pick berries. Check your local farms for u-pick berries. Look ahead to see which fruit is available and for how long.

23. Visit a farm. Check your local farms to see what events they have going on — or just go for the wide open spaces, fresh food, and cute marketplaces.

24. Take up birdwatching.  Nature connection for the whole family. According to NPR, more kids are getting into bird and nature watching! Set up a simple bird feeder or grab a high-tech feeder that identifies birds.

25. Watch the sunset or sunrise.  Simple moments that create lasting memories. Plan a calm evening or early morning to pause and enjoy nature together. Bring a blanket and a special treat.

Creative & Indoor Summer Activities

26. Have an arts & crafts day. Perfect for indoors (when it's too hot) or outdoors! Here are some arts & crafts ideas for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids.    

27. Start a journal. This is a great way for kids to get out their thoughts and feelings, write about their summer experiences, or start practicing gratitude.

28. Bake a yummy dessert. Bake family favorites or try something new! If your kids love to help in the kitchen, check out my tips and ideas for baking with kids.

29. Have a movie marathon.  Cozy summer days have their place too. Perfect for those days where kids just want to be cozy inside! Here are our favorite family movies, the best family sports movies, and movies for tween girls.    

30. Play games when it's too hot outside. Too hot to go outside? Spend the day playing games instead. Here are my family’s favorite games.

31. Try a kid's workshop for hands-on learning. Check out your local home improvement stores to see if they offer skill-building classes for kids.

32. Make a photo book to document your summer adventures. Document your family's summer adventures so everyone can talk about their favorite experiences. I love this instant photo printer for printing photos quickly at home.

Community & Social Summer Fun

33. Camp out and make s'mores.  Backyard camping counts! If it's too hot outside, try camping in your living room.

34. Go to a playground. Now's the time to check out playgrounds past your neighborhood.

35. Go to a fair, carnival, or amusement park. Search ahead to see when state fairs and other fairgrounds open.

36. Plan a patio party.  Summer entertaining made easy. Have family, friends, or neighbors over for a summer celebration. Keep it casual or go all out with a themed party.

37. Go to an outdoor concert. Look ahead to see which bands and artists are coming to your city this summer.

38. Enjoy movies outside.  Summer cinema under the stars. See if your city hosts movie nights at parks — or set up your own movie night outdoors with a projector and white sheet.

39. Check out a garage sale. Many people set up garage sales in the summer. Scout them out with your family and see what unique treasures you can find!

40. Visit your local community center. Look ahead to see what sort of classes or events your community center is offering over the summer.

Adventure & Travel Ideas

41. Take a road trip. If you need some help with the planning, check out my travel posts: Travel Games, Travel Activities, and Travel Gear for Kids.

42. Plan a day trip. Think about somewhere fun you can go that's only an hour or two away. Then list out what you'll do while there.

43. Fly somewhere fun. Bigger trips usually take 6 months to a year of planning and booking ahead, but quick weekend getaways can be done 1-3 months in advance!

44. Sign up for a sleepaway camp. Two of my daughters love doing this every summer! Here are my kids’ summer camp favorites if you need tips and ideas for what to pack.

Special Summer Traditions

45. Create a summer reading challenge.  Learning disguised as fun. Check your local library to see if they have their own challenge with prizes.

46. Play a sport. Summer is a great time to find a week-long sports camp, try a new sport, or just play around in the backyard.

47. Set up a scavenger hunt. Make it even easier on yourself with scavenger hunt cards. Have little ones? Grab these cards for toddlers.

48. Enjoy your favorite summer foods. This could be watermelon and cherries, hotdogs and potato salad, or anything grilled on the barbecue.

49. Get messy outside. Summer freedom at its finest. Summer days are the perfect time for kids to finger paint, play with mud, and blow bubbles. Check out this post for other outdoor play ideas for little kids.

50. Have a "yes day". Controlled chaos that creates amazing memories. Within reason, say "yes" to (almost) everything the kids ask for that day — from food choices to activities. It's chaotic, but memorable.

Summer Bucket List for Kids FAQs

What age is best for a summer bucket list?

All ages! Even toddlers can participate by drawing pictures, choosing activities, or using visual bucket lists.

What if we don’t finish everything?

That’s totally fine! The list is meant to inspire, not stress you out. Pick your top 10–20 favorites and anything extra is a bonus.

Do I need to plan every week in advance?

Not at all. Plan the big things (camps, trips, ticketed events), and use the summer bucket list for ideas when you don’t have plans! It will be spontaneous fun. 

How can I get my kids involved?

Let them help brainstorm ideas and decorate the printable list. The more involved they are, the more excited they’ll be to do the activities.

How do I handle different age groups?

Choose a mix of family-wide activities and individual ones. It’s also okay to split up sometimes — one parent takes the older kids biking while the younger one stays home to paint.

What if it’s too hot where I live?

Prioritize morning and evening activities, and lean into indoor options like museums, movie marathons, crafts, or puzzles  — there are plenty of ways to have an amazing summer regardless of the weather.

How can I give my kids a nostalgic, old-fashioned summer experience?

Focus on screen-free activities like sidewalk chalk, sprinkler runs, nature walks, and homemade treats. Many of the activities on this list will naturally give kids that timeless summer feeling you remember from your own childhood.

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Where can I get the printable summer bucket list for kids?

Right here! There are three downloads for you — the ultimate summer bucket list, the summer bucket list highlights, and a blank option for you to write down the ideas for a summer bucket list that work best for your family.

Whether you check off every item or just a few, remember — summer doesn’t need to be perfect to be memorable. Use this list as a guide, not a to-do list, and don't be afraid to embrace both the nostalgia of summers past and the excitement of new adventures.

And don’t forget to grab your free summer bucket list for kids printable to make planning even easier! 

However you use this list — loosely, intentionally, or somewhere in between — I hope it gives you ideas and inspiration for the best summer yet, filled with both classic fun and new family traditions. You’ve got this, mama ☀️