Summer Bucket List for Kids - Troubleshooting Motherhood

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The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids. Use this free printable summer bucket list, full of boredom-busting activities, to help keep kids active and entertained during the summer.

When you have kids, summer break is such a fun time. Lazy mornings, no homework battles, and endless amounts of free time. But even with all the positives of summer break, there is one major drawback: boredom! “I’m bored,” “This is so boring,” “There’s nothing to do.” How many times a day do you hear this during the summer? 100? 1000? 10000? I’m going to go with 10000 boredom complaints on any given summer day.

I don’t want my kids sitting inside all summer playing video games and watching YouTube videos – although I’m definitely not opposed to giving them screen time so I can get some peace and quiet.

But, summer is the perfect time for kids to make the most of their days filled with sunshine and adventure. Creating a summer bucket list is an exciting way to plan and engage in activities that will create lasting memories. Whether your child loves exploring nature, unleashing their creativity, or simply having fun with friends, this article will provide a list of enjoyable activities for them to try.

Fun Summer Bucket List Ideas

Summer break is an ideal time for kids to explore new hobbies and interests. Encourage your child to learn a musical instrument, take up painting, or try a new sport. Enroll them in summer classes or workshops where they can develop their skills and meet like-minded peers. Learning something new not only enhances their knowledge but also promotes personal growth and self-confidence.

I created this summer bucket list for my kids so I can easily find ideas to keep them busy. You can print the summer checklist and keep it somewhere accessible so you never run out of ideas. This list can help provide your kids and the rest of the family with hours of entertainment.

Let’s dive into the world of summer possibilities with this Free Summer Bucket List!

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Outdoor Summer Bucket List Ideas

I love to get my kids outside when I can. Heading outdoors and discovering the wonders of nature is an excellent way to make the most of the summer season. Encourage your child to go on nature walks, hike in the woods, or have a picnic in the park.

They can also try their hand at gardening, learning about different plants and how they grow. Exploring the outdoors not only provides a fun-filled adventure but also helps kids develop a deep appreciation for the environment. Sometimes it’s too hot for outdoor fun, so I try to get in as much outdoor play as possible in the mornings or on the rare cooler afternoon.

Beat the heat by splashing into some water-based activities. Whether it’s swimming in a pool, playing at the beach, or running through a sprinkler, water activities are always a hit during the summer. Consider organizing a water balloon fight or setting up a slip-and-slide in your backyard.

These activities will keep your kids refreshed and entertained while providing a perfect opportunity for them to make a splash with their friends.

Play in the sprinklers
Outdoor hide and seek
Go to the local splash pad
Go swimming at night
Build a fairy garden
Sleep outside on a trampoline
DIY slip and slide
Go on a picnic
Plant seeds and watch them grow
Build a backyard obstacle course
Go on a nature walk – you can download and print my nature scavenger hunt printables here.
Have a water balloon fight – These self-sealing water balloons are awesome because you can fill and seal 100 balloons in 60 seconds.
Wash the cars
Blow bubbles
Play with sidewalk chalk
Have a water gun fight

You can check out some more fun summer activities in my post 5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Active this Summer.

Fun Summer Bucket List Craft Activities

Engaging in arts and crafts is an excellent way for kids to express their creativity while having a blast. Set up a designated art corner at home with various supplies like paints, markers, and colored pencils. Encourage your child to create their own masterpiece or try their hand at DIY projects. (My goal is to pick activities that will keep them busy for as long as possible.)

They can design personalized t-shirts, make friendship bracelets, or create imaginative artwork using recycled materials. These activities not only ignite their imagination but are also a great way to boost their fine motor skills.

Paint rocks
Tie-dye shirts – If you’re looking to keep things simple, this tie-dye kit has everything you need, minus the shirts.
Make your own chalk paint. The Best Ideas for Kids has a really simple tutorial you can follow.
Make cloud dough
Build a time capsule
Make bird feeders
Make friendship bracelets

Fun Family Summer Activities

Are you ready to create unforgettable memories with your family this summer bow that the school year is over? Look no further! While it’s great to keep kids busy so us parents can get other things done around the house, being able to make memories that your children will remember forever is so special. We have compiled a list of fun-filled family activities that are perfect additions to your summer bucket list. From outdoor adventures to creative projects and community engagements, these activities will bring you closer together, spark joy, and make this summer truly special.

Make homemade lemonade
Play board games
Visit a state park or national park
Go to a water park
Go to a farmers’ market
Make personal pizzas
Have a family movie night
Go to a drive-in movie
Stargaze – this would be fun on a trampoline!
Roast smores
Visit a fireworks show
Visit a local farm
Go strawberry picking
Organize a backyard Olympics

Bring the spirit of the Olympics to your own backyard by organizing a fun-filled sports event. Set up various stations with different activities such as relay races, sack races, and obstacle courses. Get the neighborhood kids involved and award medals to the winners. This friendly competition will keep the children active and entertained while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.

Make homemade popsicles – this recipe for fresh fruit popsicles looks amazing! You can pick up some inexpensive molds if you don’t already have some.
Go berry picking
Have a family game night
Go fishing
Go on a hike
Have a movie marathon
Make homemade ice cream
Go geocaching

Looking for some more family bonding ideas? Here are 30 Family Fun Activities you can try.

Indoor Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids

As much as summer is great for outdoor activities, sometimes it’s just too hot to stay outside for long periods of time. Summer is the perfect time to ignite a love for reading in your child. Create a reading list together and set aside specific times for reading. Visit your local library to discover new books or set up a cozy reading nook at home.

Encourage your child to read independently or have storytime sessions where you read aloud to them. This will not only improve their vocabulary and reading skills but also transport them to exciting worlds of imagination.

On those lazy summer afternoons or rainy days, gather the family for a movie marathon. Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets and pillows, prepare some popcorn, and let each family member choose their favorite movies. This activity provides an opportunity for relaxation, bonding, and experiencing the magic of storytelling.

Build a fort
Re-arrange bedroom furniture
Read a book series
Learn a new card game
Do a science project

Encourage your child’s curiosity by engaging in science experiments and hands-on activities. Create a mini volcano, make slime, or conduct simple chemistry experiments using household items. You can also visit science museums or participate in science workshops to enhance their understanding of the world around them. Science activities promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making learning an exciting adventure.

Write a story and illustrate it
Make friendship bracelets
Make paper airplanes
Make root beer floats
Indoor Camping

While summer is usually associated with outdoor camping, indoor camping can be just as thrilling. Set up a tent or build a fort using blankets and pillows. Tell stories, play board games, and enjoy snacks together. This indoor camping adventure will create precious family bonding time while keeping the spirit of camping alive, even when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities.

Create an indoor obstacle course
Have a movie marathon with the whole family

Give Back to the Community

Teaching kids the value of giving back to their community is an essential life lesson that can be instilled during the summer break. Engaging in community service activities not only benefits those in need but also cultivates a sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility in children.

There are numerous ways your family can give back together. Consider volunteering at a local shelter or food bank. Many organizations welcome families with open arms and provide age-appropriate tasks for children to participate in. By serving meals to the homeless, sorting donated goods, or assisting with community events, your children will witness firsthand the impact they can have on improving the lives of others.

Engaging in community service as a family has numerous benefits. Firstly, it creates opportunities for quality family time. By working together toward a common goal, your family will bond and create lasting memories. Whether it’s packing care packages for those in need or participating in a community clean-up, these shared experiences will strengthen your family’s connection and teach your children the importance of working together for the greater good.

Secondly, giving back to the community helps children develop a broader perspective of the world around them. It exposes them to diverse individuals and situations, fostering empathy and understanding. Through volunteering, children learn to appreciate their own privileges while developing a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This perspective will shape their character, promoting kindness and compassion as they grow into responsible adults.

Lastly, engaging in community service provides valuable learning opportunities for children. They develop new skills, such as organization, communication, and problem-solving, as they actively contribute to the community. By encountering real-world challenges and finding creative solutions, children build resilience and gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced by others.

As a family, you can make a difference in your community and be a force for positive change. By involving your children in giving back, you empower them to become active citizens who contribute to the betterment of society. So, embrace the spirit of community service this summer, and together, create a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Click on the picture below to download your own copy of the Summer Bucket List for Kids

Final Thoughts on The Summer Bucket List for Kids

The Ultimate Summer Bucket list for Kids. Use this free printable summer bucket list, full of boredom-busting activities, to help keep kids active and entertained during the summer.

This summer, make sure your kids have a fantastic time by trying out these fun-filled activities. From exploring nature to unleashing creativity and engaging in sports, there are fun ideas for every child’s interests. Remember, summer is the perfect opportunity for kids to create lasting memories, make new friends, and develop valuable life skills. So, grab your summer bucket list and start ticking off the adventures one by one. Happy summer!

How many items will you be able to check off the list?

Enjoy your summer!

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