Summer Bucket List for Families

Summer is almost here! I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for summer! After the unusual summer last year, I’m ready for a real summer this year. That’s where my 2021 summer bucket list comes in!

My summer bucket list includes working on our digital photo albums, blogging, organizing and of course, reading. I made a list in my bullet journal for myself and made sure to include some fun things like a date night with Andy, a family ice cream outing and a game night with friends. Andy has his own list of projects he wants to accomplish at home and school. And of course, we are all looking forward to our family vacation, too!

As I looked over my list, I realized that a lot of my summer ideas were practical ones. I’m all for getting lots done but I also want to make this an enjoyable summer for our whole family.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more in my disclosure policy.

Our kids are 7, 5, 3 and 1 now. They get more excited for summer with each passing year! They know summer is different because Daddy is home with us. Plus, since Emma will be in school full time in the Fall (in Kindergarten!) with Nathan (2nd grade already?), I want to create some special family memories this summer.

I decided to create a simple but fun summer bucket list for our family. I did have a couple stipulations to my summer bucket list.

The activities should be fun for everyone in the family.
The activities shouldn’t take a lot of planning so we can spontaneously pick an activity for the day.
The activities won’t cost a lot of money.

I am excited about all the summer bucket list ideas I brainstormed. I actually came up with over 40 ideas for us to use this summer! They are perfect for families with little ones as well as families with older ones.

The beauty of a summer bucket list is that it can easily be customized to your family. This would be a great dinner table conversation for families to have together.

Here are 40 summer bucket list ideas for families.

Visit the splash pad.
Run through the sprinkler.
Make s’mores.
Go on a picnic.
Go on a road trip.
Go garage sale shopping.
Have a family movie night.
Eat popsicles.
Go out for ice cream cones.
Sign up for summer reading programs.
Go fruit picking.
Swim at the beach.
Visit the zoo.
Visit a new (to you) museum.
Make homemade ice cream.
Visit a relative.
Have a water balloon fight.
Blow bubbles.
Watch fireworks.
Try a new restaurant.
Make root beer floats.
Go on a hike.
Go on a family walk.
Swim in the swimming pool.
Swim at the lake.
Catch fireflies.
Go to a parade.
Shop at the dollar store for a $1 treat.
Read lots of books.
Go school supply shopping.
Bake cookies.
Make a new recipe as a family.
Eat a meal outside.
Visit the library.
Mail a postcard.
Play a board game as a family.
Do a science experiment.
Go somewhere new.
Have a no bedtime night.
And so on and so on and so on!

Want a checklist of my summer bucket list ideas?

Download a free printable summer bucket list here.

Hang it on your fridge and start checking off the ideas with your family!

Feel free to use this list as a starting point and create your own summer bucket list. Ask each of your kids for their summer bucket ideas and make up your own list of activities for this summer.