Summer Bucket List Ideas for Families

There's nothing like summer. The long days, the sunshine, eating outdoors, trips to the pool, travel. It's the best. With school out, and summer days ahead, I thought I'd share some summer bucket list ideas for families.

I love to create these lists at the beginning of each new season. It's a fun way to make sure we make the most of the season. And I find that it's the small, inexpensive, easy things on this list that my kids remember most year after year.

Many of these things are also nostalgic, and remind me of my own childhood. I was inspired by this article, which is about how modern parenting is just exhausting, and the ways in which we can slow down and give our kids a summer full of experiences like we had growing up.

Will my kids still be busy, with summer camp and other scheduled activities? Yes. Will they be having screen time? Yes, they will. But I am also aiming to slow down. To give them experiences and help to create memories that I hope will be remembered for years to come.

Check out these summer bucket ideas for families, and I hope you'll be inspired to have a fun, memory-filled summer with your family.

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8 Simple Summer Bucket List Ideas for Families

ONE: Take a family trip to the beach. This is a must-do every summer and my kids just love it. The ocean, the sun, the sand - is it even summer without a trip to the beach. Check out this post for all of our family beach day must-haves!

TWO: Go backyard camping. My kids really want to do this! We have the tent and all the supplies. Now we just need a parent who wants to sleep in a tent in our backyard all night with three kids, haha. But in all seriousness, what a simple and fun way to spend a summer evening. Make s'mores, play some board games, and enjoy the wilderness (from your own backyard).

THREE: Local ice cream shop visit. Every year we love searching out 'the best' ice creams shops around, especially when we are traveling. Make a list of all of the ice cream shops you visit. It's fun to look back at the end of the summer and talk about your favorites!

FOUR: Make s'mores. S'mores are a quintessential summer treat, whether you are camping in the woods, sitting around a fire pit in your backyard, or making them with a little s'mores maker like we do. We like to make s'mores on the 4th of July - one of our favorite summertime traditions.

FIVE: Weekly library visits. Local libraries offer so many fun (and free!) summer programs - take advantage! It's also a perfect activity for a rainy day. Go to the library and let your kids choose as many books as they can carry. Many libraries also offer passes for local museums, be sure to ask!

SIX: Have a lemonade stand. Another nostalgic favorite. I loved having lemonade stands in the summer as a child. All you need is lemonade, cups, a sign, and a table. For the last few years we have been hosting a stand in support of Alex's Lemonade Stand, which raises money for pediatric cancer. Consider donating to a cause that is near and dear to your family. It's a great way to teach children about giving.

SEVEN: Go berry picking. This is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. There is nothing like fresh, ripe, summer berries. Find a place nearby, and check to see what is available and when. Often peak season goes by quick. We like to pick strawberries and blueberries.

EIGHT: Go to a drive-in movie. We've haven't done this yet, but it's on our list for this summer! A drive-in movie, complete with popcorn and snacks, sounds like such a fun way to spend a summer night.

Those are 8 simple summer bucket list ideas for families. What's on your summer bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!

For more summer ideas, check out the best pool and beach gear for families and my top tips for summer travel with kids.

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