Summer is finally here—and that means longer days, messy memories, and a little bit of “Mom, I’m bored!” sprinkled in for good measure. As moms, we wear a lot of hats: planner, chef, referee, activity coordinator—and this season is the perfect opportunity to make the most of our time with our littles.
Whether you’re staying close to home or planning a few weekend getaways, here’s a fun and flexible Summer Bucket List filled with simple and joyful ways to connect with your kids, create lasting memories, and enjoy the season together. (Psst—don’t feel pressured to do them all! Pick what fits your family best.)
🌳 Outdoor Adventures
Nature Walk
Take a slow stroll through a trail, park, or neighborhood and look for bugs, birds, flowers—whatever catches your kids’ eyes.
Backyard/Park Picnic
Pack up lunch or snacks and enjoy them outside on a blanket. Instant adventure with very little prep!
Watch the Sunset/Sunrise
Slow down together and watch the sky change colors. It’s peaceful and beautiful, especially with a little hot cocoa or iced lemonade.
Visit a New Park
Pick a park you’ve never been to and explore every corner of it. Bonus points if it has a splash pad or nature trail.
Fly a Kite on a Breezy Day
Let the kids experience the joy of flying something they control—plus it’s fun to chase it when it crashes!
Family Bike Ride
Hit the sidewalks or local trails for a breezy family ride. Even littles in bike seats or wagons love the view.
🎨 Get Creative
Draw Outside with Chalk
Let imaginations run wild with sidewalk chalk—create roads, games, or even your own outdoor art gallery.
Family Art Show
Have each family member create something, then hang it up around the house and “walk through” your own art exhibit.
Make Tie-Dye Shirts or Socks
A messy but fun activity that gives kids something they can wear and be proud of all summer long.
Try a New Craft
Pick a craft you’ve never tried—origami, painting rocks, or making friendship bracelets are easy and fun.
Summer Scrapbooking
Collect photos, ticket stubs, and leaves to glue into a simple scrapbook. Let the kids decorate it however they like.
Nature Art Using Things of Nature
Gather sticks, leaves, flowers, and rocks to create beautiful art with what you find outdoors.
🍦 Summer Treats
Homemade Popsicles
Use juice, yogurt, or fruit puree in a popsicle mold (or plastic cups) for a cool DIY treat.
Backyard S’mores Night
Whether you have a firepit or an oven, making s’mores is always a hit. Don’t forget the messy fingers!
Lemonade Stand
Let your kids “own” this idea—even if it’s just for the family or neighbors. Teaches responsibility and brings big smiles.
Make Ice Cream Sundaes
Set out toppings and let everyone build their own sundae. It’s an instant party with sprinkles involved.
Make Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Let kids help slide fruit onto skewers. It’s colorful, healthy, and surprisingly fun to eat.
Make Your Own Ice Cream in a Bag
Mix milk, sugar, and vanilla in a bag, shake with ice and salt, and watch the magic happen—science + dessert!
📚 Learning & Growth
Join the Library Summer Reading Program
Free books and prizes? Yes please. Sign up and let your kids fall in love with reading.
Try a New Recipe Together
Have your child choose a recipe and help cook—measuring, mixing, and tasting included.
Summer Journal/Gratitude Book
Give each child a simple notebook to draw or write their summer highlights and things they’re thankful for.
Plant Something from Seed
Start a mini garden in a cup, pot, or backyard. Watching it grow gives kids a new appreciation for nature.
🚗 Trips & Travel
Visit a Zoo or Aquarium
Walk, learn, and explore together. Pack snacks and water—these are memory-making trips!
Weekend Road Trip
You don’t have to go far to make it fun. Find a new town or attraction and enjoy the ride.
Children’s Museum or Science Center
Let kids touch, build, and explore in a place where learning is hands-on and screen-free.
Eat/Visit Somewhere New
Try a new local spot or takeout option and treat it like an adventure. Even drive-thru milkshakes count!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Family Game Night
Dust off those board games or play cards together. Add snacks and a silly prize for the winner!
Movie Night Under the Stars
Set up a sheet and projector (or use a laptop) and have a cozy outdoor movie night with popcorn and blankets.
Host a Family Talent Show
Let everyone perform something—singing, dancing, jokes, magic tricks—whatever makes them smile!
Themed Dinner Night
Pick a theme (Mexican, Italian, Breakfast for Dinner) and let the whole family help plan and prep.
Complete a Puzzle Together
Choose a big puzzle and leave it out for the family to work on little by little. It’s calm and satisfying.
“Yes Day” for the Kids
Say “yes” to their ideas (within reason) for one day. You’ll be amazed at how simple and sweet their wishes are.
💦 Water Play
Water Balloon Fight
Get the balloons ready and run wild—there’s nothing like the squeals from a good splash.
Splash Pad or Local Pool
Perfect for cooling off and burning energy. Don’t forget the towels and snacks!
Play in the Sprinkler or Water Table
Even a bucket and hose can turn into hours of fun. Let the backyard become a mini water park.
Have a Beach Day
Sandcastles, snacks, and water = summer magic. Even a lake or “beachy” backyard counts!
Visit a Waterpark
Slides, lazy rivers, and big laughs—it’s a full day of fun for the whole family.
Backyard Car Wash for Outdoor Toys
Line up the bikes, ride-ons, and water tables, then scrub them clean while having the time of your life.
Want to Make Summer Even Easier?
I’ve bundled many of these ideas into one simple, ready-to-use resource to help take the guesswork out of summer planning! Grab my Ultimate Summer Planning Bundle for Moms—and yes, it’s totally FREE!
Inside the bundle, you’ll get:
✅ A Printable Summer Bucket List
✅ Summer Menu Planner
✅ Weekly Schedule Template
✅ Summer Memory Journal
✅ Nature Scavenger Hunt (blank + pre-filled)
👉 Click here to download your free bundle now!
No stress, no overthinking—just print, plan, and enjoy the summer with your kids. You’ve got this, Mama!