The only Summer Bucket List you will need to keep your kids busy and having fun!
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The transition to a stay at home mom was not an easy one for me.
I felt like I lost myself. After doing dishes 10 times throughout the day, chasing kiddos around the house, finding food for them to eat, the endless snacks, and picking up their messes all day long, I completely lost my joy. I began to dread my days and have a really rotten attitude.
I knew something had to change, so I started listening to many audiobooks and podcasts. After listening to an interview with Jessica Smartt on WFRN, I quickly went and bought her book Memory Making Mom. I must say, it changed my life.
Becoming a Memory Making Mom
I started reading it when I was at a point of total survival with two kids under two.
While reading the book and adjusting to this new phase of life, one afternoon I was full of energy and thought, “Hey I’m going to give one of her ideas a shot.” Sure enough, it was so fun and my whole family (including me) enjoyed it. My husband was surprised when he walked in to see a fancy dinner on the table, my toddler loved helping set the table and picking flowers, and I wasn’t near as stressed as I thought I would be. It was a triple win!
Jessica does a wonderful job of understanding that motherhood is challenging, but yet encouraging you to do what you can do. She gently reminds you that you only have a 18 years with your kids. Make it count.
She has hundreds of ideas on how to make memories with your kids throughout the book. If you have the time I highly recommend reading the book.
If you are crunched for time or just not a fan of reading, print out my free summer bucket list, gather your family, take 30 minutes to jot down the things you want to do throughout the summer, and make beautiful memories together!
You can do this momma, your kids are worth it!
What is a summer bucket list?
A bucket list is a compilation of different activities that somebody would like to accomplish in their lifetime. Obviously none of us know when our life is going to end, so many of the items on people’s bucket lists never get done. Instead of being a physical list, it is typically more of a mental list of things you would like to do before you die.
As the phrase “bucket list” has gained popularity, it has been expanded into other meanings and uses. Today, seasonal bucket lists have become more popular because you know the end time, the end of the season. Accomplishing all of the items on the seasonal bucket list is in fact very possible!
Why do I need a summer bucket list?
Unless your kids are VERY good at entertaining themselves or watch TV 24/7, you have probably heard the words, “Mom, I’m bored.” approximately 100,000 times.
Having a summer bucket list:
- gives your children ownership in their summer activities
- creates wonderful memories for your children to keep with them forever
- entertains your children and gives them something to look forward to each day
- keeps you sane as your kids will not be complaining daily about being bored
How do I create a family bucket list for the summer?
Creating a bucket list doesn’t have to be hard, it truly is simple. I have created a summer bucket list that I am sharing for free because I know how hard it can be to entertain kids. Use my 50 summer activity ideas and cross them off when you get them done.
Another option is print the blank template page and create your own. Include your own family summer traditions or get your kids’ opinions on some of the things they would like to do.
Figure out how many you should do each week, you don’t want 38 activities left at the end of July. Pace them out and put some of the big activities on the calendar.
- Get your summer bucket list (either use mine or create your own)
- Figure out how many you want to do each week. This should be a realistic number that is not going to add stress to your family’s life. It is meant to be fun and a great way to create memories!
- Have fun doing different activities and grab pictures! It could be cool to get them printed out and make a small summer picture album.
- Cross out the activities when you have done them. Save the paper for next year too so you have some ideas when it is time to make your new bucket list.
Outside Activities
- Go camping. If you don’t have a camper, you can rent one, or get a tent.
- Camp in the backyard.
- Make a bonfire and roast hotdogs, pudgie pies, and s’mores.
- Plant a garden and let each child be in charge of a specific plant.
- Get some local fruit or vegetables. This could be at a farmer’s market or a local farm.
- Grow sweet corn and eat it.
- Watch fireworks or put on your own show.
- Buy some sparklers and invite a few friends.
- Pick a number of miles your family wants to bike throughout the whole summer. Give yourself a reward at the end when you reach your goal.
Food Activities
- Make homemade ice cream. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry. There are lots of recipes that don’t require one!
- Create personal pizzas and grill them.
- Have a lemonade stand.
- Pick apples and make homemade applesauce.
- Pick a country and make an authentic meal.
- Have the kids plan AND make supper.
- Make homemade popsicles.
- Have a “snack supper” with only snacks for supper! This is easy for mom and something the kids will LOVE! Feel free to throw it in a picnic basket and have a picnic in the park!
Water Activities
- Visit a splash pad.
- Go to a water park.
- Invest in a small kiddie pool. You can also use a large storage container that you have in your attic. Just fill it with water and your young kids will never know the difference!
- Buy a water table, slip n’slide, or sprinkler.
- Have a water fight.
- Go to a pool for the afternoon.
Acts of Service
- Make a meal for somebody.
- Bake some muffins or cookies for somebody.
- Visit somebody that is lonely.
- Make summer blessing bags for homeless. Fill them with chapstick, water, snacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Invite a neighbor over for a meal.
- As school gets closer, buy school supplies for somebody in need.
Educational Activities
- Have each person in the family pick a skill that they want to learn how to do over the summer. You can find just about anything online.
- Make your own kite and fly it.
- Have a technology free day!
- Everybody create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece. Have somebody be the judge.
- Do some STEM activities.
- Pick a chapter book to read together as a family.
- Make your own bird feeder.
- Do a craft or some handprint art.
- Get a penpal or write a letter to a family member or friend.
- Do a puzzle together as a family.
- Learn how to play an instrument.
- Go to your local 4-H county Fair.
- Visit a farmer’s market and give your kids a couple of dollars to pick out some fresh produce.
- Make a massive fort in your living room and then read a Civil War book.
- Go to a local state or national park and go on a hike.
- Sign up for a summer reading program at your library.
Download FREE Summer Bucket List!
Looking for fun things to do with your kids this summer?
- gives your children ownership of their summer
- creates memories
- entertains your children
- keeps you sane
Conclusion
- Beat the summer time boredom by having a plan of fun activities that your kids will ACTUALLY be excited about!
- Your kids are sure to enjoy the variety of indoor, outdoor, water, and educational activities.
- Use my Summer Bucket List or create your own with the blank template included and get started making memories today!
