Fun Summer Bucket List For Your Family

For some, summer is all about chilling and discovering new things and for others it’s about looking for ways to keep the kids entertained! A fun summer bucket list is a great way to plan it all out. It helps on the days when you don’t know what to do, it gives you original, fun and cheap ideas to spend time together in a way that everyone can enjoy themselves. From simple backyard activities to exciting day trips, here’s a list of ideas to help your family make the most of the sunny days ahead!

1. Have A Picnic

Pack up snacks, juice boxes, and a blanket and head outside! Let the kids help prepare the food, making it part of the adventure. Serve finger sandwiches and other tea party food ideas!

2. Make Popsicles

Blend fruit, yogurt, or juice and pour into molds. This is a great activity to do with kids of all ages, they get to choose the fun molds and ingredients. Check out these fun summer drink ideas that would make perfect popsicles. Make the drink and pour into molds!

3. Go On A Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is perfect for all kids of all ages, making it easier for younger ones and more challenging for older ones. Make a list of items to find, for example, a pine cone, a yellow flower, a smooth rock, etc. Explore your neighborhood or local park and let the kids check off their finds. Download my free printable scavenger hunt now!

4. Camp Out In The Backyard

Set up a tent (or make one from blankets), tell stories, look for stars, and even roast marshmallows for a great night out in your backyard. If sleeping in the rough isn’t for you, camp out in the evening and head back inside to the comfort of your bed for the night. You get the best of both!

5. Build a Fort

Kids love building forts! Let them use some chairs, blankets, and a little imagination to create the perfect cozy hideaway indoors. Add some fairy lights and books for a fun afternoon in. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day.

6. Host a Movie Night Under The Stars

There’s something magical about watching a movie under the stars. Set up a projector in the backyard, pile on the cushions and blankets, and don’t forget the snacks!

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7. Make a Slip n’ Slide

Cool off with a classic backyard favorite- a Slip ‘n Slide! All you need is a plastic tarp, a garden hose, and a little dish soap for extra slipperiness. Lay the tarp on a gentle slope, soak it with water, and let the fun begin. If you’re not looking for a DIY option, check out these fun slip n’ slides you can buy!

8. Have a Water Balloon Fight

Cool off on a hot summer day with an exciting water balloon fight! It’s a fun and easy way for kids to play with water without setting up a pool or sprinkler. All you need are these easy-to-fill water balloons that seal themselves for a fab time!

9. Make S’mores

Gather around the firepit, grill, or even the microwave to make gooey s’mores together. Roast marshmallows over the flames, sandwiching them between graham crackers and melted chocolate. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening for those who have a sweet tooth!

10. Visit A Zoo

Visiting the zoo is a perfect summer adventure, kids get to see their favorite animals up close, learn cool facts, and stretch their legs strolling from one exhibit to the next. Pack some snacks, grab a hat, and make a day of it watching monkeys swing, giraffes munch, and maybe even catching a zookeeper talk.

11. Make Snow Cones

Snow cones are the perfect summer treat! Use a snow cone machine to make your own deliciously refreshing snow cones! Let the kids choose their favorite flavors, and they can watch the magic happen!

12. Go Berry Picking

Berry picking is another summer classic. You can go berry picking in nature or to a farm that hosts berry picking and other types of vegetables. Whether you’re after strawberries, blueberries, or whatever’s in season, it’s a fun way to learn about the food we eat, as well as an enjoyable afternoon.

13. Explore A New Park

Explore a park you’ve never been to before. New swings, slides, and climbing structures are always more exciting when they’re new.

14. Create Sidewalk Chalk Art

Hand your kids a bucket of chalk and let them get creative! Whether they draw hopscotch, rainbows, obstacle courses, or even trace each other’s shadows, the main thing is they’re having fun!

15. Go Stargazing

Keep the kids up late for a fun evening of stargazing. Lay on a blanket, bring binoculars or a telescope, and see how many constellations or shooting stars you can spot. You can also download a star app that tells you which stars are which, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some planets too!

16. Attend An Outdoor Market

Visit an outdoor market with the kids. Browse the stalls, get something fun to eat, and pick up something cool or homemade. It’s a chill way to get out of the house, enjoy the weather, and see what little treasures you can find.

17. Go For a Scenic Hike

This is one of our favorites, but word of warning, each and every time, there is a lot of moaning and grumbling beforehand. Once we arrive at the hike, the kids love exploring, climbing trees, finding sticks and enjoying the great outdoors! They always come back refreshed and happy, no matter the mood before:)

18. Jump in Muddy Puddles

If your kids love Peppa Pig, they’ll be thrilled with an opportunity to jump in muddy puddles. Of course, it helps to live in a rainy place like London, where we never have a shortage of muddy puddles!

19. Blow Giant Bubbles

Giant bubble making is a fantastic way to keep kids entertained and active! With oversized bubble wands, children of all ages can create amazing, floating bubbles that provide endless fun. They’re simple to use and perfect for any occasion- whether it’s a quiet afternoon at home or a birthday party!

20. Have a Pillow Fight

Got some old pillows no one’s using? Let the kids go wild with a fun pillow fight! Kids will love the chance to jump, laugh, and battle it out, it’s such a simple way to get them moving and laughing, especially on a rainy day or during a sleepover. My advice- lay down some basic rules so that things don’t get out of control!

21. Draw With Window Markers

Why stick to paper when you can draw on the windows? Kids love getting creative in unexpected places, and window markers make it easy and mess-free. Just hand them the markers and they’ll absolutely love it!

22. Go For A Bike Ride

Burn off some energy with a bike ride with the kids. Whether it’s around the neighborhood, through a park, or on a trail, it’s a great way to spend time together and get some exercise in!

23. Visit A Beach

There’s no better time than the summer to visit a beach! If you’ve got little kids, it’s one of the best free activities you can do with them! Take along spades, buckets and shovels to keep them entertained for hours.

24. Make A Scrapbook

Encourage your kids to make a scrapbook of memories from the summer. Print photos, collect little souvenirs, and write about the adventures. It’s a great activity with a touch of education to it, too!

25. Go Swimming

Going swimming is a summer must! Whether it’s at the pool, beach, or even a backyard kiddie pool, it’s the perfect way for kids to cool off and burn some energy. Plus, splashing around with friends or family always makes for a fun, laughter-filled day.

26. Have A Pajama Day

Spend the day in jammies with popcorn and your family’s favorite movies! It’s the ultimate chill day, which is the ideal indulgence on a rainy day.

27. Bake Cookies

Kick up a mess with everyone baking cookies together. Make my delicious chocolate chip cookies that are impossible to resist! Let the kids use cookie cutters to make custom shapes which is always more fun!

28. Paint With Your Feet

Looking for an original activity that will have everyone laughing? Try painting with your feet! If you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know it’s always hilarious with plenty of mishaps. My only recommendation is using washable paint!

29. Make Paper Boats And Float Them

If your kids love DIY craft projects, making paper boats is perfect for a summer activity. All you need is some paper, a little folding, and a tub of water to set sail! Want to make it even more exciting? Turn it into a friendly race to see whose boat sails the fastest!

30. Visit The Library

Many local libraries offer free summer reading programs. Let kids pick out new books, track their progress, and earn fun rewards.

31. Make Your Own Pizza

Let kids get creative with a make-your-own pizza night! Set out different toppings like cheese, and veggies, and let them build their own mini pizzas. It’s super fun and doubles as dinner, also, kids love eating something they made themselves! Perfect for a summer evening at home or a small get-together with friends. Check out my delicious pizza pinwheels, which are easy to make and always a winner!

32. Paint Rocks And Hide Them

Decorate rocks with bright colors or happy messages and hide them in local parks or trails for others to find! See my guide on the best way to set up a rock painting activity.

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33. Build A Sandcastle

Whether you’re at the beach or using a sandbox at home, kids can spend hours digging, shaping, and decorating their own sandy creations. Buy buckets, shovels, and maybe a little flag for the top! It’s a great way to get the kids to spend time in the sunny outdoors, having fun.

34. Host A Family Talent Show

A family talent show is such a fun way to spend a summer night! Let everyone come up with their own little act of singing, dancing, telling jokes, whatever they’re into. Let everyone take turns performing and showing off their talents (or just being silly)! You can even make tickets or give out awards at the end!

35. Set Up A Lemonade Stand

If your children love making money, let them set up a simple lemonade stand with homemade lemonade and signs. It’s a fun way to learn about money, teamwork, and serving others.

36. Watch Sunrise

Wake up extra early to go somewhere special to watch sunrise. If you live near a beach, that’s always a winner; otherwise, opt for a beautiful hill in nature. Pack some blankets and light snacks to take with you.

37. Go Tubing

Whether you’re floating down a lazy river or being pulled behind a boat, kids love the thrill and excitement of tubing. It’s a great fun way to cool off on a hot day. Just don’t forget the life jackets and sunscreen!

38. Bake and Decorate Cupcakes

Spend the afternoon baking cupcakes, then set up a decorating station or board with sprinkles, icing, and candy toppings. It may not be the most mess-free activity, but it sure is fun and yummy!

39. Do A Family Photo Shoot

There’s nothing like flipping through family photos and remembering all the little moments. Summer’s a great time to take a few new ones, everyone’s around, the weather’s nice, and it’s a simple way to freeze a bit of time. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just real and fun, and something you’ll be glad to have later on.

40. Write Your Name In Sparklers

Writing your name with sparklers is one of those simple summer things that never gets old. Kids love waving them around and trying to “write” in the air. Just make sure an adult is nearby to keep it safe. Try to snap a few photos while the sparklers are lighting up the night, it’s harder to capture than it sounds!

41. End summer with a “YES DAY” — let the kids plan it all!

End summer on a high note with a “YES DAY” where the kids get to call all the shots! Let them plan the day’s activities, pick the meals, and choose the fun. It’s a great way to celebrate the season, give them a little extra freedom before school starts.

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Sarah xx