60 Summer Bucket List Ideas!

I absolutely love summer!
There’s something about the season that brings a wave of nostalgia and excitement for everyone—kids, parents, and families alike—especially when it comes to summer vacations.
But here’s the thing: those magical summer moments, the ones that turn into lifelong memories, can slip away if you don’t take the time to plan them ahead.

Have you ever heard of a bucket list?
Originally, it referred to things people wanted to do before they died—a bit morbid, right?
But now it’s just a fun way to track must-do experiences before a certain time.

And guess what?
I’ve got tons of ideas to help you build the ultimate summer bucket list—so you and your family can plan a vacation packed with adventure, laughter, and amazing memories!

Before I list a bunch of ideas to get you and your family started, I wanted to give you some basics like how to create a list and why and where you should display the list.

How do I create a family bucket list?

1. Identify individual family members “must-do’s.”
   You want everyone to feel included in making the family Summer Bucket list, so be sure to ask everyone what their number one place to visit or thing to do is.

2. Set annual or seasonal goals like going camping or hosting a barbecue.

3. Incorporate a few cultural or educational experiences like visiting a national part or museum.

4. Prioritize spending quality time together.

Do you want ready made bucket lists? I have two created for you!

How should I display our Summer Bucket List?

I would get everyone’s ideas and open up Canva.

It already has templates for Bucket lists that you can customize.

I would use one that has boxes next to each item that you can “check off” when you have completed that item.

You could even have five empty stars next to each item that the family votes on after the activity is done.

I created a video to show you how to do bucket list on Canva!

Then fill it in with what you all came up with and any special “add-ons” you may have.

An example is if you are wanting to add a weekly game night.

Then, I would print it and put it on the refrigerator.

I know, some people do not like “stuff” on their fridge because it makes the whole kitchen look unorganized or messy.

However, you want this special list front and center, so you need to put it somewhere where the entire family can see it.

If you have a little one who cannot read, find icons that look like the activity so your child can still “read” the bucket list chart.

Now you are ready and the chart is available for everyone to see-you can even have blank lines in case anyone wants to add something!

Summer Bucket List Ideas

Day Trips or Visits

1. Beach or pool trip, where kids can swim or build sandcastles, and engage other games.
2. Botanical garden, stroll through beautiful gardens, admiring flowers and plants in a peaceful setting.
3. Butterfly garden, learn about ecosystems and observe butterflies.
4. Children’s museum, explore interactive exhibits designed for hands-on learning and creativity.
5. Color run or fun obstacle course; race through colorful powder or exciting physical challenges.
6. Go to a local sports game.
7. Historical walking tour, explore local history through a guided walking tour of significant landmarks.
8. Kid-friendly cooking class:, join a cooking class for families to learn and prepare delicious dishes together.
9. Library story time, enjoy engaging read-alouds, songs, and activities for young listeners.
10. Local farm for berry picking, pick fresh, seasonal berries straight from the vine.
11. Road trip, hit the road together, discovering new places and creating lasting memories along the way.
12. Ropes course or ziplining; test balance and bravery on high-flying challenges.
13. Scenic train ride, enjoy a picturesque journey on a train.
14. Zoo or aquarium, explore wildlife and marine life, learning about different species through interactive exhibits.

Home Based Fun

1. Amazing Race; I did this one year! Invite friends over for a complete Amazing Race challenge.
2. Backyard barbecue: turn up the grill while enjoying friends and family time.
3. Backyard movie night; watch a favorite film under the stars with a projector. 
4. Backyard Obstacle Course; set up a DIY obstacle course using hula hoops, cones, and pool noodles.
5. Backyard survival challenge; build shelters, start fires, and test outdoor skills.
6. Blow giant bubbles, find a homemade solution and wands, enjoying as they float and pop.
7. Build a treehouse or fort; construct a special hideaway using wood, blankets, or branches.
8. Create a “drive-in movie” experience, set up an outdoor theater with a projector and blankets for a cozy movie night under the stars.
9. Family karaoke night, sing your hearts out for a night of music and fun.
10. Game night, enjoy board games and card games together, complete with snacks and laughter. Grab our favorite family recommendation games here!
    
    
    
    
11. Homemade “Olympics” with games; compete in family-friendly sports and challenges.
12. Host a backyard campout, complete with a tent, s’mores, and stargazing.
13. Mini-golf course in the backyard; design and play a custom mini-golf game at home.
14. Night hide-and-seek with glow sticks; play an exciting game of hide-and-seek in the dark.
15. Parachute (or a bedsheet) outside, create waves and games.

Outdoors

1. Birdwatching, identify and learn about different bird species.
2. Bug hunt with a magnifying glass, discover insects in the backyard or park.
3. Build an outdoor reading fort, make cozy with blankets and pillows for a delightful reading adventure.  
4. Camping, pitch a tent in your backyard or visit a nearby campsite.
5. Create a fairy garden, design a whimsical fairy garden with miniature decorations and plants.
6. Cycling or mountain biking excursions through parks or scenic trails.
7. Family photo shoot, capture special moments with a fun family photo session.
8. Fly a kite at the park, spend a breezy day flying colorful kites.
9. Frisbee golf; navigate a fun disc golf course in a park or backyard.
10. Garden, plant flowers or vegetables together, nurturing a shared project that beautifies your home.
11. Geocaching, a modern-day treasure hunt that combines technology and outdoor exploration.
12. Hiking or backpacking trips (you can make this as advanced as your kiddos are ready for)!
13. Lemonade stand, set up a lemonade stand in the neighborhood and learn about entrepreneurship.
14. Local farmer’s market, discover fresh produce and local goods while supporting community vendors.
15. Nature scavenger hunts to encourage exploration and observation skills.
16. Nerf battle or laser tag in a park.
17. Night hike with flashlights; discover nocturnal wildlife and nature’s sounds after dark.
18. Outdoor concert or performance, enjoy live music or theater in a park.
19. Petting zoo; Meet and feed friendly farm animals up close.
20. Photo scavenger hunt; snap pictures of listed items for a creative adventure.
21. Photography, capture the beauty of your surroundings, learn lighting, composition, and technique.
22. Picnics in nearby parks or scenic areas.
23. Rock climbing or bouldering for a physically challenging and mentally stimulating experience
24. Try out a new sport as a family.

Water Based Fun

1. Dance in the rain with rain boots and umbrellas.
2. Family swimming lessons, build confidence in the water by learning essential swimming skills.
3. Kayaking or canoeing for a chance to explore waterways and get up close with aquatic life
4. Paddle board to exploring nearby lakes, rivers, or coastal areas.
5. Pedal boat ride on a calm lake or river, allowing kids to spot local wildlife.
6. Whitewater rafting or tubing a local river for an exhilarating experience.
7. Visit a nearby splash pad or water park.

Looking for summer fun? This list of 60 bucket list ideas is here to help!

I skipped the pricey activities (like jet skiing and snorkeling) and big travel plans (like vacations or visiting far-away relatives).

I also left out the everyday activities that might seem too obvious to write down.
So be sure to fill out a bucket list that caters to your family’s desires!

With these ideas, you won’t have to worry about summer slipping away—you’ll have plenty of easy, fun ways to make the most of it and create memories your family will love!

“To infinity and beyond! This is going to be fun!”
– Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story