Summer is the season we all eagerly await, especially those of us who endure long, cold winters! After all, it’s the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sun, and maybe even plan a little family getaway.
But even though the days of summer are technically longer, the season always seems to fly by! Don’t worry, though — there’s still time to savor every last bit of summer before the leaves change and school starts up again.
Here’s how you can make the most of the remaining summer days with an end-of-summer bucket list for your family.
Why Create an End of Summer Bucket List?
Creating an end-of-summer bucket list is a great way to ensure quality family time before we get wrapped up in our fall routines. Getting the kids involved in planning will get everyone excited about what’s to come and focus on activities everyone will enjoy.
When you choose bucket list ideas that are fun for the whole family, the chances of bonding and making unforgettable summer memories skyrocket!
End of Summer Bucket List Ideas
You know your family best, and are the most familiar with the sort of activities and adventures that will bring everyone a bit of summer joy. But if you need a little inspiration to help get you started, here is a list of some family summer activities that you can add to your own end of summer bucket list.
Outdoor Adventures: Think of the great outdoors as your very own playground! There’s nothing better than taking advantage of nature and its endless opportunities to add to your list of family summer activities.
It can be as simple as packing up a cooler with everyone’s favorite snacks and drinks, grabbing some fun new sand toys, and heading to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun (just don’t forget the SPF!) If your family loves staying active, find a local hiking or biking trail and get moving.
Plan a friendly game of Frisbee, kickball or softball with another family. You can even have an outdoor adventure in your own yard by hunting for fireflies, stargazing or pitching a tent and “camping” together.
Crafty Projects: If you have little ones who love arts and crafts and being hands-on, here are some crafty summer bucket list ideas.
Set up a DIY tie-dye station or embrace the mess and make a family mural that you can hang somewhere in your home. Collect some rocks or shells and decorate them with paints or beads. Bring some sand home from the beach, dye it with food coloring and do some sand art. Make a scrapbook that is filled with memories from your summer such as photos, tickets from places you’ve been and other memorabilia. You can even make your own ice cream — nothing screams summer quite like ice cream!
Simple Pleasures: Head to the beach after bath time one evening to watch the sunset. Spend the day splashing around in a friend’s pool. Fill your yard with a big screen and comfy pillows for an outdoor movie night under the stars. Get your neighbors together for a neighborhood block party. Set up a lemonade stand with homemade goods and donate the earnings to charity.
Special Experiences: Some summer days are just too hot to spend outside unless you’re near water. On those days, consider visiting a local water park or splash pad so your little ones can still enjoy the outdoors and burn off some energy.
If you hear of a nearby fair or festival, make it a point to join in the fun. For families with budding foodies, plan a summer-themed dinner night with a Mediterranean spread or a crawfish boil.
Personalizing Your Summer Family Bucket List
You know your family best, so tailor your end-of-summer bucket list to include activities and outings that everyone will enjoy, making your summer feel fulfilling and special.
When brainstorming summer bucket list ideas, recall some of your family’s favorite memories from past summers and see if you can recreate them. Consider what activities have previously been the most fun for everyone. Since kids’ interests can change quickly, take their current hobbies and preferences into account.
Finally, think about what would add a little bit of magic to your family’s summer and help create lasting memories. The answer is different for everyone!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Bucket List
Once you feel good about your summer bucket list ideas, use these tips to actually start checking things off!
— Let’s be real — there is a pretty good chance you won’t be able to get to absolutely everything on your list. So pick some standouts that you feel you definitely can’t miss out on, and make those a priority!
— Pick specific dates for the activities you come up with and physically put them down on the calendar. This will help you make them actually happen!
— While planning is often helpful, don’t be too hard on yourself about not getting to every last one of your family summer activities. Be flexible, pivot if you need to and be open to spontaneous, spur of the moment adventures as well!
— Fill up that camera roll with lots of photos and videos of all your summer fun. If you want to have a keepsake on top of your pictures, start a family journal to reflect on all the moments you are sharing together.
It’s definitely not too late to make the most of the remaining days of summer. It’s the perfect time to make summer memories that your kids will look back on and appreciate for years to come.
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