Angie Marie One of the biggest reasons we’re chasing this homesteading dream is to slow down and soak up more time together as a family. We’re after that simple life—one where we spend more time at home, making memories, and appreciating the little things. And you know what? A summer bucket list is the perfect way to do just that!
Now, I know some folks think bucket lists are a little cheesy, but hear me out—they’re so much more than a to-do list. They help you focus on what truly matters, bring a little adventure into the everyday, and remind you to savor every moment. So, let’s make this summer one to remember!
Step 1: Brainstorm Your Family’s Favorite Things
The first step to creating your family’s ultimate summer bucket list is thinking about what makes you happiest. What do y’all love to do together? Maybe it’s picking berries in the morning, watching fireflies dance in the yard, or having a family BBQ under the stars.
Make a list of activities your family enjoys—whether it’s reading books, exploring new places, cooking together, or getting a little wild with a water balloon fight. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, just write down what brings you joy!
🌞 Tip: Keep it flexible! Maybe start with 25 bucket list ideas this year and see how it goes. You can always add more next summer!
Step 2: Dream Big & Keep It Simple
When I put together our summer bucket list, I always include:
✔ A few easy wins—things we know we’ll do so we can check them off early. (Because let’s be honest, crossing things off a list just feels good.)
✔ A few big dreams—ideas that might not happen, but would be amazing if they did.
But here’s the key: Don’t compare your list to anyone else’s. This isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses—it’s about creating the kind of summer your family loves. So go ahead and dream big, but also remember that the simplest things often make the sweetest memories.
Family Summer Bucket List Ideas
Need a little inspiration? I’ve got you covered! Here’s a fun list of 50 ideas to help you start your own family summer bucket list:
✅ Go on a Family Bike Ride
✅ Build a Blanket Fort in the Living Room
✅ Fly a Kite on a Windy Day
✅ Build a Sandcastle at the Beach
✅ Go to a Drive-In Movie Theater
✅ Have a Water Balloon Fight
✅ Host a Backyard Picnic
✅ Play Flashlight Tag at Night
✅ Make Root Beer Floats from Scratch
✅ Run Through the Sprinklers
✅ Visit a Local Farmer’s Market
✅ Pick Wildflowers & Make a Bouquet
✅ Go Camping (Even if it’s in the Backyard!)
✅ Catch Fireflies in a Jar (Then Set Them Free)
✅ Make Homemade Popsicles
✅ Have a Sunset Dance Party
✅ Cook a Meal Over a Campfire
✅ Visit a U-Pick Berry Farm
✅ Make DIY Sidewalk Chalk & Get Creative
✅ Watch Fireworks Together
✅ Read a Book as a Family
✅ Try a New Recipe Together
✅ Have a No-Screens Family Day
✅ Play Mini Golf
✅ Find a New Hiking Trail to Explore
✅ Make Homemade Ice Cream
✅ Do a Random Act of Kindness
✅ Make S’mores & Tell Stories by the Fire
✅ Learn a New Skill Together (Like Whittling or Canning!)
✅ Paint Rocks & Hide Them Around Town for Others to Find
✅ Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
✅ Have a “Yes Day” (Say Yes to Every Request for One Day!)
✅ Take a Day Trip to Somewhere New
✅ Create a Time Capsule & Bury It in the Yard
✅ Have a Family Board Game Tournament
✅ Visit a Local Farm & Meet the Animals
✅ Host a DIY Tie-Dye Party
✅ Make Friendship Bracelets for Each Other
✅ Go Rock Hunting & Collect Cool Stones
✅ Find a Geo Cache in Your Town
✅ Ride a Roller Coaster
✅ Make Sun Catchers for the Windows
✅ Try Fishing (Even if You Catch Nothing, It’s the Experience!)
✅ Have Breakfast for Dinner
✅ Write a Letter to Your Future Self
✅ Watch the Clouds & See What Shapes You Can Find
✅ Visit a Splash Pad or Water Park
✅ Take a Family Selfie Every Week to Remember Your Summer
Make It a Tradition!
I hope this list gives you some good old-fashioned summer inspiration! Whether you write your bucket list on a notepad, make a chalkboard version in your kitchen, or use a printable (Check out Canva for some free ones!), the most important thing is to have fun with it.
If you’re anything like us, a summer bucket list will quickly become a family tradition—one that’s less about checking things off and more about cherishing the moments that make summer magical.
So tell me—what’s on your summer bucket list this year? Let me know in the comments! 🌻☀️✨ Stop by the blog for more fun family ideas!
