2024 Summer Bucket List

Our Summer Bucket List (below)

1. Visit a Splash Pad

Take advantage of the warm weather and cool off at a local splash pad. It’s a fun and free activity that kids love! We often do this on the way home from camp and it is a great opportunity for everyone to decompress and cool off before dinner.

2. Watch a Backyard Movie

Set up a projector and have a family movie night under the stars. No projector, no problem! This doesn’t need to be fancy. Grab a tablet or re-create a silent film as a family. Don’t forget the popcorn and blankets!

3. Go on a Bike Ride

Explore your neighborhood or a nearby trail on bikes. It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.

4. Try Pickleball

This fun and easy-to-learn sport is perfect for all ages. Find a local court and give it a try! Fair warning, I have never played pickleball… but everyone keeps telling me to try it, so here we are!

5. Attend a Local Event

Check out community calendars for local events like fairs, concerts, or outdoor festivals. It’s a great way to connect with your community. This one is specifically vague as it is about finding something that feels fun to you.

6. Set Up a Lemonade Stand

Teach kids about entrepreneurship and have some fun by setting up a lemonade stand. Or get creative and change things up a bit with a cookie stand, ice cream stand, or something even more unique. And remember, tis doesn’t need to take a lot of work. Grab a folding table, draw a sign, and post up at the end of the driveway. Plus, it’s a great way to meet neighbors!

7. Create an Adventure Map

Make an adventure map of your backyard or a local park and go on a treasure hunt. Another option is to create a map of your neighborhood! Label the houses of people you know and add to it on an evening walk. This can spark creativity and exploration.

8. Plant Seeds

Start a small garden, plant pea pods in a baggie to watch them grow, or make our own wildflower seed bomb! Taking care of something else can be incredibly rewarding and calming on those long summer days.

9. Create Chalk Art

Turn your driveway or sidewalk into an art gallery with some colorful chalk drawings. And as the parent, make sure you get in on the fun!

10. Go Geocaching

Join the global treasure hunt and go geocaching. It’s an exciting way to explore new places and find hidden treasures. We use the free version of the Geocaching app. You shouldn’t need to pay for premium unless you are an avid geocacher!

11. Explore the Farmer’s Market

Visit a local farmer’s market to pick out fresh produce and maybe even some unique treats. It’s a fun way to teach kids about healthy eating and to potentially get them to try some new foods. No farmers market nearby? See if a local farm is willing to host you for a short evening tour!

12. Play Board Games Outdoors

Take your favorite board games outside and enjoy a game night in the fresh air.

13. Go Stargazing

Lay out a blanket and look up at the night sky. See how many constellations you can find, or make up your own!

14. Throw a Bubble Party

Grab some bubble wands and have a bubbly good time in the backyard. It’s simple and endlessly entertaining. Want to level up? Try a foam party instead!

15. Play in the Mud

Don’t be afraid to get dirty! Let the kids have fun playing in the mud, making mud pies, or having a mini mud race.

16. Go “Camping”

Set up a tent in the backyard and have a camping adventure without leaving home. Roast marshmallows and tell stories!

17. Have Fun with Tie Dye

Get creative with some tie-dye projects. T-shirts, socks, or even pillowcases can become colorful masterpieces.

18. Make ‘Smores

Enjoy the classic summer treat of s’mores. Whether over a fire pit or using the oven, it’s a sweet way to spend time together. Or have even more fun by grabbing different ingredients such as cookies or reeses and making a unique ‘smore to try out!

19. Start a Nature Journal

Encourage kids to observe and document the nature around them. It’s a great way to learn and appreciate the environment. If you don’t want to buy one, I have some nature journal printables for toddlers/pre-k kids as well as kids who write. I hope you enjoy!

20. Make Ice Cream

Try making your own ice cream at home. I will post more about different ways to do this (hint: you don’t need an icecream maker!) on my instagram page this summer (@30moreoutdoors) Experiment with different flavors and enjoy the delicious results.

21. Have Storytime Outside

Take storytime outdoors. Read books under a tree or on a cozy blanket in the yard. One of our favorites is to pull out the hammock for evening story time.

22. Make a New Friend

Take some time to make a new family friend! Model reaching out and introducing yourself when you are on a neighborhood walk. Then encourage your child to do the same.

23. Watch Fireworks

Catch a local fireworks show or create your own mini display with sparklers and safe, kid-friendly fireworks.

24. Build a Fort

Who doesn’t like building a fort? Take a drive to a local park near you and find some fallen logs and branches to start building. Alternatively, use trees or structures in your backyard with an outdoor blanket!

25. Visit a New Park

Explore a park you haven’t been to before. New playgrounds and trails can offer fresh excitement and adventure (for everyone)

26. Play Night Games

As the sun sets, play fun night games like flashlight tag or hide-and-seek. Or bring it back a couple decades with ghosts in the graveyard, kick the can, or sardines in a can (why are there so many can related games?)

27. Go on a Nature Walk

Take a walk and observe the plants and animals around you. Bring a camera or binoculars to enhance the experience. If you have a field book for your area, try to identify different birds, trees, leaves, or fungi.

28. Cook Over the Fire

If you have a fire pit, cook a meal over the fire. Hot dogs, foil packets, and marshmallows are great options! If you don’t have one, check out your local community center or park schedules. Oftentimes you may find a bonfire being held for the community.

29. Go Fishing

Spend a relaxing day at a local lake or river fishing. Even if you have never fished before, there is always someone willing to share or teach you. Try posting in your local “Buy Nothing” group if you need supplies, or search your area to find fishing events. In Minnesota, they host free fishing clinics for kids and parents which is a great way to learn! Not to mention peaceful

This summer, let’s focus on turning school nights into summer nights.

Whether it’s a quick activity after dinner or a planned weekend outing, these moments will add up to a summer filled with joy and connection. Follow along to grab a printable of our summer bucket list and join us as we aim to cross off three activities a week. Let’s embrace the #workingparentsummer together and make this a season to remember!