The Ultimate Summer Bucket List With Kids
Summer is right around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited! For most moms, summer brings a much-needed break from the daily grind of school drop-offs and packed daily schedules. For others, it can feel a little overwhelming. Summer schedules can look different for every mom, but it’s a great time to create new memories along with breaking free from business-as-usual routines. Plus, there’s nothing a day at the beach and some sunshine can’t cure, even with all your kiddos!
As the summer season approaches, there’s no better time than to create a summer bucket list. There have been plenty of times before where I’ve tried creating a summer bucket list and it’s gone no where, but I’m telling you it’s 100% worth it because it keeps you and your kids' excited for what’s ahead. I can’t promise you’ll never hear the words “I’m bored” again, but creating a summer bucket list intentionally adds spontaneity into the mix of your daily routine.
The Little Moments Matter
The key to a summer bucket list isn’t too overbook your life with a million trips. Yes, summer trips are fun and memorable but I’ve realized that soaking in the little moments at home are just as memorable, if not more. I also think it’s a great learning lesson for kids that life is not made of only big moments– it’s all the ordinary, everyday life in between that sets the tone for the seasons you’ll have.
Here are some simple ideas that require no travel bag:
Host a family move night
Game nights - I loved a good board game growing up, especially Sorry!
Campfire/S’mores night
Living Room Fort & Story Night - build a massive blanket fort in the living room, turn off the lights and get out those flashlights for a fun story time
Ding-dong gift - yes you read that right! A recent friend shared this idea with me and I loved it - put a basket of goodies (small water toys, summer movie treats, or fresh flowers) on a neighbor’s doorstep for them to discover when they open the door. Such a sweet surprise for your neighbor :)
Invite some new friends over for a BBQ - I can’t wait since this is our first summer in our new home!
Plan a block party with your neighbors
Build a birdhouse - I love this DIY birdhouse!
Play flashlight tag - brings me back to the good old days as a kid
Backyard treasure/scavenger hunt - here is a great template you can refer too!
Try Something New
I learned the other day that when you step outside your routine and try new things, you are essentially slowing down time. Trying something new is always exciting and sparks curiosity amongst your kiddos as well.
Here are some fun ideas that I will be adding to our summer bucket list:
Pajama Run - a fun way to surprise your kids! Give them their baths, have them put on their PJs, and then announce a surprise outing. Let them pile into the car with their pajamas (bring shoes just in case!) and then take them for a favorite drive-thru treat. The smiles on my kid’s faces will be so worth it!
Go to a drive-in movie theater - if you’re local there’s one in Mansfield, CT I’m planning on trying!
Make a summer scrapbook - (bought this scrapbook off of Etsy!)
Zip-lining and a ropes course - if you’re local, I’m planning on trying The Adventure Park at Storrs! Looks like they have a ton of activities for kids other than zip-lining as well!
Hot Air Balloon Ride - been on my bucket list for years and hoping to check it off my list by the end of summer! I’m going to check out Spirit Ballooning in CT!
Visit an aquarium, farm or museum- if you’re local make sure to check out the New England Aquarium! We recently went and the kid’s had a blast. We went to lunch at Joe’s Waterfront afterwards (5 minute walk from aquarium) and there was a local park right across the street that the kid’s loved! I also have heard great thing about Davis Farmland in Sterling, MA that I’m excited to visit!
Live a Little Yourself
As parents, it can be easy to make life revolve entirely around our kids. But summer isn’t just for them. It’s for us moms, too. So, in the spirit of fun, do something for yourself. Maybe it’s something new. Something small. Something just for you. Regardless, carve out time and plan something! I’ve been wanting to try out a local coffee shop and a Pilates studio nearby, so going to make it happen soon! Many things on your summer bucket list will be activities you do together as a family, but it’s okay to go solo on an adventure or to include something for yourself.
The Main Thing: Cherish All the Moments
The real magic of a summer bucket list is to help us plan and create those lasting memories, good and bad :) Don’t put a ton of pressure on yourself to fit in a million activities, but rather enjoy those moments of you sipping your coffee while your kid’s do sidewalk chalk. Again, there is profound magic in recognizing that life's most meaningful moments aren't just found in grand milestones.
So here’s to a great summer ahead and a bucket list that might spark your next adventure! Let me know if you try anything! I’m hoping when those yellow school buses come around again, you’ll look back and think of all those special moments you made together as family this past summer, big or small.
XO, Heidi
