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6 Steps to the Perfect Summer Bucket List

Fight off the summertime boredom and give your kids something to talk about with the perfect summer bucket list. It’s as easy as six steps.

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to create a bucket list with your family. But with so many options, where do you start?

With six simple steps, you can overcome the decision paralysis and create the perfect summer bucket list for your family. From brainstorming to tracking your progress, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your summer unforgettable. So, grab a pen and paper and get ready to create your ultimate summer bucket list!

Why Should My Family Create a Summer Bucket List?

Creating a summer bucket list can be a great way to make the most of the warm weather and longer days with your family. By taking the time to brainstorm and plan out fun activities and adventures, you won’t waste a single day of your summer break. (And you can avoid that pesky “Mooooom, I’m so bored!”)

Whether you’re looking to try new things, explore your local area, or simply spend quality time together as a family, a summer bucket list can help you stay organized and focused on your goals. Plus, by involving everyone in the planning process, you can ensure that everyone’s interests and ideas are taken into account and that you create a summer filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Create a Summer Bucket List for Your Family

A “summer bucket list” is just another way of saying your summer calendar. Rather than looking at your bucket list as a collection of impossible dreams, think about it as if you’re lining up a to-do list for summer break. Dream it, plan it, and then actually do it.

Whether your idea of summer fun is relaxing on the beach or embarking on an epic adventure, read on to learn how to create a summer bucket list that will have your family counting down the days until summer vacation.

Step 1: Brainstorm

Sit down with your family and brainstorm ideas for summer activities. You can start by asking everyone to suggest their favorite things to do or try to think of new experiences you want to have together. Write down all the ideas, no matter how big or small they may seem, and try to be specific. Think of specific places, events, movies, concerts, and more that you want to do with your family. The more detailed the idea is, the more likely you are to do it.

Some General Ideas to Spark Inspiration

Go on a camping trip and spend a night under the stars.
Have a picnic in the park or at the beach.
Take a family bike ride or hike in a nearby nature trail.
Visit a water park or go to a nearby lake or beach for a day of swimming.
Attend a local fair or festival.
Try a new outdoor activity, such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
Visit a museum or aquarium to learn something new.
Have a family game night or movie night.
Go on a road trip to explore a new city or town.
Have a family cookout or barbecue.
Take a family vacation to a theme park or resort.
Learn a new skill or take a class together, such as cooking or painting.
Host a backyard movie night or bonfire.
Have a family photo shoot or create a family scrapbook.
Volunteer together at a local charity or community event.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember to personalize your list based on your family’s interests and preferences, and have fun with dreaming up adventures.

Step 2: Categorize

Categorize the ideas into different groups, such as outdoor activities, indoor activities, day trips, weekend getaways, sports, arts and crafts, etc. This will help you organize your list and plan around your family’s summer schedules.

Step 3: Prioritize

Discuss with your family which activities are the most important or feasible to do based on your budget and schedules. You may need to compromise or adjust some of the ideas to make them work.

Step 4: Plan

Once you have decided on your summer bucket list activities, start planning each one. Research the locations, dates, costs, and any necessary reservations or tickets needed. Create a timeline for when each activity will take place, and make sure to leave some free time for spontaneous adventures. Bonus points if you create a special bucket list calendar with your family—this way everyone can contribute and look forward to the upcoming adventures.

Step 5: Track Progress

Keep track of your progress throughout the summer by crossing off each activity as you complete it. You can do this with a simple list and a pen, or you can take pictures of all your adventures and add them to a bucket list scrapbook. Each bucket list item will only be complete when you’ve added memories to its designated page. (If you’ve created your own bucket list calendar, that would be perfect too—just leave room for pictures!)

This can be a fun way to see how much you’ve accomplished and give you motivation to finish the rest of the list. Plus, it’s a great keepsake for the whole family.

Step 6: Save the Rest for Later

The most important part of creating a summer bucket list is to have fun and enjoy spending time with your family. Don’t stress too much about checking off every single activity on the list, but rather use it as a guide to help you make the most of your summer together. You can save the rest of your bucket list for another summer or your next family reunion.

Let your summer adventures begin!

For more summer bucket list ideas, check out these lists from LifeTree and Mindy Jones Blog.

Books to Inspire Your Summer Bucket List

^{Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in editing and publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.}