Make Your Family Summer Bucket List with a Simple Printable Template

Easily make your family’s summer bucket list using this simple printable template and our favorite fun activities.

Summertime means lazy days at home where rules are relaxed and schedules are out the window. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make sure you do a few special things this summer.

Make a summer bucket list and write down everything your family wants to do this season!

We usually sit down near the beginning of summer and make a list together. It includes some fun family traditions as well as some new hobbies and interests. A few things might have a specific date, like going to a new blockbuster movie, but most of our favorite summer bucket list ideas are simple and can fit in whenever we like.

Read on to see our favorite things to include, then grab the printable summer bucket list template included in the DIY Summer Camp Planner!

Summer bucket list ideas

Visit a museum

Attend a special exhibit or just browse the regular collection at a museum. Check the calendars at your local art, science, or history museums to find special summer programs for kids.

Join a summer reading program

The best place to sign up for a summer reading program is your local public library. If yours isn’t hosting one, create your own summer reading challenge.

Go to the zoo

Visit a zoo or aquarium to introduce your kids to animals. Weekdays are often less crowded and lightly rainy days are surprisingly fun. For an extra adventure, make it a day trip to a nearby city that you don’t visit often.

Picnic in the park

Pack a bag with your favorite fingers foods and drinks. Don’t forget a big blanket, napkins, and a trash bag. You might also need sunscreen or bug repellent.

Create sidewalk chalk art

Pick up a box of sidewalk chalk at the dollar store and create some amazing sidewalk chalk art!

See a new movie

There’s no shortage of summer blockbusters in movie theaters. You can also check local theaters for discount summer programs. Or try something different and head to a drive-in movie theater.

Attend an outdoor concert

Summer is music festival season! Whether you see your favorite rock band or catch an outdoor performance of an orchestra, music is an activity that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Search for geocaches

Geocaching is like a scavenger hunt using a GPS (or your phone). Find treasures that others have hidden in your own neighborhood. You can even make and create your own to hide too.

Make popsicles or ice cream

Find a simple recipe and make a batch of homemade popsicles or ice cream at least once this summer. Most are easier to make than you might think, and you can find the perfect recipe to fit your family’s dietary needs.

Make smores over a fire

All you need to make smores are graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. These goey treats may be messy, but they’re a classic summer bucket list activity your kids will adore.

Build a fort

Building a fort is a classic kids’ activity and summer is the perfect time to make one. You can build one indoors using blankets, or head outdoors and build a giant fort using cardboard boxes.

Eat fresh berries

It’s peak produce season, so grab some fresh strawberries or blueberries from the farmer’s market or grocery store. You might even have a pick-your-own berries farm nearby.

Stay up late stargazing

The summer includes several night sky events, including the full moon and annual meteor showers. Download an app or check sites like NASA and The Weather Channel to see what’s coming up.

Go on a nature walk

Take your whole family on a nature walk around your neighborhood. You’ll be surprised by what you notice when you slow down and look for tiny details. We’ve got several nature walk activities and themes.

Swim at the lake

Going swimming is a summertime must, especially when the temperature creeps into triple digits! Head to the lake or beach, or get tickets to visit a waterpark. Check your local YMCA for discounted family programs.

Play outdoor water games

The best way to keep cool in the summer is with water! Set up a sprinkler in the backyard, fill some water balloons, or do some of these fantastic outdoor water activities.

Have a family game night

Put away the electronics and spend an afternoon or evening playing games together. Raid the closet for old favorites you haven’t played in a while, or add one of our favorite family games to your collection.

Go fishing

You’ll need to check local regulations, but many places let kids fish without a license. Try a catch-and-release if you’re not keen on cleaning and cooking fish. Or look for a place hosting beginner fishing lessons for kids.

Camp in the backyard

You don’t have to go far to have a fun camping adventure – you can set up a tent and camp in your own backyard. Try these fun ideas for activities and more!

Make friendship bracelets

You only need a few supplies to make these cute braided friendship bracelets. Once your kids learn the technique, they’ll want to make them by the dozen for friends!

Printable summer bucket list

Grab this printable summer bucket list so you can write down all your fun ideas in one place. It’s included in the DIY Summer Camp Planner, along with everything else you need to plan the best summer ever at home.

Plan family activities, make simple and classic kids’ crafts, and even get your kids excited about reading and learning.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• Printable Summer Activities List of Easy Boredom Busters
• 12 Outdoor Games to Play at Night
• 30 Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids at Home