30 Fun Summer Things to Do - Summer Bucket List Activities

2022-05-14 09:39:30 By : Ms. yuge Xiao

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You’ll never have a dull moment with these ideas!

If you ask Ree, summer is the perfect season for whipping up the best cookout recipes and going for long, leisurely walks. That's certainly a great place to start, and if you're looking for even more fun ways to fill all those lazy summer days (and your little ones’ school-free schedules!), we've got you covered. All you have to do is pull some ideas from this bucket list that's packed with plenty of summer things to do as a family, with your partner, or on your own.

The possibilities are endless. You could simply use the season as an excuse to linger a little longer on your front porch—with a cool drink in hand, of course. You could introduce your kids to books you loved to read during the summer when you were little. Pick up a new hobby. Throw a summer party. Visit an unexplored place, even if it’s local. Get out and enjoy nature to the fullest. Or make a summer craft that’s best-suited to balmy afternoons spent in the backyard—think squirt-gun painting or DIY bubbles. No matter which activity you choose, it's sure to leave you with so many wonderful summer memories!

Here’s a fun way to pull your kids away from video games and out into the great outdoors—by turning it into a scavenger hunt! Set out for a local park or another natural area and use this printable as you look for acorns, dragonflies, and ladybugs.

Get the tutorial at First Day of Home.

Sunflower farms have exploded in popularity in recent years, and we’re betting you can find a field right in your area. Be sure to take plenty of selfies with the sunflowers!

Whether your kids have a summer reading list from school, or you’d like to create your own list with them, try reading the same books as your little ones this summer for a dose of nostalgia and to do something fun together.

Don’t just build sandcastles—make it a family sandcastle contest! Who can be the most creative? Use molds to create designs, or items from nature, like seashells and sticks, to make it one of a kind. The winner gets to pick where to get ice cream!

Whether you go with a pal or with your whole family, be sure to add an outdoor concert or two to your summer itinerary. From peaceful classical music to rockin’ tribute bands, a concert is one of the best ways to spend a summer evening.

How’s this for a unique summer activity that’s perfect for the backyard? Fill squirt guns or spray bottles with liquid watercolors and have your kiddos spray at mounted watercolor paper. They’ll create mini masterpieces that will always carry summer memories.

Get the tutorial at Fireflies & Mud Pies.

For a truly soothing experience, visit a lavender field with your family. The sea of purple flowers makes for beautiful picture-taking, and oftentimes, you can visit the farm’s gift shop for some lavender goodies to take home.

Summer is the perfect time to bust out the best outdoor games, and there are plenty you can play with these oversized lawn dice! The best part is that you can make them yourself.

Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.

Summer should also be known as flea market season! Take a solo trip, go with your friends, or get your family in on the antique-hunting action. Who can find the most unique item at the whole flea market?

How much do your kiddos know about summer? This printable trivia game is perfect for a lazy afternoon or a barbecue.

For something creative to do during the dog days of summer, try these DIY mini water blobs. Your kids will love them!

Get the tutorial at Hello Wonderful.

Is it really summer if you haven’t sipped a tall, cold glass of lemonade? Whip up Ree’s recipe for your kids to sell at a stand or simply savor it as you relax on your porch.

Summer is for whiling away the hours, and that goes for bike rides, too. Take your bikes out for a day at the beach or the park, or explore a new trail system.

If you remember hitting the Slip ‘N Slide when you were little, it’s time for your kids to experience the fun, too! Except this time, you can make your own DIY version.

Get the tutorial at Welcome to Nana’s.

Purchase a brand new game to play at the beach. While tossing around a beach ball is fun and all, you can mix things up with this cute rope ring toss game.

It’s time to go on a family hike! Research local state parks and find a feature that everyone in your family is sure to love, like waterfalls or fields of wildflowers.

Cornhole is a classic summer pastime. If you don’t already have the game in your backyard, you can make your own cornhole boards, complete with stylish patterns.

Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

When was the last time you just sat in a field of flowers? We’re guessing it's been a while, and it’s high time you enjoy that experience again! Take a book or plan to simply meditate as you breathe in the sights and scents.

Seashells can be found in virtually every corner of the United States, from oceanfront beaches to lakeside locales. Start a new hobby with your family and don’t forget the guidebook so you can identify your finds.

Since you’re making it a summer to remember, hold onto those memories with a special keepsake box. Each child can make their own box, painting it themselves and filling it with photos, seashells, and other trinkets.

Get the tutorial at Simple as That.

It’s strawberry picking season! Find a local U-pick farm and introduce your kids to the joys of harvesting your own delicious summer treats.

How adorable are these summery jellyfish? Made out of paper bowls (try using some left over from a party!) and craft paint, you can hang them on the porch or in your backyard for a fun pop of color.

Get the tutorial at Non-Toy Gifts.

Now that any lingering snow is long gone, it’s an ideal time to try out a new warm-weather activity. Think: rollerblading, biking, running, swimming, or beach volleyball.

Having a water balloon fight during the summer is always a blast, but it’s not the greenest activity (those little balloon pieces might stay around for months). Instead, you can craft these reusable water balloons—they're good for the planet and your budget.

Get the tutorial at Beginner Sewing Projects.

Remember: Summertime activities aren’t just for kids. You should have some fun, too! And we think you should start with a good, old-fashioned run through a sprinkler.

Make a sign for your front door proclaiming that it’s summer with the help of this DIY kit.

Sure, you could buy some bubbles from the store, or you could give them a DIY, personalized spin with this easy tutorial.

Get the tutorial at Evermine.

Clear your schedule for one afternoon. Spend those blissful summertime hours sitting on your front porch, lying in a hammock, or spreading out a towel on the beach. Put your phone down and enjoy the tranquility.

Think of a game that your family loves to play indoors (like Connect Four or Jenga) and track down a giant version of that game to play in the backyard.

SHOP FOUR IN A ROW GAME

With this easy tutorial, you and your littles can learn how to make your very own kaleidoscopic sidewalk chalk!

Get the tutorial at Brite & Bubbly.