72 Summer Bucket List Ideas for 2023 (Add Your Picks!)

We're crowdsourcing ideas from parents to compile the ultimate summer bucket list for kids! Get inspired for an epic few months ahead, and add your best summer bucket list ideas to our collection.

Our list keeps growing as parents add their favorite things to do in summer: outside fun, genius tips to entertain the kids, rainy day activities and more. Keep busy while school is out and create some memories while you're at it!

What's on your family bucket list for summer?


 

    Take a Road Trip

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    Kelly R. said:  Whether you drive across the country or just take a quick weekend getaway, plan a fun summer road trip together and chart out some unique pit stops along the way.

    Have a Slumber Party

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    Kelly R. said:  A slumber party with friends is loads of fun, but it's also a blast with siblings or even parents! Set up in the family room with sleeping bags and pillows and enjoy favorite movies, eat too many treats, and stay up late!

    Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest

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    Kelly R. said:  Take turns spitting watermelon seeds and see who can launch theirs the farthest. We let everyone try 3 times and mark ours with sidewalk chalk to remember which one is which!

    Screen Free Day

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    Kelly R. said:  Pick a day where everyone has to step away from the screens - even the parents! You might be surprised by all of the creative ways you come up with to have fun together, and it will be a great day to tackle a lot of items from your summer bucket list!

    Make S'mores

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    Sarah Calamita said:  Make s'mores! Such a fun summer night time activity :)

    Build a Sandcastle

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    Kelly R. said:  When you head to the beach this summer, make sure to bring along some sand toys to construct an epic sandcastle!

    Flashlight Tag

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    Kelly R. said:  A cross between hide-and-seek and tag, but in the dark! The player who is "it" uses a flashlight and has to tag other players by shining the beam of the flashlight on them.

    PJ Day

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    Kelly R. said:  Pick a day where everyone in the house wears their PJs from morning to night. That means you, too, mom and dad!

    Playground Tour

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    Kelly R. said:  Branch out from your usual playgrounds by making a goal of visiting a variety of new ones this summer. It's a fun way to explore other neighborhoods near you!

    Go on a Long Bike Ride

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    Alexandra F. said:  If your kids are old enough and sufficiently comfortable on their bikes, consider going on a longer ride than you might normally take. Find a bike trail you want to explore, pack lots of water and snacks, and make a morning or afternoon of it!

    Learn to Mow the Lawn

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    Kristy Pepping said:  Kids always want to help the grown-ups. So maybe this is the summer kids can learn to actually mow the lawn for mom or dad! Just make sure they are old enough to do so and are properly trained so as not to get hurt in the process. However, with proper safety and training in place, this could be a fun job and one less chore for the adults!

    See a Parade

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    Kelly R. said:  Parades are the ultimate summertime celebrations, so be sure to add one to your summer bucket list!

Primary photo:   Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.