Our summer has officially come to an end which means back to a routine we go. It’s always a little bitter sweet and a weird transition, but I will admit, I am a routine girl through and through. This was by far my favorite summer, creating endless memories with the kids, and I owe that all to our bucket list.

I was definitely not prepared for summer when it began, though. I was scrambling to create summer activities for our bucket list, so I ran to Pinterest and printed out a random one with over 100 ideas. The amount of activities was a little overwhelming for our over achieving 8 year old, so we came up with a plan to cross off the ones we didn’t want to do, check off what we could and if there was something we felt was worthy of being on the list, we would add it on there.

And that is where these 26 activities came from. We did all these summer bucket list items at least once, creating the best, most memorable summer. Want to get ahead for summer 2025? Save it to Pinterest now!

Keep reading for our summer rules bonus + links for pdf printable

A little bit more detail about each of our bucket list items. If we did an activity more than once, we would add a check mark next to it so see what activity we did the most.

1. Build a Fort

Start your summer with a little indoor adventure. Gather blankets, pillows, and cushions to build a cozy fort. It’s a perfect way to kick off a summer filled with creativity and fun. Our girls’ favorite thing to do is build it in their room and then they sleep there for a week. It’s a little camp getaway but without the bugs.

2. Read a Book Series

Escape into new worlds by diving into a book series. Whether it’s a beloved classic or a new release, there’s no better time to get lost in a good book than during a lazy summer day.

3. Learn a New Game

Summer is the perfect opportunity to pick up a new game. Whether it’s a board game, card game, or an outdoor sport, learning something new is always exciting and a great way to bond with family and friends. We started playing monopoly go the last few weeks and it quickly became a family favorite.

4. Write a Story with Pictures

Unleash your inner author by writing a story and illustrating it with pictures. This activity is perfect for kids and adults alike, sparking creativity and imagination.

5. Make Friendship Bracelets

Crafting friendship bracelets is a timeless summer activity that brings people closer together. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with friends while creating something meaningful.

6. Make Paper Airplanes

Get competitive with a paper airplane contest! See who can make the most aerodynamic design and whose plane flies the furthest. This came on a day of boredom for the girls and it ended up being one of their favorite activities. They would decorate them and come up with different folds to see what worked best.

7. Make Root Beer Floats

Cool down on a hot day with a classic treat. Root beer floats are a nostalgic summer favorite that’s sure to please everyone.

8. Indoor Obstacle Course

Bring the playground indoors by setting up an obstacle course. It’s a great way to keep the kids active, especially on a rainy summer day.

9. Have a Family Game Night

Gather your family for an evening of board games, snacks, and laughter. Family game night is a great way to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Our favorites were sequence for kids, life, and monopoly go.

10. Have a Movie Marathon

Pick a movie series or a selection of your favorite films, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a cozy movie marathon. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day full of summer activities.

11. Roast S’mores

No summer is complete without roasting s’mores. Whether over a campfire or using an indoor setup, this delicious treat is a must on any summer bucket list.

12. Plant Seeds & Watch Them Grow

Get in touch with nature by planting seeds and watching them grow. This activity is both educational and rewarding, perfect for all ages.

13. Hide and Seek

Bring back childhood memories with a game of hide and seek. This simple yet fun activity never gets old, and it’s a great way to keep kids entertained.

14. Play Board Games

On those days when it’s too hot to be outside, gather around the table for some board games. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy time with family and friends.

15. Make Personal Pizzas

Get creative in the kitchen by making personal pizzas. Everyone can customize their own, making it a fun and delicious activity.

16. Bake

Spend a day baking treats together. Whether it’s cookies, cakes, or something new, baking is a sweet way to bond.

17. Family Movie Night

Turn your living room into a home theater for a family movie night. Choose a film that everyone will love, grab some snacks, and enjoy a relaxing evening together.

18. Make Cloud Dough

Cloud dough is a sensory activity that’s fun to make and play with. It’s a great hands-on activity for kids that can keep them occupied for hours.

19. Wash the Cars

Turn a chore into a fun summer activity by washing the cars together. It’s a great way to cool off while getting something done.

20. Blow Bubbles

There’s something magical about blowing bubbles on a summer day. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this simple activity brings joy to everyone.

21. Go to the Beach

A summer bucket list isn’t complete without a trip to the beach. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf, and make some unforgettable memories.

22. Go Swimming at Night

For a twist on a classic summer activity, try swimming at night. It’s a refreshing way to beat the heat and adds a little adventure to your day.

23. Water Balloon Fight

Nothing says summer fun like a water balloon fight. It’s a perfect way to cool off and have a blast with friends and family.

24. Play in the Sprinklers

When the temperature rises, there’s nothing better than running through the sprinklers. This classic summer activity is sure to be a hit with the kids.

25. DIY Slip n’ Slide

Create your own slip n’ slide in the backyard for hours of wet and wild fun. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to enjoy the summer heat.

26. End of Summer Party

Wrap up your summer with a bang by hosting an end-of-summer party. Celebrate the season’s adventures with friends, food, and fun.

Our Summer Rules

“I’m bored. I don’t know what to do. Can we watch a movie? Can I go on my tablet?”

Anyone else get that the first hour into summer break??? I created this printable and placed it next to our bucket list and it helped so much! Of course they still said they were bored at times, but having this minimized the amount by 74.

Our kids are pretty routine kids so we stuck with the same tv time/electronic rules that we have during the school year. But if you needed something with earning electronic time in there, here is something for you!

Summer Bucket List + Summer Rules

Summer bucket list + Screen time rules

With this summer bucket list, you’re set for an unforgettable summer vacation filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, these bucket list ideas will ensure that your summer is packed with joy and adventure. So grab your list, gather your family and friends, and start see how many times you can check off these summer activities next summer 😉!