Family Summer Bucket List

If you're like me, we always seem to run out of summer before we run out of things to do. Quite a few years ago we started writing out our "summer bucket list" and once we had it all written out, we turned it into something we could save to look back on. There is something different about being intentional with how you spend these precious summer days vs sleeping in and watching the days blend away one into the next.

Our summer bucket list has evolved over the years, and the ages and changes of life have really been the driving force that dictates the things that make the list. When the kids were younger we'd add things like "go to the splash pad" or "park hop through town". My 3 youngest are now tweens and teens so the list has changed quite a bit over the last 3-4 years. They now request to spend the day at a water park or Six Flags, but not everything is a big production either. Some of the simple things that make the list every year are activities like "ice cream for dinner", "Slurpee's from 7-11" and "go to the fireworks stand".

We have yet to check off every single box on a list, but it's never been about that anyway. The list isn't about charging through summer full speed ahead, it's about slowing down and living with purpose. Don't get me wrong, we still enjoy the dog days of summer, and lazy days in pajamas, but this gives us a lot of things to look forward to too!

Want to make your own summer bucket list with your family? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• chase down the ice cream truck

• outside movie night

• fireworks in the park

• fishing

• beach day

• nature walk

• demolition derby/local racetrack

• summer fest

• catch fireflys

• look for caterpillars

• plant a garden

• backyard camping

• day at the waterpark or pool

• picnic at the park

• sidewalk chalk art

• tie-dye t-shirts with friends

• last day of school party

• shaving cream fight in the yard

• campfire and smore's

• hide and go-seek in the dark (flashlight tag)

• pool party

• bike ride on trails

• campout out on the couch

• video game marathon (parents play too)

• catch and release toads

• bowling

• mini-golf

• summer reading program

• neighborhood kickball game

This is a list we made a few years ago. The boys weren't interested in making it look pretty, so the girls and I made the posterboard. I get a big stack of poster board from Dollar Tree every year and we use it for tons of things throughout the year. (you'll see what a huge fan I am of Dollar Tree before long!) Some years the list is very specific and sometimes pretty general and either way works just fine. I don't think I'll ever stop making these, even when all the kids are grown and flown. My list will probably look quite a bit different when it's just me and the mister, or maybe I'll make a "Bucket List at Grandma and Papa's House" one day. What are some of the things you have included or would add to your summer bucket list? Add your ideas in the comments below!