Kid’s Summer Bucket List Ideas!!!

September 6, 2018

by Michelle Garrett, MS, LMFT


Summer is in full swing and, you may have already heard the words, “Mom, I’m bored…there's nothing to do.” As a Mom, sometimes I come up empty handed. And, not that boredom is a bad thing, because it often leads to creativity. But, just in case, here are a few ideas to add to your Parental Treasure Box of Ideas. Additionally, you can give points for each bucket list item your child does, and they can use those points to earn screen time, OR create your own point chart based on reading goals, or chores, or exercise, or social time with friends. These points could also be earned and exchanged for screen time.



  • Make a fort!!
  • Go fishing!!
  • Make popscicles!
  • Play badminton!!
  • Make play-doh!
  • Go bowling!!
  • Sidewalk chalk!
  • Write a prayer journal!
  • Go to the lake or beach!!
  • Finger paint!
  • Go to the zoo!!
  • Catch lightening bugs!
  • Go on a nature hike!!
  • Take pictures at sunset!
  • Draw or paint the sunset!!
  • Have a cookout!
  • Go to the drive-in movies!!
  • Create an obstacle course!
  • Make ice cream!!!
  • Read a book!
  • Go swimming!!
  • Water fight!!!
  • Paper airplanes!!
  • Bake cookies!
  • Play volleyball!!
  • Hopscotch!
  • Relay races!!
  • Jump rope!!
  • Play Dress up!
  • Wash the car!!
  • Kids make dinner night!
  • Play bingo!!
  • Watch Fireworks!!
  • Create a summer scrapbook!!
  • Play soccer!
  • Play hide and seek!
  • Ride bikes!
  • Paint clay pots!
  • Bible Study with friends!!
  • Have a game night!
  • Go to the pet store!!
  • Get a telescope!
  • Write your own play!
  • Have a lemonade stand!
  • Make bracelets to sell!
  • Do a magic show!!
  • Play basketball!!
  • Write a book!
  • Make Pizza!!
  • Rent a boat!!
  • Create a time capsule!!
  • Start a blog!
  • Have a family craft night!!
  • Go to the science museum!!
  • Go to the movies!
  • Collect and raise tadpoles!
  • Help someone in need!
  • Create a frisbee golf course!!
  • Check out the meteor showers in August!!
  • Learn the books of the Bible!
  • Memorize Weekly Bible verses!!
  • 4th of July Parade!
  • US Map - color the states you’ve visited!!
  • Do a favor for someone!
  • Re-arrange your room!!!
  • Create a summer business!
  • Encourage a friend!
  • Open a savings account!
  • Do something nice for someone every day!!
  • Write a letter to Grandma and Grandpa!
  • Pool Party!!
  • Make t-shirts w/ fabric paint!!
  • Write letters to kids in other countries!
  • Make your own bucket list!
  • Go camping!
  • Improve swimming skills!!
  • Plant a garden!
  • Camp fires and s’mores!
  • Go Hammocking!!!
  • Make a list of friends!
  • Make an all about me book!
  • Practice fitness every day!!
  • Drink your water each day!
  • Clean room each day!!
  • Invite a new friend over!
  • Water balloon fight!
  • Draw or color a picture!
  • Learn a new sport or skill!!


—Michelle Garrett, MS, LMFT
TLCC Staff Therapist

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