Today is the first day of summer break from school for my kids so we took some time to create this year's Summer Bucket List!
For the past several years, we've used this simple Summer Bucket List template with great success. It helps us narrow down ideas and plan activities month by month, making the whole season feel more manageable. Breaking it into smaller chunks keeps summer from becoming overwhelming, and over the years (check out our lists from 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013), it has not only created countless great memories but also sparked several family traditions we now look forward to year after year.
So what’s on the list for this summer? Let’s dive in!
This year, we’re excited to explore more of our home state, Iowa. We're planning to:
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Ride the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad — it has been years since we last went and we can’t wait to go again with one of my grandmas. Maybe we'll try the Rail Explores Bikes someday too!
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Finally ride the Fenelon Elevator in Dubuque — it’s been on our list for a while, but the timing has never worked out… until now!
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Visit different Silos & Smokestacks sites — as a trustee of the organization, I’m looking forward to exploring more of the partner sites in the northeast corner of the state. Here are a few sites I have visited this past year: Hartman Reserve, Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
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Be tourists in our own backyard — with our schedule quickly filling up with various activities and responsibilities, staying close to home while having fun just makes sense.
Our biggest summer adventure? We’re going to Alaska!
Last year, we made a list of places we wanted to take our kids while we still had all four at home. Since it’s been 10 years since our last Alaska vacation, we’re heading back — and this time, we’re doing it by cruise! It’ll be the first cruise our kids have ever been on, and one thing they’re especially excited about is taking a new family photo. They’ve been saying for a couple of years now that they look way too little in our most recent family picture, so they’re eager to take advantage of the cruise photographers for an updated one.
Of course, we’re also sticking with some of our favorite summer traditions:
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Swimming at the pool
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Beach days
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Camping and yurting
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Plenty of ice cream (especially in June for National Dairy Month!)
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VBS (and having our annual Cousin Weekend)
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Our local Franklin County Fair and Iowa State Fair
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Hosting our annual sweet corn party with our farm landlords
We hope this summer brings your family joy, connection, and plenty of fun! What’s on your summer bucket list?
This 2025 Family Summer Bucket List is fantastic! It's clear you've mastered the art of making summer manageable and memorable, blending exciting adventures like the Alaska cruise and Iowa explorations (Boone Scenic Valley Railroad, Fenelon Elevator, Silos & Smokestacks) with beloved family traditions. The emphasis on local "backyard tourism" and the kids' eagerness for an updated family photo show a wonderful balance of big trips and cherished everyday moments. What a fun and inspiring way to create lasting family memories!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think that balancing out long trips and close-to-home experiences is the key to making summer a meaningful time. Reading this list makes me want to do the same for my family – exploring new destinations while creating warm memories right where I live. What a great inspiration!
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ReplyDeleteYour Summer Bucket List sounds amazing! It’s great that you’re balancing fun activities while also cherishing family traditions. Exploring Iowa and the trip to Alaska sound like unforgettable adventures. Speaking of memorable experiences, it’s also a perfect time to enjoy some sports with the kids! Maybe you could check out Football Bros for some fun family-friendly competitions. Wishing you all a wonderful summer filled with joy and laughter!
ReplyDeleteThis list is such a great mix of fun and meaningful activities for families! I love how you included simple ideas that actually bring people together — sometimes the best summer memories come from things that don’t cost a thing. Definitely printing this one for our fridge!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing adventure! Alaska by Slope Rider cruise sounds unforgettable, and that updated family photo will be such a special keepsake. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
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ReplyDeleteLove this 2025 Summer Bucket List—breaking it into monthly chunks is genius for keeping things fun without overwhelm, and that Alaska cruise sounds epic for family photo ops! Traditions like sweet corn parties and fair adventures are what make summers magical; nothing beats those memory-makers.
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What's your top bucket list tradition?