Today is the last day of school for my kids which means it's the start of the summer for our family. We spent some time over the last week thinking about some fun things we'd like to do over the next few months and this is what we came up with!
.png "Family Summer Bucket List Ideas & Printable") |
Create your own Summer Bucket List with my FREE Printable As a to-do list fan I love the bullet notes and calendar space so you can think how to schedule everything! |
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 2025, 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 our family’s summer bucket list this year? Let’s dive in!
The very first thing the kids brought up when we sat down to make our list was a family Cake War. We’ve done this a few times before, and it’s always fun to see what the kids come up with. Everyone gets creative, competitive, and just a little messy. If you’ve never hosted one before, check out my tips for planning your own — and definitely invite family or friends to join in on the fun!
Next on the list is camping. We originally had dates booked to stay in the Clear Lake Yurts, but unfortunately they were damaged in a storm a couple weeks ago, so we’ve started looking at other options. We’ve checked out different state park cabins, but what the kids really want is to go camper camping. We’ll see how we can make that happen this summer, but it’s definitely something we’re working toward!
Another big item on the list: beach days. This one is especially exciting because it ties into our family vacation to Hawaii in July! The kids also mentioned wanting to visit Okoboji, so we’re hoping to squeeze in as many beach days as possible — whether they’re in Iowa or somewhere a little farther from home.
The kids also added both a Cousin Sleepover and a Family Sleepover to the list. We’re planning to host all the cousins at our house during VBS in August, which is always a lot of fun. The kids absolutely love it, and while there’s definitely a lot of energy packed into one house for a few days, it’s become a favorite tradition not only for my kids, but for my nieces and nephews too.
As for the family sleepover, that’s something we started back in 2020 and the kids still talk about it. We all pile into the living room with blankets and pillows, watch movies, eat snacks, and eventually fall asleep together. Sometimes the simplest traditions end up being the most memorable.
The last few items on the list involve some Iowa day trips. Since I serve on the board of trustees for Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, I’ve made it a goal to visit as many heritage sites in the northeast Iowa quadrant as possible while serving on the board. Hopefully that will finally get us to Dubuque so we can ride the Fenelon Place Elevator. It seems like every time we’ve visited the area before, we’ve managed to go at the wrong time to ride the “world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway.”
We’re also planning a Grandma Date this summer with one of my grandmas at the Iowa Arboretum. I think this will be such a great place to explore for all ages together.
Of course, summer also includes softball games, church and 4-H camps, summer band lessons, fairs, and plenty more activities that will make the weeks fly by. But having a bucket list like this, along with eating as much ice cream as possible, is sure to make for a fun and memorable summer.
What’s on your family’s summer bucket list this year? I’d love to hear your favorite summer traditions, trips, or must-do activities!
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