Search Blog
Search Blog

100 Fun and Easy Activities for Your Summer Bucket List

Written By: The Good and the Beautiful Published On:

It’s time to make those summer bucket lists! Get out the water hoses, build the campfires, and buy the marshmallows, but also keep reading for a list of unique and fun summer bucket list ideas fromThe Good and the Beautiful team.

We had so much fun working together (including staff members from across the United States) to develop this list of 100 fun and easy things to do in the summer. Don’t forget to print our free download to write and track your family’s summer bucket list adventures! 

  • Click Here for FREE Download

101 Summer Bucket List Ideas

  1. Make homemade ice cream. 
  2. Do crafts with an elderly neighbor.
  3. Have a picnic in the backyard. 
  4. Learn about constellations.
  5. Have a family drawing lesson.
  6. Host a neighborhood science fair.
  7. Collect flowers and press them.
  8. Make a stick fort (large or small).  
  9. Graph the number of times you see various birds.
  10. Make cards for a local nursing home, then visit with the residents.
  11. Learn summer words in a new language.
  12. Organize a family game day—at the beach or lakeside.
  13. Plant a seed in a cup and track its growth.
  14. Grow a sunflower, and then roast its seeds. 
  15. Make ice pops with fruit juice.
  16. Do a show-and-tell of your favorite things.
  17. Make puppets from paper lunch bags and put on a show. 
  18. Have three-legged races in the yard.
  19. Plan a neighborhood water-balloon fight.
  20. Go for a walk in nature and sit still somewhere for 15 minutes to listen and watch. 
  21. Plant a new tree (for you or someone else).
  22. Build a micro-city with stones, sticks, and other materials.
  23. Play a music concert for friends and family, using only homemade instruments.

Keep Reading for more great ideas . . .

24. Make dinner with recipes from another country.

25. Have lunch at the park.

26. Track the moon cycle and lengths of days.

27. Learn a new skill, even something simple and fun.

28. Pick an animal, state, flower, etc., to learn about. 

29. Write your findings from #28 on extra-large sticky notes.

30. Learn about the history of the Fourth of July.

31. Visit a local animal shelter. 

32. Eat breakfast for dinner. 

33. Pick fresh fruit and make homemade shakes.

34. Finish The Good and the Beautiful Summer Reading Program.

35. Build a birdhouse with materials found around the house.

36. Make art using rocks. 

37. Turn an old toy kitchen or a workbench into a mud-pie station. 

38. Learn to fish, then go fishing.

39. Take a camping trip, or camp out in your backyard (or set up a tent in the living room).

40. Volunteer to read good and beautiful books at your local nursing home. 

41. Create a rock garden and set it up in the yard.

42. Paint rocks and hide them around the neighborhood.

43. Make homemade bubbles.

44. Take a family hike together.

45. Make foil dinners over a campfire.

46. Learn to play a new board game as a family.

47. Learn about baby farm animals. (Research local farms to find an opportunity to have an in-person experience!)

48. Organize a family painting night. 

49. Make sidewalk chalk paint.

  • Photograph of young girl with chalk

You're halfway there!

50. Have a tie-dye shirt party with your family, friends, or neighbors. 

51. Make wooden stick bracelets. 

52. Create puppets from old/worn socks. 

53. Make crystal stars while studying the night sky. 

54. Use The Good and the Beautiful Creative Arts & Crafts Notebook to do a family craft night once or twice (or more!) a week.

55. Visit one or more of your state parks to learn about your state’s history.

56. Kick around a soccer ball, play catch, or hit a volleyball around for 30 minutes.

57. Plant a garden and create meals with the food you grow.

58. Make and fly a kite.

59. Build an obstacle course. 

60. Go on a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood.

61. Hang up an old white sheet and make a painting as a family.

62. Find a strawberry farm and go strawberry picking as a family.

63. Be a tourist in your own city.

64. Do a random act of kindness.

65. Set up a disc-golf course and play.

66. Sign up to deliver Meals on Wheels™.

67. Make a person or group of people using sticks, rocks, leaves, and other items found during a nature walk. 

68. Experiment with colors: make purple, green, and orange from red, blue, and yellow paints.

69. Learn a new stretching routine. 

70. Make a bird feeder and then keep a record of the food consumption. 

71. Sit in the shade and read a book.

72. Watch a movie outside. 

73. Run in the sprinklers or visit a splash pad.

74. Enjoy a fireworks show.

Only a few more left . . .

75. Make paper or nature boats to race down a stream.

76. Refurbish a household item to make it new. 

77. Listen to an audio book together.

78. Blow up an inflatable pool and fill it with blankets for your movie-night seating.

79. Learn about a plant, then go on a walk and try to spot it.

80. Help neighbors weed their garden.

81. Make a treat for a grandparent or another loved one.

82. Make lemonade from scratch.

83. Have a tea party or themed meal.

84. Visit a cemetery and make a rubbing of a family headstone.

85. Paint a sunset.

86. Build a fort together, then play games inside.

87. Play baseball with water balloons.

88. Make DIY wind chimes.

89. Invite a neighbor to join your family for game night. 

90. Go a whole day without using technology—make it fun.

91. Write uplifting notes and leave them in places (on cars in parking lots, in library books, etc.) or give them to people.

92. Write and mail letters together.

93. Play yard Twister™. 

94. Play a giant game of Pick-Up Sticks. 

95. Build a recycled water wall. 

96. Plan an ice-block treasure hunt. 

97. Draw shapes you find in the clouds.

98. Play Capture the Flag. 

99. Organize a glow-stick ring-toss game.

100. Make a homemade volcano in your backyard.

101. Create a memory box to open next summer.

Enjoy these fun summer bucket list ideas, and don’t forget to make your own list with our free download below. We hope this season is a special time for your entire family!

  • Click Here for FREE Download

You may also like . . .

  • Watercolor ideas

Join the Discussion

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Related Posts

  • Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow

    Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow

    Find comfort in the hymn Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow. Learn the story behind the song and print the lyrics.

    Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow

    Find comfort in the hymn Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow. Learn the story behind the song and print the lyrics.

    Read more
  • Amazing Grace

    Amazing Grace

    Amazing Grace

    Read more
  • What Child Is This? Lyrics

    What Child Is This? Lyrics

    The Christmas hymn “What Child Is This?” tells of the humble birth of our Savior and the many visitors who came from near and far, bearing gifts for their King....

    What Child Is This? Lyrics

    The Christmas hymn “What Child Is This?” tells of the humble birth of our Savior and the many visitors who came from near and far, bearing gifts for their King....

    Read more
  • For the Beauty of the Earth

    For the Beauty of the Earth

    The lyrics in the hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” are inspiring and timeless. Reflect on God’s precious gifts as you sing along with this gentle and lovely song....

    For the Beauty of the Earth

    The lyrics in the hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” are inspiring and timeless. Reflect on God’s precious gifts as you sing along with this gentle and lovely song....

    Read more
  • My God Is So Great: Song Lyrics and Memory Verses

    My God Is So Great: Song Lyrics and Memory Verses

    Children often ask the question, “How big is God?” His greatness is bigger than any of us can imagine. Sing along with this beautifully illustrated video of “My God Is...

    My God Is So Great: Song Lyrics and Memory Verses

    Children often ask the question, “How big is God?” His greatness is bigger than any of us can imagine. Sing along with this beautifully illustrated video of “My God Is...

    Read more
  • The Farmer in the Dell: Lyrics & Story

    The Farmer in the Dell: Lyrics & Story

    Young children love singing songs about farm animals. “The Farmer in the Dell” is a fun song about a farmer who gets married, has a family, and fills his farm...

    The Farmer in the Dell: Lyrics & Story

    Young children love singing songs about farm animals. “The Farmer in the Dell” is a fun song about a farmer who gets married, has a family, and fills his farm...

    Read more
  • Hickory, Dickory, Dock

    Hickory, Dickory, Dock

    In the beloved telling-time nursery rhyme “Hickory, Dickory, Dock,” a little mouse runs up and down the clock every hour, making this rhyme a perfect tool for helping children learn...

    Hickory, Dickory, Dock

    In the beloved telling-time nursery rhyme “Hickory, Dickory, Dock,” a little mouse runs up and down the clock every hour, making this rhyme a perfect tool for helping children learn...

    Read more
  • My Gift

    My Gift

    Gift giving at Christmas has become a tradition for many families. The song “In the Bleak Midwinter” reminds us that we need only give one simple gift. Keep reading to...

    My Gift

    Gift giving at Christmas has become a tradition for many families. The song “In the Bleak Midwinter” reminds us that we need only give one simple gift. Keep reading to...

    Read more
  • The Wheels on the Bus

    The Wheels on the Bus

    Sing and move along with “The Wheels on the Bus” on the Kids YouTube channel. Keep reading to learn the story of the song. Then download and print the lyrics....

    The Wheels on the Bus

    Sing and move along with “The Wheels on the Bus” on the Kids YouTube channel. Keep reading to learn the story of the song. Then download and print the lyrics....

    Read more
  • Homeschooling with Babies and Toddlers

    Homeschooling with Babies and Toddlers

    Childhood is such a precious time, setting the course for the rest of a child’s life. Homeschooling with babies and toddlers is a busy season, but it is worth it!...

    Homeschooling with Babies and Toddlers

    Childhood is such a precious time, setting the course for the rest of a child’s life. Homeschooling with babies and toddlers is a busy season, but it is worth it!...

    Read more
  • This Little Light of Mine

    This Little Light of Mine

    “This Little Light of Mine” is one of the first songs many children learn in Sunday school. Its simple lyrics carry a big message! Sing along with this joyful song...

    This Little Light of Mine

    “This Little Light of Mine” is one of the first songs many children learn in Sunday school. Its simple lyrics carry a big message! Sing along with this joyful song...

    Read more
  • Happy Birthday to You

    Happy Birthday to You

    “Happy Birthday to You” is one of the most famous songs in the English language. These four simple words bring great joy to the birthday girl or boy. Keep reading...

    Happy Birthday to You

    “Happy Birthday to You” is one of the most famous songs in the English language. These four simple words bring great joy to the birthday girl or boy. Keep reading...

    Read more
  • Color Words Songs

    Color Words Songs

    Spelling color words is fun and easy with our beautifully illustrated gentle color songs and free downloadable PDF color words handwriting pages. Sing and spell along with the colorfully illustrated...

    Color Words Songs

    Spelling color words is fun and easy with our beautifully illustrated gentle color songs and free downloadable PDF color words handwriting pages. Sing and spell along with the colorfully illustrated...

    Read more
  • Old MacDonald Had a Farm

    Old MacDonald Had a Farm

    Old MacDonald’s farm is one of the most well-known farms around. The noisy animals make the farm a favorite among children. Keep reading to find out more about this song...

    Old MacDonald Had a Farm

    Old MacDonald’s farm is one of the most well-known farms around. The noisy animals make the farm a favorite among children. Keep reading to find out more about this song...

    Read more
  • Take Me Out to the Ball Game

    Take Me Out to the Ball Game

    “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of America’s favorite songs! All who love baseball are familiar with the lyrics and tune. Keep reading to learn about the...

    Take Me Out to the Ball Game

    “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of America’s favorite songs! All who love baseball are familiar with the lyrics and tune. Keep reading to learn about the...

    Read more
  • Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

    Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

    “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” is one of the oldest English nursery rhymes with a very recognizable melody. Do you know its familiar tune? Here’s a hint. The melody is similar...

    Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

    “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” is one of the oldest English nursery rhymes with a very recognizable melody. Do you know its familiar tune? Here’s a hint. The melody is similar...

    Read more
  • Away in a Manger Lyrics and Song

    Away in a Manger Lyrics and Song

    “Away in a Manger” is one of the most recognized and loved Christmas songs heard each Christmas season. How was this late-19th-century American hymn mistakenly credited to 16th-century German Martin...

    Away in a Manger Lyrics and Song

    “Away in a Manger” is one of the most recognized and loved Christmas songs heard each Christmas season. How was this late-19th-century American hymn mistakenly credited to 16th-century German Martin...

    Read more
  • We Wish You a Merry Christmas

    We Wish You a Merry Christmas

    Spread good cheer throughout the month of December with the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”! In this blog post, read about some of our favorite ways to share...

    We Wish You a Merry Christmas

    Spread good cheer throughout the month of December with the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”! In this blog post, read about some of our favorite ways to share...

    Read more
  • Over the River Lyrics & Story

    Over the River Lyrics & Story

    “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go” are familiar lines families sing on holiday road trips to Grandma’s house. But did you know the author...

    Over the River Lyrics & Story

    “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go” are familiar lines families sing on holiday road trips to Grandma’s house. But did you know the author...

    Read more
  • Itsy Bitsy Spider

    Itsy Bitsy Spider

    What nursery rhyme character has eight legs? In America, it’s the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” In Australia and Great Britain, it’s known as the “Incy Wincy Spider.” Itsy Bitsy Spider  The...

    Itsy Bitsy Spider

    What nursery rhyme character has eight legs? In America, it’s the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” In Australia and Great Britain, it’s known as the “Incy Wincy Spider.” Itsy Bitsy Spider  The...

    Read more