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155 Summer bucket list ideas for kids and teens

April 21, 2025 By: Kelleycomment

Make This Summer Unforgettable!

Hey there! Are you looking for awesome summer activities to keep your kids and teens entertained? Look no further because we’ve got you covered with 145 summer bucket list ideas! Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, or just want to chill and beat the heat, our list has something for everyone. Plus, we’ve included Amazon affiliate links for products that will make your summer even more fun!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.


Summer Bucket List for Kids and Teens

Outdoor Adventures

  • 1. ✨ Water Park Pass – Cool off and enjoy thrilling rides!
  • 2. ✨ Fly a Kite – Get a high-quality kite for maximum fun.
  • 3. Plan a road trip with friends or family.
  • 4. Try backyard camping with a camping tent.
  • 5. Have a bonfire & make S’mores – Get your S’mores kit!
  • 6. Learn fishing – Try a beginner’s fishing kit.
  • 7. Blow bubbles
  • 8. Watch a sunset
  • 9. Play a fun game of flashlight tag after the sun goes down.
  • 10. Build a sandcastle
  • 11. Head out in the evening and listen for owls. Bonus points if you can snap a picture of one.
  • 12. Play with outdoor toys
  • 13. Take a nature walk
  • 14. Go see a Basketball game
  • 15. Arcade
  • 16. Camps
  • 17. Indoor Sky Diving
  • 18. Head to the Aquarium
  • 19. Enjoy a beach day with friends complete with sand, the sun, and great food.
  • 20. Zoo
  • 21. Roller Skating Ring- kidsskatefree.com
  • 22. Hide and Seek
  • 23. Watch a sunrise
  • 24. Go fishing
  • 25. Have a water balloon fight
  • 26. Go to a Baseball game
  • 27. National Park
  • 28. Head to a local theme park and ride the rollercoaster that scares you the most
  • 29. Go to a local Carnival or State Fair
  • 30. Go Karts Riding
  • 31. Visit a local park and hike their most challenging trail
  • 32. Treasure Hunting
  • 33. Batting Cage
  • 34. SkyZone or other trampoline park
  • 35. Go on a playdate
  • 36. Putt Putt Golf
  • 37. Play paintball at a local field
  • 38. Play Frisbee

Creative & DIY Fun

  • 39. Make a time capsule.
  • 40. Start a scrapbook of summer memories.
  • 41. Try homemade slime – Grab a slime-making kit!
  • 42. Design your own tie-dye shirts – Get a tie-dye kit.
  • 43. Make a DIY ice cream sundae bar with fun toppings.
  • 44. Write a short story or song.
  • 45. Create funny comic skits and record them to share with family and friends.
  • 46. Try a new look. Whether it be a new hair color or hair cut.
  • 47. Start a Flash Mob
  • 48. Make a collage
  • 49. Make Sock Puppets And Put On A Play
  • 50. Make costumes- any arts a craft store would work
  • 51. Make a Vision Board of all Your Dreams & Goals
  • 52. Put together a fashion show
  • 53. Finger paint a self-portrait
  • 54. Make a Pinterest board of crafts for tweens. Try a few each week.
  • 55. Make your own fun summer beverage concoctions using fruit and juice.
  • 56. Redecorate your bedroom
  • 57. Make your own boat. Take it to a nearby pond and see how it floats.
  • 58. Try planting your own mini garden. Plant simple vegetables and herbs you can cook with.
  • 59. Create a Pinterest-inspired recipe.
  • 60. Create your own version of “Chopped” and challenge a friend to a creative cook off.

Sports & Games

  • 61. Practice your favorite sport and host a tournament at a local park.
  • 62. Card Games
  • 63. Dance Battle
  • 64. Play extreme Truth or Dare
  • 65. ✨ Play Laser Tag – Get a home laser tag set.
  • 66. Host a backyard obstacle course.
  • 67. Bowling – Save money with the Kids Bowl Free program
  • 68. Learn a new sport like pickleball – Grab a beginner’s pickleball set.
  • 69. Host a game night with classic board games like Monopoly.
  • 70. Play Baseball

Educational & Growth

  • 71. Microsoft Free Summer Camp Event
  • 72. Apple Camp– explore music, coding, movie making, or art design( ages 8-12, free)
  • 73. Learn how to become a Kidpreneurs
  • 74. Learn a new card game you haven’t played before.
  • 75. Learn as many words or phrases you can in a foreign language
  • 76. Host a dinner party for friends
  • 77. Start a diary
  • 78. Library- Check your local library for events or to download books
  • 79. Head to a local thrift store. Look for an item you can sell on eBay for profit.
  • 80. Make the time to get to know a friend. Spend time with them talking about what interests them.
  • 81. HomeDepot– Free workshops to learn a new skill (5-12)
  • 82. Read 10 books this summer – Check out this bestselling kids’ book list
  • 83. Learn sign language
  • 84. Research five colleges and explore their programs.
  • 85. Try a science project at home – Get a fun science experiment kit
  • 86. Visit a local museum or art exhibit.
  • 87. Start a journal and write daily.
  • 88. Keep a journal of your summer and all of your adventures.
  • 89. Journal Prompts for Kids – that can be done to encourage growth
  • 90. Bake cookies for a friend.
  • 91. Watch fireworks with friends.

Community & Giving Back

  • 92. Volunteer at a local pet shelter. Help walk, feed, and care for the pets.
  • 93. Volunteer
  • 94. Help babysit to earn extra cash.
  • 95. Walk a neighbor’s dog.
  • 96. Donate clothes you no longer wear.
  • 97. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
  • 98. Perform random acts of kindness —set your own goal for how many
  • 99. Start a neighborhood cleanup project.

Food & Cooking Fun

  • 100. Make Sno-Cones
  • 101. Make homemade ice cream
  • 102. Plan and cook a full meal for the family
  • 103. Make homemade pizza.
  • 104. Try a new food you’ve never eaten before.
  • 105. Make fruit popsicles with this popsicle mold kit.
  • 106. Take a cooking class
  • 107. Learn to cook a new meal

Entertainment & Chill

  • 108. Download free game apps. These can help keep you busy on rainy days.
  • 109. Movies
  • 110. Bounce House- BouceU, PumpitUp, or local Bouncy areas on Yelp
  • 111. Create, direct, and produce a mini film
  • 112. Create a list of classic movies and see how many you can get through.
  • 113. Rent a Movie
  • 114. Watch a cartoon you loved as a child.
  • 115. ✨ Binge-watch a favorite show – Grab a streaming device.
  • 116. Have a sleepover complete with video games, movies, and snacks.
  • 117. Movie Night
  • 118. Listen to audiobooks – Try a free Audible trial
  • 119. Create a summer playlist.
  • 120. Make silly TikTok videos.
  • 121. Go to a free concert in your town.
  • 122. Create a Youtube Video

Life Skills & Reflection

  • 123. Write yourself a love letter
  • 124. Do some extra chores to earn cash for something you want or need
  • 125. Have everyone you meet sign a shirt for a day
  • 126. Do one thing you are Afraid of
  • 127. Start a business
  • 128. Clean closet
  • 129. Collect your family’s history then share it with everyone
  • 130. Learn essential Life skills – 100 life skills

Miscellaneous / Uncategorized

  • 131. Go on a scavenger hunt in your local park.
  • 132. Kids Event shows – Facebook has great list of Events
  • 133. Neighborhood Game Night
  • 134. Dedicate yourself to at least 90 minutes of physical activity each day.
  • 135. Chuck E. Cheese
  • 136. Local Arts and Crafts Class
  • 137. Community Center for Swimming
  • 138. Turn an old piece of clothing into something new and fresh.
  • 139. Sing a song with a lot of people
  • 140. Do a challenge
  • 141. Make Indoor Smores
  • 142. Learn a new fact
  • 143. Eat 5 things you haven’t eaten before
  • 144. Sit outside and stare at stars
  • 145. Interview someone you don’t know and learn their life story. Write it up and give it to them.
  • 146. Write a thank you letter to your favorite teacher.
  • 147. Indoor rock climbing
  • 148. Use an accent all day
  • 149. Have a spa day at home
  • 150. Keep a sketch book of any cool animals or nature items you encounter during the summer.
  • 151. Try a new fruit or vegetable each week during the summer. Explore new flavors you haven’t tried yet.
  • 152. Have a silly string fight
  • 153. Look for rocks to paint
  • 154. Complete a 1,000-piece puzzle
  • 155. Try indoor rock climbing.
  • 156. Have a picnic at the park.

FAQs

1. How can I keep my teen entertained all summer?
Encourage them to try new activities like learning a skill, volunteering, or taking up a new hobby like photography or painting. This list is packed with ideas to keep them engaged!

2. What are some fun things to do at home in the summer?
Indoor skydiving, board games, slime-making, and DIY projects are great options. Check out our Amazon affiliate links for cool at-home kits.

3. How do I make a summer bucket list more exciting?
Add challenges! Set goals like “Try 5 new foods” or “Watch 10 classic movies.” Make it a friendly competition with friends!

4. Where can I find local summer events for kids?
Check Facebook’s Events tab, local libraries, and community centers for free workshops and activities.

5. How do I make sure my child has a productive summer?
Balance fun with learning. Have them read books, attend summer camps, or explore a passion project like coding or entrepreneurship.


With these 155 summer bucket list ideas, your kids and teens are sure to have the best summer ever. Now, it’s time to get out there, explore, and make unforgettable memories!

💡 Want to make summer even more fun? Check out the Amazon links for awesome products that will level up your summer adventures!

Raising Conscious Sons in a Culture That Wants to Go Backwards

April 19, 2025 By: Kelleycomment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.

Yesterday, I listened to a webinar called Raising Conscious Sons—and something shifted in me.

It wasn’t just about parenting tips. It was about a much deeper truth: that raising emotionally intelligent boys is one of the most radical and powerful things we can do right now as mothers.

[Read more…]

When Your Morning Routine Falls Apart: How to Handle Chaos Without Losing Your Cool

February 18, 2025 By: Kelleycomment

The Morning That Went Off the Rail

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.

This morning, my entire routine was thrown off. My husband got up late and was using the computer I needed for my workout. The one morning I actually managed to wake up early, and I had to wait—it felt so unfair.

Then, as I was trying to shake off the frustration, child #3 stealthily crept into the kitchen. When I turned around, he was just standing there—scaring the bejesus out of me. But hey, at least we got a little unexpected cuddle time out of it.

[Read more…]

Talking Politics with kids

November 7, 2018 By: Kelleycomment

Talking politics with kids

Last night, our family had a rare night off from activities.  We ended up in the basement putting a puzzle together.  I LOVE these times!  I decided to turn CNN on my phone and listen to some of the election coverage.  This brought up a lot of questions about politics from my kids (10 & 9) that my husband and I weren’t ready for. [Read more…]

The #1 lesson I learned facing my biggest fear

October 3, 2017 By: Kelleycomment

A few weeks ago, I attended a retreat in San Diego, the theme was ‘Dream Big’.  We were asked at the opening “What is your intention for this weekend?”.  I had been thinking a lot about this on the way to the retreat because of the struggles and blocks I was facing before I came. I resolved to “trust and surrender” to break through my barriers.  What I didn’t know was that I was getting ready to get the biggest trust exercise that I never even thought would be possible that weekend. [Read more…]

Get Ready for ‘Back to School’

August 1, 2017 By: Kelleycomment

Each July, I try to organize our back to school experiences to make it as easy as possible.  I like to streamline our mornings. THIS year is going to be like every other year except one tiny (minuscule really), itty, bitty little detail….we are living with my parents…. [Read more…]

The Unintended Consequences of Parental Fear: 4 ways to support your children even when you’re afraid

April 13, 2017 By: Kelley4 Comments

When you are around an anxious person, how do you feel? Irritated, annoyed, concerned, afraid, anxious yourself? Imagine being a child and feeling that from the very person that is there to protect you and make you feel safe? How can they feel safe when they feel your worry?

My daughter came home from school with a sign up sheet for the talent show.  She enthusiastically let me know that she wanted to be in it.  In my knee-jerk reaction I blurted out “Are you sure?  What would you do?” She said “I don’t know, I just want to be in it”.  Even more warily, I said “Do you even know what it is?  It’s where you stand on a stage up in front of everyone and do a talent.”  This time with the added touch of fear in my voice.  That caught her attention.  And she decided that she didn’t want to do it.

I crushed her spirit right then and there

So many thoughts were going through my mind. The time I sang the star spangled banner at a basketball game and my voice cracked and one of my teammates laughed.  All the times I was wrecked with nerves when I had performances (did I mention I used to be a voice major?).  In that moment, I unintentionally pushed all of my fears onto her.

[Read more…]

Gift guide for 5 year old boy

February 28, 2017 By: Kelleycomment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.

My son is turning 5.  I thought it would be a good idea to write down his interests and gift ideas while it’s still fresh in my mind and provide a gift guide for 5 year old boy. [Read more…]

To the mom that is just getting by on Valentine’s day….

February 14, 2017 By: Kelleycomment

Love yourself

Remember when Valentine’s Day used to be fun and exciting?  I remember when I was dating my husband and I would set up these elaborate surprises for him.  I couldn’t wait to see how happy he was and it was just as fulfilling to me to plan it all and see his reaction.  The anticipation was exhilarating.

At this point in my life, when I’m knee deep in children, work and school obligations, Valentine’s Day isn’t a high priority item on my to do list. After getting the kid’s valentine’s ready for their classmates, bringing in treats for their preschool parties, thinking of getting your husband a gift, but fail, I’m happy to have the day [Read more…]

The lesson I learned from our worst year of marriage

December 21, 2016 By: Kelleycomment

untitled-designThis weekend my husband and I had a painful, gut wrenching discussion about our relationship.  It was one of the hardest talks we’ve had.  All of this leading up from six months of hell.  Ok, that’s a bit dramatic considering the state of the world, but to our little family, it felt like the longest, toughest, most disconnected six months of our lives.

You see, my dear husband works for a car part manufacturer and they’ve had two model changes this year, which means, all new machines to make all new parts.  To prepare for this exciting adventure, he had to travel to Canada several times starting in December of 2015, to check on the machines that were being build to make sure they were up to standard.  He traveled many times over the months of January to May.  Then the shit hit the fan when the model change happened in July.  He’s worked 12-16 hour days since then, including Saturdays.  It’s gotten so bad that one Sunday as we were leaving for church, my oldest said “hey, dad’s home, what are you doing here?”.  (No joke I just got a text saying he won’t be home until 7:30pm tonight).  So needless to say, it’s been hard to stay connected.  Not to mention all the years previous he had worked late and left me with three small children to take care of which drove me, literally, crazy, but more on that another time.

[Read more…]

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About Me

Hi, I’m Kelley. I am a wife, mother of three and work full time. I am passionate about learning, technology and self-development. Gain from Grace is a blog dedicated to helping women and moms searching for calm with their road of discovery, where I share stories and tips to help find your way back to YOU.

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  • 155 Summer bucket list ideas for kids and teens
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