Summer is almost here, friends! And if your homeschool family is anything like mine, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and “What in the world are we going to do all day?!” While we love the flexibility that summer brings, I also know that without a bit of intention, our days can quickly become long and (dare I say it?) a little chaotic. That’s why one of my favorite end-of-year traditions is creating a simple, fun-filled Summer Bucket List for our family!
Whether you’re schooling year-round with a lighter summer load or taking a full break, a Summer Bucket List is a great way to make the most of your time together—without feeling like you need to entertain your kids 24/7. Let’s talk about how to build one that fits your family, your season, and your sanity!
Table of Contents – Click to jump ahead!
Why Create a Summer Bucket List?
Summer bucket lists aren’t about checking off as many Pinterest-perfect activities as possible. They’re about being intentional with your time and soaking up the joy of the season together. As homeschoolers, we’re already wired to be intentional about our days, and summer is no different!
Here’s why I love creating a summer bucket list:
- It gives us something to look forward to.
- It helps us avoid the “I’m booooored” moments.
- It lets us be creative without the pressure of a strict schedule.
- It ensures we balance rest with adventure.
Step 1: Brainstorm as a Family
Ready to get started, y’all? Grab a big sheet of paper or a whiteboard, and sit down together to dream up your summer! Not only is going through a Summer bucket list fun, it’s also a blast to make one with your family and hear what they’re excited about for their Summer! Ask your kiddos:
- What’s something new you’d love to try this summer?
- What’s a place you’d love to visit again?
- What are your favorite things to do at home?
- What’s your favorite Summer food?
- What is your favorite thing to do outside? How about inside?
Keep the ideas flowing! You’ll be surprised how simple some of their suggestions are—think sidewalk chalk, backyard camping, water play, or making homemade popsicles.
Step 2: Choose a Mix of Activities
As much as we love big summer adventures and family vacations, sometimes the best memories are made in the everyday moments. I like to balance our list with:
- Outdoor fun: Splash pad visits, nature walks, scavenger hunts
- Learning adventures: Library trips, free museum days, science experiments
- Faith-filled activities: Memorizing Scripture, serving others, reading Bible stories under the stars
- Rainy day options: Craft days, movie marathons, baking sessions
- Simple joys: Catching fireflies, building a fort, stargazing
Pro tip: Keep the list manageable and realistic. You don’t need 100 things—just a few ideas to sprinkle into your summer weeks!
Step 3: Display It and Use It!
Once your list is complete, turn it into something visual so your family can see their plans and dreams for the Summer! You can:
- Write it on a chalkboard or poster board in your kitchen
- Create a printable checklist to hang on the fridge
- Add the activities to popsicle sticks in a jar and let the kids draw one when they’re feeling bored
The goal isn’t to finish every single item—it’s to have a fun little “menu” of ideas to choose from whenever you need some inspiration. And I don’t know about you mommas, but my kids’ artwork is some of my favorite to use as home decor these days!
Step 4: Give Yourself Rest
Momma, hear this: Your summer doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to be perfect for your family. If you only cross off five things from your list this year, that’s five memory-making moments you might not have had otherwise! And don’t forget—rest is productive, too. Some of the sweetest summer days are the ones spent doing absolutely nothing together.
Need a Little Help Getting Started?
I’ve got you, friend! I put together a FREE Summer Bucket List Printable just for families like yours. This ready-made list has tons of bright, colorful ideas of activities you can do with your kiddos this Summer. Just print the page and stick it on the fridge – then have a BLAST with your family!
Whether you spend your summer exploring nature trails or reading books in a blanket fort, I pray it’s filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of grace. Let’s make this a summer to remember—with a whole lot less pressure and a whole lot more Summer bucket list fun.
Happy summering, sweet friend!
With love and coffee,
The Stay-at-Home Teacher
LET’S HANG OUT!
I’d love to chat and get to know you better! You can find us below in some of our favorite places to hang out. Can’t wait to chat with you about your Preschooler’s learning journey!
SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
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