Create a Fun and Memorable Summer Bucket List for Kids

Have you ever reached the end of summer and felt like you didn’t do enough fun things with your kids? I know I have! The days slip by, and before you know it, summer break is over, and you’re left wondering, What did we even do?

How a Simple Poster Can Transform Your Summer

That’s why I’m so excited about this simple but genius idea that my sister shared with me. Every summer, she gets 5 or 6 feet of craft paper, and she and her kids sit down to brainstorm all the fun activities they want to do. They write their ideas on the poster, hang it up in their house, and cross things off as they go. If they hit a week where not much is planned, they look at the poster for inspiration.

I decided to try it this year with my own family, and I can’t tell you how much I love it! Not only will it be a fun tradition, but it’s also a fantastic way to stay organized and ensure summer doesn’t pass you by without some memorable moments.

Creating Your Own Summer Bucket List for Kids

Making your own summer bucket list is easy, and it’s a great way to get your kids involved in planning their break. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You don’t need much to make your own summer bucket list poster. Here’s what I used:

• 5-6 feet of craft paper or poster board (choose a bright color to make it fun!)
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Stickers, stamps, or washi tape (optional but fun!)
• Tape or push pins to hang the poster up

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas with Your Kids

This is the most important (and fun!) part. Sit down with your kids and brainstorm all the things they’d love to do this summer. Encourage ideas big and small. Some ideas to get the brainstorming started might include:

• Make homemade popsicles
• Go on a hike
• Have a water balloon fight
• Visit a new park
• Build a fort and read books inside
• Bake cookies and deliver them to neighbors
• Go star-gazing
• Have a DIY craft day (like making DIY paper fans for kids)
• Host a movie night with homemade popcorn
• Try a new sport or outdoor activity

I was surprised by how creative my kids got. They even came up with things I never would have thought of, like “dress up the dog in funny outfits” and “make giant bubbles in the backyard.”

Step 3: Write It All Down

Once you’ve got a great list of ideas, write them down on your poster. Let your kids take the lead here—they’ll love drawing pictures or adding doodles alongside each idea. The more colorful and fun the poster looks, the more excited they’ll be to use it.

Step 4: Hang the Poster in a Visible Spot

Choose a central place where your family will see the bucket list every day. We put ours in the kitchen, and it’s been perfect. Each time we finish an activity, my kids rush to grab a marker and cross it off the list. It’s so satisfying!

Step 5: Use the List for Inspiration

The real magic happens when you hit one of those weeks where nothing is planned. Instead of scrambling for ideas, you can just glance at your list and pick something fun to do. This has saved us from many “I’m bored” moments this summer.

Tips for a Successful Summer Bucket List

Creating the list is easy, but keeping the momentum going is key. Here are a few tips that have worked well for us:

• Mix in simple activities. Not every idea has to be an elaborate day trip. Include easy wins like “make pancakes for dinner” or “play flashlight tag.”
• Be flexible. Don’t stress if you don’t get to everything on the list. The goal is to have fun, not check off every single idea.
• Let the kids take the lead. If they’re excited about an idea, run with it! My daughter insisted on an “ice cream for breakfast” day, and it ended up being one of our favorite memories.
• Enjoy the Journey.  As you cross things off, take a picture or keep a small journal of your summer adventures. Looking back on those moments will be so rewarding.

Why This Fun and Easy List Works

This fun idea works so well because it’s both visual and interactive. Instead of keeping a mental checklist of ideas that never happen, you’ve got a big, colorful reminder of all the fun things your family wants to do. Plus, the act of crossing off completed activities is so satisfying—it’s like you’re celebrating your accomplishments all summer long.

Most importantly, this bucket list encourages quality time. It’s easy to get caught up in chores, errands, and screens, but having this list front and center has reminded me to slow down and make memories with my kids.

Start Your Own Summer Bucket List!

If you’ve ever reached the end of summer and felt disappointed that you didn’t do as much as you hoped, this summer bucket list for kids idea is the perfect solution. It’s simple, fun, and a great way to keep your kids engaged all season long. So grab some butcher paper, gather your crew, and start dreaming up your best summer yet!

Have you ever made a summer bucket list for kids? I’d love to hear your ideas! Share your favorite summer activities in the comments below so we can all add new ideas to our lists.