withharmony &co

Summer Bucket list : 25 Easy Summer Ideas to Keep Kids Happy

The best part of Summer has to be the fact that days are longer. You can spend most of your time outdoors, go on trips, and have a lot of fun as a family. So we create a bucket list – a fun list of things we’ll love to do as a family by the end of summer. Although I work a 9-5 I try to dedicate the few hours I get after work doing something on the list to make the kids happy, whether indoors or outdoors.

If you’re looking for ideas, i’ve put together a list of summer family activities that will inspire you to spend more time and connect with your kids during this season. Whether on a rainy day or an extremely hot day, there’s a full list of activities you and your kids will enjoy.

Summer Bucket List Your Kids will Enjoy

1. Have a Backyard Picnic

One of the things my kids love the most is a picnic. I’m not sure if it’s about spending time in nature or the sandwiches. But once they hear picnic time, it’s all Joy. To create a picnic spread out a blanket and take lunch or snacks outside instead of eating at the table. It doesn’t have to be fancy—sandwiches, fruit, and juice boxes do the trick. The change of scenery will make it feel like a little adventure.

2. Build a Fort Indoors

Once kids are indoors on a rainy day, they’ll want for something cozy. Grab some pillows, blankets, and chairs and build a fort in the living room or bedroom. This gives them their own little “house” to play or read in. You can add fairy lights or a flashlight to make it feel magical.

3. Visit the Local Library

The library is more than just books—they often have free activities, story time, or reading challenges during summer. Let your kids pick out books themselves—it helps build independence and excitement for reading. Plus, it’s a calm, air-conditioned break on hot days.

4. Splash Pad or Paddling Pool Day

Most of us have a splash pad or paddling pool that can fit in our backyards. Now is the time to bring it out because water play is always a hit in the summer. Give your kids water toys, cups, or even kitchen spoons to play with in the paddling pool. This ideas is fun, cools them down, and keeps them entertained for ages.

5. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Write a list of simple things to find in the park or your neighborhood—like a feather, a smooth rock, or a yellow flower. Give each child a little bag or container and turn it into a hunt. It turns an ordinary walk into something exciting and focused.

6. Ice Cream Tasting

Have this on yourbucket list if your kids love icecream. Buy 3–4 different ice cream flavours for the kiddos and do a mini taste test at home. Let the kids rate each one and choose their favourite. You can even print scorecards or wear silly “judge” hats to make it feel official. If you’ve got cheeky little kids who love icecream like mine, you’ll definitely hear ‘best day ever’ after this.

7. Paint Rocks

Collect smooth rocks from a walk or garden center, bring out the water color paint, markers, some aprons and decorate. Kids can draw patterns, animals, or write kind messages on them. YYou can even use stickers. When you’re all done, hide them in the neighborhood for others to find or use them as garden art.

8. Try a New Playground

This is a super simple but fun bucket list idea. Look up a park or playground you’ve never been to even if it’s 15 minutes away, it’ll feel like a new outing. Pack snacks and make a morning or afternoon of it. It’s an easy way to add variety without spending money.

9. Make Homemade Popsicles

Want to cool the kids down, homemade popsicles should definitely be in your bucket list. Blend fruit, yogurt, or juice and pour it into molds (or small cups with a stick). Let the kids help choose flavours and mix things up. It’s a fun kitchen activity, and they’ll be excited to eat their creation later.

10. Water Balloon Fight

Use quick-fill water balloons or soft reusable ones for an easy backyard game. Set a few simple rules, then let the chaos begin. It’s active, refreshing, and always ends with giggles—even if someone gets soaked.

11. Visit a Farm

Many local farms let kids see or feed animals, ride tractors, or pick fruits. It’s a hands-on way to learn where food comes from. Plus, it usually means lots of space for them to run around freely.

12. Do a Toy Wash

Set up a “car wash” for toys outside using buckets, soap, and sponges. Have them wash toy cars, plastic animals, or even their bikes. It keeps them busy and cleans their toys at the same time—a win-win!

13. Movie Night in the Living Room

Choose a movie everyone can enjoy, make popcorn, and turn off the lights. Let the kids help pick the film and set up pillows and blankets. You can even create “tickets” and a snack bar for extra fun.

14. Make Sidewalk Chalk Art

Give the kids sidewalk chalk and let them decorate the driveway, patio, or a quiet pavement area. They can draw anything from rainbows to hopscotch games. It’s creative, easy to clean up, and perfect for sunny afternoons.

15. Go for a Family Walk After Dinner

Once the heat of the day fades, take a short family walk around the neighborhood. It’s a great way to chat, unwind, and help everyone settle before bedtime. Let kids ride scooters or bikes if you have them.

16. Camp Out in the Living Room or Garden

Set up a tent or build one with blankets and pretend you’re camping. Bring snacks, tell stories, and maybe let them sleep there for the night. Even if it’s just pretend, it feels like a special memory.

17. DIY Obstacle Course

Create an obstacle course with items around the house—cones, cushions, jump ropes, or even tape on the floor. Challenge your kids to run, jump, crawl, and balance through it. It’s great for burning off energy indoors or outdoors.

18. Make a Summer Scrapbook

In need of creative bucket list ideas? try this. Use an old notebook or sketchpad to collect photos, tickets, drawings, or little keepsakes from summer. Let your kids write or dictate captions and decorate each page. It becomes a lovely keepsake they’ll be proud of.

19. Dance Party

Blast some fun music and dance around the living room together. It’s a great way to lift moods and get moving. You can even make it a themed party—silly hats, glow sticks, or dress-up clothes!

20.Go fruit picking

Look for a “pick your own” farm nearby where kids can collect strawberries, blueberries, or apples. It gives them a hands-on experience and makes them more excited to eat fresh fruits. Bring hats and water—it’s usually hot out in the fields.

21. Bake Something Together

Choose an easy recipe like cupcakes, banana bread, or cookies and let the kids help with mixing and pouring. It might get messy, but it’s a great bonding activity. And of course, they’ll love eating the results!

22. Do a Puzzle Together

Pick a puzzle with a fun or colorful image and work on it slowly over the week. It helps build patience and teamwork. You can even frame it at the end as a memory of summer.

23. Visit a Museum or Aquarium

Many children’s museums or small aquariums have interactive exhibits perfect for curious little minds. Check their summer schedule for special events or hands-on workshops. It’s educational, but in a fun and playful way.

24. Make Friendship Bracelets

Using string, beads, or thread, help your kids make simple bracelets for friends or siblings. It teaches focus and creativity—and gives them something meaningful to give away. You can also use it as a quiet rainy-day activity.

25. Plan a Theme Day

Pick a silly theme—like Dinosaur Day, Superhero Day, or Pajama Day—and plan a few simple games, crafts, or meals around it. Let the kids dress up and use their imagination all day. It’s like having a mini party at home, no special occasion needed.

Hope this bucket list ideas give you enough inspiration to go by this Summer!

Summer Bucket list : 25 Easy Summer Ideas to Keep Kids Happy

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is empty
    Scroll to Top