
It happens every year, those all too common words, “I’m bored,” “what are we doing this summer,” “Can I (fill in the blank).” As moms, we face the task of finding and sometimes, if necessary, creating fun things to do during the summer. The good news is we aren’t alone, and I have put together a killer Summer Bucket List that will leave you feeling relieved and dare I say, sitting back and enjoying this summer even if it is just figuratively!
There are outdoor summer activities and indoor activities to spread around. If you live an area that tends to heat up big time during the dog days of summer, you will especially appreciate these!
I believe the overall goal with any summer break is to find the right combination of staying active while still having plenty of chill down time. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of doing one or the other constantly. And when that happens one of two things happens, you are either left feeling exhausted from the go, go, go, as the busy school season swings around. Or you wonder where your summer went as the days melted into one another. With everyone having summer bummed on the usual of video games, pizza bites, and late bedtimes. Well, at least that’s what our version of summer bumming can look like if we don’t add some planning to at least some of our days.
Here is a list of some of the fun things you can do to keep your summer active yet relaxing:
- Zoo
- Visit a new park
- Visit a kids museum
- Go hiking
- Make ice cream
- Have a backyard campout
- Go to an aquarium
- Have a picnic
- Visit a State/National Park
- Visit the library
- Have a Nerf gun war
If those sounded like fun, oh, friends, I am only getting started! If I tried to be creative on the spot every day and find something new and exciting to do, it would be a complete flop. I don’t do well on the fly or under pressure.
My path to success in pretty much anything I do involves sitting down, focusing on something specific, and laying it all out. That is precisely what I have done for all of us with my Summer Bucket List! It may take me three years to get done, but I am just excited that I know what my next three summers look like!
We can’t direct the wind. But we can adjust the sails.
–Unknown
If you want to make your own, use my list as a jumping-off point, all you have to do is sit down with some blank paper, some fun pens or markers, and maybe a calendar depending on how visual you are and just brain dump all of your family’s favorite hobbies or interest. You could even think of things you would like to challenge your family to do, learn, or make a change and then make fun activities that encourage those things.
- Less screen time
- More family time
- Increase family communication
- Encourage creativity
- Learn new skills
- Ditch bad habits
- Promote a healthy lifestyle
- Instill confidence
- Develop individual bonds
There is so much to be gained by an intentional and well-planned summer.
Hey! Don’t forget about the Summer Bucket List and to leave your ideas and thoughts in the comments! I, too, need all the suggestions I can get!
Summer is such a fun time to make memories and hit the recharge button after a full school year. Finding the balance of staying active and taking much-needed downtime to “reset” are both very important. By finding the right combination for your family, you will ensure that you make the most of your summer together, and the time will be well spent!
Here’s a couple other posts you might like:
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