100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you!

If you’re anything like me, as the school year comes to a close, us parents start to think about ways to keep our kids entertained and make memories over the summer. So If you’re looking for ideas on how to fill up your child’s summer bucket list, here are 100 great summer bucket list activities for kids to get you started.

Plus print out all 100 kids summer activity ideas on my free printable summer bucket list for kids below for some summer fun!

In this post

show

  • What is a Summer Bucket list?
    • How To Make a Kids Summer Bucket List:
  • How To Keep Your Child Entertained in The Summer
  • 100 Best Kids Summer Activities for Your Bucket List
  • What is the most popular summer activity for kids?
  • What kids can do at home in summer?
  • Free Printable Summer Bucket List

What is a Summer Bucket list?

A summer bucket list is simply a list of fun summer activities or goals that you and your family want to accomplish over the summer months. It’s a great way to make sure everyone is enjoying their summer break and making the most of the warmer weather.

Some families like to print out their bucket list and hang it up on the fridge or in a prominent place, while others prefer to keep it stored away on their phones or computers. Regardless of how you choose to track your summer bucket list, the important thing is that you make time for some fun this summer.

As you complete a task or activity you cross it off your list and move on to the next. By the end of the summer, you’ll have made some amazing family memories and had lots of fun!

100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (1)

How To Make a Kids Summer Bucket List:

Making a summer bucket list is easy and can be done a number of different ways. Here are some tips on how to make a summer bucket list for kids:

1. Get the whole family involved in brainstorming ideas. This is a great way to get everyone excited about the summer and what’s to come. Plus, it’ll give you some ideas of things that everyone would like to do.

2. Write down every idea, no matter how big or small. The point of a bucket list is to try new things and have fun, so don’t worry about whether an activity is ‘worthy’ of being on the list.

3. Once you’ve got your list of activities, start planning how you’re going to make them happen. If there are activities that will require tickets or reservations, be sure to get those taken care of ahead of time so everything runs smoothly when the time comes.

4. Check things off your list as you go! This is the best part of having a summer bucket list. As you complete each activity, take a moment to enjoy your accomplishment and then move on to the next item on the list.

5. Don’t forget to document your summer bucket list adventures! Take lots of photos and videos so you can look back on all the fun you had together as a family.

These 100 kids summer activities will help you to come up with ideas to add to your bucket list!

How To Keep Your Child Entertained in The Summer

You may be dreading the “mom, I’m bored” phrase and keep thinking how do I keep my child entertained in the summer? Look no further, we’ve got you covered!

Making a summer bucket list is a great way to keep your child entertained and busy over the summer months. By having a list of fun family friendly activities to do, you’ll be ensuring that your child stays occupied and happy.

Some things to keep in mind to make sure your child enjoys their summer break include:

1. Get them involved in planning the activities. This way they will be more likely to be excited about doing them.

2. Choose activities that are age-appropriate. There’s no point in adding things to the list that are too difficult or challenging for your child.

3. Make sure the activities are things that your child is interested in. There’s no use in trying to force them to do something they don’t want to do.

4. Be flexible with the activities. Things will come up and plans will change, so be prepared to adjust the list as needed.

5. Have fun! The whole point of a summer bucket list is to make amazing memories with your child. So relax and enjoy the ride.

100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (2)

100 Best Kids Summer Activities for Your Bucket List

What are some good summer activities for kids? Here are 100 different ideas for kids to add to your summer bucket list:

  1. Visit a splash pad
  2. Go to the zoo
  3. Make Popsicles
  4. Go to the library
  5. Have a water balloon fight
  6. Have a picnic at the park
  7. Make homemade ice cream
  8. Wash the car together
  9. Visit a museum
  10. Start a 100 book reading challenge
  11. Go on a nature walk
  12. Do a science experiment
  13. Watch an outdoor movie
  14. Play the sprinklers
  15. Go to museum
  16. Watch fireworks
  17. Go to the beach
  18. Plan a day trip
  19. Go on a hike
  20. Feed the ducks
  21. Go to the lake
  22. Eat a snowcone
  23. Have a family game night
  24. Go garage sale shopping
  25. Build a sandcastle
  26. Camp in the backyard
  27. Paint rocks
  28. Make smores
  29. Let the kids stay up late
  30. Go on a bike ride
  31. Make homemade pizzas
  32. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
  33. Go to an amusem*nt park
  34. Visit a farm
  35. Pick berries
  36. Make a fort in the living room
  37. Watch the sunset
  38. Fly a kite
  39. Play laser tag
  40. Feed the birds
  41. Plant a garden
  42. Have a Stargazing Night
  43. Go Bowling
  44. Have a BBQ
  45. Have a campfire
  46. Go to a baseball game
  47. Make a Time capsule
  48. Start a rock collection
  49. Collect seashells
  50. Do a scavenger hunt
  51. Go to the aquarium
  52. Go to the movies
  53. Make slime
  54. Build an obstacle course
  55. Make up a secret handshake
  56. Go on a road trip
  57. Make a dandelion wish
  58. Make tie-dye shirts
  59. Play frisbee
  60. Plant flowers
  61. Try a new food
  62. Blow bubbles
  63. Play corn hole
  64. Make lemonade/ have a lemonade stand
  65. Go fishing
  66. Go to a farmer’s market
  67. Do a staycation
  68. Play a board game
  69. Light sparklers
  70. Have a watermelon eating contest
  71. Make sock or brown paper bag puppets
  72. Play freeze tag
  73. Make Rootbeer floats
  74. Catch fireflies
  75. Have a relay race
  76. Climb a tree
  77. Put on temporary tattoos
  78. Learn a magic trick
  79. Have a paper airplane contest
  80. Build a lego city
  81. Learn to skip rocks
  82. Have a glow stick dance party
  83. Make homemade play-doh
  84. Make a scrapbook
  85. Set family goals
  86. Play lawn bowling
  87. Get your face painted
  88. Play kickball
  89. Do a craft day
  90. Have a “yes” day
  91. Play tetherball
  92. Plan a block party
  93. Go for a drive
  94. Go get milkshakes
  95. Donate some toys
  96. Start a new tradition
  97. Have a water-gun fight
  98. Go to a water park
  99. Watch the sunset
  100. Go to a parade
  101. Go to the county fair

What is the most popular summer activity for kids?

The top 3 summer activities for kids according to a recent survey are: going to the pool, going to the beach, and having a picnic at the park or barbecue. So be sure to add those items to your summer bucket list!

Another idea is to figure out what fun summer activities are most popular in your family specifically. Depending on where you live and the ages of your children, your own most popular summer activities according to your family may be different from the ones on the surveys!

After coming up with your summer bucket list activities, ask your kids what activity they are most excited about. Star those top activities, plan and schedule a time to do them so they become your top summer priorities!

100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (3)

What kids can do at home in summer?

There are plenty of fun ideas for things that kids can do at home during summer break. Here is an idea list of summer activities to keep the kids busy at home:

  1. Have a movie marathon or movie night
  2. Bake cookies or cupcakes
  3. Do a science experiment
  4. Make homemade slime
  5. Build a fort out of blankets and pillows
  6. Play tag or hide-and-seek
  7. Have a water balloon fight
  8. Plant a garden
  9. Go on a scavenger hunt
  10. Do some crafts together
  11. Have a family game night
  12. Make a time capsule
  13. Go through old photos and scrapbooks
  14. Learn a new recipe and make it together
  15. Do some stargazing
  16. Start a reading challenge
  17. Have a picnic in your backyard
  18. Go for a bike ride or walk around the neighborhood
  19. Wash the car together
  20. Play in the sprinklers
100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (4)

Just to name a few. The best ways to make at home summer activities for kids fun is to get the whole family involved. Whether you’re baking cookies, making slime, or playing a game, everyone will have a good time if they’re all participating.

Free Printable Summer Bucket List

Print out this free summer bucket list for kids and hang it where everyone can see it! Star the activities you want to do and cross them off as you complete them! Then you’ll know that by the time school comes around your family really made the most of the summertime with your kids.

Download the Free Printable Summer Bucket List for Kids Here.

Summer is a time for fun and family activities. Whether you’re going on a road trip or staying home, there are plenty of things to do. I hope these ideas can help you create your own bucket list, and now you’ve got your free printable summer bucket list for kids to help get you started. Happy summer!

Want to remember these fun ideas? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board!

100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (6)
100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (7)
100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (8)
100+ of The Best Kids Summer Activities in 2023 [Free Summer Bucket List] (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular activity in summer? ›

40 percent overall indicated that going to the beach was a favorite. Other activities selected included exploring nature (36 percent); attending festivals (30 percent); going to the pool (28 percent); camping (20 percent); working out (16 percent); boating/water activities (16 percent); and playing sports (11 percent).

How can I make summer more fun? ›

Spend as much time outside as possible
  1. Plan elaborate park picnics.
  2. Go to an outdoor concert.
  3. Catch a movie at the drive-in.
  4. Host a backyard barbecue.
  5. Wear sunscreen everyday.
  6. Seek out the country's best swimming holes.
  7. Get into bird watching.
Jun 7, 2022

What to play in summer vacation? ›

These 11 fun summer activities at home are fun and designed to keep kids busy this summer.
  • Help them get creative with art and craft.
  • Let them have a splash of fun.
  • Introduce them to self-defence.
  • Loosen their senses with pottery making.
  • Teach them to cook up a storm.
  • Nurture the bookworm in them.

What is the most popular summer activity in the US? ›

Fifty-five percent overall indicated that having a picnic/barbeque was a favorite activity; 49 percent overall indicated that going for a walk/hike was a favorite; and 40 percent overall indicated that going to the beach was a favorite.

How not to have a boring summer? ›

Boredom Busters
  • Swim, play tag, toss a ball, dance or jump rope.
  • Go on a bike ride, walk the dog, go to the park or go on a jog.
  • Make your celebrations active by going on a hike, playing Frisbee or organizing a volleyball or soccer game.

What can you do on a boring hot summer day? ›

Fun Things to Do When It's Hot Outside for Adults
  • Give Yourself a Facial. Yeji Kim. ...
  • Crush a Jigsaw Puzzle. Put on a podcast, audio book, or some background T.V. ...
  • Read a Gripping Thriller. ...
  • FaceTime a Long-Distance Friend. ...
  • Map Out Your Next Dream Trip. ...
  • Make Boozy Watermelon Slushies. ...
  • Or Whip Up Boozy Ice Pops. ...
  • Try a New Recipe.
May 31, 2023

How can I enjoy summer without spending too much? ›

Whatever your situation, here are 13 fun things to do that don't cost money with friends and family:
  1. Go on a picnic. ...
  2. Go to no-cost museum and zoo days. ...
  3. Give geocaching a try. ...
  4. Leverage your chamber of commerce.
Feb 14, 2024

How do I get the best summer ever? ›

Plan an Outdoor Adventure

Why it's a summer must-do: If you're looking to make summer memories with friends that will last a lifetime (and will also make for some pretty impressive Insta posts), try building a campfire, biking an off-road course, jogging through a local park, or hiking a new trail.

What is 10 indoor games? ›

Popular Indoor Games
ChessA strategic board game for two players.
TwisterA game involving balancing on colored circles.
Snakes and LaddersA dice game on a board with snakes and ladders.
CheckersA two-player strategy game on a checkered board.
CarromA tabletop game of flicking disks into pockets.
5 more rows
Mar 18, 2024

How can I spend summer without friends? ›

Spending a day at the beach is a relaxing way to spend a summer day and it is a great solo activity. Put on your swimsuit and a coverup. Then, pack some sunscreen, a towel, water, and snacks. You might also want to load your phone with music, a podcast, or an audiobook before you head out.

How do you spend a day in summer? ›

What Can You Do On A Nice Summer Day?
  1. Take A Hike. Hiking, bicycling, running and the like are all fun and healthy activities made for warm weather and lots of daylight. ...
  2. Go Camping. ...
  3. Pick Fresh Flowers. ...
  4. Attend A Concert. ...
  5. Have A Picnic. ...
  6. Spend The Day On A Boat. ...
  7. Read A Book In A Local Park. ...
  8. Take A Road Trip.
Jul 10, 2019

What is the most popular activity? ›

The most popular entertainment activity is to listen to music (whether via streaming, radio, records, etc.), with 88% of adults surveyed having done so in the past month, according to research [pdf] from Ipsos.

What activities are most popular? ›

Most popular hobbies & activities in the U.S. as of December 2023
CharacteristicShare of respondents
Video gaming35%
Outdoor activities31%
Traveling29%
Socializing27%
9 more rows
Mar 5, 2024

What is summer best known for? ›

Summer is traditionally associated with hot or warm weather. In Mediterranean climates, it is also associated with dry weather, while in other places (particularly in Eastern Asia because of the monsoon) it is associated with rainy weather.

What is the most popular summer sport in the world? ›

Association Football / American Soccer – Played by over 250 million players in more than 200 countries, football (or soccer in the U.S.) is known as one of the most popular sports globally.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 5416

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.