Summertime Boredom Hacks: Easy Summer Bucket List Ideas

Summer break is full of promise – but without a little structure, it can quickly blur into a never-ending snack run. That’s where a summer bucket list comes in handy! It gives families something to look forward to, helps kids feel accomplished, and turns ordinary days into mini celebrations. Whether you’re home all summer or juggling camps and carpool chaos, these simple bucket list ideas are designed to be low-lift and high-fun. 

Mom Tip: Print one of our free bucket list templates below for a fun bucket-list-making activity to kick off the summer festivities!

Ready to get started? Grab a marker, make a poster (or print one of our lists below!), or jot your list on the fridge – let the summer fun begin with these easy-to-accomplish summer bucket list ideas!

🏡 At-Home Adventures

• Backyard campout – Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and stargaze (no WiFi required).
• DIY car wash – Let kids wash your car (or bikes!) with sponges and sudsy buckets.
• Outdoor movie night – A sheet, a projector (or laptop), popcorn, and you’re set.
• Mini garden project – Plant sunflowers, herbs, or even just a few succulents.

🎨 Creative Projects

• Summer photo scavenger hunt – Make a list: something red, something round, something silly...
• Build a cardboard castle – Use old boxes and let imagination take over.
• Make kindness rocks – Paint messages on stones and leave them around town.
• Try a new recipe together – Let each kid take a turn choosing the dish.

🌳 Explore the Outdoors

• Visit three new playgrounds – Bonus points if they have a splash pad.
• Go on a nature walk – Bring a notebook and draw what you see.
• Try geocaching – A real-world treasure hunt using your phone!
• Bike to get ice cream – Because the ride and the reward are sweet.

🧁 Food Fun

• Sundae bar night – Gather toppings and let everyone build their dream dessert.
• Make-your-own pizza party – Personal-sized doughs and all the fixings.
• Bake for a neighbor – Drop off cookies and a note to brighten someone’s day.
• Try a “Chopped”-style kitchen challenge – Kids vs. grown-ups using three surprise ingredients!

👫 Acts of Goodness

• Donate old toys or clothes – Let kids help decide what to give.
• Write thank-you notes to community helpers – Firefighters, librarians, mail carriers.
• Help a neighbor with a small project – Water plants, walk a dog, pull a few weeds.
• Make a welcome sign for a new neighbor or baby – Spread the happy vibes.

Free Printable Summer Bucket List Templates

Simply click on any of the images below to open the PDF version that you can print.  Happy list making!

About the Author & Designer

   

Tara McAdams

Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist & Creator

Tara leads content strategy at SignUp and creates a variety of resources on a wide range of topics – including lifestyle trends, parent tips, prep for holidays, volunteer management, and event planning. More about Tara →