The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids and Families

It’s finally summer! Your kids have anxiously been awaiting a season of fun, and there are a string of long, empty days ahead just waiting to be filled. If you need a little inspiration, here’s a list of activities to keep your family busy and entertained no matter what kind of day you are looking to have.

Pro Tip: Sit down with your kids at the beginning of summer and ask them what they envision doing this summer. You can run through the alphabet with a corresponding activity for each letter. For example, B = beach day, M = movies, etc.

More: How to Make the Transition from the School Schedule to Summer Mode

Beach Days

1. Dye sand at the beach

Sand is so much more exciting when you make beautiful colors.

2. Make a sand volcano

An erupting volcano is the new and thrilling sand castle.

3. Paint seashells

This is a great option when you need the kids to take a little down time.

4. Go on a beach scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt makes a family walk on the beach so much more fun.

5. Perform a sand science experiment

Play always provides an opportunity to learn.

Rainy Day Summer Activities

1. Make edible finger paint

This is a craft that will be fun to prepare and use

2. Make a rain jar

A rainy day is a perfect opportunity to learn about weather and have fun doing it.

3. Create a mindfulness glitter calm down jar

Being stuck in the house on a rainy day can make everyone a little antsy. This will keep the kids busy and help them calm down.

4. Weave a rainbow fish

We all need a rainbow when the rain is coming down, and this activity teaches the tactile skill of weaving.

5. Build extreme boxes

There’s nothing like empty boxes to get the creative juices flowing.

Nature Activities

1. Create a rainbow color wheel

This will be a fun way to combine art with discovery in nature.

2. Make a bee habitat

Learn about pollinators and the cycle of life with this science craft.

3. Experiment with leaf rubbings

Use different art supplies like wax paper and pastels to understand the science of leaves.

4. Build a pine cone bird feeder

Give back to nature by caring for some of her beautiful creatures.

5. Cook up solar oven s'mores

What’s a summer without s'mores? Learn about solar power and experiences s'mores in a whole new way.

No matter what kind of day summer throws at you, there are activities to keep your kids busy, having fun, and learning right along with you.