Schools out, suns is shining and the days are longer it must be Summer! For me Summer has always been about trying to get in as many outdoor activities as possible before the snow or rain, since we live in the Pacific Northwest now, comes and we are stuck inside. My family and I are packing our weeks with fun activities and making the most of the beautiful weather. We have already had fun doing a number of these activities from camping to swimming and of course making s’mores.
Below is a list of 25 ways to have fun this summer and some might even call it a summer bucket list.
Visit a new park or playground. Summers are about trying new things so explore your town/city or a neighboring one to find the best park/playground around.
Go Swimming! Whether it’s the ocean, a lake, a pond, or a pool go take a cooling dip!
Go camping! This is the perfect way to relax, unplug and enjoy some quality family time while getting back to nature.
Attend an outdoor music event. Most cities/towns host various music events at parks throughout the summer; this is a perfect event for families with children of all ages.
Have a picnic. What’s more fun then taking a meal outdoors? You can venture to a new park, find a spot near a lake or venture as far as your front yard.
Go Berry Picking. BERRIES! One of the best parts of summer is the fresh fruit. Kids of all ages love to pick their own berries. The trick is to see how many berries actually end up in your bucket to take home.
Enjoy a big bowl or cone of ice cream. Summer is a time for sweet cold treats. Head to your favorite ice cream shop and get a nice big bowl (or if you prefer cone) of ice cream to share (or not).
Attend an outdoor movie. There aren’t many times during the year that you can sit outside and enjoy a movie. Check out if your town/city hosts any movies in the park or maybe you still live in an area that has as drive-in. If neither of those options work why not set up a little outdoor “movie theater” in your backyard complete with pillows, blankets and your favorite movie treats.
Make popsicles and enjoy them outside. Get the kids in the kitchen and whip up a batch of popsicles. Once they are frozen head outside to enjoy them in the warm sunshine.
Hula Hoop. Yes give it a try!
Visit a museum. Explore a new museum or one you don’t frequent often.
Have a lemonade stand. Some people, myself included, would say that this is an essential part of summer and childhood. Make up a pitcher or two of lemonade, set up a little table out front of your home and start selling!
Head to the library and join a summer reading program. Summer reading programs are a great way to keep kids reading. Most programs are for birth through teens so mamas and papas with little ones can still participate. We just completed our first month of summer reading with Edith (2 years) and after 30 days of reading to her for 20+ minutes per day she was able to pick out a new book. We are now onto doing a second 30-days!
Go for a bike ride. Grab the kids and get out for a bike ride. If your kids aren’t biking solo yet you can always go with a bike trailer or other seat. If investing in a bike trailer isn’t in your budget find a spot that does rentals!
Attend or host a BBQ. Get together with friends and enjoy one of the perks of summer a big ol’BBQ!
Go down the biggest slide at the park. I’m talking to you too parents!
Blow bubbles. Make your own bubbles or pick up a bottle of your favorite brand and spend the afternoon blowing, chasing and popping bubbles; easily hours of fun.
Create side walk art with chalk. Decorate your driveway or sidewalk with sidewalk chalk art. This is fun for kids little and big (and adults too).
Stay up late and lay under the stars. Toss out the bedtime (for one night), grab some pillows and blankets and set up camp outside the stars. Take a look at the stars and the moon and try and find the big dipper.
Go hiking. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors. Find a hike that fits your skill level or maybe a nature walk is more your speed. Either way grab the kids and get outside!
Go for a train ride. Find a nearby train and take a ride.
Visit a Farmers Market. Take your little (or big) ones to a local farmers market. Explore the various fruits, veggies and other local goods. Take a new fruit or vegetable home to try!
Make s’mores. One of the best parts of summer! Make them over the campfire or the grill at home.
Feed the ducks/geese at the pond. One of our favorite summer activities! Grab a few slices of bread and head to the duck pond to feed the ducks.
Kick a soccer ball around. Or maybe head out to a ballgame!
How many can you already cross off already? Which ones are on your list to to do this Summer?
My favorite summer activity is dining al fresco to make every dinner a little extra special with the best weather in Portland this time of year
the train ride option is definitely on my list!
So many of these are on our list! We’re also going to do a lot of art outside—especially once our new fence is completed! (Can’t wait!!!!!)
We’re going to camp as much as possible this summer! I just got some real roasters for us as well. We’re ready now…and already been twice! Yay summer!
35 More Days of Summer | #summerbucketlist | Naturally Family
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