Family Focus: Create a Summer Bucket List

What are your plans for summer? Or have you even had a chance to think about it?

It seems that each year the summer months go by so quickly. Once the end of summer rolls around, I end up saying, “Why didn’t we do this or why didn’t we do that?”

So this year my family put together a summer “bucket list” of all the things we wanted to accomplish before the weather turned cold again. I hope we can get to everything or at least most of what we want to accomplish this season.

Feel free to take from this list or create your own that is unique to your family and place of residence.

But I would recommend writing your list soon to avoid having any regrets once the kids head back to school.

Explore local sites. So many times, we go out of town looking for things to do, but did you know there could be plenty of things to do right in your own home town? Pretend you’re a tourist and find out what your own community has to offer. Hit that children’s museum you’ve never been to or walk through some old historic buildings. Your family will get a great education at the same time.
Plan a trip together. This doesn’t need to be expensive. Even a road trip would do the trick. Go visit an area close by you’ve never seen before.
Go on a healthy food picnic. Put carrot sticks in your basket instead of potato chips. Throw in some grilled chicken instead of the unhealthy fried stuff, and take some yummy protein snacks for dessert. Whatever you eat, make sure each family member contributes one healthy food item.
Schedule free or inexpensive activities. Go to your area of residence (city, county, province, etc.) and find out what fun things are going on in your own backyard. Chances are, there are lots of fun summer camps, clinics, and other great ideas that will get your kids out of the house and exploring without it costing you much, if anything.
Hold weekly family nights. Be consistent and plan to do fun things each week, such as:
1. Hiking
2. Walking
3. Biking
4. Swimming
5. Going to the park
6. Taking a long drive
Learn something new. Ever wanted to play the guitar or take up rollerblading? Now’s your chance. By the end of summer, your family could have enough material for a fun talent show.
Grow a garden. If you’re really striving to eat healthy, think about growing your own vegetables. Your kids will feel a sense of pride in knowing they were responsible for the healthy food you’re eating. If they learn what a takes to to tend a garden, your kids may never complain about eating veggies again.
Make a summertime meal plan. Teach your kids how to cook a meal on their own. They could even come up with their own Nutrimeal™ recipes. By learning just a few quick meal ideas, your kids will be better prepared to help with cooking in the future.
Enjoy a fishing adventure. Not many of us do this anymore, but what a great way to spend a day as a family. Not only are you providing some healthy food for your family, but you are also sharing in a fun, worthwhile outing.
Go on a camping trip. Camping is an inexpensive way to get the family out and learning more about each other. Play games, make meals, go on hikes, and discover nature together.

Bonus Ideas: Here are some additional ideas my daughter came up with, so feel free to give these a try, too:

Dance in the rain
Watch the sunrise and sunset in one day
Bake cupcakes and give them to someone in need
Do three Pinterest projects
Put all of your worries in a balloon and let it go

If you’re looking for other great ideas — or want to submit your own idea — check out Bucket List.

I hope this will be an unforgettable season for your family. And, as I always said in my junior high yearbooks, “Stay cool and have a fun summer.”

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