Summer Bucket List Printable for Kids

Every summer, I had this little fear in the back of my mind that the season would fly by and we’d realize we never actually did anything together. The days would fill up with cartoons, gaming, errands, random busy stuff… and suddenly it would be time for back-to-school shopping again.

So one year, I started making a Summer Bucket List for the kids.

We used a chalkboard in the kitchen, and each of my 4 kids got to pick one thing they REALLY wanted to do that summer. Then we’d sit around and talk about more ideas together, adding them to the list as a family. Some ideas were big, some were super simple, but once we started checking things off, summer instantly felt more intentional and memorable.

That’s exactly why I made this Summer Bucket List Printable for Kids — to give families an easy, low-prep way to create meaningful summer memories together.

And honestly? This is the version I keep coming back to because it mixes simple, everyday fun with special memory-making moments kids actually remember years later.

If your family loves easy seasonal activities, be sure to also check out my Cloud Spotter Printable, Hello Summer Countdown Chain Craft, and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt ideas for even more screen-free summer fun, like tie-dying sheets.

Why This Summer Bucket List Printable Works So Well for Kids

What I love about this printable is that it doesn’t pressure you to create some giant Pinterest-perfect summer.

Some days your kids are going to watch cartoons or play video games — and honestly, that’s okay too. For me, this list became more of a mental check as a mom. Like… okay. We made time for these moments together. We didn’t let the entire summer disappear without making memories.

That balance made me feel better about the slower days, too.

This printable includes a mix of:

• outdoor activities
• simple family traditions
• creative projects
• backyard fun
• low-cost summer ideas
• relaxing summer moments kids actually enjoy

How to Use This Summer Bucket List Printable

There’s really no wrong way to use this printable.

Some families may want to:

• circle or highlight the activities they want to do most
• Check activities off as they complete them
• Let each child choose their favorites
• Use it as a boredom buster list
• Add their own ideas in the blank spaces

What worked best for us was hanging the list somewhere visible. Otherwise, it ended up buried under papers on the counter by day two.

You can even turn it into a family challenge and see how many activities you can complete before school starts again.

We actually started making smaller seasonal bucket lists during the holidays, too, because the summer version worked so well for our family.

50 Fun Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids

This printable includes fun and easy summer activity ideas like:

• Go to the beach
• Backyard movie night
• Stargaze
• Make homemade lemonade
• Blow bubbles
• Go berry picking
• Visit a farmer’s market
• Catch fireflies
• Play flashlight tag
• Tie-dye shirts
• Paint rocks
• Make snow cones
• Read a book
• Watermelon seed spitting contest

…and so many more fun summer ideas for kids and families.

How to Print the Summer Bucket List Printable

I recommend printing this on regular white cardstock if possible because it holds up a little better throughout the summer.

You can also:

• Laminate it for dry-erase markers
• hang it on the fridge
• Keep it in a summer binder
• clip it to a family command center
• print multiple copies for siblings

We usually kept ours somewhere everyone could see it daily, so we’d actually remember to use it.

Supplies Needed for This Summer Printable

• Printer
• White cardstock or printer paper
• Marker, pen, or highlighter
• Optional laminator and dry-erase markers

DOWNLOAD the Summer Bucket List Printable

Grab the free Summer Bucket List Printable below and start making summer memories together.

Grab your SUMMER BUCKET LIST PRINTABLE FOR KIDS

More Summer Printables and Activities You’ll Love

If your kids enjoyed this Summer Bucket List Printable, here are a few more summer favorites to explore next:

• Cloud Spotter Printable
• Hello Summer Countdown Chain Craft
• Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
• Water Cycle Spinner Craft
• Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course
• How to Tie-Dye Beach Towels
• Making DIY Flips Flops
• Over 37 Outdoor Summer Games
• Summer Boredom Busters

FAQ About This Summer Bucket List Printable

What age is this summer bucket list good for?

This printable works really well for preschoolers, elementary kids, tweens, and even families who want to complete activities together.

Do kids check off the activities or choose favorites first?

You can use it either way. Some families prefer to highlight favorite activities first and then check them off later. Others simply check activities off as they happen naturally throughout the summer.

What paper works best for printing this printable?

I found cardstock works best because it survives being handled all summer long a little better than regular paper.

Can I laminate the printable?

Yes! Laminating it works great if you want to reuse it every year with dry-erase markers.

Is this printable good for classrooms or camps?

Absolutely. Teachers, camps, daycare programs, and homeschool families can all use this printable for summer activity planning.

More Summer Ideas You’ll Love