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Summer Bucket List for Kids + Printable (with Connecticut Links)

Making a summer bucket list is a fun and easy tradition to start the summer. This free and low-cost summer bucket list for kids will get you started!


Have you ever had “end of summer” blues? That feeling that you somehow missed out on all the summer had to offer? Mama, if you truly want to squeeze all the lovely juice from summer, slow down and truly savor it! Stop chasing something elusive, and instead, intentionally fill everyone’s cup.

One way is by planning ahead for a little summer fun. You’ve heard of summer bucket lists before, but I suggest a different approach than a race to “do it all.” Instead, make a family bucket list that hits everybody’s sweet spot: each family member picks 1-2 items for the list. Spend the summer enjoying this “short list” of activities. At the end of summer, I think you’ll find the whole family feels satisfied.

After everyone picks their activities, it’s a good idea to make a loose schedule. Mark major events on the calendar so you can see where you have open time to fit in activities. You’ll need to plan ahead for things that require tickets or travel time. Don’t forget to plan a few alternate ideas for rainy days!

Summer Bucket List for Kids & Families

To help you create the perfect, peaceful Summer Bucket List for kids, I have a host of ideas to start with.

Plus, if you live in Connecticut, the links are for LOCAL places that match the ideas! Updates in red for 2023!

Need a printable to plan and track your adventures! There’s a FREE DOWNLOAD at the end of this post!
Take me to the download!

Summer Bucket List

Most of these summer bucket list for kids can be done anywhere in the U.S. For my local readers, I have Connecticut-area links! All the ideas here are free or low cost (some make use of library passes, so you’ll have to check your area to be sure!).

  • $ indicates the activity may cost a small fee (generally under $5/person).
  • * suggests you could search for a pass that may give you free or discounted tickets.

Outdoor activities to put on your Summer Bucket List

Outdoor at Home

  • Have a backyard campout
  • Keep a nature journal! Look for butterflies, ladybugs, and birds! (Check out my bird watching for kids guide)
  • Make s’mores – Use a backyard firepit to have a safe fire at home!
  • Make gigantic bubbles

Outdoor Water Fun

Outdoor Nature Fun

Outdoor Local Fun

  • $ Visit a farmer’s market
  • Have fun at a cool inclusion playground like Jonathan’s Dream in West Hartford.
  • Ride bikes – Pick a paved rails-to-trails spot or get a little off-road on a gravel trail. Older kids might like to mountain bike or go bike-packing!
  • Watch fireworks!! (Here’s a list of fireworks in Connecticut 2023!)
  • *Visit the zoo
    • Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is small and doesn’t have exotic animals, but good for a day trip.
    • The Bronx Zoo is in NY not CT, but is large and tree-shaded, perfect for walking.
    • In RI, the Roger Williams Park Zoo has a huge hands on playground called The Big Backyard in addition to animals!
  • $/*Watch trains!
  • Attend an outdoor concert – these are often FREE!
  • $ Watch a baseball game
  • $ Go mini-golfing
  • $ Run a race – The Summer Grand Prix Cross Country is a fun 5-night series at Wickham Park. Kids can do the 1 mile, adults the 2.6 cross country race.
  • $ Ride a carousel – Visit The Carousel in Bushnell Park! This vintage 1914 carousel is open JUNE – AUGUST Thurs-Saturdays 12-5PM – Rides are $2
  • $ Ride a real pony – look for a local farm that offers pony rides.

Indoor Activities for your Summer Bucket List

These indoor activities for your summer bucket list are perfect for rainy days!

Indoor Fun at Home

Indoor Fun Out & About

  • Visit the librarylibraries offer so many amenities and the coolest playrooms these days!
  • $/*/FREE Visit a local art or history museum
    • Here’s a list of FREE Museums by State – plug your state into the search bar, then filter by “FREE”!
    • Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford has free hours 4-5 on Thursday-Sunday. Their Family Tours are often free.
  • Complete a summer book challenge! One year we set a goal to read 100 books, but pick your own number and go for it. Also, most libraries have programs with fun goodie bags and prizes!
  • $/* Visit a kid’s museum – these special spaces are packed with kid-sized fun!
  • $/* Go to the aquarium
    • Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk has seal feedings, sharks, and a 4D theater, plus a sting ray petting tank and more!
    • Mystic Aquarium has marsh trails, penguins, and a cute little shopping village next door, plus an awesome habitats exhibit!

Fun with Food in the Summer

  • $ Eat ice cream
  • $ Go out to breakfast – sometimes local farms will have summer breakfast offerings, so look around for something interesting for your mornings.

What’s on your Summer Bucket List? 

If you’re in Connecticut, what do you recommend?

Get the Summer Checklist Printable

Want a handy checklist so you always have ideas? This printable includes 30 general ideas for summer fun. Let your kids help you plan your week by picking a few off this list. They are general enough that you can fit them to your time, budget, and local area.

Fill out the form, and your free checklist will pop up in a new browser window. Download and print!

Allie

Friday 9th of June 2023

The Norwich Sea Unicorns minor league baseball at Dodd Stadium have $2 Tuesdays - $2 parking, $2 Grandstand tickets, $2 Hot dogs, etc.

MKDaddy

Thursday 1st of June 2017

Much more fun than the "Honey Do" list!

The Little Tourist

Thursday 4th of February 2016

Great list!

Kiddobloom mom

Friday 29th of August 2014

We valued these precious moments with families and friends. We even created kiddobloom bucket list apps available for free for android devices users. Just type the list and get a picture from google, voila, you'll have a polaroid like bucket list on your android device.

Kickoff Summer with a Summer Fun Calendar! | A Year with Mom & Dad

Sunday 9th of June 2013

[...] already shared with you our summer bucket list with lots of local activities we hope to catch as a [...]

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