This is the 8th summer for our family's summer checklist. Every year, we make a list of all the fun adventures we plan on completing during my boys' break from school. We fill our summer bucket list with easy and inexpensive ideas for summer fun. This is one of my absolute favourite annual family traditions, and it has helped us to create many priceless memories. Today, I am sharing our 2019 summer checklist (that you can download for free below). I've also included several links to additional info about the activities.
To download and print the summer checklist: click on the checklist below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8X10 photo. I sent mine to my local copy store and printed it for $0.59. That's a lot of fun for less than a dollar!
We always have 50 items on our list, but feel free to adapt the list to fit your family. You can choose 10, 20, 30 or 40 of your favourites and add them to this blank list. It's not meant to be stressful... it's a template for family fun!
To download the blank version: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.
And... in case you need more info about the items on my list, or you are looking for items to make your own list, check out the helpful links below.
1) Celebrate Canada Day or the 4th of July - Find simple and fun ideas for photo props, crafts, decor and recipes here.
2) Watch fireworks or attend a parade
3) Have a picnic or BBQ and eat outside - All picnics are great, but a teddy bear picnic is extra special. You can get the recipe for our favourite teddy bear picnic cookies here.
4) Go to a splash pad or swim in a pool
5) Host a "half sleepover" or backyard carnival - Hosting a fun event for friends is a really fun way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Click on the links above for some of my favourite DIY party details.
6) Go to a farmer's market or visit a yard sale
11) Eat donuts from a string (with no hands)
12) Pick out a toy or treat at the dollar store
13) Plant something and watch it grow
14) Visit a wildlife park, farm or zoo
15) Build a fort (inside the house or outside) or a trail through the woods
16) Get ice cream in PJs (drive throughs are OK)
17) Play baseball, soccer, golf or street hockey
24) Go geo-caching or bowling
25) Have a "kids pick the meals" day
26) Play mini golf
27) See a play or visit a museum
30) Have a theme day (e.g. a pirate day, superhero day, "parents say yes" day, or "spend our gift cards" day)
31) Camp at a campground, in the backyard or in the living room
32) Have a PJ day
33) Build a large puzzle
35) Fly a kite
36) Have a dance party or sing karaoke
37) Go on a scavenger hunt - Scavenger hunts are fun for kids of all ages. You can find one for younger kids (with pictures) here, and you can find a fun idea for older kids here.
38) Organize a drawer, closet or room
41) Go on a road trip to another city or town
42) Play "tag" or run in a race
43) Roast marshmallows, make s'mores or cook a different campfire treat - Check out my favourite ideas here.
44) Write and mail a letter or postcard
50) HAVE ICE CREAM FOR SUPPER! - This is the last item on our checklist every year. It's the perfect way to celebrate the completion of our summer checklist and remember all the fun memories we made together.
Creating and completing a summer checklist really is one of my favourite family traditions. It's always a lot of fun, and definitely something my boys look forward to each year.
♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)
