“I’m bored!”
It’s the dreaded phrase every parent hates to hear. Vacations and summer break are supposed to be a time of relaxation and a slower pace for everyone, but try telling that to your “bored” child.
If it’s only the second day of school break and your child is already complaining (and you’re ready to rip out your hair in frustration), check out this summer bucket list. It’s a list of activities to keep your kids busy all summer long.
There’s also a free printable version so your kids can check off each activity as they complete it. Download it in the free resource library!
- Go to a museum
- Go to a park
- Visit relatives
- Have a picnic
- Eat ice cream or popsicles (bonus points if you make them yourself)
- Explore a science center
- Invite a friend over
- Swim in a lake
- Make breakfast for dinner
- Sleep (or read a book) in a tent
- Roast marshmallows or make a camper pie
- Look at the constellations (try downloading an app on your phone to show you where to find each constellation)
- Catch a lightning bug
- Jump in a puddle (send the kids outside on a rainy day – just make sure there’s no lightning!)
- Have a water balloon fight (these balloons are so easy to fill)
- Read a book
- Build an indoor fort
- Blow bubbles
- Play with sidewalk chalk
- Create a rock collection
- Have a building contest with Play-Doh
- Put on a show
- Paint a picture
- Write a letter (mail it to a long-distance relative or even send it to a nursing home to cheer someone up)
- Go to a library (many libraries have summer activities, so check the website or call ahead to find out if there are any exciting activities)
- Bake a dessert
- Watch a movie (share your favorite childhood movie with your kids)
- Play putt-putt golf
- Ride a bike
- Swim in a pool (or run through a sprinkler)
- Study a bug
- Make a sandcastle
- Visit a farm
- Go bowling (this is a perfect rainy day activity)
- Climb a tree
- Pick a bouquet of flowers
- Make s’mores
- Watch a baseball game
This is a great list to banish boredom and get your kids to think of creative activities. Don’t forget to print a copy and add some of your own ideas to the bottom!