Older Kids Summer Break Bucket List
Summer break can be daunting. During the school year they go from class to class and subject to subject. They are constantly being stimulated by new rooms, new teachers, and lots of learning. They have friends to talk to or to mess around with. When they come home for summer break that stimulation drops significantly. Their brains are underwhelmed and that’s when they begin feeling bored. Their brains need that stimulation, so let’s put together a large list of things to do for when they are in need. Unfortunately in the midst of feeling bored, our brains forget absolutely everything that we love to do, all the places we love to go, and all the activities that are possible.
This list is not just for older kids, but specifically designed for parents who have kids that are past the little things. Take what you love and leave what you don’t. If you’re able to gain a few extra ideas for the summer, I have done my job.
Whenever you are hit with boredom look to this list and pick whatever sounds good for the day.
Pool day
Pick any pool nearby. If you have multiple, write each of them down.
Road trip
It can be just your state and a day trip, or somewhere far away to visit family or a fun little spot. No matter where, enjoy with road trip games and a fun playlist.
Lake day
Just like the pool, if you have multiple, write them all down.
Random Act of Kindness
If you’re able, write down an idea so you have something in mind. My girls love making curated baskets for our friends with coloring supplies, homemade cookies, drinks, and whatever they feel like.
Camp
You can go big or stay small. Pick a sports camp, arts camp, or vacation bible school. Most of my girls are out of the age range for vacation bible school, but they are however able to volunteer and they love it!
Crafting
Again, pick out specific crafts so you know what to do going into it. It takes all the pressure off of needing to come up with something good. If it’s a short craft, you can also make multiple.
Summer Party
I created this out of my love for hosting and throwing parties. Each of my girls gets to invite friends. I host a slew of fun water games with prizes like stickers or keychains. Of course we provide snacks, water, and lots of sunscreen. This is truly one of my kid’s favorites.
Parks
I google the best and biggest parks in my area and write them all down. I am willing to drive up to an hour to get to explore something we don’t necessarily go to on a day to day basis.
Special Movie Night
This is special because we rent out a place and have our kids bring their friends. My husband works for our church and is able to get a room in our event center for free. If you aren’t able to pull something like that off, get a screen and host it in the backyard! If it’s somewhere other than the living room and they’re able to have a friend or two, it’s so special and memorable.
Tie Dye
Pick t-shirts, headbands, shoes, or whatever you can think of. Make it for a special occasion like 4th of July or a birthday or just because. This has been a tradition for my kids and their cousins for years now and they have so much fun!
Chalk Mural
Chalk can be not so fun sometimes if you have kids competing against one another, but if you tell them they are a part of something bigger, it’s so much cooler! We are going to be doing a garden, but you can do a zoo, or whatever your kids love drawing. Just remember to pick a day that it’s not planning on raining.
Redesign Rooms
Maybe it’s a good time for change. Figure out where you want the furniture to go. Decide if you’d like to add new artwork. You can paint the room a new color. Enjoy changing things.
BBQ with Friends
Host a BBQ with all of your friends. You know, the friends you have that have kids that are friends with your kids. Make some burgers, put on the sprinklers for the kids or let them jump on the trampoline. Add a fire for s’mores if you’re able.
Museums
There are so many museums, but some are truly better than others. If you’re able, do some research to find which ones your kids would like to go.
Discover New Town
If you have a town that’s really fun and beautiful, try and go there. Luckily for us we live right next to the mountains so we are able to go walk around up there and see elk running past us.
Thrifting
This isn’t for everyone, but I love thrifting. It’s so much fun finding such items for such a cheap price. My kids get to pick out a new purse, clothes, trinkets, decor, or whatever sounds good. You’re able to say yes a lot more at a thrift store than a regular one.
Floating in the River
If you have a river nearby that allows floating in it, go. It is honestly one of my favorite things to do. This is definitely for older kids because younger ones who can’t swim should not go. If they can’t just go find some tadpoles and frogs in the water!
Volunteer
Take some time researching a place nearby that works well for your kids ages. volunteering builds character.
Farmers Market
Before we go to the market, I tell my kids they each get to pick out a treat up to a certain amount so that their ecxpectations aren’t too big. They know they’re looking for the best treat.
Kids Bowl Free
Not all cities have this, but if I recall, most of them do now. It’s a program you can sign up for that allows kids to bowl for free all summer long. All you have to do is pay for shoes, which is only a dollar or two. You can also pay for a family pass which allows you to play with them for the summer.
Movie Theatre
Pick the movie over the summer that you just have to see and go. Get the popcorn, candy, and drinks, and enjoy time together.
Botanic Gardens
They have flower gardens all over. Find one near you and spend the day walking around smelling all the flowers.
Late Night Bike Ride
Me and my girls usually go bike riding almost every night in summer. This time go for a longer path, and new path, and go when it’s dark out.
Hiking
Pick a place and trail ahead of time. Pick something at whatever level your family is at. It doesn’t need to be crazy, but getting out together and hiking can be a really great time to bond without any bit of technology. It can be extra fun if you pick wildflowers along the way and make a full bouquet out of them. If you like to craft, dry them out and use them for crafting day.
Back to School Shopping
End the summer break with getting all the fun supplies you want for the new year. Get a new backpack, water bottle, shoes, clothes, and supplies for the year.
Though this is only twenty five ideas, many have options for multiple variations which you can write down each on different lines.
If you’re able to put together a list like this with your kids, you will be setting you and your family up for a successful summer break. Whatever you do, enjoy your time together, because before you know it, they’re all grown up and you won’t get to things with them as often anymore. Enjoy making sweet memories together!