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There’s a new parenting phenomenon out there, invoking guilt and limits and timelines on what should be the most relaxing season of all – the summer bucket list. Am I anti-summer bucket list? Hell no. As someone who loves checking things off a list (am I the only one who adds an already-completed task just to cross it off the list?!) of course I’m going to create a list full of fun tasks that directly correlate to my parenting skills and awesomeness. *SARCASM*
Here are all the fun, quintessential summer activities I plan to do with both kids:
1. Pool – haven’t quite figured out how this is going to work but I’m getting a pool pass and hoping for the best! Note: cutest swimsuits for boys & girls.
2. Farmer’s Market – we already frequent the FM but see aforementioned habit of adding already-completed tasks to lists.
3. Water Table – this water table was a major player in our summer rotation last year so I have high hopes this summer.
4. Sprinkler – new to the summer scene this year – last summer, Cooper wasn’t walking yet. This summer, he’ll sprint everywhere. Should make for some good stories, and possibly stitches.
5. Ice Cream Truck – I’m still debating on telling the kids that the music is on when they’re *out* of ice cream. But my love for screwball ice cream may win out.
6. Cardboard Box Fort – this is a big hit. The kids love to hide all their toys in their fort, making it look almost as if we don’t have toys overtaking our home. Win/win.
7. Outdoor Movie Night – we have a projector and usually drag a few blankets and pillows out and watch Disney flicks on the back of our garage. Cheaper than the drive-in, no?
8. Picnic – a real picnic at an actual park on a checkered picnic blanket. Not just dragging their plates outside onto the front porch while the dog tries to eat their PB&Js.
9. Beach Trip (God help us!) – I’m still planning a beach vacay. More to come on this awesome terrible idea.
10. Make S’mores – bonfires and (my) kids make me super nervous but neither child has experienced the joy that is a s’more so we’ll risk it ;).
11. Train Ride – we live near a train station and both kids are obsessed with trains. A quick day trip on the train is cheap and entertaining.
12. Feed the Ducks – the kids will think this is hilarious. Duck poop, angry geese and possible animal bites? If that doesn’t spell “summer fun” I don’t know what does!
13. Story Time @ the Library – trips to the Library are a perfect rainy day activity. Cooper makes it through approximately the first sentence of a book so I’m glad this one’s free.
14. Zoo – our Zoo is amazing and we have a season pass. I will, however, spend a small fortune in carousel rides.
15. Chalk on the Driveway – no better way to spend 3 minutes than creating chalk masterpieces on the driveway.
16. Fire Station Visit – one of our close friends is a firefighter and we will definitely try to make a journey to sit in the “ucks”.
17. Make Ice Cream – apparently you can make your own ice cream in a bag. (recipe here)
And here are the summer activities I’d rather skip – any guesses on how many overlap with the stuff on our summer bucket list?
Check out Abort Mission: Summer Activities That Aren’t Worth It
Am I missing anything amazing for our summer bucket list?
