15 Festive Bucket List Ideas

School’s out, the weather is great, and there is a world of opportunity for fun during the holidays. This time of year is also perfect to grow in togetherness as a family. There’s no better way to do that than to make your own summer bucket list, one that fits your family – and pocket – perfectly.

Here are a few ideas to get you started, but why not get your children on board and ask them if there is anything they would like to add?

1. Brighten your home: The holidays are all about bright, sunny colours so why not get your family together and make some colourful DIY decorations to revive your home decor?
2. Bake something: Go shopping for ingredients and make something from scratch. Then let the children decorate the freshly baked goods.
3. Make homemade presents: Picking out unique gifts for each person on your list is part of the festive fun, but sometimes you just can't buy the perfect gift. (Homemade gifts are also ideal if your budget is a little tight.)
4. Have a movie night: Put on your PJs and break out the popcorn and cheesy Christmas movies.
5. Build a fort: This is a great way to transform being trapped inside on a rainy day into an adventure! Grab a few books and pack some snacks to enjoy in your fort.
6. Create a backyard obstacle course: Put the children to work designing an outdoor obstacle course. Once they’re done, let them participate in your very own backyard Olympics.
7. Schedule date nights: Have a one-on-one date with each of your children. Take them for ice cream or to do something special. Christmas shopping doesn’t count.
8. Wash the car: Let your children put on their bathing suits and wash the car the old-fashioned way. While they are sure to love it, you can sneakily tick a chore off your to-do list.
9. Make sock puppets and put on a show: Clean out the drawers and let the kids use old socks and craft materials to make sock puppets. Then encourage them to put on a play with their new creations.
10. Perform random acts of kindness: Do something unexpected and kind. Have your children help with the whole process from thinking of ideas to performing the task. The more involved they are, the more rewarding the experience will be. You can also volunteer at a local charity.
11. Donate old toys: Let your children clean out the toys they don’t use anymore and donate them to charity. This is a great teachable moment to help them focus on giving to others.
12. Game on: Have a family game night complete with snacks and prizes. Take it outdoors after dark by including glow bowling! Simply add glow sticks to some water bottles for a fun bowling tournament!
13. Eat in: Have your children plan and make dinner one night – with your supervision, of course!
14. Unplug: Challenge your children to go tech free for one whole day – no TV, computers, tablets or cellphones. Think of a creative reward for the person who holds out the longest!
15. Family photo booth: Buy or make some props and set up a fun family photo booth. Don’t forget to take a picture of the whole family!

Whatever you do this summer, may it be a season of rest and renewal for your family.