Summer is finally here! This is my favorite time of year because I love hot weather and there are just so many awesome things to do with kids. We thought it would be fun to create our own boredom buster bucket list for kids so we could cross things off as we did them. Check out our summer bucket list ideas for kids!
Thanks to Step2 for sending us this awesome USA Edition Choo Choo!
Since we only have a few months of beautiful weather in Minnesota (sometimes I really question why we live here!) we take advantage of all the nice days that we can. Weekends in summer fill up before it's even June, and I try to get outside with the kids almost every week day also. I worked with our four year old to come up with a list of things we should do as a family this summer!
Summer Boredom Buster Bucket List for Kids
- Catch Fireflies in a Jar - This one is so fun. We have relatives in rural areas so if we're there in the evenings we take our kids to a field and let them experience the wonder of "glow bugs". If we catch them, we always release them, too!
- Try Outdoor Minigolf - We'll be taking our daughter for the first time this year! She's tagged along before but has really been too young to grasp the concept. I think she'll really enjoy it this year.
- Take a Hike in a State Park - You can head here to find a list of state parks where you live! There are so many beautiful options for us in Minnesota and we can't wait to explore more this summer.
- Eat Ice Cream Cones - I feel like this may be a given for those hot summer days, but we really enjoy going to a small ice cream shop to support a local business AND get a sweet treat!
- Watch an Outdoor Movie - Check your local cities for "movie in the park" events! There are always a few around our area during summer, and we also try to go to the drive-in movies at least once. If you've never been to a drive-in, it's quite the experience, and a great way to take kids to the movies because they're not nearly as disruptive to other guests as a theater experience.
- Build a Sandcastle - This is a summer staple for us, too. We always try to build sandcastles at the beach! It's a great time to learn about creatures that live at the beach, and about tides.
- Visit a Splash Pad or Swimming Pool - While we love the beach, sometimes it's nice to head to a zero-depth pool or splash pad so our kids can play more freely. You could even just set up a sprinkler in your back yard!
- Go to a Parade - Our kids ADORE parades. They love to see the big firetrucks come through, and of course their favorite part is the candy!
- Have a Picnic at the Park - So simple, but such a treat for kids! We love to bring a picnic and then enjoy some time on the playground.
- Check out a Zoo or Aquarium - We are lucky to have awesome zoos and a very neat aquarium within a couple hours of our house. The kids always enjoy seeing and learning about the animals.
- Splash in Mud Puddles - There will inevitably be some rainy days, but that doesn't mean we can't take advantage of them! Grab those rain boots and jump around in the water-I promise it's enjoyable when the weather is warm!
- Visit Your Local Library - Most libraries have a summer program to encourage good reading habits! We also love to go to story time at our local library, which they hold twice a month. Plus, kids can start their own library card at any age and it's a great way to teach responsibility and get them excited about reading!
- See a Baseball Game - We have yet to make it to a MLB game this summer (though hopefully we will at some point!) but my husband plays on a softball league Tuesday nights so we get plenty of game-watching in!
- Watch a Fireworks Show - The 4th of July is sneaking up on us and I know there will be many options for seeing fireworks. There are usually a few events in the area during the summer that do fireworks as well. It will be our 18 month old's first time seeing fireworks so we'll see what he thinks!
- Make S'Mores - Another summer staple! We like to enjoy nights around our fire pit with friends and family and s'mores are always in the mix.
- Have a Water Balloon Fight - Simple, cheap, and a blast for those hot summer days! We've had a few water balloon fights already this summer and it's just as fun as I remember it being when I was a kid.
- Fly a Kite - For those windy days, there's almost nothing better. Watching a kite take flight for the first time is magical for kids, and it's so fun to witness that. Strings get tangled up or kite blows away? No worries, just make it fun while it lasts.
- Visit & Donate to a Local Animal Shelter - The joy of giving back! My kids like to have a lemonade stand and then buy litter or food for the humane society. We like to purchase the products at the humane society store and then donate it to the shelter, so they get the benefit twice-over. It's a great way for the kids to learn about donations and they enjoy loving on the animals too!
Are you excited about doing summer bucket list ideas with your kids? We've made a FREE printable that you can download and use to check off fun experiences as you do them! Just click the photo below to save the .pdf to your computer:
Step2 Complete Choo Choo Train Combo - USA Edition
So far we have really been enjoying our summer bucket list for kids. We have crossed a number of things off already and are looking forward to completing the rest over the next couple months. Our new favorite mode of transportation for all of our adventures is the Step2 USA Edition Complete Choo Choo Train Combo!
Because it's plastic, it's perfect for all of our summer bucket list ideas - especially those that include water. Unlike a stroller, I don't worry about it getting wet, and it comes clean SO easily! Our kids love that they have their own individual seats, and they buckle right in so I know they can't fall out.
Our kids are four and 18 months, and they both sit comfortably in the train cars. Plus, each of the three cars comes with a cup holder! The red front wagon also has storage under the seat so I usually bring snacks, my wallet, and keys and store them in that compartment.
The blue train car is removable so if you only want to bring two cars you can. We like to do this if we're only going somewhere for a short period of time and don't need the extra car for storage. However, on day trips we like to have all three so we have more space to carry things.
We love our wagon and it's going to be PERFECT for the 4th of July and going to see the parade! It's great for fulfilling our summer bucket list ideas for kids. We also plan to bring it to our family BBQ and to see fireworks at night!
Bobbie Castillo says
Love this list! And I'm sure my three year old would looooove it if I told her that eating ice cream is on the list of things another mommy thinks we should do for summer! Lol.
Entered the giveaway and I would love to have the choo choo train and step2 clubhouse climber for my little adventurers!
Sumaira khan says
I would love to have rain-showers-splash-pond-water-table from step2 🙂
Debbie Clauer says
It would be great to have the GRAND WALK-IN KITCHEN & GRILL.
Tara Beckage says
I'd love to have the all around playtime patio! Looks so fun. My kids would have a blast.
jessica m says
I love the Waterfall Discovery Wall!
Deborah D says
My nephews and nieces would love the ADVENTURE LODGE PLAY CENTER WITH GLIDER AND SANDBOX COMBO.
Sara L. says
I would love to have any of the water tables Step2 makes. My kids would love it!
Paige says
These are all awesome ideas! We have a lot of them on our summer bucket list too!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Carrie Patton says
My kids would love the All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy!
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I'd love to have one of the water tables... I think it would be a great way for my kids to keep cool this summer! My youngest would love the Paw Patrol one!!
sandra says
i would love to have the Adventure Lodge Play Center with Glider
Dandi D says
My children would really love to have the GATHER & GRILLE PLAYHOUSE™.
Debra S says
I have had my eye on their Extreme Coaster for a while now. OH my wouldn't the kids just love this? they have enough room for this, in their basement... how fun would this be?
DanaMurphy says
I would love to have some of the new Cars toys that are coming out. My kids are so excited to go see the movie.
Mia says
I like the art master activity desk.
Francine Long says
I really like the NATURALLY PLAYFUL® PICNIC TABLE WITH UMBRELLA, and hope to get it for my grandkids when they visit.
Cathleen King says
I like SWEETHEART PLAYHOUSE.
Amanda Alvarado says
I'd like the Lift & Hide Bookcase Storage Chest
April says
OhMyGosh! First of all your summer bucket list is E x a c t y what we needed to kick off our summer. I have already started hearing those dreaded words "Mom, I'm bored from my 4 year old and I am looking at her thinking where ever did you learn this phrase. Nonetheless, we needed some fresh ideas and this is absolutely the best. Now in regards to Step 2 ~ Wow! There are so many things we've had our eye on for such a long time. And now new things popped up. The roller coaster has always been on our "want" list and we could always use a new kitchen as ours only has room for one cook and we all know what happens when there are too many cooks in the kitchen. But, those water tables and swing sets oh and those outdoor playhouses made me squeal. There are lots of developmental things as well that would be great for our T21 sweetheart to help further her gross motor abilities. The list could go on and on. Most importantly, thank you and Step 2 for putting together this amazing giveaway. We are off to start our summer checklist and hope we can cross one item off our list today. Thanks again!
crystal mccord says
water wheel table.
Sapana V says
These are superb activities to keep the kids engaging and they will have fun.
Miranda Welle says
I'd love the Extreme Coaster!
Rachel says
I would also love to have the Narually Playful Welcome Home Playhouse.
Victoria Scott says
I love the Spill and Splash Water Table!
Robyn Cobb says
this lodge play center would be a blast for the littles. https://www.step2.com/p/naturally-playful-adventure-lodge-play-center-with-glider
Cindy Kong says
I would also love the Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
Maryann says
I would love this and also the push-along buggy
Emma Trimble says
Outdoor adventure combo is pretty awesome!!
Jennifer says
Love your summer bucket list! Definitely going to try to do this with my family! I love the choo choo wagon, and also am obsessed with the Easy Steer Sportster. Step2 stuff is so cute and fun!
Krista Raymond says
HOT WHEEL EXTREME THRILL COASTER is so cool would love to have this for my little ones...
Cathy Coibion says
I love the little playhouses they sell!
Laura Meyer says
I love Step 2 swingsets!! With 6 littles a Step 2 Choo Choo would be a blessing:-) Such a great giveaway & LOVE the list of summertime fun ideas!!
Wanda Perez says
This is so beautiful an my God babies would love this♡♡♡fun in the sun
Viola says
My little guy loves trains! We have the Whisper Ride car, but this would take the cake 🙂
Sharon Lupo says
I'd like to have the grand kitchen & grill for my 5 grand children
Jennifer says
I have been wanting the grill and playcenter. My youngest would love that!
Jennifer says
Step 2 is amazing! We have two products of yours. My daughter loves her vanity. She plays dress up all of the time. The wagon comes in handy when we are out and about.
Kerri Morrow says
My 1.5 year old nephew would love the deluxe kitchen. He is constantly dragging out my sisters pots and pans.
Chantelle Webber says
I love the lodge center or the patio play with cover
Rachel JoyDimery says
4,2 and due July 17th all girls! This would be amazing!
Savannah says
The great outdoor playhouse!!! Omg its so cute!!!
Holly brown says
Woo hoo! Love step 2
Mary Simonton says
The splash pond water table would be a hit at our house tks
Debbie says
Oh my, the triplets would LOVE this. It would be so much fun to go for long walks with it.
Stephanie Barker says
This would be wonderful for our family! With 2 small boy's and a baby in the way this would be such a fun way to pill them around!!
Sonia B says
I like their climbers.
Jennifer says
This would be perfect for summer!!!! I'm also in love with their Hot Wheels Extreme Thrill Coaster, my boys would love that!
Brittany says
That seems really cool. If I hit the lotto I would love to buy the adventure lodge swing set for my son.
Jessica orlando says
The playtime patio looks so fun! My two boys would love spending time in there!
Vanessa Smith says
Loved all the ideas for summer fun. We are definitely going to have a picnic this summer
Jenny Scarborough says
Would love to get a clubhouse climber for my little guy. He has energy for days and this would help burn some off. Thanks 🙂
Samantha says
We'd like be to have the extreme coaster. Your blog is great and can't wait to utilize this bucket list.
Heather Savka says
I would love their up down coaster!!!! Im curious how it is stored though when not in use
Silvana Gambirazio says
Would love to have the step2 extreme roller coaster !!
Mandi dixon says
I love the play houses and kitchen sets
Jessi Buchenberger says
My twins love your products and ideas!! Thanks!
Krista Carver says
I'd love the all around canopy wagon, it looks perfect!
Torey Turnage says
What an amazing giveaway! Would love to win for my son and nephew!
Shannon Graves says
My son loves trains and would love this!
Yanil Cevetillo says
We would love the playhouse
Climber and swing extension!
Michelle says
I would love any of the roller coasters for my littles.
Katie Pennington says
I would one of their playhouses!
Alicia Love says
My daughter would enjoy the Panda Climber!
Lena jeske says
I would love to own a super cute cozy cottage playhouse from step2 or one of their fun water tables!
Angie Shuck says
I would love to have the picnic table from step 2!
Daisy Joseph says
Wonderful to keep the kids entertained by being pulled like a train! Perfect for parks and just having a stroll around the neighborhood! And the little roller coaster ride is cute for the little ones
ShannonS says
I would love to have the outdoor adventure combo for my guy
Alicia paquin says
The skywood summit would be amazing for my boys!
Heather says
My kids would love the sandbox with glider. I can see them relaxing outside for quite a while with that!
Brandi L says
Picking one thing is so hard but I think the clubhouse climber would be a favorite of my rambunctious boys and their sister in about a year when she can start playing with them.
denise low says
I like the hot wheels coaster. They make really nice toys
debra dubois says
My little guy needs the cottage bad he is out growing his toddler one they grow so fast.
Ilis Cruz says
I would love to have the Naturally Playful Welcome Home Playhouse. It's the perfect height to fit my three kids!
Emily R. says
The Thomas the Tank Engine toddlwr bed is so cute!
Anna says
I'm excited to do summer activities with my toddler this year.
Erica says
My little ones would love this. It would be so easy to bring the kids to the pool along with everything that goes with us.
Erica says
My little ones would love the choochoo train combo. It would make going to the pool alot easier with everything that goes with going and walks would be fun too.
Deidre Suiter says
This looks great and convenient
Nikki H. says
I would love to get one of the kitchens, my kids would have so much fun pretending to cook.
Coral says
Great Post!
Sam Sasek says
https://www.step2.com/p/play-shade-pool Love the pool because the kids always try to GET IN the water table!!
Carrie Sayles says
What a great giveaway! Would be perfect for my triplets! I love all of the Step 2 products but especially would love to get the water wall!
Meredith says
My kiddos would absolutely love the waterfall discovery wall!
Meredith says
I love your summer bucket list! I will definitely be taking my kiddos on a picnic!
Tara Maldonado says
My kiddos would love to have the Wonderball Funhouse. They are 3 1/2 and 14 months and I think they would both have a "ball" with that thing. 🙂
Nichole Fohrman says
Great giveaway!
Kelly Shafer says
Great summer activity list
Linda Gross says
Oh my gosh..:My two boys (2&3 yrs) would love this! They love trains! They line up all the chairs in our house to make a train all the time!
Barbara says
I would like to have the Summertime Plat Center It comes with a sandbox and picnic table.
Evelyn mejorado says
My twin boys would LOVE the Hot Wheels Extreme Roller Coaster!!
Anne T. says
I really like the Step 2 Extreme Coaster. It looks like a lot of fun for kids.
Sabrina M. says
I would love anything from Step2 but the Cottage Playhouse is something my little man would love!!!
Jennifer S. says
I would love to win the Choo Choo Train Combo and what a great list for alleviating summer boredom. My boys would love the Deluxe Canyon Road Train & Track Table from Step 2 and my daughter would love the Princess Palace Twin Bed. All my kids would love the Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table. Step 2 has great stuff.
Melissa Gooley says
Love the bucket list. Evey kid should get a chance to click all of them every summer. I am interested in step 2 adventure lodge and glider. Since i have plenty of step1 that he is starting to out grow. This would be perfect.
Heather Ing says
We would absolutely love the Swig and Play Backyard Combo! Bu tall the products are amazing. We love everything we have and it is made with such great quality.
deena fazzari says
OMG honestly i would love to win any of these items on the website! we have a 7 year old a 5 year old and a 1 year old and i would love love love to win them the clubhouse climber and sandbox combo! they would absolutely love this!!
Amber Ludwig says
My son would LOVE the Extreme coaster!! It looks so super fun!!!
Dani Bottcher says
Step2 products are definitely the best. My girls would love to win the Choo Choo Train! We don't have anything like this! You have compiled a great list. Next time my husband asks me on a weekend, "What should we do today", I am going to suggest some of these. Love that they are low/no cost, easy to throw together options on there!!
Cassandra says
I live in Minnesota, too, and think this is a great way to take advantage of being outside with the kids during our fleeting summer!
Courtney Parrish says
I, along with my 2 daughters would love to have the ADVENTURE LODGE WITH GLIDER & SANDBOX, EXTREME MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES COMBO, BACKYARD BASICS COMBO, CLUBHOUSE CLIMBER & SANDBOX COMBO, &/or BACKYARD BASICS COMBO for my girls!
Cindy Samms says
I love the step 2 water table. My so. Would love it
Dawn Monzu says
I would LOVE to get my granddaughter the ALL AROUND PLAYTIME PATIO WITH CANOPY™. My kids (when they were little) always played with Step2 products! They were the only toys that could keep up with my son! haha God bless and good luck everyone!
Jennifer Kreisler says
The HOT WHEELS™ EXTREME THRILL COASTER has always been a top pick of a gift I would love to get my kids!
Alaina wikstrom says
I would love to have the playhouse center with swing extension.
Diana P says
The extreme coaster looks like so much fun. My daughter would have a blast.
Lenae Schwartz says
Three really is company. The choo choo wagon is right for a threesome.
Jen H says
ANY of their swing sets would be great!
wen budro says
My kids would also love to have their Clubhouse Climber. That would get a lot of fun and use out of it.
SHAYNA BROOKMAN says
I LIKE THE LIFT & HIDE BOOKCASE STORAGE CHEST 🙂
Sarah Mayer says
Hot Wheels Extreme Thrill Roller Coaster.
Elisheva Mayerhoff says
My kids would love the GRAND WALK-IN KITCHEN & GRILL™! It is so cute and I love how realistic it is.
Lauryn R says
My kiddos would absolutely love the Disney Pixar© Cars 3™ Roller Coaster™! It would be such an awesome toy to have in the backyard for them. 🙂