Summer 101
Summer is full swing with almost 100 degree temps here in Texas. That's our normal, but as I get older, it seems the hot gets hotter.
A few years ago visiting the grandkids, I noticed they had taped a full size poster board to the wall with lots and lots of lists. Each had taken a turn adding all the things they wanted to do over their summer break from school. It ranged from the simple, "stay up all night long" to the maybe-not-this-year "go to Disney World".
Maybe your family has a similar list on a bulletin board or fridge in your home. If so, and you're looking to add a few fun things, or if not, and you need some activities to keep everyone busy, then you're in the right place.
We've compiled a list of 101 Things To Mark Off Of Your Summer Bucket List.
Whether staying at home, getting out in your local community or exploring outside of your home state, you are sure to find something fun and entertaining.
A few years ago visiting the grandkids, I noticed they had taped a full size poster board to the wall with lots and lots of lists. Each had taken a turn adding all the things they wanted to do over their summer break from school. It ranged from the simple, "stay up all night long" to the maybe-not-this-year "go to Disney World".
Maybe your family has a similar list on a bulletin board or fridge in your home. If so, and you're looking to add a few fun things, or if not, and you need some activities to keep everyone busy, then you're in the right place.
We've compiled a list of 101 Things To Mark Off Of Your Summer Bucket List.
Whether staying at home, getting out in your local community or exploring outside of your home state, you are sure to find something fun and entertaining.
1..Make homemade popsicles
2..Run through the sprinklers
3..Go to an outdoor concert
4..Visit a farmers market
5..Write letters to a pen pal
6..Paint rocks
7..Explore a nature trail
8..Visit a state park
9..Try a new recipe
10..Catch fireflies
11.Eat watermelon
12..Watch the sunset
13..Tie-dye a t-shirt
14..Go berry picking
15..Have a backyard campout
16..Go tubing down a river
17..Picnic at a park
18..Have a family game night
19..Volunteer for a day
20..Research your genealogy
21.Host a lunch with friends
22..Spend a day at the lake
23..Enjoy your town like a tourist
24..Grow some flowers
25..Make a sand castle
26..Learn something new
27..Visit a friend
28..Read a book in a hammock
29..Watch fireworks
30..Bake a pie for someone
31.Go stargazing
32..Enjoy a rainy day with a book
33..Declutter your space
34..Make something with your hands
(visit our friend @MissTracyCreates for some fab ideas)
35..Do a digital detox
36..Take one step toward a dream
37.Give flowers to someone
38..Commit one Psalms to memory
(Scripture Memorization tips from Joanna Weaver)
39..Help a friend with a project
40..Quit something
41..Write kind notes & leave them everywhere
(check out our encouragement & note cards)
42..Take a photo everyday
43..Visit some place historic
44..Have a water balloon fight
45..Go see a waterfall
46..Visit an art gallery
47..Conquer a fear
48..Build a summer playlist (or listen to one of ours)
49..Pursue a new hobby
50..Reconnect with an old friend
51.Write a letter to your spouse
52..Print a fav picture poster size
53..Do something outside of your comfort zone
54..Do a random act of kindness
55..Set up a bird feeder
56..Visit a state for the first time
57..Go on a boat ride
58..Take dinner to a new neighbor
59..Host a themed get-together
60..Organize a scavenger hunt
61.Take a virtual tour
62..Go zip-lining
63..Listen to a new podcast
64..Walk on the beach
65..Make new memories
66..Go kayaking
67..Break a bad habit
68..Lend a neighbor a hand
69..Shake up your routine
70..Make homemade ice cream
71..Visit a botanical garden
72.Take a class
73..Go to a baseball game
74..Celebrate someone just because
75..Give a young mother an afternoon off
76..Wash your car in the driveway
77..Fly a kite
78..Visit a water park
79..Write a poem
80..Invite neighbors to walk with you
81.Take a spontaneous drive
82..Try a new restaurant
83..Volunteer at church
84..Visit a family member
85..Have a meal outside
86..Clean out your closet & donate unused clothing
87..Go to a local festival
88..Plant a tree to honor someone
89..Thank someone everyday
90..Host a craft party
91.Visit a pick-your-own farm
92..Repaint your front door
93..Gift a friend a copy of Sweet To the Soul FAITH
94..Visit an historical marker in your town
95..Cook a pizza on the grill
96..Take a trip to the zoo
97..Get to know your neighbor
98..Visit a state or national monument
99..Make a donation to a shelter
100..Learn something new about each family member
101..Find joy in everyday moments
Wow! I am inspired reading through that list! I made note of lots of things to do with the family and grandkids and some things for me to enjoy all on my own. I also enjoyed the memory of having done so many of these activities with our friends and family over the years.
What about you? What did you see that you are adding to your summer plans? Can you think of some other activity not mentioned on our list? Share it with us below! We would love to know what is fun and exciting or relaxing to do in your neck of the woods.
But whatever you do this summer, remember to enjoy time with family and friends and be thankful for every opportunity to do so. If 2020 taught us anything it is how much we need community with one another.
Blessings Soul Friends,
What about you? What did you see that you are adding to your summer plans? Can you think of some other activity not mentioned on our list? Share it with us below! We would love to know what is fun and exciting or relaxing to do in your neck of the woods.
But whatever you do this summer, remember to enjoy time with family and friends and be thankful for every opportunity to do so. If 2020 taught us anything it is how much we need community with one another.
Blessings Soul Friends,
Resources
"Summer 101" originally featured in our Summer 2021 issue of Sweet To The Soul FAITH, The Inspire Journal. Also featured in that issue is Kids Summer Reading, Easy Summer Recipes, Sharing Letter Writing with the Next Generation and more!
You can also download a printable version of our Summer 101 list by clicking the button below.
You can also download a printable version of our Summer 101 list by clicking the button below.
Jana Kennedy Spicer is a born and raised Texas girl who has a heart for studying God’s Word and is passionate about encouraging women to do the same. She is the author of Let Your Light Shine: Being a Light in a Dark World; Praying For Revival; Inspiring Women: Who They Are and How To Be One and Gracious Words: Speaking with Kindness and Mercy; and the illustrator of the scripture based Garden of Life Coloring Book and Coloring the Scriptures.
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20 Comments
What a great post--love those sunflowers--miss them actually, living in the desert we just have cactus. One of my favorite summer activities is coming up with new crafting ideas. Last summer while on "lock down" I made all of my friends and neighbors Christmas gifts--will be doing something similar this summer to beat the heat.
That sounds like fun - making the Christmas presents. I'm sure everyone enjoyed their gifts and all of the time and love that went in to making them.
My favorite summer thing to do is go camping. Great memories when the kiddos were small and a great way for hubby and I to reconnect after a few bustling months of work.
Love your site and all the creativity!
Thanks Amanda! Summer time always meant camping trips for us when I was growing up! I loved it! It was hot but when you're a kid, you don't seem to mind as much! ha!
Blessings, Jana
Thank you for sharing your list 'printable' and offering a chance for a free book. Favorite summer activity 'camping, cook-outs with family and games'. We always enjoyed traveling home to my parents house, meeting up with my siblings and their families for a week or two in the summer. Sadly, we as we've gotten older, we haven't been able to visit, it's been YEARS since we've been in the same location together. Even when my dad passed away last year, we couldn't be together but the memories are strong in my heart, so very cherished.
Summer always means family reunion for us too. I am so sorry about your father's passing. As the older generation of our family has passed, the family gathers have gotten fewer. Maybe I need to organize one!
Blessings, Jana
We love to go to the local small town carnival. It's the "social event of the season."
Don't you love a small town? We live in one too and I love when they block off Main Street and it becomes one big social.
Enjoy your carnival!
Blessings, jana
My family’s favorite summer pastime is camping on our family farm in the month of July. My grandparents started this annual trip 40 years ago. Since being born, 38 years ago, I have only missed two years. It is an adventure that I pray my son will continue to live out when he is grown and has his own family.❤️
That sounds wonderful! Those will be memories you and your family cherish for generations to come!
Blessings, Jana
This is so awesome! Thanks for sharing it! This is going to sound crazy but one of my very favorite summer activities is having a Christmas in July party with the family. We have a big barbecue and exchange presents, listen to Christmas music and watch one of our favorite holiday movies. My husband works for UPS so Christmas time for him in December is really hectic and stressful and this is a great way for him to unwind and enjoy the festivities a bit early. I've just ordered his gifts and can't wait for him to open them. I am so lucky to be married to someone who is also my best friend and a wonderful caretaker. I live with a disability and he always puts me first so having this holiday party in the summer gives me the chance to spoil him.
What a wonderful idea!! Spoiling the hubby is always a great idea!
Yall enjoy! Jana
I love your summer ideas to beat the heat. So many of them bring back such good memories of when I was young. I love to bring those memories to action with my grandchildren. I think those are my favorite family memories. Just spending time outside making daisy chains, making wishes on dandelion puffs, catching lightening bugs in a jar at night, just being with them and thanking God for His blessing of them.
Aren't those simple things just the best! What wonderful memories you are creating for your grandchildren.
Blessings, Jana
One of my favorite things to do in the Summer is sit on the river, early morning and watch the sunrise.
Now that sounds so peaceful and relaxing! I need to add that to my list!
Blessings, jana
We’ve still got homeschool work to finish up for the year. It’s so nice to work outside on the porch!
Don't you just love a porch! Personally, I think everyone needs a front porch, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Blessings, Jana
Definitely traveling! We are headed across country making lots of stops on the way to seeing family. Can't wait!!
Road trips are the best! We have one coming up soon, although it will not be that long. One day though, we will hit the road!
Enjoy your trip, Jana