Creating a Summer Bucket List | Family Economics

By Trisha

With the latest trend being to create life bucket lists, why not kick off the summer and create your own summer bucket list filled with all of the fun your family would like to accomplish. Here are five simple steps to creating a successful list:

Be comprehensive: Create a list that includes everything you would like to do with your family this summer such as vacations, day trips, camps, events, activities your kid would like to participate in, etc. The best way to do this is to sit down as a family and brainstorm together to get everyone’s input.

Choose wisely: Now that you have your bucket list of ideas, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed thinking how you are going to accomplish everything. Be realistic and remind yourself that your family also needs some down time. Take your list and circle the most important items and the must-attend events. This will help you and your family prioritize.

Create a summer calendar: Print out monthly calendars for the summer months or use one you already have. Begin filling it in with the items you have circled on your summer bucket list. You might even choose specific days of the week for downtime, day trips, family fun etc. For example, every Monday is a day trip or each Wednesday is a “do nothing at home” day. Remember to choose wisely! Summer should be relaxing and fun, not overwhelming.

Register and schedule: Start now by making reservations for camping and traveling or register for camps and other local activities that require a sign-up. Be sure to purchase tickets to events you would like to attend and keep in mind you might even consider scheduling play dates with your children’s friends in advance. Also remember that many summer activities fill up quickly and families get busy so planning ahead will help to ensure your summer bucket list gets checked off. 

Check it off: Now that you have scheduled and planned a fun-filled summer, be sure to update your original summer bucket list so you can check it off as you accomplish each item on it.

What top three things do you and your family want to accomplish this summer?