Summer makes me so giddy! And not just because I live in Chicago with super long winters. When I think of my childhood, I have so many fond memories that revolved around summer- like jumping through sprinklers, watching fireworks on the 4th, eating ice cream at a shop and playing kickball in a friend’s yard. Summer is all about memories, which is why having a bucket list of summer activities for toddlers can be really helpful.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate like trips to Disney- even though that is on my long term summer bucket list for sure. Close to home or even at home holds lots of opportunities. From planned days out at the zoo or a lazy day in your own yard blowing bubbles. Another great aspect of summer is the large amount of free events to take advantage of.
The absence of school and some of the routines your family is accustomed to can create a somewhat disorganized environment where the days just blend in together. Having a summer bucket list the whole family is working on together can add a fun twist to organizing your days and activities. You can refer to it and check things off as you go! Since my boys will be 2 and 4, I’ve put together a bucket list that is filled with summer activities for toddlers!
I don’t want to get tied down by the housework or not go anywhere because we don’t know what to do. We should take advantage of this fun season! During the winter, we pushed ourselves out of the house so we wouldn’t get cabin fever. Thankfully, we are now free of the coats and can just throw on some sandals to head out. You can print it out and use it yourself, or I’ve also made a blank one where you can write your own. If you find yourself on a day when your kids are saying they’re bored, just refer to your bucket list for some fresh ideas. 
Summer Activities for Toddlers
Close to Home:
- Play in sprinklers
- Blow bubbles
- Fill a kiddie pool and swim
- Make huge bubbles in kiddie pool- (dish soap, water, hula hoop)
- Visit ice cream truck
- Draw with chalk- pictures, hopscotch or other games
- Have a picnic- in the backyard, at the park, lake, beach or anywhere your imagination takes you.
- Play with a water table (or make one out of an under the bed box and a variety of tupperware, bowls and cups.)
- Create with sidewalk paint
- Eat a Popsicle on the porch
- Build a sensory tub outside
- Host a BBQ
- Plant a garden
- Make s’mores
- Bake cookies
- Make lemonade
- Cook a meal together
- Indoor crafts on a rainy day
Out and About:
- Swim in the pool- a lot!
- Go to the beach or lake
- Visit the zoo
- Explore a museum
- Venture to different parks
- Walk to the library
- Watch fireworks
- Frolic at a street festival
- Go see a concert
- Watch a movie together (see if there are any showing at parks nearby!)
- Jump through a splash pad
- Build a sandcastle
- Go to a waterpark
- Find a new kid’s class- Karate, dance, sculpture art, playing an instrument, etc.
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- Shop at a farmer’s market
- Eat outside at a restaurant
- Attend a fair
- Take a weekend road trip
- Go camping
Hope you have a fun and memorable summer. 🙂
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