150 Low-Tech Summer Bucket List Activities for Kids and Teens of All Ages

Sharing is caring!

Summer is here—and if you’re anything like me, you’re on the lookout for ways to make it magical (without hearing the dreaded “I’m bored” on repeat).

Summers with kids often felt long, until I heard someone say, “You only have 18 summers with your kids”.

That was eye-opening, and honestly? It changed everything for me.

Now, I try to savor the slow days, the messy moments, and all the in-between. I want to make each summer count—not in a Pinterest-perfect way, but in the little ways that make childhood magical.

So if you’re looking for screen-free ways to fill your days with connection, creativity, and fun, I’ve got you covered.

This list is packed with easy summer bucket list ideas for kids and teens, sorted by category to make planning simple. Let’s make this summer feel special—for them and for you.

If you’re trying to keep kids and teens busy without relying on screens or constant outings, you’re in the right place.

I’ve rounded up a huge list of summer bucket list ideas—easy things you can do at home, outside, at the beach, or even on a quick day trip.

You’ll find something for every kind of summer day and every kind of kid—whether they love quiet crafts, wild adventures, or just hanging out with friends.

So go ahead, grab your sunscreen and your sense of fun.

Let’s make this summer one to remember!

Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids

Kids thrive on simple joys—popsicles on the porch, jumping through sprinklers, and getting their hands messy with crafts.

This part of the list is all about capturing that magic.

These ideas are playful, low-prep, and made for memory-making, so you can fill those summer days with giggles, discovery, and a whole lot of fun (without needing to leave the house if you don’t want to).

Indoor Activities

1. Create your own board game – Let them invent the rules, draw the board, and design silly game pieces. It’s hours of creativity and play all rolled into one.
2. Make homemade slime – Mix up glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to get that perfect stretchy-gooey texture.
3. Host a family talent show – Sing, dance, juggle—whatever they love, give them the stage and let everyone cheer.
4. Build a blanket fort – Grab pillows, blankets, and fairy lights for a magical hideaway inside the living room.
5. Have a Lego building challenge – Pick a theme (zoo, spaceship, ice cream shop) and set a timer to see what they come up with.
6. Try kitchen science experiments – Think vinegar and baking soda volcanoes or making butter from cream.
7. Create a summer scrapbook – Let them collect ticket stubs, stickers, and snapshots to remember their adventures.
8. Have a themed movie day – Pick a theme (under the sea, space, animals) and watch a couple movies with matching snacks and decorations.
9. Make sock puppets and put on a show – Give old socks a second life with googly eyes and yarn hair.
10. Try indoor bowling with recycled bottles – Set up ten plastic bottles and roll a soft ball down the hallway.

Related:

• 20 easy and fun balloon game ideas for toddlers and preschoolers
• 125+ Indoor activities and games for kids

Save

Outdoor Activities

11. Go on a nature scavenger hunt – Make a list of things to spot: a red leaf, a butterfly, something smooth, something round.
12. Have a water balloon fight – Keep a bucket of pre-filled balloons ready and let the giggles fly.
13. Set up a lemonade stand – Let them decorate signs, mix lemonade, and learn a little about money too.
14. Plant something and watch it grow – A sunflower, tomato, or even a little herb garden gives them a reason to get their hands dirty.
15. Create sidewalk chalk art – Turn the driveway into a masterpiece with colorful drawings and hopscotch games.
16. Try backyard camping – Set up a tent, roast marshmallows, and listen to the sounds of the night.
17. Blow giant bubbles – Mix your own bubble solution and use kitchen utensils or pipe cleaners to blow enormous bubbles.
18. Have a bug safari – Grab a magnifying glass and notebook and see what six-legged creatures are crawling nearby.
19. Make a mud kitchen – Use old pots and pans to whip up mud pies and leaf soup in the backyard.
20. Play classic outdoor games – Think freeze tag, red light green light, Simon says—simple and timeless fun.

Related:

• 75 Fun Physical Activities for Kids to get them moving

Save

Beach Day Activities

21. Collect seashells and sort them – Look for unique shapes and colors, then sort by size or type for a beachy treasure haul.
22. Build a sandcastle village – Go beyond one castle—add towers, roads, and even a shell-lined moat.
23. Chase waves at the shore – That endless game of running from the surf never gets old.
24. Try burying each other in the sand – Just leave the heads out and decorate the “bodies” with seaweed and shells (of course, with adult supervision!)
25. Fly a kite on the beach – With salty wind and open skies, it’s the perfect place to soar a bright kite high.

Place-Based Ideas

26. Visit a local farm or petting zoo – Get up close with goats, chickens, and maybe even feed a cow.
27. Explore a new playground – Try one across town and see what slides and swings are waiting.
28. Go to the library and join the summer reading program – Choose books together and collect fun prizes as they read.
29. Take a trip to the fire station – Some stations offer kid-friendly tours where they can meet real firefighters and see the trucks.
30. Go to a farmers’ market and pick out a treat – Let them choose a fresh fruit, a pastry, or something totally new to try.

Summer Night Activities

31. Catch fireflies in a jar – Just be gentle, admire them, and let them go afterward.
32. Have a pajama dance party – Turn up the music and dance like nobody’s watching in your coziest PJs.
33. Make s’mores over a fire pit – Gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and sticky fingers all around.
34. Watch a family movie under the stars – Use a projector or just a laptop and bring pillows and popcorn outside.
35. Tell stories by flashlight – Sit in a circle, pass the flashlight, and make up funny or spooky tales one line at a time.

Save

One-Day Trips

36. Visit a zoo or aquarium – Watch the penguins waddle, the monkeys swing, and the jellyfish glow.
37. Spend a day at a children’s museum – Hands-on fun where they can build, climb, and explore without hearing “don’t touch.”
38. Go on a short train ride – Even if it’s just to the next town over, there’s something magical about riding the rails.
39. Take a hike and bring snacks – Choose an easy trail with lots to see and plan a snack stop at the top.
40. Have a picnic at a new park – Pack lunch, bring a blanket, and let the kids run free somewhere new.

Creative Projects and DIY Fun

41. Build a fairy garden – Use tiny pebbles, toy furniture, and a bit of imagination to create a magical little garden. Kids can spend hours tending to it and adding new elements each week.
42. Make ice chalk – Mix cornstarch, water, and food coloring in ice cube trays for a cool, melty sidewalk drawing adventure. It’s colorful, messy fun on a hot day.
43. Do a backyard bug hunt – Hand them a magnifying glass and a notebook to go on a mini safari. Let them draw or write about the bugs they find.
44. Create a water wall – Recycle bottles and tubes to build a vertical water play setup. It’s part science, part splash zone.
45. Paint kindness rocks – Decorate smooth stones with cheerful messages and leave them around the neighborhood. A little color and kindness can go a long way.
46. Make a summer playlist dance party – Let them help curate a fun playlist, then turn on the speakers and dance it out in the living room.
47. Write and perform a puppet show – Use socks, paper bags, or even sticks to make puppets and put on a funny summer play.
48. Make a bird feeder – Use peanut butter, toilet paper rolls, and birdseed to craft feeders for your feathered friends.
49. Create DIY wind chimes – Collect shells, beads, or old keys and string them together to make music every time the breeze blows.
50. Build a cardboard fort – Save delivery boxes and let them design a castle, spaceship, or clubhouse of their dreams.
51. Freeze toys in ice and dig them out – Fill a container with toys and water, freeze it, then let them excavate with tools. It’s part science experiment, part treasure hunt.
52. Make rainbow spaghetti for sensory play – Dye cooked spaghetti in different colors and let the kids explore textures and colors in a bin.
53. Have a teddy bear picnic – Invite stuffed animals, pack a basket of snacks, and set up an adorable backyard lunch.
54. Go cloud-watching – Lay on a blanket and spot shapes in the clouds. It’s relaxing, imaginative, and totally free.
55. Create a summer word scavenger hunt – Hide simple summer-themed words around the house or yard and see how many they can find.
56. Play shadow tag – Instead of tagging each other, kids try to step on each other’s shadows. It’s goofy fun and keeps them moving.
57. Build and decorate a birdhouse – Pick up a simple kit or make one from scratch, then paint it in bright summer colors.
58. Make a nature bracelet – Wrap a strip of duct tape (sticky side out) around their wrist and let them stick flowers, leaves, and small finds from a walk.
59. Create DIY paper pinwheels – Fold and decorate their own spinning pinwheels to stick in potted plants or garden beds.
60. Host a mini-Olympics – Set up challenges like hula hoop contests, sack races, and long jumps for backyard gold medal fun.
61. Paint the fence with water – Hand them brushes and a bucket of water and let them “paint” the fence or wall. It’s mess-free and oddly satisfying.
62. Learn cup stacking – Teach them to do speed cup stacking with plastic cups. It’s quick, exciting, and super satisfying when they get it right.
63. Make your own playdough – Let them mix up a batch of soft, colorful dough at home with flour, salt, and food coloring.
64. Make a summer bucket list poster – Write or draw their own summer goals and hang it up to check off as they go.
65. Draw a mural with sidewalk chalk – Instead of just doodles, help them plan out a full mural: a jungle, outer space, or a giant zoo right on your driveway.

Save

Summer Bucket List Activities for Teens

Teens crave a little more freedom, a little more creativity, and a lot more fun they can call their own.

This part of the list is packed with things they’ll actually want to do like – solo projects, hangouts with friends, ways to express themselves, and mini adventures that feel just right for their age.

Think of it as your go-to guide for helping them make the most of their summer, their way.

Indoor Activities

66. Start a summer blog or journal – A bullet journal, a travel diary, or even a blog about their favorite fandom—it’s a fun way for teens to capture their thoughts and memories all summer long.
67. Learn a new instrument – Grab that ukulele or keyboard that’s been gathering dust and dive into online tutorials. It’s the perfect mix of creative and challenging.
68. Host a DIY spa day – Think face masks, cucumber water, and foot scrubs—all made with ingredients from your kitchen. Add a chill playlist and make it a whole vibe.
69. Try a baking challenge – Compete with friends or siblings to whip up the best summer treat. Cookies, cupcakes, or no-bake cheesecakes—let the sweet showdown begin!
70. Rearrange their room – A mini makeover with fairy lights, posters, and a fresh layout can give their space a whole new feel.
71. Film a summer vlog – Let them document their days, big or small, and turn ordinary moments into something they’ll want to rewatch.
72. Create digital art or try animation – Explore drawing apps, try out a new style, or even dabble in stop-motion or frame-by-frame animation.
73. Host a movie marathon – Pick a theme, make a snack board, and watch favorite films back-to-back—bonus points for cozy blankets and matching pajamas.
74. Write a short story or poetry collection – Get those ideas down on paper and let them decorate the pages with doodles or washi tape.
75. Design your own merch – Turn old t-shirts into something totally fresh with tie-dye, fabric paint, or cool iron-on patches.

Outdoor Activities

76. Go on a solo photo walk – Head outside with your phone or camera and look for beautiful or interesting details to capture. It’s a peaceful way to notice the world around you.
77. Try outdoor yoga or meditation – Roll out a mat in the backyard and soak in the morning light while stretching or finding stillness. It’s the perfect way to reset your mood.
78. Create a backyard obstacle course – Use cones, ropes, pool noodles, and even chalk to set up a course. Challenge yourself or invite friends to race through it.
79. Volunteer for a local cleanup – Grab gloves and a trash bag and make a difference at your park, beach, or neighborhood. It’s a small act with big impact.
80. Host a garden tea party – Invite a few friends, make sandwiches and lemonade, and dress up just for fun. Add a tablecloth and flowers to make it extra charming.
81. Learn a skateboarding or rollerblading trick – Pick a skill you’ve always wanted to try and practice it each day. Record your progress and celebrate the wins.
82. Build a tree swing or hammock – Set up your own chill spot in the backyard with a hammock or classic wooden swing. Bring a book and make it your summer hangout.
83. Make a time capsule – Collect keepsakes, photos, and letters to yourself, then seal them up and choose a future date to open. It’s like sending a surprise to your future self.
84. Plant a teen-friendly garden – Choose things you love—sunflowers for fun, succulents for low-maintenance, or herbs to use in the kitchen. It’s rewarding to watch it grow.
85. Paint a mural or large outdoor canvas – Grab some paints and go big! A backyard wall, old sheet, or even cardboard makes the perfect canvas for your creativity.

Save

Beach + Pool Day Ideas

86. Try beach paddleball or spikeball – Grab a few friends and bring the energy to the sand. It’s a great way to stay active and have a blast while the waves crash nearby.
87. Host a beach picnic – Pack your favorite snacks, roll out a beach blanket, and play your summer playlist as the sun dips low. It’s simple, relaxing, and full of summer vibes.
88. Learn to boogie board or skimboard – Try riding gentle waves or skimming along the shoreline for a fun, beginner-friendly water activity. Just stick to shallow water, go slow, and make sure there’s adult supervision nearby.
89. Make a seashell photo frame – Collect your prettiest beach finds and use them to decorate a picture frame. Add a photo from your beach day and you have made yourself the perfect keepsake!
90. Try poolside yoga or water aerobics – Stretch, float, and move your body in a way that’s fun and refreshing. It’s a peaceful way to start or end your day.
91. Organize a pool float race – Choose your favorite inflatable, line up, and paddle like crazy. Winner gets first pick of popsicles!
92. Create a beach playlist – Mix upbeat, feel-good songs for your summer soundtrack. Share it with friends and enjoy it all summer long.
93. Build an epic sand sculpture – Go beyond castles—try building a mermaid, dolphin, or sea turtle. Don’t forget to take a photo before the tide washes it away.
94. Host a water volleyball match – Set up a net across the pool or shallows and split into teams. It’s full of fun, water, and a little friendly challenge.
95. Read a summer novel by the water – Find a shady spot with a towel and a cold drink, and escape into a story while the world slows down around you. It’s a mindful and relaxing way to spend a summer day.

Place-Based Activities

96. Go thrifting or vintage shopping – Hunt for one-of-a-kind clothes, quirky treasures, or retro pieces that show off your style. It’s like a treasure hunt with major personality.
97. Attend an outdoor concert or movie – Bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy entertainment under the stars. Check your local listings for free or low-cost events.
98. Take a cooking class – Learn how to make something new like sushi, pasta, or a sweet dessert. It’s a fun way to build confidence in the kitchen.
99. Go to a new coffee shop – Try out a cozy café you’ve never been to, order something different, and enjoy some people-watching or journaling time.
100. Visit a local art gallery – Wander through exhibits and let the artwork inspire you. Bring a sketchbook and try drawing your favorite pieces.
101. Try mini golf with friends – Keep it light, a little silly, and full of laughs with your friends.
102. Tour a nearby college campus – Walk the grounds, peek into buildings, and start imagining what your future might look like.
103. Visit a local landmark or historical site – Learn something new about the place you live and snap a few fun photos while you’re at it.
104. Spend the day at a theme park – Ride rollercoasters, eat funnel cakes, and make memories you’ll be talking about all year.
105. Try an escape room – Team up with friends, solve fun clues, and see if you can escape in time.

Save

Summer Nighttime Activities

106. Host a backyard movie night – Set up a projector or just use a laptop, add some cozy blankets and pillows, and enjoy your favorite film under the stars.
107. Go stargazing with an app – Use apps like SkyView or Night Sky to find constellations and planets. It’s a quiet, magical way to end the day.
108. Make a summer vision board – Cut out magazine clippings or print images that inspire you. It’s a creative way to dream big and set the vibe for the season.
109. Play glow-in-the-dark capture the flag – Grab some glow sticks and invite friends over for this high-energy nighttime game.
110. Camp out in the backyard – Pitch a tent, grab a flashlight, and tell funny or spooky stories under the stars. Bonus points for midnight marshmallows.
111. Plan a midnight snack feast – Stay up late and make your favorite snacks—think mini pancakes, nachos, or build-your-own ice cream sundaes.
112. Write letters to your future self – Talk about your summer, your dreams, or just how you’re feeling. Seal it up and open it next year—or ten years from now.
113. Create a chill night playlist – Make a mix of calm, feel-good songs to wind down after a busy day.
114. Try night photography – Take pictures of stars, moonlight, or cool shadows around your neighborhood. It’s a fun way to see things differently.
115. Draw with sparklers – Light them up and make shapes in the air. It’s pure summer fun and makes for magical photos too.

One-Day Adventures

116. Take a solo city day – Spend the day downtown exploring on your own terms. Stop by a cute bookstore, try something new at a café, and just enjoy the vibe.
117. Plan a bike day with friends – Pick a fun route with places to stop for snacks and photos. It’s part adventure, part hangout, and all good energy.
118. Go ziplining or do a ropes course – Take on a new challenge high above the ground. It’s a great way to face fears and feel super proud of yourself.
119. Visit an aquarium or science center – Wander through jellyfish tanks or play with hands-on exhibits. It’s just the right mix of fun and learning.
120. Try paddleboarding or kayaking – Head to a calm lake or river and give it a try. You’ll laugh, maybe wobble a little, and definitely have a story to tell.
121. Check out a flea market – Look for vintage treasures, handmade goodies, or something totally unexpected. Every stall is a surprise.
122. Go horseback riding – Book a trail ride and enjoy the quiet beauty of nature from the saddle. It’s peaceful and surprisingly empowering.
123. Visit a sunflower or lavender field – Bring your camera and take in the dreamy views and amazing scents. It’s like walking through a postcard.
124. Take a pottery or art class – Try your hand at something new and creative. You’ll get messy, have fun, and walk away with something handmade.
125. Have a photo scavenger hunt – Make a list of fun things to find (a red door, a funny sign, a flower), then head out and capture them with your phone.

Save

Creative & Just-For-Fun Summer Ideas

126. Make homemade popsicles – Blend fruit, yogurt, or juice into fun molds and freeze. They’re easy, delicious, and totally customizable.
127. Host a themed photoshoot – Pick a vibe (cottagecore, grunge, coastal), plan outfits, and snap away. It’s a fun way to express style and capture the summer mood.
128. Try geocaching – Use a phone app to search for hidden treasures in parks or neighborhoods. It’s like a modern-day scavenger hunt.
129. Create a summer scrapbook – Print out photos, collect souvenirs, and glue it all together in one memory-filled book.
130. Start a small business – Sell handmade bracelets, baked goods, or digital art. It’s a creative way to learn and earn a little extra.
131. Plan a friend picnic – Pack your favorite snacks, grab a blanket, and play cards or chat in the sunshine.
132. Watch the sunrise and sunset in one day – Wake up early, stay out late, and soak up every golden moment in between.
133. Try journaling prompts – Explore your thoughts with guided prompts or questions. It’s a great way to wind down or reflect.
134. Host a fashion show – Raid the closet, pick out outfits, and walk the “runway” with friends or siblings. Make it funny or fabulous!
135. Make friendship bracelets – Use colorful threads or beads to create wearable memories. Give them out or swap with friends.
136. Take Polaroid pictures all summer – Capture those unfiltered, in-the-moment memories you’ll love looking back on, and make an old-fashioned physical photo album.
137. Decorate your water bottle with stickers – Add a little personality to your hydration. Think cute, bold, or totally random.
138. Do a book swap with friends – Trade your favorites and discover something new to read by the pool or before bed.
139. Set up a lemonade or iced coffee stand – Add flavor twists, make a cute sign, and serve your creations with a smile.
140. Paint flower pots – Brighten up your space with hand-painted pots for herbs, succulents, or flowers.
141. Try a new hairstyle or color – Experiment with a braid, a bun, or some temporary color just for fun.
142. Create a summer playlist for every mood – Curate songs for sunny mornings, chill evenings, or rainy day lounging.
143. Go on a photo walk at golden hour – Explore your neighborhood when the light is soft and dreamy. Snap away and see what you discover.
144. Design your dream room on paper or Pinterest – Mood boards, color swatches, and all your favorite cozy touches go here.
145. Take a dance class or learn a routine online – Try something new with YouTube tutorials or just freestyle in your room.
146. Host a smoothie bar night – Blend up different fruits, toppings, and maybe even a secret ingredient or two.
147. Do a random act of kindness – Make a card, leave a compliment, or help someone out—just because.
148. Try paper crafts or origami – Fold cranes, hearts, or stars to decorate your space or gift to someone.
149. Make your own lip balm or body scrub – Use simple ingredients like coconut oil and sugar to create your own spa treats.
150. Write and mail postcards – Send a little handwritten summer love to someone far away—or even to yourself.

Save

WRAPPING UP

And there you have it—150 fun, creative, and connection-filled summer bucket list ideas for kids and teens.

You don’t need fancy vacations or endless plans to make this season unforgettable. Most of the ideas are cheap and easy to do.

You need a little intention, a few supplies, a whole lot of heart, and some dedicated planning to make this summer unforgettable for kids.

So pick a few favorites, and get ready to make some sweet summer memories together. You’ve got this!

Sharing is caring!