There’s something special about the start of summer—the longer days, warmer nights, and that fresh feeling of possibility. School’s out (or almost out), the pace starts to shift, and we find ourselves craving more time outdoors, more unplanned moments, and a little less structure. Before the season speeds by, I’m putting together a simple list of things I want to do with my family—nothing big or overwhelming. Just small ways to make the most of these sun-filled days and create a few sweet memories along the way.

My Summer Bucket List: Fun Ideas You’ll Love for 2025

Last summer, we had a slow, 1980s summer. I’m not the mom to put my kids in a ton of camps all day. First, it’s so expensive, and I don’t want them to be nonstop all the time. There’s something in getting bored and creating a new game, or doing something fun outside with your sister. This summer, we’re doing a little bit more. There’s swim team, tennis lessons, and one or two week-long camps. But I really want my kids to get to slow down for a little bit. We have our au pair coming, and I can be flexible, so I’ll be able to take them to tennis and hang at the pool a few days a week. I know this won’t work every single summer, but it was really nice last summer, and I’m hoping that will be the case again this year. 

My Personal (Adult) Summer Bucket List

I was postpartum last summer, pregnant the summer before that, and my daughter was immunocompromised the two previous summers. So the thing I wanted to do the most this summer was just get out and enjoy the season. I’ve done a pretty good job at it. I have done farmer’s markets, lunches, dinners, and coffee with friends. We’ve been making plans with family friends, too. And I have my first post-kids girls trip next month! It’s been really nice. 

Sit by the pool without my kids: I went to the pool once last summer without my kids and it was so nice. 

Big Star: This is one of my favorite patios in the city, so I’d love to get there at least once this summer. 

Host a patio night for with girlfriends: I did this last summer and it was so much fun. Hoping to do it again. 

Grill with friends: I’d love to have a few friends and their families over one evening. We can grill, set up a bounce house for the kids, and maybe even watch a movie under the stars. 

How We Put Our Summer Bucket List Together

Earlier this summer, our au pair and I shared a note on our phones and added a list of fun things we wanted to do with the kids during the summer season. We added any and all fun summer activities that we thought the kids might enjoy. There are a few things we’ve done which I’ll share here, and there are quite a few things left on our list. We didn’t exactly get a head start to summer since my girls and I hated the cicadas and sort of hid inside until they left. But I want to make this the best summer, and make up for the weeks that we hid out indoors. 

I shared an extensive list of summer activities, but wanted to put together my own summer bucket list. This is a shorter list of fun and easy activities that the entire family will love. So you might not see a road trip, camping trip, or baseball game on this list since I have a toddler and I’m in a different era. But it’s my own list of activities that I’d like to experience with my 3 kids ages (almost) 7, (almost) 5, and 2. 

I had this whole plan to take a day trip downtown once a week last summer. But it didn’t exactly work out that way with my son’s naps. I’m hoping to take the kids downtown more this summer. He still naps but we’ll figure it out. 

To Do At Home

Make Homemade Ice Cream: The perfect summer activity that isn’t too messy, doesn’t take too much time, and can be enjoyed by everyone. I’ve been using our Ninja Creami, which I highly recommend, to make ice cream with coconut sugar and sorbet with zero added sugar. 

Read a Favorite Book: Last year, we read Matilda. This year, we’re reading Harry Potter. 

Outdoor Movie Night: This is always fun, but is easier to do when it starts getting dark around 7PM. It stays light so late, and my 4 year old can’t really start a movie at 8:30 or 9PM. 

Set up our Water Table: Kids love water, and parents love that water is wet but not messy. Win-win. 

Free Activities

Visit a Farmers Market: I love a good farmer’s market, and they pop up all over the city and suburbs so there’s always a great one to explore. It’s a fun activity and a chance to support local vendors and farmers. 

Visit the Aquarium: We love the Shedd Aquarium in downtown Chicago. 

Visit Our Local Library: This is a great activity for hot summer days.

Have a Picnic: I did sort of do my own version of this with my middle daughter. We picked up her favorite cheese and cracker box at Starbucks and sat at a picnic table by the train, and had a great time. You could also pack a simple picnic with sandwiches and snacks, but our no-prep version was fun, too. 

Go on a Nature Walk: Find kid-friendly trails in your area. These trails are usually shorter and less challenging, making them perfect for younger kids. We actually live really close to one so I have no excuse. Bring along a small backpack with snacks, water, and never forget the first aid kit. I bring one wherever we go. 

Attend an Outdoor Concert: I already have tickets to two outdoor concerts this summer! 

See a Movie in the Park: I’m not super-committed to this one since they start so late, but it would be fun if we can swing it. 

Plan a Day at the Beach: If you live near a beach, plan regular beach outings. Build sandcastles, collect seashells, and let the kids splash in the shallow water. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water to stay hydrated. 

Explore new Playgrounds: This will keep the kids excited and eager to explore a new park. 

Not Free But Still Fun

Visit an Amusement Park: Everyone always has a good time at an amusement park. There’s one we went to last year and another we haven’t been to, so I think it would be fun to visit both with the kids this year. 

Visit Your Local Arboretum: Explore the beauty of nature at a botanical garden or arboretum. Ours has a children’s section with a playground, interactive displays, and a pond.  

Dupage Children’s Museum: We have done this a few times. It’s a great activity for all 3 kids since there’s something for every age, and it’s a great way to keep my toddler busy on a hot summer day. 

Visit a Farm: We never made it to a farm last year, but it’s on my list for this year. 

Museum of Ice Cream: My kids love this place so we’ll probably visit again some time this summer. 

Eli’s Ark for Ice Cream: This place looks so cute and is sort of a trek for ice cream, but we need to make the trip. 

Splash Pad: I am not a water park fan but Splash pads are always fun for little kids. Ours has a water slide and a cute little area for babies and toddlers, too.  

Visita Nature Museum: Our nature museum is downtown but we love it, and haven’t been in a while. It’s always nice to have something to do indoors on those hot, humid days. 

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