Creating Unforgettable Family Moments: 100 Bucket List Activities for Kids of All Ages

As a life coach and mom, I know how important it is to create lasting memories with our kids. I also know how quickly kids go from “Yay, it’s summer break!!!” to “I’m boorrrred”. If you’re like me and have already heard some level of whining from your kids, keep reading! My favourite way to create awesome memories and bust boredom is by embarking on exciting bucket list adventures that bring joy, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment to our families.

Did you know that building a bucket list is good for your heart? Read this post to learn why.

A bucket list is also a great tool to turn to when you’re running out of ideas. Give your kids a sense of responsibility and independence over their summer and create your own list!

In this blog post, I’ll share a curated list of 100 bucket list activities, categorized to suit different age groups and interests. Whether your children are independent explorers, toddlers with endless curiosity, or teenagers seeking thrilling experiences, there’s something for everyone. Plus- I added a list for those kids who want to make a little money and try out their entrepreneurial skills. Let’s dive in and make memories together!

Bucket List Activities for Kids to Do Independently:

1. Start a journal or blog.
2. Learn a musical instrument.
3. Volunteer at a local charity.
4. Participate in a fun run for a cause.
5. Learn to cook a favorite meal.
6. Create a neighborhood scavenger hunt.
7. Start a small business (e.g., lemonade stand, pet sitting).
8. Plant and tend to a garden.
9. Build a treehouse or fort.
10. Create and perform a magic show.

Family Fun Bucket List Activities:

11. Go on a camping trip and sleep under the stars.
12. Visit an amusement park and conquer thrilling rides.
13. Have a family movie night under blankets and popcorn.
14. Take a scenic road trip and explore new destinations.
15. Build a family photo album or scrapbook.
16. Organize a talent show and showcase your family’s skills.
17. Have a backyard campout with s’mores and ghost stories.
18. Visit a zoo or wildlife sanctuary.
19. Explore a museum or science center.
20. Go on a beach vacation and build sandcastles together.

0-5 Year Olds- BUCKET LIST ACTIVITIES:

21. Take a trip to a petting zoo.
22. Have a messy art day with finger paints and playdough.
23. Attend a parent-child music class.
24. Enjoy a family picnic at the park.
25. Have a teddy bear tea party.
26. Visit a farm and learn about animals.
27. Go on a nature hike and collect leaves and rocks.
28. Have a bubble bath with lots of bubbles.
29. Attend a storytelling session at the library.
30. Create a sensory bin with water, sand, or rice.

Bucket List Activities for 5-9 Year Olds:

31. Take a family bike ride in a scenic location.
32. Have a DIY science experiment day at home.
33. Go on a nature scavenger hunt.
34. Visit a trampoline park for high-flying fun.
35. Have a family game night with board games and snacks.
36. Learn to ride a skateboard or rollerblades.
37. Visit an indoor climbing gym.
38. Participate in a community clean-up day.
39. Go on a fishing trip and catch your own dinner.
40. Have a themed dress-up day with costumes and props.

Bucket List Activities for 10+ Year Olds:

41. Go on a thrilling zip-lining adventure.
42. Learn to surf or paddleboard.
43. Take a family hike to a scenic viewpoint.
44. Go on a camping trip with friends.
45. Try a new water sport like kayaking or rafting.
46. Attend a sports game or concert together.
47. Take a cooking or baking class as a family.
48. Go on a volunteer trip abroad.
49. Explore a cave or go spelunking.
50. Take a family photography workshop.

Free Bucket List Activities:

51. Have a family picnic in the backyard or local park.
52. Explore a nearby hiking trail or nature reserve.
53. Create an outdoor obstacle course with household items.
54. Have a family karaoke night.
55. Host a movie marathon at home with homemade snacks.
56. Visit a local community event or festival.
57. Organize a family game tournament.
58. Have a backyard campfire and roast marshmallows.
59. Create a family book club and read together.
60. Have a family dance party in the living room.

Worth Saving Up For Bucket List Activities:

61. Take a family vacation to a dream destination.
62. Go on a wildlife safari in Africa.
63. Explore the ancient wonders of Egypt or Greece.
64. Take a Disney cruise or visit a Disney theme park.
65. Experience a hot air balloon ride together.
66. Visit a tropical island and swim with dolphins.
67. Go on a skiing or snowboarding trip.
68. Take a family trip to an international music festival.
69. Explore the historic landmarks of Europe.
70. Embark on an epic road trip across multiple countries.

The Value of Conversations about Big Dreams and Goals:

Before diving into the “Worth Saving Up For” category, it’s essential to emphasize the value of having conversations with your kids about their big dreams and goals. Engaging in open discussions about what they aspire to do and achieve encourages their creativity, ambition, and sense of possibility. It also fosters a deeper connection within the family as you support and guide them toward their aspirations.

After all, whether you go on one of these adventures or not- your kids will see you dreaming big, talking about how you could make this a reality and will learn about you as well. Maybe this conversation uncovers some dreams you forgot about. Read this post about finding clarity to help you prioritize what matters most to you. So, take the time to listen, encourage, and inspire your children as they dream big and envision a future full of endless possibilities.

Bucket List Activities for Kids with an Entrepreneurial Side:

This might be my favourite list! As a kid who had an entrepreneurial spirit, I would have LOVED to participate in these activities. This bucket list is especially brilliant for that tween age group (9-12 years old) who wants to earn some money but aren’t quite old enough to get a job yet and teens who have skills they want to share within your community.

Encouraging kids to engage in entrepreneurial activities not only instills a sense of financial responsibility and independence but also fosters creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. Additionally, these experiences help them develop important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, whether they choose to pursue entrepreneurship or not. By supporting their entrepreneurial dreams, we empower our children to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and pursue their passions with confidence and determination. Check out this list to get started:

Ways for kids to earn some money:

1. Start a lemonade stand and learn about profit and loss.
2. Design and sell homemade crafts at a local market or fair.
3. Create a small-scale gardening business, selling homegrown produce or plants.
4. Launch a neighborhood dog-walking or pet-sitting service.
5. Organize a car wash event and donate the proceeds to a charity.
6. Develop and sell a unique recipe or food item, like cookies or granola bars.
7. Start a small-scale recycling or composting initiative in your community.
8. Offer tutoring services in subjects where the child excels.
9. Design and sell custom-made jewelry or accessories.
10. Develop a digital or physical product and sell it online.
11. Launch a small-scale baking business, specializing in cakes or cupcakes.
12. Provide lawn mowing or gardening services to neighbors.
13. Create and sell artwork, such as paintings, drawings, or photography.
14. Offer a personalized gift-wrapping service during holidays or special occasions.
15. Organize and run a mini summer camp or workshop for younger kids.
16. Develop a subscription box service with curated items for a specific niche.
17. Start a blog or YouTube channel focused on a particular hobby or interest.
18. Offer a babysitting service for families in your community.
19. Develop a unique board game or card game and sell it locally or online.
20. Create and sell custom-designed T-shirts or merchandise.
21. Launch a fundraising campaign for a cause close to the child’s heart.
22. Offer tech support or computer tutoring for older adults in the community.
23. Develop and sell an e-book or guide on a topic of expertise or interest.
24. Start a small-scale event planning service for birthday parties or gatherings.
25. Offer personalized calligraphy or hand-lettering services for special events.
26. Create and sell DIY craft kits with instructions and materials.
27. Develop and sell a mobile app or game targeted at children or families.
28. Offer a personalized gift or care package service for special occasions.
29. Start a small-scale landscaping or garden design service.
30. Develop and sell a collection of greeting cards or stationery.

Conclusion:

Creating a family bucket list filled with exciting adventures is a wonderful way to bond, create lifelong memories, and inspire your children to explore the world around them. From activities that little ones can do independently to thrilling experiences worth saving up for, there are endless opportunities for fun and growth. Don’t let overwhelm hold you back, read this post about summer time management to find your happy balance!

Remember, the true value lies in the quality time spent together, the laughter shared, and the lessons learned along the way. Grab a pen and paper, involve your kids in the planning process, and embark on an incredible journey of fun this summer!