Summer Bucket List

Compared to summer of 2020, it’s so nice to see how far we have come since then and the fact that it feels like a true summer break this year. My girls were able to celebrate the end of the school year with water days, parties and teachers were able to sign my girls’ memory books. It almost felt surreal being able to pick them up from the actual last day of school.

 

Summer Break Baskets

And for that reason, we have decided to start some new summertime family traditions including Summer Break Baskets and a Summer Bucket List. I’ve seen friends over the years do things like surprise their kids with goodies in their seats of the car and pick up on the last day of school etc., so this year, I pulled out the girls’ flamingo Easter baskets and repurposed them to put together little Summer Break Baskets. I also bought a new book for us to read on the first night of summer break for many years to come.

In them I included just a few new surprises and fun things to play with this summer, most of which will be saved for a day they are bored playing with their normal, readily available toys. 

And Then Comes Summer Book | Frisbee | Scooby-Doo Bubble Wand | Kinetic Sand | Pig Play-doh Set | Disney Parks Wishables
I didn’t link any Wishables, but you can find some on the ShopDisney website as well as past series of Wishables on Amazon but for a higher price.I found these at Five Below!

 

Summer Bucket List

Now, for our Summer Bucket List. For the last several weeks, I have been brainstorming different ideas as well as asking the girls what they want to do this summer. After talking it overs as a family, here is our list (in no particular order)!

Go Fishing

Lake Vacation

Raya Themed Day

Family Movie Night & Slumber Party in the New Bonus Room

Eudora Farms
(drive-thru zoo)

Make Beaded Bracelets

Make Homemade Ice Cream

Christmas in July

Farm Themed Day

For a closer look at bucket list prep and the fun that will go along with them, be sure to follow me over on Instagram @multiplyingmichie. If I create any additional blog posts for any of the specific themed days, I’ll link them once they are live.

 

Other Summer Activities 

Paper Chain Challenge

If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know we LOVE our monthly Craft+Boogie boxes. Not only because they provide wonderful crafts and quality time spent together, but they were also one of the only things to remain constant during the pandemic. While we were quarantined at home, our boxes still showed up on our doorstop every month. In one of those boxes last year was a Paper Chain Challenge activity(click for pdf). It is such a cool concept and one of my favorite things we have done out of our boxes. And the best part is, it’s super easy to recreate! All you need is the challenge key below and corresponding construction paper cut into strips that can be taped, glued or stapled together to form a chain. 

As you can see from the key, each color correlates to the kind of activity whether it’s reading, math, science, etc. When you put together the chain, there is no patter to follow. Let you kids follow what pattern they’d like! Then hang it somewhere where everyone can see it and access it throughout the summer. Whether you want to make this a daily activity or save it for when everyone “is bored”, it’s up to you! Simply take off a ring, match the color, complete the challenge and check it off the list! You can even customize the challenge to include other things you think your family would enjoy doing. Have fun with it! And be sure to check out Craft+Boogie both on their website and on Instagram. Shop with code MULTIPLYINGMICHIE10 to save!

 

Cardboard Flower Vases

The girls and I love to go on walks around the neighborhood. Lately it’s been hard to keep them in the stroller because every time, which is often, they see a dandelion or cool leaf, they want to jump out to grab it. Most of the time they are picking the flowers for me and while it’s a sweet gesture, there’s only so many weeds I can hold while trying to push a double stroller. So here’s a fun way to keep everyone engaged and moving on any walks you may take this summer.

All you need is some scrap cardboard, a permanent marker and some scissors or small screwdriver. If necessary, cut the cardboard into smaller pieces. Mine range anywhere from a 5″x7″ to 8″x10″. Then with your marker, freehand different shaped vases and pots. If you want to be extra creative, add a design to each one. Once those are ready, use the tip of your scissors or a small screwdriver to poke holes into the cardboard about the vases and pots you just drew. Voila! That’s eat! Now you have an easy outdoor activity to take with you on a walk. As you’re walking, your kids can pick up what leaves and flowers they’d like and poke them through the holes of the cardboard. By the time you get home, they’ll have made their own nature bouquet!

 

Outdoor Explorer & Bug Catcher Kit

I was recently asked to review this Outdoor Explorer & Bug Catcher Kit and thought it would be a great fit for us as my girls love to play outside and find bugs. When the box arrived, I let it be a surprise when they opened it. Needless to say, they were very excited about it and couldn’t wait to play with everything. I also love that I can use most of these things in the kit for activities other than what is being marketed for. For example, my girls will have fun taking turns wearing the bucket hat and sunglasses throughout the summer. I also love that the tongs, tweezers and plastic bugs can be used for a nature themed sensory bin with our kinetic sand. Lots of possibilities with this set!

 

Magnatiles on the Move

Have you ever thought to play with magnatiles somewhere other than just on the floor of your house? How many magnetic surfaces can you think of that are in your house? Did you ever think to play with them outside? Turn your magnatiles into a totally different playing experience by using them on your garage door! Create letters, numbers, shapes and more! When I first took our magnatiles bin outside, the girls were so confused what I was doing. Once they realized what I was doing, they were ready to play and it kept them entertained for awhile!

 

Summer Routine

This summer we are also trying a new schedule to help keep with some sort of routine. I tend to make breakfast and then jump right into chores which then puts me into a cleaning groove that is hard to break even when the girls start whining to do something different or that they are bored. So this summer, we are going to focus on mornings together, midday chores quiet time and evening play time outside.

Breakfast
Brush Teeth
Read 20-30 Minutes Together and Independently
Craft
Clean: Daily Chore + Laundry Load
Lunch
Quiet Time
Clear Clutter
Outside
Dinner

 

Will your family be making a summer bucket list this year? I hope these summer activities gave you some fun, new ideas to keep your family busy and active this summer. Let me know what you are most looking forward to this summer in the comments!