I love a good ol’ summer bucket list. Recently, I was reminiscing on an old 2014 summer bucket list when it was just myself and the boys. Life has changed since then and we have grown as a family. To represent our new lifestyle, I have created a fun, family-friendly summer bucket list for July. Check it out!
July is National Picnic Month
Summer is simply not complete without a picnic or two. In fact, I recently purchased an adorable summer picnic basket and flamingo cutlery basket that I can’t wait to use.
Looking to create your own picnic and don’t know how to get started? Check out a previous picnic that I loved, 7 Easy Steps to the Perfect Picnic.
Simply, find a scenic spot in a nearby park or beach and organize a fun-filled picnic for the whole family. Pack delicious snacks, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks.
Update Emergency Kits
Right smack in the middle of the fun, I want to call attention to emergency preparedness. Recently, in the Midwest, we have been hit with poor air quality from the Canadian wildfires, along with tornadoes, thunderstorms, and power outages.
Because of this, I want to make some time to update all of our emergency bags and our emergency food totes. Thankfully, we didn’t need ours because our power wasn’t out for long, but many went for 3-4 days with no power at all.
If you don’t have anything in place for emergencies, let this be a reminder to put something in place. Below are some helpful links.
Updating Our Baby Emergency Go Bag
Creating a Baby Emergency Go Bag for Free
Updated! Our Emergency Go Bags
July 28th is National Water Park Day | Hershey Park in Pennsylvania
With July 28th being National Water Park Day, you simply have to find a water park and enjoy yourselves. You’ll be able to enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and splash around in the wave pool with your kids.
In fact, we are planning on visiting Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. It’s been on my 100 Life Goals list for over a year now, so I think it’s time to head that way! We’ve never been and would welcome any positive suggestions in the comments.
Summers are for Road Trips!
Whether it is a day trip or an overnight trip – just plan a road trip somewhere! Explore new places, try local cuisine, visit museums or landmarks, and make unforgettable memories together as a family.
I keep a list of random roadtrips in my pocket! From day trips and overnight trips to longer stays, I have a list ready at all times.
A few easy roadtrips that I would like to accomplish this summer would be to see the Forest Giants in Kentucky, visit the Big Things in Casey, Illinois, visit my grandfather’s grave in Ohio, and make our way up to Michigan. While the Michigan trip is planned for an entire weekend, the rest can easily be one-day trips or overnight trips.
Plan a Camping Trip Somewhere Unique
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life by going on a camping adventure with your family. We love camping! I don’t know if July is the month to do it or not, so if we don’t make it during the month of July, we will definitely make it happen before the fall weather sets in.
We’ve had some pretty interesting camping adventures such as Teepee (Tipi) camping, as well as camping at Garden of the Gods. Camping is a great way to bond and enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors.
Family Beach Day
Another item on my 100 Life Goals list is a family beach day! When the boys were younger we seem to do this quite a bit in Florida and in Chicago. Over the past few years, we haven’t and I’d love to pick it back up again. In fact, here are five of my favorite beaches in Florida.
Pack your most whimsical beach essentials and spend a day at the beach with your family. You can build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, swim and play in the ocean, and relax under an umbrella with a good book.
Go Tubing and Paddle Boating
Tubing and paddle boating are on my summer vision board. If tubing isn’t your thing, how about picking up a new outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy? It could be biking, hiking, kayaking, or even learning to roller skate. Spend quality time together while staying active and exploring the outdoors.
Festivals (and Fairs)!
I love me a good festival such as the SweetCorn Festival. In fact, we may have already accomplished this by attending Soda Fest at the end of May. But, who knows, we may head to another such as a kite festival or a Route 66 festival in Springfield.
If you are looking for options, check out local event listings and find a nearby festival or fair to attend with your family. Enjoy live music, indulge in delicious food, participate in games and activities, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Power of Parks Virtual 5k
Each year, I participate in a virtual 5K. Some years I do better than others. This year I am participating in the Power of the Parks 5K (again) from July 17-July 30 which means all of the mileage has to be done by then.
Usually, I just get up and do an hour’s walk and that completes my 5K. I plan to do the same this summer. It would be important to me because I have not exercised like I have planned.
Final Thoughts
Well, here’s our bucket list for the month of June. What do you have on your June bucket list? I’d love to know!
