25 Low Cost Fun Summer Activities

Summer always sounds like a dream… until you hit that moment when the kids are bored, the days start blending together, and you’re scrambling for ideas to make it memorable. Whether you're a parent trying to make the most of school break, a homeschooler mapping out seasonal enrichment, or just someone who loves checking off a good list (me too!), a summer bucket list is a simple but powerful way to stay intentional.

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That’s why I created a free editable Summer Bucket List spreadsheet — so you can plan, personalize, and track 20 fun summer activities at your own pace. From backyard BBQs to day trips, water balloon fights to stargazing, this list has a little sunshine for everyone.

Why a Summer Bucket List Makes a Difference

Sure, summer is supposed to be carefree — but let’s be real. Without a little structure, those “lazy days” can quickly become groundhog days. A summer bucket list brings just the right balance of freedom and focus. 

It turns ordinary days into memory-makers, helps reduce screen time battles, and gives your family (or classroom, or group) something to look forward to each week.

Here’s why I love using a summer bucket list:

• It creates intentional moments. Instead of wondering “What should we do today?” — you already have ideas waiting.
  
• It makes planning easier. Add items to your calendar, spread out the fun, and avoid that “blink and it’s gone” feeling at the end of summer.
  
• It captures milestones. You’ll be surprised how many small wins — popsicle picnics, glow stick dance parties — become your favorite memories.
  
• It works for families, homeschoolers, VBS leaders, and even teacher send-off gifts.
  

No pressure. Just a friendly reminder that you get to design the summer you want to have. This list helps you do just that.

 25 Fun Activity Ideas to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

Not sure where to start? Here are 25 playful, simple, and memory-making activities to spark your list — many of which you’ll find already included in the editable spreadsheet!

Outdoor Adventures

• Go on a nature walk and collect wildflowers
  
• Visit a local splash pad or lake
  
• Have a backyard picnic with homemade lemonade
  
• Try stargazing on a clear summer night
  
• Host a DIY field day with silly games
  

Creative & Crafty Fun

• Try a paint party at home (hint: use our printable tracers!)
  
• Make sun catchers or watercolor bookmarks, or stickers ( Need a little sticker inspiration? Check out this page for fun sticker-making classes)
  
• Create a summer photo journal or scrapbook (Learn how to create your own mini summer travel album)
  
• Bake and decorate cupcakes with a theme (Check out these online baking classes)
  
• Build a mini cardboard boat and float it in a kiddie pool
  
  

Chill Day Activities

• Have a pajama-and-popsicles movie marathon
  
• Start a summer reading challenge (track your summer reads with our Summer Reading Challenge Bingo)
  
• Make your own slushies or mocktails
  
• Create Watermelon Popsicle Soap
  
• Play indoor bingo or printable puzzle games (Check out our video on making custom bingo games in minutes)
  
• Do a “no electronics day” with board games + crafts
  

Family & Group Ideas

• Go on a scavenger hunt (pirate, cowboy, or beach-themed!)
  
• Organize a potluck picnic or BBQ (don’t forget your handy potluck sign-up sheet)
  
• Host a backyard glow stick dance party
  
• Build a blanket fort and read favorite books
  
• Set up a lemonade stand or kindness challenge
  

Faith & Meaningful Moments

• Write encouraging notes or bookmarks to leave around town
  
• Start a prayer jar or gratitude board
  
• Volunteer for a local summer event
  
• Memorize a new scripture verse each week
  
• Create “God’s Creation” sidewalk chalk art
  

Grab Your Free Editable Summer Bucket List Spreadsheet

Ready to plan your best summer yet?

I’ve created a simple, colorful, and totally editable Summer Bucket List spreadsheet you can use in Google Sheets. It’s pre-filled with 20 activity ideas (yep, the ones above!) — but you can easily customize it with your own plans, goals, and memory-making moments.

Here's what’s included:

• A personalizable Google Sheets Summer Bucket List
  
• 20 inspiring summer activities (easily swap them with your ideas)
  
• A built-in checkbox column to track your progress
  
• Bright formatting to keep you motivated and on track
  

Whether you're planning summer fun for your family, church group, homeschool kids, or just yourself — this is your digital go-to for keeping things organized and exciting.

[Get the Free Editable Bucket List] 

Psst… you’ll also get access to the Pretty Cute Press VIP hub, where I send out creative ideas, freebies, and printables you can actually use. And if you discover I’m not quite your jam, you can unsubscribe at any time. 

Prefer a Canva editable template that you can fully customize? Grab our adorable 3-Month Summer Bucket List Poster.

More Summer Printables You’ll Love

If you're in summer planning mode and want even more easy-to-use, fun-filled resources, check out these popular printables from the shop:

Summer Family Picnic Planner

Plan the perfect extended family gathering with our picnic planner.

View the Summer Family Picnic Planner →

Pirate-Themed Scavenger Hunt

Send kids on a printable treasure hunt with rhyming clues perfect for backyard fun, parties, or summer camp.
View the Pirate Scavenger Hunt →

Paint Party Tracer Printables

Host a DIY summer paint party! These simple black-and-white tracer designs are great for kids, VBS groups, or family art nights.
See the Paint Party Printables Collection →

And don’t miss your free inspirational paint party tracer. 

Treat Tag Printables for Summer Snacks

Add a cute touch to popsicle parties, beach treats, or staff appreciation gifts with these editable treat tags.
Grab Treat Tags →

Potluck Sign-Up Sheets (Editable)

Hosting a summer cookout, picnic, or church event? These printable sign-up sheets keep your event organized in style.
Browse Potluck Sheets →

These resources were created to help you make the most of summer with less stress and more smiles. Most are ready to print and use today!

Wishing You a Summer Full of Sweet Memories

Whether you’re packing your days with outdoor adventures or leaning into slow, simple moments at home, I hope this bucket list helps you savor the season in a fun and meaningful way.

Planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming — a simple list, a few great printables, and a little intention go a long way. If you grabbed the free editable spreadsheet, yay! I’d love to see how you use it.

Tag me on Instagram @prettycutepress and show off your summer bucket list, scavenger hunt setup, or treat tag station!

And if you're ready for even more printable fun, don’t forget to visit the shop and explore the other seasonal favorites in my shop.

Thanks for hanging out with me here — now go make this summer one for the memory books!