Yay- it’s summer! Summer offers families the opportunity to slow down and make lasting memories together. In my work with families, I encourage parents to be intentional about how they spend time together—not only for fun, but also for strengthening bonds and promoting emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking for creative, relaxing, or adventurous activities, a thoughtfully crafted summer bucket list can help your family stay connected and make the most of the season. No matter where you live, here are some ideas to get you started (and a bonus 10 tips for those who call the Denver area home).
1. Sleep Outside Under the Stars
Pitch a tent or roll out sleeping bags in the backyard.
2. Backyard Movie Night
Hang a sheet, grab a projector (or even just a laptop), and make popcorn!
3. Make S’mores Over a Fire Pit
Or get creative indoors with s’mores in the oven or microwave.
4. Water Balloon Fight or DIY Splash Park
Set up sprinklers, water tables, and balloons for an epic water day.
5. Family Tie-Dye Party
T-shirts, socks, bandanas, or even pillowcases — messy and memorable.
6. Have a Lemonade Stand 🍋
Classic summer fun that also sneaks in a little math & social skills.
7. Join Your Local Library’s Summer Reading Program 📚
Or make your own family’s reading goals with small rewards and prizes.
8. Make Homemade Ice Cream
No ice cream maker? No problem! Try a simple mason jar recipe like this one — kids love shaking it up.
9. Paint Kindness Rocks (and Hide Them in the Neighborhood)
Fun craft + mini adventure walk to hide them.
10. Plant a Family Fruit or Veggie Garden
Sunflowers, herbs, or veggies. It might be your backyard, or pots on the patio, or even a mini one in your kitchen.
11. Have a Picnic (Even if It’s Just on the Lawn)
Change up dinner by taking it outside- or enjoying a picnic at your local playground.
12. Make a Time Capsule and Bury (or Hide) It
Include photos, drawings, and little mementos from Summer 2025.
13. Host an Ice Cream Sundae Bar 🍨
No summer bucket list is complete without some ice cream! Lay out some toppings (sprinkles, cherries, chocolate chips) and let everyone build their dream sundae.
14. Make Giant Bubbles in the Backyard 🫧
Use DIY bubble solution and a coat hanger or string to make HUGE bubbles. Or check out Target for fun bubble makers and hula hoops.
15. Do a Family Chalk Art Contest
Cover the driveway or sidewalk in colorful creations — maybe even pick a theme.
16. Have a Family Game Night Outside 🎲
Play board games, yard games (like cornhole, giant Jenga), or card games under the stars.
17. Make DIY Bird Feeders and Bird Watching
Peanut butter & pinecones, or stringing cereal loops — then see who visits! For inspiration, check out this website.
18. Learn to Make Friendship Bracelets or Loom Bands
A visit to Michael’s might be in your future… friendship bracelets are great for kids’ fine motor skills, and they can trade with friends.
19. Have a No-Electricity Night
Turn off the lights, devices, and screens — use candles or flashlights and play old-school card and board games. And psst- this is also a great one for teens.
20. Make Popsicles from Scratch 🍓
Blend fruit, juice, or yogurt and pour into molds (or small cups with sticks). Yum!
21. Kids Cook Dinner Night
Teens or older kids in charge — everything from planning the meal, shopping, table setting, and cooking (also great life skills).
Bonus: 10 Metro Denver Summer Bucket List Activities
1. Check out the Denver Chalk Art Festival 🎨
Celebrated in June, over 200 artists create amazing chalk art displays. A great day to spend outside together. More here.
2. Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad 🚂
A scenic old-fashioned steam train through the Colorado mountains. Check out their website for more information.
3. Enjoy a Sunset Picnic at Red Rocks Park
Pack dinner and watch the sunset — no concert required to enjoy the views. Or instead, plan a hike or enjoy a movie at Red Rocks as part of their “Film on the Rocks” Series (tickets still available).
4. Attend a Rockies Game ⚾
Family day at Coors Field with kids’ zone activities and Dinger the mascot. The Family Value Pack is a deal with 4 tickets, a parking pass, and $40 concession credit- all for as low as $76. Go Rockies!
5. Explore the Denver Art Museum
Their “Create-n-Takes” stations make art interactive, and kids under 18 get free admission.
6. Paddleboarding at Cherry Creek Reservoir
Rent boards or kayaks and spend the day on the water. There are also plenty of hiking trails, a family-friendly beach, and other activities.
7. Hot Air Balloon Watching at Erie’s Hot Air Balloon Festival
Even if you don’t schedule a ride, the early morning launch is magical to watch with kids. Find all the details on the Erie Chamber of Commerce website.
8. Hike St. Mary’s Glacier ❄️
Located just outside of Idaho Springs, this moderate hike is a great way to beat the heat. Year-round snow above the lake (even in July!) and amazing panoramic views. Find more information here.
9. Take a Family Cooking Class
Kids and parents learn together. Places like Uncorked Kitchen and Sur la table offer an array of cooking and baking classes, from different cuisines to specific delicacies (French macarons, anyone?).
10. Watch A Movie in the Park 🎬
And the last idea for your family summer bucket list… many communities, in and around Denver, host free outdoor movies in parks. Check out this list or your city’s website.
Megan Vogels, MA, LPC, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. A Rhode Island native, she now calls Denver home and is currently working on her family’s summer bucket list. Interested in more posts like this? Check out the blog!