Family Summer Bucket List

I am such a planner, that if I don't plan our Summer, we won't do much of anything.
This year I decided to create a bucket list of things we want to do as a family (or just mom and kids with friends) this Summer. You could probably turn many of these into a fun date as well. I issued the challenge to my friends in my book lovers group on Facebook to create a bucket list for their family because I needed something to commit myself to follow through. I decided to go one step further and give you some links and an explanation.

I made a quick list by myself, then asked for my family's input. One of my 3 year old twins suggested we could go potty, or go to our house. (So adventurous!) One said nothing at all. My 4 year old son suggested we ride bikes- really the only helpful one of the group. And my husband said camping and fishing sounded fun. Those were already on the list...
So.... it's a good thing I had a few ideas of my own. Surprisingly I didn't even hit Pinterest for this one! I started off by thinking of the most fun activities from last year. We'll do some of the same things, but others will be a different variation.

Here's the quick list:

Printable version here if you love it: FREE PRINTABLE

And here is where I talk about the activities on the list, and give you creative ways to complete them on a budget. I'll be sharing some fun places to visit in Utah, but most activities can be adapted to a location near you.

Swimming Lessons: ($$) This one might not be super budget friendly unless you have a sister who used to be a lifeguard or an olympic swimmer for an uncle who is willing to teach your kids for free! I decided this one was number 1 on the list this year because we tried to do the whole pool thing (once!) last Summer and my kids were TERRIFIED of the water.... sooo... yeah... Swimming lessons are happening so I don't have to deal with that! We signed up at the Payson Pool  (which also happens to be a fun little water park!) Wish me luck as I get 3 kids to the pool early in the morning for 2 weeks this Summer. 

They barely left this step!

Summer Kids Movies: ($) I am really excited about this one! Last year my kids got to go to their very first movie (Horton Hears a Who) at a special kids showing. Many theaters offer discount matinees for kids during the Summer. We signed up for 11 movies and it only cost $7 per person! Scera Theater in Orem has movie options for younger kids and older kids/teens. (We opted for the movies geared toward the little ones.) You can also get your choice of 2 snacks (drink, treat, or popcorn) for $1! Once a week for 11 weeks we'll be headed to the theater with some of our favorite friends.

Pick Fresh Fruit: ($- very inexpensive) Last year was our first year picking cherries, and it was so much fun that we decided to make it a tradition. There are SO many cherry orchards around the Payson/Santaquin area, including some great options for you organic lovers as well. Bring your own basket, bucket, or bag and be ready to pay with cash. (I'm pretty sure I still owe a friend of mine a couple of quarters from last year!) I'm lucky enough to have an awesome friend who lets us visit her backyard orchard. What's your favorite local produce that you can pick yourself?

Picnic: (FREE) This one seems very simple, but I had to put it on the list because if I didn't, it would probably slip my mind! That, and I bought a new bag I'm excited to try out with all the picnic gear and food. For this one, you can visit a park, pack a lunch for a hike, hit the beach, or have lunch in your back yard. Possibilities are endless, but your kids will probably love eating outside. Need a date night? Search Pinterest for romantic picnic ideas- there are some seriously cute ways to pack a picnic basket- then grab a blanket and head out for some screen-free time with your love.

Camping: (Free for many locations- $$ for designated campgrounds) This is something my husband is always willing to do. Again, it can be a weekend trip, a fun overnighter, or setting up a tent in your back yard. It just depends on how much time (and energy, let's be honest) you have. We love to find a few spots in the mountains by our home, and we love to get together with family for a few days in our favorite spot a couple hours away. Don't forget, it's usually colder in the mountains, so pack accordingly. It doesn't matter if you camp in a trailer, tent, hammock, or under the stars, but plugging into an RV park doesn't count as camping! (Right Mom and Pop?? Haha!) Sorry I don't have pictures, I like to enjoy nature and get away from my phone as much as possible on our camping trips.

Visit a Library: (FREE- you might have to pay for a library card if you aren't a resident) We love to go to story time at the library! This Summer, unfortunately the story time librarian and our local library will be out of town, so we won't be able to attend, but that gives us a chance to go library hopping! We are going to look up the schedule for story/music/craft times at libraries within about 20 miles of us and go check them out (hehe that's a library joke... get it? because at a library you check books out... ok no more of that, I promise). Don't forget to sign up for your library's Summer Reading Program! Most libraries give out awesome prizes for reading. Visit the city's library website for more information here's Santaquin's. Join my book group on Facebook for more prizes and Summer reading challenges as well.

Hike: (FREE- $) A great option for any location! There are so many blogs and websites dedicated to trail info for awesome hikes. (You can even Google hikes in your area and a bunch of options with pictures will show up.) Once upon a time, before we were married, David and I hiked the Y in Provo and I thought I was going to die. Mostly because it was either shortly before or shortly after my knee surgery, so the downhill was killer, but it was still a fun time- he even packed a picnic for us! I've also lived near the Grotto in Payson for over 2 years now and I have yet to visit it.... soooo hopefully that's where we'll go this year! I hear it's pretty short too. My sister is trying to convince me to join her on a hike to Timpanogos Cave, but I'm concerned about my possible death, so we shall see... just kidding! I've been walking 2 miles 2x a week, I could totally do it. I think. Notice how I'm not concerned at all for the endurance of my children. Well, maybe I should be worried about Hailey. She's the most like me. My other two will probably run the whole way!

Eat at a Food Truck: ($-$$) Whether you are in the mood for a full meal, or just a fun treat, food trucks are BIG right now, and you can find them almost everywhere. You can follow most of them on social media to find out where they'll be, or you visit a food truck rally to try out several at a time. I don't have any suggestions on this one, because I can't ever remember the names of the ones I've tried, but I do remember the best onion rings in the world came from a food truck in Oregon- sorry I'm no help because I don't even remember the town... But if you have a favorite in Utah (food or treats), leave a comment with the name or a link. Thanks so much! 

Splash Pad: (FREE) These are popping up all over lately too! They have been a life saver in the Summer heat for my pool-fearing children. It's also a great way to cool off if you don't want to commit to an entire pool day. Again, search the internet for a splash pad near you, but a few of our favorites are in Springville , St. George, and Santaquin (because it's so close to us!). 

St. George

Santaquin

Museum: (FREE-$$) Many local universities have museums that are open to the public. We love visiting the Bean Life Science Museum at BYU. They have story time, live animal shows, an indoor playground for little kids, and LOTS of animal taxidermy and information. Best of all, it's free! See their website for show schedules. We haven't been yet, but this Summer we want to visit the Museum of Paleontology (also at BYU). My kids are really into dinosaurs (what kid isn't??), so I think they'll love it. Another fun (but not free) option is the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point. They also have music and story time (included in price of admission). I love when my kids can learn and discover something new at museums. Find an art museum for another fun date night.

Bean Museum

Museum of Natural Curiosity 

Ride Bikes: (FREE if you have a bike) This one also seems pretty basic, but when you live in a neighborhood full of hills like I do, the bike riding is very limited at home. My son has a goal to be riding without training wheels before he starts Kindergarten in the Fall, so that means we need to find a flat place to ride (usually a church parking lot on a weekday). There are some fun trails all over the state (again, Google is your friend), or you can bike to a specific destination (maybe the park down the street?? Haha man, I sound lazy in this blog post!) 

Fireworks: (FREE- $$ depending on the event) Summer is often filled with fireworks for various events and holidays (especially in Utah- Pioneer Day!!!). There are many free locations and events that have fireworks. We like to sit on our back porch after the kiddos go to bed on the 4th of July to see all the fireworks across Utah Valley. We also make sure to take the kids to at least one fireworks display (usually free). Don't forget the glow sticks! Your kids will see other kids playing with them and you'll have to pay outrageous prices if you give in and buy them there. Stop by a Dollar Tree or Walmart before you go and you'll be the cool parent that is totally prepared and doesn't have to spend extra money on something that will last one night.  PSA: Don't be the obnoxious person that delays the show because you're trying to fly your drone by the fireworks. Just enjoy the show, and maybe smooch someone under the fireworks instead! Where is your favorite fireworks display?

Pool Party: (FREE-$) Last year we had dirt for a back yard, but this year we have a lawn! We are planning to set up the kiddie pool and slide for the munchkins, a large umbrella and smaller pool for the mamas and their feet, and invite some friends over for a little afternoon shindig. You can go all out and have a party at a pool (especially nice if you already have a large pool), or you can make it simple like I plan to do. If you attend or throw a pool party and you happen to have a donut or flamingo (or even something else fun) shaped inner tube, send me a picture! I have nowhere to use one, but I love them and want to live vicariously through you.

Parade: (FREE) Just like the fireworks, there are many reasons in the Summer for a parade. We especially like the Orchard Days Parade in Santaquin the first Saturday in August. Small town parades are usually the best because they still throw candy! (I know, I know, safety of parade attendees, blah blah blah...) We might have to check out one of the larger parades so we can watch our highway patrol officer friend ride his motorcycle though! I love having a double stroller for my girls to sit in while we wait for the parade to start. The baskets underneath are perfect for hauling your prizes back to the car after it's over too. Do you have a favorite parade to attend this Summer? Or are there any must-haves for your family at a parade?

Ride a Train: (FREE- depending on your connections- $$) Last year my dad was working near us at a railcar center, so we got the grand tour and were able to ride one of the trains with him- my kids still talk about it. This year, we won't have that connection because he'll be at his regular job site which is not so close or as rider friendly, so we'll have to get creative. Utah's public transportation does have a few trains including TRAX in Downtown Salt Lake, and Front Runner- the commuter train that covers more ground. There is also the Heber Valley Railroad with fun themed train rides all year long. We also might be visiting Utah's Hogle Zoo or Lagoon which both have train rides in the park. (Many other zoos and amusement parks do as well). 

Scavenger Hunt: (FREE) My idea for this one was to involve nature, but I'm thinking that it would also be fun to let my kiddos use my old digital camera to take some pictures of whatever I come up with to put on a scavenger hunt list. Pinterest will probably help me out big time with this one. A great way to help little ones learn would to have a letter, color, or number themed scavenger hunt. Watch my Facebook group to see what we end up doing, or send me your ideas if you want. 

Build a Sand Castle: (FREE-$$ depending on location) To do this, you need, duh, sand! And also some containers and shovels. We don't really have many sand toys, so we'll be visiting Walmart, because we are definitely doing this! Whether you visit a reservoir with a sandy beach because you live in a land-locked state, travel to the ocean (or walk out your back door for you beach dwellers), or make the most of your backyard sandbox, don't miss the opportunity to let your kids play in the sand. Don't worry mamas, it will wash off! If you're really afraid of the mess, suck it up for your kids' sake. And then sweep and vacuum and shower and do laundry for the entire week after! It'll be worth it. 

Fishing: ($-$$) Make sure you have a fishing license (or at least know if it's required for the place and time you are going)! David told me we HAVE to go fishing this year because he bought me a combination license. I'm ok with that though because, although I don't really have the patience for the fishing (aka waiting) part, our quick fishing trip last year was another one of our favorite family memories. And we did end up catching a lot of fish! Plus, we have decided to get Jackson a fishing pole for his 5th birthday this Summer, so we'll have to put it to use. (Don't tell him, okay?) Normally, this is where I'd share our favorite place to fish, but if you're any good at fishing, you know you don't share that kind of info! So, sorry, but you're on your own for this one.

Carousel: ($) Remember that splash pad in St. George I talked about? Well, there is a carousel right next to it! There are also carousels at zoos, amusement parks, malls, carnivals, and fairs! So many options, I'm sure we'll be able to check this one off a few times this year. 

Snow Cones:  ($) I am very particular about my snow cones. I don't want those big chunks of ice that you have to crunch between your teeth. I want the ones that are the texture of snow! Maui Freeze in Delta is awesome! I would love to find a great place in Utah County that has melt-in-your mouth don't-have-to-chew snow cones. HELP ME OUT! It's really going to be a Summer adventure for me to find the perfect snow cone close to home.

Campfire: (FREE) This is different than camping.  This is a no-pressure-to-set-up-a-tent kind of outing. Go for a couple hours with your family or some friends and have a meal you cook over a fire. Don't forget the s'mores- use Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for the chocolate. You're welcome. Many parks and picnic areas have fire pits. Like I said earlier, we now have a yard, so we can't build random rock fire pits in our back yard anymore, but the grass is worth it. If you do have a back yard fire pit, I'm a little jealous. If not, take a quick drive up the canyon if you're close to the mountains, but don't you dare start a forest fire! Smokey the Bear will be very disappointed, and my husband will be so mad if you get the mountain roads closed! 

Feed Ducks: (FREE) There seem to be ducks everywhere! We like to visit Spring Lake to see our feathered friends. I recently read that bread makes them sick though, so do your research before you try feeding them your leftover sandwich. If you can't feed them, observe and name them. Watch out for the geese too. They don't tend to be very friendly. Bonus points if you get to see some fluffy ducklings. 

New Playground: (FREE) We love to go to the park, but I have a feeling my kids are going to be sick of the one by our house at the end of the Summer. I've been reading about some fun parks in Utah and I am excited to visit Discovery Park in Pleasant Grove and Memorial Park in Payson. I do also need to put a plug in for the new HUGE playground in Oak City. The entire town raised over $68,000 in a few short months to put in a new playground, and it doesn't disappoint. There is a three-story structure with enormous slides, a separate area for smaller children, a merry-go-round and other dizzy spinners, plus, even more to come throughout the Summer.

Oak City Playground

Ice Cream: I am also very particular about my ice cream. Unlike my snow cones, I need to be able to chew my ice cream (it makes my dad cringe just thinking about it). Hard ice cream is where it's at! No soft serve for me. And no melty ice cream soup either. I'm a big fan of cookie mint at Rowley's Red Barn here in Santaquin. (Everyone please request it so they'll carry it all the time.) A friend of ours works in the flavor development process (I think) at BYU Creamery, so that's also a favorite place to grab a scoop when we're in Provo. I have recently heard they also have a cookie mint and a mint brownie ice cream that I'm dying to try. I love mint chocolate, can you tell? I might have converted my kids to it as well.

That is the end of my list (for now), so thanks for following our past adventures and for joining us as we plan our new adventures. I'd love to hear about your fun Summer activities and suggestions as well. Either post pictures in my Facebook group (links above) or comment below.  Make it the best Summer ever! I know we plan to.