Creative Family Fun

Your one-stop shop for kids activities and family fun

Terri Thompson

Printable Family Summer Bucket List

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I must have blinked. That’s the only explanation.

One day I was taking first day of school pictures. And the next… my kids are bringing home backpacks full of all their stuff from school. Yep. It’s time for summer.

And guess what, I have no idea what we’re going to do!

So, it’s time to create our family summer bucket list.

Plan your family summer bucket list with this fun printable. Use your own ideas or use some of our suggestions for summer fun!

Why should you create a summer bucket list?

There are a few reasons why I love creating a bucket list for summer. First, it’s a great resource for ideas. That brainstorming session you had to create your list is so useful when everyone is sitting around bored. Don’t know what to do? Check your list!

Plus, it gives everyone a chance to provide input. Maybe your kids were hoping for some specific activities this summer. This gives them a chance to tell you their wishes for summer fun. And you can record them and make sure everyone gets to do something they were wishing for.

I always think of our bucket list as a source of inspiration for the summer. It’s not a requirement at all. In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever had a year where we crossed off everything on the list!

Family Summer Bucket List Ideas

So what are you going to add to your bucket list?

Here are a few ideas:

  1. Go to the beach
  2. Make a blanket fort
  3. Have a picnic
  4. Go camping
  5. Make root beer floats
  6. Build a photo album
  7. Catch fireflies
  8. Have a water balloon fight
  9. Tie dye shirts
  10. Plant a garden
  11. Make s’mores
  12. Feed the ducks. But, don’t feed them bread! Here’s a better option for duck food at Playground Park Bench.
  13. Watch fireworks
  14. Go fishing
  15. Go to a drive in movie
  16. Roller blade
  17. Make ice cream
  18. Ride a ferris wheel
  19. Build a sandcastle
  20. Go on a hike
  21. Make suncatchers, like these easy painted suncatchers!
  22. Bury a time capsule
  23. Volunteer (Here are some great ideas if you want to help your local animal shelter).
  24. Go on a boat ride
  25. Run a 5K
  26. Visit a museum

And if that’s not enough ideas. Here are 200 more fun ideas for your summer bucket list!

Plan your family summer bucket list with this fun printable. Use your own ideas or use some of our suggestions for summer fun!

Record Your Summer Bucket List Ideas

Now that you’ve come up with your fun summer ideas, you need to write them down.

I’ve got just the thing for you, a cute watermelon-themed summer bucket list printable.

Just save and print. You’ll find space to record 10 ideas and also a printable with all the ideas I listed above. If you have more than 10 ideas, just print multiple copies!

Get your Watermelon Summer Bucket List here.

Are you ready for some summer fun? We are!

You may also like one of these summer fun ideas:

10 Fun Walk Ideas for Families

July Simple Family Fun Ideas

Tips for Hiking with Young Children

Summer Science Challenges at Science Sparks

Low Stress Summer Fun for Kids at Mama Smiles

Awesome summer fun resources:

In addition to all the fun ideas listed above, you could also add one of these fun outdoor activities to your list. Play ring toss, ladder toss, laws darts or more! So much fun!

Sidewalk Chalk Spelling Words

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Can I make a confession? I almost didn’t post this sidewalk chalk spelling idea because I thought it was too simple.

But, then I realized that we’re all looking for simple ideas. And, when we’re practicing spelling words, we really don’t need to get too complicated.

So, if you’ve got beautiful weather and your kids just want to be outside, have them spend a few minutes writing their spelling words with sidewalk chalk.

Sidewalk Chalk Spelling Words

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Set Up Your Sidewalk Chalk Spelling Activity

All you need to do for this activity is to make sure you have sidewalk chalk and some concrete to write on. That’s it. No prep needed.

You can use your driveway, the sidewalk, a back patio, or even a brick wall!

Our driveway is usually quite colorful when the weather is nice because of all the learning activities, games, and artwork we do!

Go outside to practice spelling words with this simple outdoor learning activity: sidewalk chalk spelling words. It's easy and fun!

Write Your Sidewalk Chalk Spelling Words

To do this simple outdoor learning activity, have your child write out all their spelling words with chalk.

They can write them big or small, all one color or in every color in the box.

They can get creative and add swirls and other embellishments or write the words in block letters. Anything goes!

You can even do a practice spelling test ouside!

(And if they write them big, they can always walk their spelling words too!)

Remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated to have fun with your spelling words. You can simply just get out the sidewalk chalk and write some sidewalk chalk spelling words.

Go outside to practice spelling words with this simple outdoor learning activity: sidewalk chalk spelling words. It's easy and fun!

You May Also Like One of These Fun Ways to Practice Spelling Words:

Rainbow Writing Spelling Words

Make Spelling Words with Scrabble Tiles

Pinprick Spelling Words

Cloud Themed Spelling Word Game With ABC Beads at The Educators’ Spin On It

Shop our list of spelling homework station supplies here.

Cat Bookmark Craft for Kids

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Everyone in my family loves cats.

We think they’re silly and they’re definitely fun.

We love to cuddle with them and pet them until they purr. Don’t you just love the sound of a cat purring?

So, of course, we had to add a pretty orange tabby cat bookmark to our growing pile of animal bookmarks.

Mark the pages in your book with this cute tabby cat bookmark. It's easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

This cat bookmark is very simple to draw, just follow the step-by-step tutorial.

In no time, you’ll have a super-cute cat peeking over the top of your current book.

Mark the pages in your book with this cute tabby cat bookmark. It's easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions.

Supplies Needed for Your Cat Bookmark:

Milk cap
White Cardstock
Pencil
Ruler
Watercolors
Black marker
Orange marker
Scissors
Craft Knife

Mark the pages in your book with this cute tabby cat bookmark. It's easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions.

How to Make Your Cat Bookmark

Step 1: Start by tracing your milk cap. This will be your cat’s head.

Step 2: Next, make your cat’s chin, just a little bit pointier. I drew a pointy chin and erased the original pencil line.

Next, use the ruler to make two straight lines down from the head, about 6 inches in length and 1-1/4 inches apart. Connect the two lines with another straight line at the bottom.

Step 3: Now, go back to your head. Add two small triangles for the ears. Also add a small triangle, point side down, in the middle of the head for the cat’s nose.

Draw a wide, rounded “w” shape coming down from the nose for the mouth. Add two small eyes and whiskers if you desire.

Step 4: Finally, draw your paws. Start from your head and draw a rectangle. Draw two half circles on the bottom of this rectangle and add some claw marks in each.

Mark the pages in your book with this cute tabby cat bookmark. It's easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions.

Add your color and finish your cat bookmark

Once you’ve finished drawing, get out your watercolors to add color. I wanted an orange tabby cat, so I painted a light coat of orange watercolor over the entire bookmark.

Feel free to make your cat any color. Make a grey cat, a black cat, a multicolored cat, or even leave your bookmark unpainted for a white cat.

Once the paint dries, use your black marker to trace all your pencil lines. Use your orange marker to add your stripes and the details in the ears.

Mark the pages in your book with this cute tabby cat bookmark. It's easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions.

Carefully out your bookmark along your black lines.

Finally, use the craft knife to cut around the two sides and the bottom of the smaller rectangle for your paws. You do not want to cut the top edge under the chin.

I have this ceramic craft knife that I love to use. It’s easier to hold, stays sharper, and is much safer than a retractable craft knife. If you are ready to let your child use a tool like this, this is a great choice. If not, have an adult do this step.

Now, you’ve got a happy cat to peek up from the top of your book.

It won’t purr like a real cat, but it’s definitely as cute as one. And, it’s a great way to keep your place in your favorite book.

Mark the pages in your book with this cute tabby cat bookmark. It's easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions.

You may also like one of these fun craft projects:

Koala Bookmark

Cardboard Tube Penguins

Cardboard Cookies

Paper Plate Cat Craft at I Heart Crafty Things

My Must Have Kids Craft Resources

Crafting with your kids is so much easier when you keep a few supplies on hand. I keep a supply of recycled materials, such as cardboard tubes, cardboard boxes, newspapers, paper scraps, egg cartons etc. as well as supplies such as paint, construction paper, and glue that we use often. Here are some supplies you may want to keep on hand to make many of the crafts that we share here.


Chemical Reaction Science Experiments for Kids

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What comes to mind when you think about chemical reaction science experiments?

I think of science labs, safety equipment, and sometimes dangerous chemical combinations. Not something I’d want to do with my kids.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way! We’re going to dial it back with these fun, safe, kid-friendly chemistry experiments. 

Have fun learning with this fun selection of chemical reaction science experiments for kids that are safe, exciting, and fun.

We’ll explore chemical reactions in a fun way using items you probably already have at home. 

Are you ready to get started? I am. Let’s start learning!

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Fun Chemical Reaction Science Experiments

Have fun learning with this fun selection of chemical reaction science experiments for kids that are safe, exciting, and fun.

Find out how pennies react to different substances with our fun Chemical Reactions with Pennies experiment.

A simple chemical reaction with vinegar will help you identify rocks with this Rock Testing experiment at Rainy Day Mum.

It’s so easy to see the reaction when you make a lava lamp like this idea from Fun Learning for Kids.

Use red cabbage as a pH indicator with this fun Cabbage Science project from Little Bins for Little Hands.

It takes a chemical reaction to make slime and you can try it out with this simple slime science from Little Bins for Little Hands.

Or make a fun batch of Rainbow Fizzy Cloud Dough like this from Powerful Mothering for another sensory experiment.

Grow your own crystals with this fun experiment from NurtureStore.

Create invisible ink with this fun spy science project from Share It! Science News.

This Fizzing Seashell science experiment from Teaching Without Chairs is a fun ocean science project.

Learn why leaves change colors with this simple experiment from How Wee Learn.

Chemical Reaction Science Experiments with Baking Soda

Have fun learning with this fun selection of chemical reaction science experiments for kids that are safe, exciting, and fun.

Create a gas to fill a balloon with our fun Grow the Grinch’s Heart science experiment.

Learn about history and make a simple volcano with our fun Erupting Mount Vesuvius project.

Use science to make art with this fun Baking Soda Art project from Mosswood Connections.

Do the classic Exploding Baggies science experiment like this from Buggy & Buddy.

Make a simple lemon volcano like this fun idea from Sixth Bloom.

You May Also Like One of These Science Activities:

Fun Popcorn Science Experiments

Hockey Science Experiment

Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids

Jack Be Nimble Science Activity

My Must-Have Resources for Science Fun

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have time to prep a fun science project. That’s why I love Green Kid Crafts Discovery boxes. The boxes are packed full of projects that are fun and inviting. You can choose to get a subscription or a one-off box based off of a specific theme. Any one you choose would be a lot of fun!

Here are some of our favorites (you can purchase and find out more at each link):

Get a monthly subscription.

Kitchen Science Box

Physics Box

Find all their fun STEM and science boxes here.

STEAM Family Activities

Wouldn’t it be so much fun to get STEAM family activities delivered to your inbox? I think so! That’s why I’ve created this fun series, STEAM Family Fun, to be delivered to your inbox. After going through all the letters in STEAM each week with a fun activity devoted to each, you’ll start receiving a fun STEAM activity once a month. (And I’ll also pop up in your inbox occasionally if I’ve got other fun things to share.)

Fill out the form below to start receiving STEAM Family Fun in your inbox.



STEAM Family Fun Email List Sign Up

Cardboard Tube Hippo Craft

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Gah. Hippos are so cute, aren’t they?

And, this cardboard tube hippo craft is about as cute as it gets. Those eyes, those teeth, that nose. Yep, these are super-cute!

So, let’s get crafting! Grab some cardboard tubes and we’ll make some hippos.

Grab a few things from the recycle bin to make this cardboard tube hippo craft. It's fun to make and it's fun to play with.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Supplies Needed for Your Cardboard Tube Hippo Craft

Empty cardboard tube (from a toilet paper roll or a paper towel roll cut to size)
Small piece of thin cardboard (from a cereal or cracker box)
Two different shades of grey craft paint (a darker color and a lighter color)
White craft paint
Glue
Googly eyes
Black marker

Grab a few things from the recycle bin to make this cardboard tube hippo craft. It's fun to make and it's fun to play with.

How to Make Your Cardboard Tube Hippo Craft

Begin by painting your cardboard tube with the darker grey paint for the body of your hippo. Also, paint your smaller piece of cardboard with the same color of paint.

Let each piece dry before you move on to the next step.

This is a great time to take a book break! Try a hippo book like Fiona the Hippo or Hippos are Huge! while you’re waiting for the paint to dry.

Grab a few things from the recycle bin to make this cardboard tube hippo craft. It's fun to make and it's fun to play with.

After the paint is dry, cut two circles from your thin piece of cardboard for your ears.

Use your black marker to color in the center of each circle. Only the top half of your ear will be showing on your hippo, so make sure you can also see the black in the middle.

Grab a few things from the recycle bin to make this cardboard tube hippo craft. It's fun to make and it's fun to play with.

Next, use the lighter color of grey to paint an oval in the top half of your cardboard tube. This is going to be the hippo’s snout.

Use your white paint to make two square teeth at the bottom of your snout.

Once the paint on your snout is dry, draw two long ovals with your black marker for your hippo’s nostrils.

Glue your eyes above the snout and glue your ears directly above your eyes. You’ll want to glue the ears to the inside of your tube so they peek up from the top.

Grab a few things from the recycle bin to make this cardboard tube hippo craft. It's fun to make and it's fun to play with.

Add your hippo to your cardboard tube zoo or make a whole bloat of hippos for pretend play. (A group of hippos is called a bloat. Did you know that? I didn’t!) No matter what, just have fun playing with your super-cute hippos!

Grab a few things from the recycle bin to make this cardboard tube hippo craft. It's fun to make and it's fun to play with.

You May Also Like One of These Animal Crafts

Koala Bookmark Craft for Kids

Cardboard Tube Elephant Craft

Cardboard Tube Tiger Craft

10 Happening Hippo Crafts for Kids at Artsy Craftsy Mom

My Must-Have Kids Craft Resources

Crafting with your kids is so much easier when you keep a few supplies on hand. I keep a supply of recycled materials, such as cardboard tubes, cardboard boxes, newspapers, paper scraps, egg cartons etc. as well as supplies such as paint, construction paper, and glue that we use often. Here are some supplies you may want to keep on hand to make many of the crafts that we share here.