It seems like NOTHING in 2020 has quite turned out as planned, including but not limited to our Summer plans.
This summer was supposed to be EPIC. One for the books. Because I feel like I owed it to my people.
Two summers ago I had a newborn, so we were in full survival mode. Then last summer we moved, so most of our days were spent elbow deep in moving boxes. THIS summer is (hopefully) the last one before my big boy’s Kindergarten debut and little sister is old enough now to participate and enjoy outings. We had a Summer Bucket List as big as Texas, but just like everything else, COVID-19 has enforced it’s CANCELLED stamp on most of our plans.
So we’ve revised our list to make the most of our socially distanced summer, and here’s what we’ve come up with.
5 Out-Of-The-Box Summer “Bucket List” Activities
Lemonade Stand
I’m happy to report that we actually checked this one off our list and it was a huge success. This is such a great activity that allows kids to really get involved! They can pick out flavors, decorate signs, organize cups and napkins, mix the lemonade, etc.
I typically text a few friends to make sure my little guy has a few “customers”. Right now, everyone is just so eager to get out and have something to do! Ours pretty much turned into a (socially distant) block party!
If you really want to turn this into a learning activity, Raising Cane’s has the cutest “Lemonade Day” packets in their kid’s meal and an interactive website dedicated to teaching kids about entrepreneurship as they prepare their Lemonade Stand. It’s adorable! Check out their Lemonade Day site here.
Nerf Gun War
Like most boys, my son has a deep affection for ALL the Nerf guns and constantly wants to play “Nerf War”, much to my disdain for those little foam bullets that end up EVERYWHERE. Because I love my EYEBALLS and my breakables too much, I feel like I am constantly telling him NO. (Unless my husband is home, and apparently he does NOT care about eyeballs or breakables.) So I decided to host a BYONG (Bring Your Own Nerf Gun) Party and let the little boys go at it while we Mamas safely watch from the porch. My son is ecstatic and so are all the neighborhood boys!
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Fossil Rim is a drive-through “safari” in Glen Rose boasting over 50 species of native and non-native animals including zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, and so much more. The giraffes will literally peek into your window!
I feel like I might be the last Mama in DFW who has never been, but it’s one of those “big outings” that I knew I’d really have to plan for and the time just hasn’t been right. But now my son is OBSESSED with Wild Kratts, so I think it’s the perfect activity for us!
And to make a day of it, we plan to stop for lunch at Loco Coyote Grill, which looks like a super fun BBQ spot about 10 minutes down the road! Lots of patio seating!
Old Fashioned Field Day
Since we missed all the end of the year fun days at school, I’ve decided to host our own Old Fashion Field Day! Round up your “Quaranteam” and let the games begin!
Think Three-Legged Race, Tug-a-War, Egg in a Spoon Race, Potato Sack Race, etc. Amazon can definitely hook you up if you just search for “field day games”! Or you can save some bucks and let the kids jump around in a big pillowcase and tie those little legs together with a ribbon.
Wild Cards
This is where you just make it personal and fun. This is where you fill your list with all the crazy little things that you just never do. On our list are things like a glow stick pool party, slip and slide day, tie-dye shirts (against my better judgment), and catching the ice cream truck. (We can always hear the music, but we have yet to run him down!)
And in my past summer experience, these random little activities will make the best memories.
No doubt Summer 2020 will be one we will never forget for a lot of reasons. Such a season of uncertainty definitely calls for some extra fun and silver linings! I hope this list has inspired YOU and I’d love to hear all about YOUR Summer Bucket List!
Happy Summer Mamas!
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