Looking for some great and easy ideas for your preschooler this summer? Making the summer a fun and exciting time for you preschooler is simple. Try to plan a special activity once or twice a week and you will knock out your bucket list in no time. Check out these top 10 ideas for your preschool bucket list this summer!
Preschool Bucket List Ideas
My kids and I love to make a bucket list each summer. As they get older, they are more and more involved with the process, but it is fun to have a list of everything we want to accomplish over the summer. I try to steer them into different types of activities so it is easy to check off, regardless of weather and other factors. Check out my top 10 choices when my children were preschoolers:
- Visit a Splash Pad: While the pool is fun, finding a splash pad was always my preschoolers favorite activity. The splash pad allows you to relax a bit and give them a bit more freedom during water play.
Pro Tip: Bring along some bath toys or boats (if allowed) as they are fun to send down the different toys.
- Movie Night Outside: Nothing was more special to my preschoolers than switching up something they love. Taking a movie outdoors, whether on a projector or just a lap top, and making it a movie night, was always a big hit. Serve with some special snacks. Pro Tip: Pick a movie they love to move and dance to. Nothing better than having the space of the backyard to jam out!
- Find Your Local Children's Museum: Children's museums are always a hit for children of all ages. These fun museums are perfect to help stimulate your child's mind and allow for a bit of education during the summer months. Even better, they often have special activities happening throughout the summer.
Pro Tip: Try to go during the middle of the week, as there are usually not as many people there.
- Library Summer Reading Challenge: This one is a little more of a goal, but still a hit. Check out your local library and see if they have a summer reading challenge. Our library has you record how many books you read and then turn it in for a prize (usually a new book)! This is a perfect goal for you and your preschooler to reach throughout the summer. Pro Tip: Try to sneak reading in throughout the day, not just a night. Now, as my children are older, they often grab a quick book to read between activities!
- Hiking BINGO: Want to go for a walk but not sure you can keep your preschooler interested? Create a hiking BINGO card with items they need to see if they can find. We always have a prize for if they find all the items (ours is to stop for ice cream). Pro Tip: Don't want to make your own BINGO card? Check out Pinterest for some ready to print.
- Water Relay at Home: Looking for an easy idea on a hot day? Create your own water relay at home! Set out several small cups (measuring cups work great) and a larger bucket for the kids to have to fill. You can time how long it takes or have them race down carrying one cup at a time. Pro Tip: Put a line on the large bucket they need to fill so they have a goal.
- Paint with Ice: Want a super easy and fun craft for summer? Fill an ice cube tray and add a few drops of food coloring. Set the kids up outside with the ice cubes and let them paint with these fun, cold paint sticks. Pro Tip: Buy the large paper or butcher paper so you have a large space to paint.
- Frozen Excavation: Need an activity for the backyard? Take a few of their toys and fill bowls with water and freeze them. Then give them some spoons and other activities and let them chip away to free their toys. Pro Tip: Give them a small cup of warm water to get them started. Fun science all around!
- Zoo Trip: Find the closest zoo and plan a full day. The zoo is a great chance to learn all sorts of new animal facts. Most zoos also have activities they plan for the kids throughout the summer, which is a great way to continue their education in the summer. Pro Tip: Double check, but pack a picnic. That way you can eat whenever you would like and not have to worry about grabbing food. We then let each child pick a quick treat towards the end to round out the day.
- Local Farmers Market: Plan a morning to the farmer's market for a chance to pick up local produce and some other local goodies. This fun trip will help you learn your local area and help support local businesses. Pro Tip: Give your child a small budget ($5.00) and let them have a chance to pick out what they would like. You might be surprised at what they choose.
Hopefully these fun items make your bucket list this summer and help break up the same activities you complete each summer. These fun items will help make sure it is the best summer yet!
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