Nature Play that Rocks

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Ideas for Your Summer

At the start of every season, we create an outdoor fun list. 

Together, we dream up some things we’d like to do, write those ideas down and then try to make them happen. Some of the ideas on our summer outdoor bucket list are simple, but others require more time – things like cherry picking or fishing. Of course, more than any other time of year, we also plan for lots of downtime to make room in our lives for enjoying summer’s simple pleasures.

Instead of sharing what’s on our family’s summer outdoor bucket list this year (you can see our2010 and 2012lists for past examples), I thought I’d share some ideas to help you make your own. These 50 ideas for your summer outdoor bucket list should keep the kids entertained and inspired all season long.

20 Things to Do in Your Backyard

10 Ways to Explore in Your Community

10 Nature crafts

5 Summer Science Experiments

5 Tastes of Summer

Summer is a great time to explore nature.


Engaging with the natural world can boost your mood and well-being, and there are many ways to do it, from simple walks to more involved activities. www.evergreen.ca reports that even 1-10 minutes of nature exposure can improve attention and reduce stress. Spending two hours a week outdoors is linked to better health and well-being.

Here are some ideas for exploring nature this summer:

Simple Activities:

  • Take a walk: Explore local parks, trails, or even your own neighborhood.

  • Have a picnic: Enjoy a meal outdoors in a scenic spot.

  • Go birdwatching: Observe and identify different bird species.

  • Create art: Use natural materials like leaves, twigs, and flowers to make art.

  • Play games: Play tag, frisbee, or other outdoor games.

  • Start a garden: Grow your own vegetables, fruits, or flowers. 

More Involved Activities:

  • Go hiking: Explore longer trails and discover more challenging terrain.

  • Go camping: Spend a night or more immersed in nature.

  • Go kayaking or canoeing: Explore lakes and rivers from a different perspective.

  • Go fishing: Enjoy a relaxing day by the water.

  • Visit a nature center: Learn about the local flora and fauna.

  • Participate in a nature program: Many organizations offer guided nature walks and educational programs. 

Focusing on the Local Finger Lake Area:

  • Explore the Webster Arboretum: It's a local gem for nature walks and relaxation.

  • Check out local parks and trails: Webster and the surrounding area have many options for outdoor recreation.

  • Visit Durand Eastman Park: Located near Webster, this park offers beautiful views of Lake Ontario and diverse trails.

  • Consider a day trip to Letchworth State Park: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," it offers stunning scenery and hiking opportunities. 

  • 50 Ideas for Your Summer
    Outdoor Bucket List

These 50 ideas for your summer outdoor bucket list will keep the kids entertained and inspired all season long.
Fun Friday: Gaze at the Stars

  • We’ve talked about stargazing around here before, but that was during the heart of winter. There’s something even more magical about staring up at the nighttime sky during the summer. Sure, you’ll have to stay up extra late to gaze at the stars. But who cares – that’s what summers were made for, right? Photo by Jonas Wiklund When kids are young, gazing at … [Read more...]

10 Ideas for Water Play
in the Backyard

  • We’ve been talking about water play a lot this month, what with it being summer and all. And while spending a morning or afternoon at the beach or river is wonderful, sometimes schedules just don’t permit it. No worries! There are plenty of ways to enjoy water play right in your own backyard. Know how to stay cool outside on hot days and always keep an eye on all kids … [Read more...]

  • Fun Friday: Make Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade

What better way to kick off summer, really, than to make fresh-squeezed lemonade? Here's how to get the whole family in on the process.

I think this is a first for me – sharing an idea from the kitchen, that is. This one all started when a certain someone began picking fresh lemons off the tree in our backyard. “To make lemon juice,” he said. We quickly realized The Little Explorer was on to something. What better way to kick off summer, really, than to make fresh-squeezed lemonade? Making fresh-squeezed … [Read more...]

Here’s a list of the printables & links to the awesome blogs & organizations!  I keep adding to the list so now there are more than 70+ ideas:

Spring Scavenger Hunt— Edventures with Kids

Nature Scavenger Hunt –Babyccino Kids

Plant Life Cycle & Vocabulary —  123 Homeschool 4 Me

20 Summer Scavenger Hunts — Edventures with Kids

Spring Nature Hunt — Sunny Day Today Mama

Spring Senses Nature Walk —  Go Explore Nature

Extraordinary Journal Page —  Handbook of Nature Study

Bug Hunt Activity — Edventures with Kids

Rock Observation Chart —  Handbook of Nature Study

Animal Tracks —  New Hampshire Wildlife

I Spy Animal Clues — Sisbro Studios

How Fast Does Your Plant Grow? — Edventures with Kids

Botany Scavenger Hunt —  Ellen McHenry’s Basement Shop

What’s that Bug? What’s that Bird?  —  Crafty Classroom

Animal Observation Journal — Edventures with Kids

10 Outdoor Printables (weather, moon, animals) — National Wildlife Federation

50 Outdoor Printables (animals & insects) — Nature Detectives at Woodland Trust

Summer Drawing Challenge printables on stylized background


Summer Drawing Challenge printables on stylized background


Summer Drawing Challenge printables on stylized background


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75+ Ocean Preschool Theme Printables & Activities

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Practice important early learning skills with your preschoolers and kindergartners this summer using this huge list of Ocean Preschool Theme printables and activities. You’ll find color by code printables, lots of cutting and tracing, coloring, and drawing activities, and so much more! You’re definitely not going to want to miss them! I’m so excited to…

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Free Printable Summer Drawing Challenge

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Strengthen fine motor skills and encourage creative thinking using this Free Printable Summer Drawing Challenge. This adorable drawing for kids printable is the perfect way to spend quality time with your kids this summer. Get yours today!  We love drawing and painting and cute seasonal drawing challenges like this one are obviously no exception. This…

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Printable Family Summer Bucket List

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.

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!
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:
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!

June Simple Family Fun Ideas

  • For our family, June marks the beginning of summer. School ends, the weather warms up, the days get longer, and we’re all ready for a change of pace and some family fun adventures.

  • These June simple family fun ideas are perfect for the changing season. Some of these ideas will get you outside and others are perfect to do inside on a hot day. And, several can be done at any time of the year (not just summer). But, what brings all these ideas together is that they are simple, inexpensive, and a great way to connect.

  • Let’s plan a family adventure!

Get ready for summer with some family adventures! Save and print these ideas for June simple family fun and you'll be ready for family time any time.Get ready for summer with some family adventures! Save and print these ideas for June simple family fun and you'll be ready for family time any time.

June Outdoor Adventures

June is a great time to get outside and have some fun. So, these family fun ideas will give you a nudge to enjoy the outdoors.
  • 1. Blow up a beach ball and play beach ball volleyball in your backyard. No net needed! Just have some fun.
  • 2. Take a trip to a nearby nature center. Go on a hike, explore their visitors center and have fun learning about the wildlife in your part of the world. Nature centers are a great community resource and most are free or inexpensive to visit.
  • 3. Trace each other’s shadows on the driveway. Add faces, hair, and clothes to make a silly shadow family.
  • 4. Go stargazing. Pick a clear night and go outside to study the moon and stars. You can find tips for stargazing with your kids as well as a printable night sky journal at this link.
  • 5. Lie together under a tree and look up. What do you see? Use this time to relax together and talk about all that you see.
  • 6. Explore a pond together. Observe and learn about all the animals and plants you see or try one of these simple activities for pond play at Buggy and Buddy. This might even inspire a second family adventure to the library to find some books about pond life.
Get ready for summer with some family adventures! Save and print these ideas for June simple family fun and you'll be ready for family time any time.

  • June Indoor Family Adventures

  • Even in summer, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. Save these ideas for a rainy day, a steamy hot day, or anytime you’re looking for some indoor fun.

  • 7. Have a letter writing evening and write letters to faraway family or friends. Use pretty stationary or decorate your own with markers and stickers. You can even go all in with a fun set of personalized notecards for your kids like this set from EightTwentyOneStudio.

  • 8. Go to the grocery store or farmer’s market and buy a few new-to-you fruits (or vegetables). Have a family taste test and maybe you’ll find a new favorite snack.

  • 9. Learn to make play dough together. You can find many fun recipes on my play dough Pinterest board. Gather up some loose parts (like rocks, pipe cleaners, or craft foam pieces) and start creating.

  • 10. Discover a new genre of music together through books and music. YouTube and your local library are both great resources.

Get ready for summer with some family adventures! Save and print these ideas for June simple family fun and you'll be ready for family time any time.

  • Which of these June simple family fun ideas are you going to add to your calendar this month?
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