Why I Use a Summer Bucket List (Not Daily Themes)

Summer with kids can feel like a blur of sunscreen, snack times, and "I'm bored!" moments. If you're anything like me, the pressure to have every day planned with picture-perfect themes can feel exhausting before July even starts.

That’s why I stopped planning summer by themes—and started using a bucket list instead.

This shift changed everything: less stress, more spontaneity, and most importantly, more joy.

Why I Switched from Daily Themes to a Bucket List

Two years ago, I realized that sticking to pre-set theme days (like Pajama Day or Wear Red Day) just wasn’t working for my dayhome or the families I serve. Themes were often forgotten, weather would ruin our plans, and sometimes—no one even showed up because of holidays.

Instead of over-planning and getting burned out, I created a Summer Bucket List: a flexible guide full of simple activity ideas we could choose from based on the kids’ energy, interests, and the weather.

No more guilt. No more rigid schedules. Just options.

✨ A Child-Led Summer That Still Has Structure

My summer bucket list isn’t a “do-it-all” list. It’s a framework. One that keeps our days intentional without being overly scheduled.

Here’s how I use it:

• ✅ I create the list with the kids—they help choose activities and we leave space to add more

• ✅ It’s printed and visible, not hidden away in a binder

• ✅ We look at it when we need inspiration or ideas

• ✅ Some days we choose ahead, other days we decide in the moment

• ✅ I keep most materials on hand so we can jump into an activity easily

If the kids want to make lemonade but I don’t have lemons? We wait and do it another day. If I don’t have the energy to make slime indoors, we save it for a warm day outside. The bucket list also lets me hold boundaries—I’m willing to do a lot, but not everything on any given day.

What I Love Most: Autonomy + Flexibility

This system empowers the children. It’s collaborative and responsive. The kids pick which park we visit on Park Day. They help decide what to bake on Baking Day. They can even say, “Let’s do water balloons today!”—and if I have them on hand, we go for it.

And when someone says, “I’m bored,” I just point to the list.

🌟 Want to try it for yourself?
👉 Download my free Summer Bucket List here

You’ll get:

• 20+ simple, joyful activity ideas

• A printable version to display

• Space to add your own

🛒 My Favourite Tools to Make Summer Happen (Amazon Finds)

Here are a few of my favorite Amazon finds that make our summer bucket list activities easier to prep, more fun for the kids, and way less stressful for me as a solo educator:

💦 Water Play Wonders

• Plastic Beakers for Water Play – These are a hit for mixing colored water, pouring, scooping, and making magic potions. Sturdy, kid-sized, and perfect for spontaneous backyard science.

🎨 Creative Essentials

• Tie-Dye Kit – A summer classic! This kit is easy to use, comes with vibrant colors, and turns plain t-shirts into personalized art. Great for a memorable keepsake activity.

  

🎨 Rock Painting Must-Have

• Paint Pens – These make rock painting a breeze—no mess, no need for brushes, and super vibrant colors. Ideal for outdoor art days or making kindness rocks for your neighborhood.

(Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—thank you for supporting my small business!) 

A Summer That Feels Good (Not Overwhelming)

Summer doesn’t need to be perfectly planned. It just needs:

• Options for joy

• Space for spontaneity

• Time outdoors

• And permission to go slow

My summer bucket list lets me do all that—without the burnout. I hope it helps you do the same.

✨ Click here to download the free bucket list
📌 Save this post or share it with another educator or parent who could use a little less stress this summer.

P.S.
If planning meals all summer feels like just one more thing, I’ve got you covered. My Simple Meal Plan Cards take the guesswork out of breakfasts, lunches, and snacks—with ideas that are kid-approved and educator-tested. 💛
👉 Grab your set here and make summer mealtime simple.