As a family who travels with our kids 12-15 times per year, our summer bucket list ideas for travel is long. Summer is often the best time for family travel. It’s when we can fit in multiple trips and adventures that range from a week at the beach in Anna Maria Island, FL to 10 days in Europe to two weeks in Hawaii with kids (plus a few weekend trips sprinkled in as well.)
Because our kids get out of school in early June and don’t return until September, we have a lot of time to maximize our trips and our bucket list ideas for travel is robust. So many of my friends and readers are often asking for bucket list ideas for summer. Whether that is where is the best place to plan a family vacation or how to make a summer staycation feel like a fun trip, it’s one of the top questions I am asked.
We have been to so many destinations with our kids, that I have many recommendations for where to travel with kids in the summer (as well as where to avoid and visit another time of year.) As the weather gets warmer and the kids get out of school, you want your big summer vacation and all the fun activities you can do as a family to be great, especially if it’s the only time of year you can take a vacation.
Planning a vacation the entire family loves and will remember forever is a big responsibility. But luckily you’re in the right place. As someone who has traveled the world from relaxing beaches to dude ranches to international locations, I know firsthand that these experiences mean so much to our whole family.
Now you have plenty of options to consider, as I created this list of fun ideas to do this summer with family members and friends. You’ll find great ideas for an epic summer bucket list. Be sure to click on the destinations if you want to learn more about how to plan a trip to those destinations.
This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase using this link. See my disclosures. Cover photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids
Best Places in the U.S.A. for Your Summer Bucket List
Below are some of our favorite some of our favorite summer vacation bucket list locations for inspiration for your own bucket list.
Hawaii
We love Hawaii so much and try to go there once a year because there’s just so much to do, like:
- Paddle boarding
- Swimming
- Discovering the Hawaiian culture, including food and traditions
- Hiking in Volcanoes National Park
- Visiting the gorgeous pristine beaches
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Fishing
And so much more. If you’re planning on going to Hawaii, this packing list can help you prepare for your trip.
Oahu
The island of Oahu is a great place to visit for kids of all ages because it has tons of things to do. It’s also a great first Hawaiian island to visit. Plus, as the hub of Hawaiian history and life, it deserves to be on every bucket list. Summer is a great time to visit Oahu because temperatures are in the 80s, an it is not too humid.
Kauai
Now, Kauai is different from the other Hawaiian islands and is known for its lush, stunning views and scenery. It’s not surprising that it was one of the filming locations for Jurassic Park! Like all of the Hawaiian islands, visiting in summer is great because you can do a lot of the outdoor activities and it’s not typically rainy.
Maui
I won’t lie; Maui is our family’s favorite Hawaiian island. Although it may be known as a destination for honeymooners, it’s perfect for families, too. We visit Maui every August and like the other islands, it’s a great time for the weather and maximizing your vacation and all Maui has to offer.
Big Island
The island of Hawaii is the largest and oldest Hawaiian island and allows you to travel through three different climate zones and see massive volcanoes. We love the educational nature of the Big Island and how different it looks to the other islands.
New England
As someone who lives in New England, we travel the area often and have been all over with my family when our kids were all ages.
Maine
Summer is a great time to visit Maine. The weather is beautiful, it’s full of activities, and it’s quite diverse. Whether you visit the coast and stay at a beautiful hotel like the Cliff House or enjoy hiking and nature at Acadia National Park, there is much to do in this tiny state. It’s great to visit in the summer and fall to see the foliage, and you must try the Maine lobster while you’re there.
Cape Cod
A great place for your summer family vacation is Cape Cod. Known for its lighthouse, beautiful beaches, and natural beauty, not to mention all of the family-friendly activities, it’s an idealistic old fashioned family vacation the New England way. You can rent a VRBO or stay in one of the many family-friendly hotels (we love the Red Jacket hotels). It’s also home to hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, cliffs, deep blue waves, as well as many marine life and birds.
Vermont
We love visiting Vermont in the winter for skiing, but it is also an amazing summer destination. It’s known for its unique covered bridges, maple syrup, apple pie, and New England history. If you are interested in a destination summer experience in Vermont, Smuggler’s Notch offers year round activities including the summer, and it’s one of the best family resorts in New England.
Martha’s Vineyard
As a New Englander, I love taking the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard as many Boston area families spend their summers here. It is known for its miles of cliffs and coastline, as well as marshlands, wildflower fields, and two wildlife sanctuaries. The island is also rather diverse and varied with distinct neighborhoods and unique architecture that range from more colonial style in Edgartown to the iconic gingerbread Victorian homes and whimsical feel of Oak Bluff. You can enjoy beautiful, natural and quiet beaches, bike riding, hiking, shopping and excellent dining in Martha’s Vineyard.
Florida
I spent many years living in Florida, even working at Walt Disney World. What I love about Florida is that it provides a a range from a traditional beach experience to diverse towns to the theme park hub of Orlando. You can enjoy staying in a busy place like Miami or Orlando, enjoy history and unique old towns in places like St. Augustine, or take a quiet beach vacation at Anna Maria Island or the Vero Beach Disney resort. But for the time of summer, here’s where I recommend.
Anna Maria Island
For the last several summers, we have enjoyed this beautiful island in June or July. Anna Maria Island is a picturesque seven-mile beach town with a coastline and water that mirrors the Caribbean with its teal color and clarity. It’s the place for a low-key beach vacation with less hustle and bustle.
While it is hot in the summer, the beautiful, crystal clear ocean is a great place to cool off. Plus, there are many rental homes through VRBO with pools making it a great place to enjoy a beach vacation in the summer.
Kennedy Space Center
I have to admit, that our kids love the Kennedy Space Center, where they can learn all about past space missions, the U.S. space program, and innovative technology. For the kids who want to be astronauts when they grow up, this is the perfect place to visit in Florida. In that much of this destination is indoors, it is a good place to visit in the summer.
Vero Beach
If you want a more relaxing Disney experience without days filled with rides and activities, you’ll love the Disney Vacation Club’s Vero Beach property. You can totally have a relaxing Florida beach vacation sprinkled with low-key Disney magic. We have visited here in the summer and its a great beach destination for your summer bucket list if you want some Disney but want to avoid Orlando in the summer.
USA National Parks
National Parks make great summer destinations because there are so many things to do and many of them are inaccessible in the winter. If you love camping and the great outdoors, as well as epic hiking, choosing a national park summer vacation is perfect.
Yellowstone
As one of the most well-known and largest national parks in America, Yellowstone National Park was once a volcano, so it’s the perfect place for kids to learn more about the unique terrain, natural wonders, and wildlife. We love this diverse National Park which ranges from geothermal areas to lakes to so many animals like buffalos, wolves, and bears.
Glacier National Park
Summer in Glacier National Park is glorious and hiking here (which we have done a few times) is spectacular. Because the Going To The Sun Road is often closed due to snow until June, visiting it in July, August or September is the ideal time. Glacier National Park is the perfect vacation for your summer bucket list, with hiking, gorgeous scenery, and tons of wildlife. We love that it is so serene and unique, proving why many people vacation in Montana every year.
Best City Destinations for Your Summer Bucket List
Boston
If you want a vacation with plenty of things to do, then you must visit Boston. It’s one of the oldest cities in the nation where history meets modern life. It’s a great city to stay in, with many fun family activities within walking distance of each other.
As a New Englander, I am biased and think Boston is one of the best cities in America. With proximity to the ocean and mountains, plus so much history in this walkable city, it’s a great place to visit. There is a reason Boston is featured in so many movies!
You can take a boat ride to see whales, walk the Freedom Trail, visit the Aquarium and museums, and enjoy delicious Italian fare in the North End. Visit Quincy Market and Faneiul Hall and take a Duck Boat ride into the Charles River. Summer can be hot but there are many places to cool down (even sprinkle parks in the city), as well as beaches you can visit on both the North and South shores of Boston.
Seattle
The Pacific Northwest is uniquely beautiful, and there are many family-friendly things to do in places like Seattle, on the coast of Washington State. We also lived here and it is one of my favorite cities in the United States with so much to do for families.
From the iconic Space Needle and Pike Place Market to the secret underground tours, Seattle won’t disappoint. Food is also very high quality in Seattle, so you can be sure to enjoy many delicious meals (be sure to check out Cupcake Royale). It is also moderate in temperature all year round and might even be a bit chilly in the summer!
San Diego
My family and I have lived in many places and traveled all around the world, but there’s something unique about San Diego, California. Known as America’s Finest City with sunny, warm temperatures (but not humid,) there are plenty of interesting things to do while learning about its unique history. Be sure to visit the San Diego Zoo when you visit and Old Town for some interesting activities and culture and delcious food.
Best International Locations for Your Summer Bucket List
Summer is one of the best times to travel internationally to experience history and other cultures. As a previous expat living in another country, I know there are very few vacations that beat international trips. These are some of our favorite places to see outside the United States.
BVWK Tip
European capital cities can be crowded in the summer. So expect crowds and be sure to make reservations in advance for any tours, dining, etc. As Americans tend to eat earlier than most Europeans, often we can get times that we want for dining. But plan for crowds and taking breaks as the weather can be variable.
London, England
Jolly good London, England, is one of my favorite places to visit in the world. Having lived there twice (in the summer) it can be a great place to visit this time of year.
Not only is this city easy to navigate with kids, but it’s history, variety of parks and green spaces (some with swimming areas), castles and family-friendly activities make it a great place to visit. Summer can be warm and even sometimes rather hot. But there are plenty of spots to cool down and take a break while visiting this fantastic historic city.
Paris, France
Beautiful Paris, France, is another place with an amazing and unique history and culture, with iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower. You can even experience France’s version of Disney and find things to keep you entertained for days around the city and the French countryside (like staying in a castle).
Having also lived in Paris (in the summer), like London, Paris can be hot in the summer, but there are plenty of cafes and indoor destinations like the Louvre and Sacre Couer.
If you head to Provence (which is one of our favorite destinations), it will be even hotter. However, there are places to cool down like lakes, beaches, and many hotels and Bed and Breakfasts have pools.
Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its famous clocks, food, mountains, and winter sports, but it’s simply breathtaking and fun any time of year especially in summer. From visiting famous Swiss castles to tasting chocolate unlike any other to seeing (and hiking) a glacier, you won’t get bored on a trip to Switzerland.
We visited in July, and it is cooler in Switzerland (especially in the mountains) than it is in the capital cities like London and Paris. But, there are many activities, lakes (like Lake Lucerne) as well as indoor activities you can enjoy to cool down. Our family loved hiking in Switzerland, and it is hot but not unbearably so. It’s a great place to add to your summer bucket list for your family vacation.
Tuscany, Italy
While Italy can be very hot in the summer, a stay in a Tuscan Agriturismo is well worth doing. A farm stay where you can explore the local hilltop towns, wines, fresh sourced ingredients and food, as well as do unique cultural acitivites, Italy is a summer bucket list destination worth doing.
Our family visited Tuscany in July, and it was one of our favorite trips we have taken. While the city centers like Florence will be hot and crowded, an Agriturismo stay in Tuscany is more relaxed. It is also both affordable (especially for family travelers on a budget) and a great way to live like the Italians do, seeing off the beaten path locations and experiences.
Costa Brava and Barcelona, Spain
While Spain can be very hot in the summer, the coastal areas are a little cooler and well worth visiting. Our family spent two days in Barcelona and then the rest of our vacation enjoying the small hilltop towns of Bergur by e-bike, a fascinating walking tour of Girona, and enjoying the cliffs and ocean by kayak near the seaside town of Tossa de Mar.
If you have a day or two to spare in Barcelona, Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, and the homes of La Pedrera -Casa Mila and Casa Batllo are must-visits to enjoy Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces. I also recommend a cultural tour of tapas tasting to immerse your familly in Spanish and Catalonian culture.
Best Staycation and Local Activities for Your Family’s Summer Bucket List
Understandably, not everyone can take a large vacation with the whole family, whether money is tight or there’s no time to get away. You can still have a great time with fun summer activities everyone will love without the cost of traveling somewhere else. Summer bucket list ideas for a great family staycation include:
- Visit a local county fair and get funnel cakes or cotton candy
- Visit a local museum or art museum you’ve always wanted to but haven’t had the time
- Visit an amusement park
- Roast smores over a fire
- Eat sweet treats from an ice cream truck or make homemade ice cream you’ve never had before. There’s nothing better in the summer than sweet and creamy ice cream.
- Invite friends to an outdoor movie night or cookout
- Join in on a water balloon fight
- Visit your local farmer’s market (it’s probably one of the best-kept secrets for delicious produce and food where you live.)
- Watch fireworks
- Play board games or have a game night outside in warm weather for the hot summer days. These fun outdoor kid’s games from around the world can provide hours of entertainment.
- Take a day trip to a surrounding area you don’t visit often
- Open up a homemade lemonade stand with your kids
- Visit the local splash pad or water park
- Take a bike ride to a local park for a picnic and local wildlife and bird watching.
- Have a neighborhood block party or celebration, meet new friends, and organize a scavenger hunt.
- Visit the local swimming hole or neighborhood pool to cool off on a hot day.
- Take a dance class, local art class, or fun online class
- Catch fireflies
- Eat at a new restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try or try a cuisine you never have before
- Go to a local concert or music festival.
- A boat ride in a local lake, beach, or somewhere else
- Learn recipes from around the world
- Create an “at home” spa day
- Visit local historical places near you
- Be a tourist in your own town or city (take a trolly tour or Duck Boat if you have them)
Other Summer Vacation Options for your summer bucket list
Dude Ranch
Not too long ago, we took our first trip to a dude ranch in Montana, and now we are hooked. It’s a whole other family vacation where you get to learn about life on a ranch, ride horses, and spend nights around a campfire. It’s been one of our favorite places to visit to date, and yes, it’s great, even if you’re a city slicker.
Camping
Camping is the perfect vacation for summer-filled fun for people who love the outdoors. There’s something about sleeping under the stars and cooking over an open fire that makes the food taste better and takes the experience up a notch. From hiking the trails to bird watching to fishing and more, camping provides a unique experience with plenty of things to do.
Road Trip
Some of our most unique and fun vacation experiences have been road trips, which allow us to meander across the country and see unique sites every day. To get the most out of a road trip, you want to carefully plan out road trip snacks, fun activities, and what to pack for an epic family adventure.
Even if you only take a weekend road trip, it’s an epic vacation that will allow you to see the U.S. in a whole new way. To keep kids busy on the road and having fun, check out our Road Trip Activity Pack and our USA License Plate Game.
Cruise
Family cruising is great fun, especially if you head to warm beach destinations. Summer is a great time for cruising, as most cruiselines have pools and some have waterslides, mini golf, and even more activities.
While the summer is prime time for hurricane season in the Caribbean, you can certainly enjoy other cruise destinations like to Alaska, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Europe, and even from Boston/New York to Canada. We love the Disney Cruises and highly recommend them for a summer bucket list experience. Just remember that while cruises do travel to different locations, the cruise ship IS the destination, so enjoy all that the cruise has to offer.
Places You Shouldn’t Add to A Summer Bucket List
While we’ve talked about some fun places to visit this summer to spend time with family and friends, there are some locations I wouldn’t suggest you visit in the summer (other times of year are better.)
- Orlando (including Disney World and Universal Studios) is extremely hot this time of year and it thunderstorms daily. I recommend visiting Orlando in the fall through the spring for the best weather (the cheapest times to visit Disney on a budget are January and September.)
- Southwest (Sedona, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico) – Some of these locations make great spring break destinations but they are exceedingly hot in the summer (like over 100 degrees.)
- Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park – While we love these two parks, the temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in the summer, making it dangerous for hiking. If you visit in the summer, make sure to heed any warnings, drink and bring lots of water, and only hike early in the day to avoid the mid-day heat. It is also monsoon season in summer so terrenchial downpours are possible. I recommend it more in the spring (April through May) or early fall (September through October.)
- Caribbean – The summer is hurricane season, so I would avoid traveling here at that time. My favorite time to visit the Caribbean is in December through April.
These are lovely places, but they are extremely hot in the summer. I would recommend this for a fall, winter, or spring break bucket list.
FAQs
What is the most common thing to do in summer?
Summer is the perfect time of year to take family vacations when the kids are out of school. The most common fun summer activities for families are:
- Beach vacations
- Hiking or getting out into nature
- Attending festivals or concerts
- Hanging out at a pool
- Attending BBQs and picnics
- Play mini-golf
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all the fun things you can do to spend quality time with family members, even if you choose a staycation.
What shall I put on my bucket list?
Summertime is meant to live life to the fullest and create fun memories with your family. It really doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do it together. The summer activities you add to your list should cater to your family’s wants and needs, but some ideas include:
- Watch an outdoor movie
- Have a dance party in your yard
- Visit a local museum
- Spend the day at an amusement park
- Visit your local swimming hole or pool
- Do something in the great outdoors, like camping at a local state park close to home and hitting the hiking trails.
- Look for places close to home that would be perfect for day trips
- Visit a country you’ve never been to
- Visit all 50 states
- Watch the sun rise or set
- Overcome a feat or try something new
- Learn a foreign language.
- Go scuba diving
- Take a road trip somewhere new.
How to make the perfect bucket list?
I love that a bucket list is a fun way to plan for new vacations and experiences no matter what time of year it is. Brainstorm what you would like to do and ask everyone in the family to add their ideas to the list. We keep a list in a central area so we can add to it any time one of us has a new idea.
Anything your kids love makes a fun activity to add to the perfect bucket list. You can blow bubbles with the younger kids, have a water balloon fight, or make a blanket fort, as these activities are nostalgic and bring back childhood memories.
And don’t forget about being a tourist in your hometown! Far too often we forget about the unique and fun activities, history, and things to see in our own areas. But these make great summer bucket list ideas too.
It doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan but don’t hesitate to get out of your comfort zone if that is something your family would like to do. If you have a family of hikers, try finding a new trail to hike. Or if your ideal vacation is a weekend road trip, try to find a new place to visit with fun activities everyone will love.
Final Thoughts on Summer Vacation Bucket List Ideas
Whether you have older kids, younger children, or a mix of both, these are some of the best summer bucket list activities to mark the end of the school year. The goal is to be present all summer long (or as much as you can) and create lasting memories and experiences.
We all know kids grow up fast, so the summer is the best time to spend your free time as a family and create an epic summer itinerary that ensures nobody will get bored, even if you’re just doing a staycation.
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