My Family’s Zero-Pressure Summer Bucket List

At first glance, the concept of a “summer bucket list” might seem like a really bad idea.
I mean, by its very nature a bucket list is just another to-do list (albeit a fun one), and if you’re anything like me, you have enough of those in your life already!
No, summer is supposed to be different. It’s supposed to be about slowing down, kicking back, and savoring life’s sweet moments—not about checking things off and getting things done.
That’s why this year my family is making an alternative kind of summer bucket list, one that doesn’t come along with so many requirements or restraints.
It’s the kind of bucket list that will leave you feeling “lazy” rather than accomplished—which is actually quite perfect for the lazy days of summer!
My Family’s Zero-Pressure Summer Bucket List
Take an impromptu road trip.
There are so many places we want to visit as a family—many of them well within driving distance—but we haven’t gotten there yet because planning a day away with two young children sounds downright exhausting.
Solution? Nix the planning. We’ll just gather the essentials, jump in the car, and see where we end up!
Plant something.
Maybe it will be a tree in our backyard. Maybe it will be fresh flowers in the beds around our house. Or perhaps we’ll all pitch in and tend to the veggies in my husband’s garden.
Ultimately, I don’t really care what we plant—just that we all get our hands in the dirt and reconnect with the outdoors that beckons to us over the summer months.
Go for a picnic…in the backyard.
If we make it to a park, that’s great! But if not, there’s no reason not to spread out the blanket and dine al fresco right in our own backyard.
All we have to do is throw together some sandwiches, cut up some fresh fruit, and grab a summery drink. Our top pick this year? Simply Lemonade® with Raspberry.
It’s the perfect combo of refreshing: Simply Lemonade® and sweet summer raspberries. Delicious because of what’s in it (great-tasting fruit, never-from-concentrate juices) and all natural because of what’s not (added preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors).
The best part of a backyard picnic? If you forget something—say, napkins, which always seem to slip my mind—you can just run back inside and grab ‘em!
Star gaze.
Once the bright light of the summer sun goes down, we’ll all lie down on a blanket together and simply admire the expanse of sky above us.
Because the best conversations always happen while you’re admiring the stars.
Get wet.
Some days it might be at the community pool, others in the backyard with the sprinkler, and still others at a friend’s house where we’ll fill up the water balloons and go to town.
In any case, we’ll be finding plenty of fun and relaxing ways to cool off.
Enjoy a family fun night.
The slower pace of summer is perfect for spending the evening hours all together. This season I foresee a family movie night (complete with popcorn and a Disney Pixar flick, no doubt) and a family game night. My 3-year-old’s getting quite good at hide-and-seek, so I better watch out!
Sip slowly.
Is there anything better than the first taste of a refreshing drink on a hot summer day?
The summer months are made not for gulping down your beverage, but savoring every thirst-quenching sip. I can’t wait to recline in my backyard swing or chill out at my picnic table, soak up the sunshine, and slowly enjoy a glass of Simply Lemonade with Raspberry.
I can feel good about drinking it, too, because—as the name suggests—it’s made with the simplest of ingredients: pure filtered water, sugar, not-from-concentrate lemon juice and raspberry puree, and natural flavors.
The perfect drink for a lazy summer day.
Take evening strolls.
Not races. Not power walks. Just leisurely strolls in the welcome cool of a summer evening.
Watch a sunset.
When I’m stressed, watching a sunset is one of the best ways to let my frustration fade away. The changing shades of red, orange, and pink, the way the glowing light recedes ever-so-slowly—it’s one of the most calming scenes nature gives us.
This summer, I want my whole family to experience some sunsets together. No deadlines, no schedules, just uninterrupted family time in front of a beautiful sight.
Meet someone new.
During the rest of the year we’re often so busy with work, school, and activities that we lose touch with what’s most important: CONNECTION.
This summer I want my family to have plenty of time and space to connect with each other, of course, but I also want to see us make some new friends. Maybe a new neighbor, maybe a new friend at day camp, or maybe the new worker at the farmers’ market.
It doesn’t really matter who it is, just that we’re using the calm of summer to forge new connections with those around us.
Sleep in.
Because we could certainly use the extra shut-eye!
And yes, the goal is for everyone to sleep in (including both the preschooler and the baby). Hey, it wouldn’t be a bucket list without a little dreaming, right? 😉
What’s on YOUR summer bucket list this year? Share in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!
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Jun 06, 2016 @ 14:31:49
going camping is on my bucket list
Jun 06, 2016 @ 14:34:01
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/739887777571971072
Jun 06, 2016 @ 15:01:29
I like this Simply Lemonade with Raspberry drink! So refreshing and I am so excited to get to take a vacation with the kids this year! We are going to California!
Jun 06, 2016 @ 15:03:36
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/739895336148209665
Jun 06, 2016 @ 18:29:26
We want to go to a water park and a professional baseball game.
Jun 06, 2016 @ 20:12:06
This summer my bucket list includes training for a marathon, traveling to Georgia to visit family, painting my bathroom and kayaking!!
Jun 06, 2016 @ 20:13:38
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/739973296230268928
Jun 06, 2016 @ 20:55:28
I would like to take my kids to the beach this summer and look for shells.
Jun 06, 2016 @ 21:01:17
Going camping and fishing with my sons. Thanks so much.
Jun 06, 2016 @ 21:02:38
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/739985778487513088
Thanks so much.
Jun 06, 2016 @ 22:36:07
Family road trip is on my summer bucket list this year.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jun 06, 2016 @ 22:36:45
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/740008165152956416
Jun 07, 2016 @ 00:28:44
going sky diving
Jun 07, 2016 @ 00:29:44
https://twitter.com/ccntx/status/740037956325478401
Jun 07, 2016 @ 01:34:05
to go camping with our friends and 6 DMB concerts
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Jun 07, 2016 @ 01:34:36
tweet- https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/740054259589382145
Jun 07, 2016 @ 07:51:39
Taking a road trip to Oregon is on my bucket list.
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Jun 07, 2016 @ 07:52:19
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/740149310822588417
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Jun 07, 2016 @ 09:27:24
Tweet- https://twitter.com/mitadav/status/740173111992156160
Jun 07, 2016 @ 09:29:52
This summer my bucket list includes traveling to California to visit family, Hiking and kayaking!
Jun 07, 2016 @ 09:48:19
I want to explore more trails and nature walking paths and maybe go camping.
$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway - Giveaway Promote
Jun 07, 2016 @ 10:35:10
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Jun 07, 2016 @ 11:03:19
Go to the beach!
Jun 07, 2016 @ 11:10:44
I would love to go on a few day trips this summer.
Jun 07, 2016 @ 11:14:10
I would love to take a day trip to amish country in Indiana
Jun 07, 2016 @ 20:05:32
I want to try skydiving this summer
Jun 07, 2016 @ 20:06:27
https://twitter.com/bagelburrito/status/740334074565255168
Jun 07, 2016 @ 20:57:54
Love your list! My summer bucket list is similar…such as do nothing, sleep in, hit the beach, a small road trip, enjoy some evening cocktails, girls night out, etc. 🙂
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Jun 07, 2016 @ 20:59:09
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/740347231539105792
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Jun 07, 2016 @ 21:34:56
One of the things on my summer bucket list is to try at least one new restaurant in my city.
Jun 07, 2016 @ 21:37:30
https://twitter.com/sweeper785/status/740356944481771520
tweeted
Jun 08, 2016 @ 05:27:09
I want to visit the zoo this year.
Jun 08, 2016 @ 05:27:58
https://twitter.com/VicVac7/status/740475371691249664
Jun 08, 2016 @ 05:48:12
I am hoping to visit my mom this summer/
Jun 08, 2016 @ 05:48:29
I’m planning to go to Atlantic City with my senior center this month.
Jun 08, 2016 @ 06:06:18
My husband’s favorite berry is a raspberry. He always buys the raspberry tea, but we will now have to try the lemonade. We never go on vacation. We have a cat rescue for elderly cats, and they keep us pretty busy.
Jun 08, 2016 @ 06:08:23
Twitter share / https://twitter.com/AudreyS23511436/status/740485412255375360
Jun 08, 2016 @ 08:23:00
Spending a weekend at Siesta Beach, FL is on my summer bucket list this year!
Jun 08, 2016 @ 08:28:27
I tweeted about this promotion. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/740520367672942592
Jun 08, 2016 @ 08:53:35
A summer bucket list is a fantastic idea. Reading 10 books each is a family summer bucket list item
Jun 08, 2016 @ 09:06:30
My family’s bucket list has a trip to Disneyland and some beach time
Jun 08, 2016 @ 09:09:41
https://twitter.com/CorningMelanie/status/740531135147446273
Jun 08, 2016 @ 09:53:50
Camping, boating, fishing, King’s Island, having baby number 4 we have quite the bucket list this year.
Jun 08, 2016 @ 14:34:40
Long overdue road trips for visits with cherished relatives.
Jun 08, 2016 @ 14:37:52
go camping
Jun 08, 2016 @ 15:22:31
My Summer bucket list includes traveling to become a god mom for a first time and taking my youngest on his first plane ride, a visit from my boyfriend while he is home from the military and ending it with our first vacation together. Can’t wait!
Jun 08, 2016 @ 17:16:18
a road trip to wisconsin that starts tomorrow
Jun 08, 2016 @ 17:31:55
We have family coming into town, so are staying home this summer. We want to swim a ton though!
Jun 08, 2016 @ 17:33:01
Sent a tweet.
https://twitter.com/Denigan17/status/740657794504744961
Jun 08, 2016 @ 22:06:03
We go to Ocean City, MD every summer but this year I’d like to get to Niagara Falls also.
Jun 08, 2016 @ 23:03:51
https://twitter.com/XArea51/status/740741086285438976
Jun 08, 2016 @ 23:04:58
My summer bucket list includes going to the beach at some point to escape this crazy heat!
Jun 09, 2016 @ 10:51:41
We are taking a family vacation to Virginia Beach this Summer:) thanks for the chance!
Jun 09, 2016 @ 12:41:44
We are going to Busch Gardens.
Jun 09, 2016 @ 12:43:18
https://twitter.com/HollyThomas61/status/740947263036510208
Jun 09, 2016 @ 14:45:41
It’s on my summer bucket list to do sky diving in San Fran.
Jun 09, 2016 @ 16:02:50
To spend as much time at the beach on Lake Michigan
Jun 09, 2016 @ 19:25:37
My summer bucket list includes spending time at the beach and visiting family! 🙂
Jun 09, 2016 @ 19:26:44
I tweeted – https://twitter.com/lauralynnrose/status/741048820683792384
Jun 09, 2016 @ 19:38:21
My bucket list includes doing water aerobic exercises in our pool, and reading a few books on my must-read list!
Jun 09, 2016 @ 20:21:03
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/amweeks/status/741062450737483776
Jun 10, 2016 @ 14:49:46
We’re planning a road trip this summer.
Jun 10, 2016 @ 17:59:15
Water skiing is on my Summer bucket list this year.
Jun 11, 2016 @ 22:58:29
I would love to make it to the beach this Summer.
cshell090869 at aol dot com
Jun 11, 2016 @ 23:02:54
tweeted https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/741827949498765313
cshell090869 at aol dot com
Jun 12, 2016 @ 12:28:27
Our bucket list includes a trip to Williamsburg and camping with my in-laws.
Jun 12, 2016 @ 23:46:58
What a shame you feel the need to advertise so blatantly. Have you sold out recently or was this site always like this? Completely irrelevant to those of us not in America, even if it really were a ‘family favourite’ and not a paid-for advert, and it ruins the rest of the article. On my bucket list this summer? Unsubscribing from blogs which waste time I should be spending with my kids. I thought this was a different one. Sadly not.
Jun 13, 2016 @ 13:26:17
I’m sorry you feel that way. Running a blog takes a serious amount of time and effort, and I do believe that bloggers deserve to be compensated for their efforts. Partnering with brands is one way to make that happen, and I am dedicated to writing sponsored content that provides value and engagement for readers.
Jun 13, 2016 @ 16:21:58
I want to take a weekend getaway with friends this weekend.
Jun 15, 2016 @ 00:50:08
I would love to go to the mountains this summer.
Jun 15, 2016 @ 07:49:43
Early morning walks on the beach
Jun 15, 2016 @ 07:55:55
https://twitter.com/hogansmom/status/743048813502464000
Jun 15, 2016 @ 16:24:28
https://twitter.com/Natashalamoreu1/status/743177247243309056
Jun 15, 2016 @ 16:25:25
My summer bucket list is taking my kids to Disneyland!
Jun 16, 2016 @ 21:14:03
Going to the San Diego Zoo is on our summer bucket list!
JenniferAnne74 @ aol.com
Jun 16, 2016 @ 21:15:08
Tweet
https://twitter.com/Jennai/status/743612817421402112
JenniferAnne74@aol.com
Jun 17, 2016 @ 14:22:52
This summer, my goal is to take my daughter to Ocean City. There is a place on the boardwalk that sells the most amazing french fries and she is dying to try them. All the way to Maryland for french fries…. oh yea!! 🙂
Jun 18, 2016 @ 21:14:29
Just hanging out with my daughter during swim lessons!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Jun 21, 2016 @ 16:10:58
I want to take my wife and kids to the prison where they filmed Shawshank Redemption and visit Cedar Point.
Jun 21, 2016 @ 16:11:53
I shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/745348386509983744.
Jun 22, 2016 @ 20:21:11
I’m planning a road trip to Southern California later this summer. I’m excited about it.
Jun 22, 2016 @ 20:22:24
I tweeted https://twitter.com/shanerus2/status/745773898453626880
Jun 24, 2016 @ 23:47:36
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/746076320824721409
Jun 24, 2016 @ 23:51:33
I don’t have a bucket list, but I do have a goal to get outside for an hour each day. Rain or shine!
Jun 27, 2016 @ 17:53:28
This summer I’m finally going to take some time off and really connect with my family!
Jun 27, 2016 @ 19:36:32
this year I would love to do a big cookout with a bunch of my family and friends!
Jul 01, 2016 @ 23:18:01
On my summer bucket list is to swim in an ocean – I still haven’t done that!
thank you
Jul 01, 2016 @ 23:18:56
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/749079003319963648
Jul 10, 2016 @ 13:22:04
get back into mountain biking
Jul 10, 2016 @ 21:07:12
On our list: camping, day trips to visit friends & family, go to a few baseball games and say “yes” to whatever other fun things come up!
Jul 10, 2016 @ 21:08:36
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/752308122748792833
Jul 11, 2016 @ 15:01:49
Just got back from camping with my 3 teenage granddaughters.
Jul 11, 2016 @ 15:03:22
https://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/752578845300039681
Jul 13, 2016 @ 18:12:52
Lots of camping on my bucket list for this summer.
Jul 13, 2016 @ 18:14:49
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/753351905447772160
Jul 14, 2016 @ 16:20:35
Not really a bucket list but when summer started I decided I wanted to use it to get healthier.
Jul 30, 2016 @ 15:49:55
Going fishing and camping. Thanks so much.
Jul 30, 2016 @ 15:51:08
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/759476318102753280 Thanks again
Aug 01, 2016 @ 03:08:58
On my summer bucket list is to visit Lake George, NY and take a boat tour of the lake.
Aug 02, 2016 @ 20:16:23
Going on a picnic on our farm is on my summer bucket list this year. There’s a creek that runs through it and it is beautiful, but we don’t make the most of it.
https://twitter.com/arlandriaw/status/760630045434077184
Aug 03, 2016 @ 21:36:47
road trip to Yellowstone with my son
Aug 03, 2016 @ 21:37:25
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/761012982545539072
Aug 09, 2016 @ 19:56:13
Our family has enjoyed camping while we have the nice weather. My kids also enjoy fishing on our boat.
Aug 09, 2016 @ 19:59:00
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/763162116610228224
Aug 10, 2016 @ 14:32:22
That lemonade looks sooo good right now lol. I think I’ll add stopping at the store to pick up more pink lemonade to my summer bucket list.
Aug 10, 2016 @ 14:34:07
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/Xenokitten/status/763443102392672256
Aug 14, 2016 @ 20:13:15
make smores in our fire pit
Aug 15, 2016 @ 14:11:40
Plans are iffy, but I still have a road trip to the beach on my summer bucket list this year.
Aug 15, 2016 @ 14:13:04
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/765249801948688384
Aug 18, 2016 @ 01:55:46
I’d love to just go on a vacation! Haha
Aug 18, 2016 @ 01:57:02
Tweet: https://twitter.com/LittleMomMaid/status/766150883914625025
Aug 18, 2016 @ 11:06:41
Mythical and magical fantasy like witches and enchantress things. Always a fave those things.
Aug 21, 2016 @ 07:39:31
Going high hiking to Colorado
Aug 23, 2016 @ 13:49:07
Go to disneyland.
Aug 24, 2016 @ 19:28:29
Going to the beach is on my Summer bucket list.
Aug 24, 2016 @ 19:30:40
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/768591135199473664
Aug 25, 2016 @ 15:11:19
On my bucket list this summer was to go on a cruise and it is still there fingers crossed it happens next year
Aug 26, 2016 @ 12:05:44
I like the lemonade idea. Briliant.
Aug 27, 2016 @ 03:33:16
Going to the Grand Canyon was on my bucket list this summer and I was able to go in July.
Aug 28, 2016 @ 02:22:18
surfing is something we want to do
Aug 31, 2016 @ 00:05:21
On my bucket list was a getaway for just my husband and me. We haven’t made it happen yet.
Sep 01, 2016 @ 06:24:58
Read a couple of good books and go for a bike ride with family every week
Sep 01, 2016 @ 06:26:26
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/771292943466594304
Sep 02, 2016 @ 14:49:20
going to the beach with family
Sep 03, 2016 @ 07:53:40
I met one of my summer bucket list goals by spending a lazy afternoon at the lake with my grandson. We plan to go again before summer is completely over.
Sep 03, 2016 @ 07:54:58
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/772040067007205376
Sep 03, 2016 @ 20:32:28
A Trip to the beach!
Sep 03, 2016 @ 20:34:21
Tweet https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/772230862129684480
Sep 04, 2016 @ 17:00:01
I want to go on a camping trip.
Sep 04, 2016 @ 17:00:48
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/772539874264113157
Sep 04, 2016 @ 21:13:51
My summer bucket list is to keep on working in my yard to make it more beautiful every day.
Sep 04, 2016 @ 21:14:19
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/772603483061121024
Sep 04, 2016 @ 21:37:29
Camping by the lake!
Sep 04, 2016 @ 21:49:22
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/772612209516085250
Sep 05, 2016 @ 00:21:49
we went to Las Vegas this summer
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
Sep 05, 2016 @ 00:23:38
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/772651205084393472
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
Sep 05, 2016 @ 00:26:24
My summer bucket list was a road trip with the family and we went from NC to FL, and NC to DC. Had a blast at Universal.
Sep 05, 2016 @ 00:40:40
https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/772655499930132480
Sep 05, 2016 @ 11:40:57
i love the to go the state fair
Sep 05, 2016 @ 11:42:05
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/772818330432507904
Sep 05, 2016 @ 11:55:25
I keep cool by drinking lemonade! truckedford(at)gmail(Dot)com
Sep 05, 2016 @ 11:57:18
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/772825824642727936
Sep 05, 2016 @ 12:11:17
going to the ocean
Sep 05, 2016 @ 12:13:29
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/772829512589508608
Sep 05, 2016 @ 14:18:56
https://twitter.com/QueenB_Tammy/status/772861348661305344
Sep 05, 2016 @ 14:19:59
We checked off everything on our Summer Bucket List!
Sep 05, 2016 @ 14:30:57
A kitchen remodeling has been on my summer bucket list this year. It has not been an easy summer.
Sep 05, 2016 @ 14:32:04
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/772864180735074304
Sep 05, 2016 @ 15:55:06
#SweepstakesEntry- comment
road trip to New Jersey to visit my mom
kacor7@hotmail.com
Sep 05, 2016 @ 15:57:47
To visit hershey park this year
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Sep 05, 2016 @ 15:59:16
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/772883813668098048
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Sep 05, 2016 @ 16:11:46
#SweepstakesEntry – tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/772887114266664960
Sep 05, 2016 @ 22:21:21
Love those pretty photos! 🙂 My summer bucket list had “one more bbq” on it and now I’ll add “…with this drink” to that 🙂
anastasiafalling@gmail.com
Sep 05, 2016 @ 22:21:52
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/772982747002392577
anastasiafalling@gmail.com