Let’s face it – life will not be going back to normal after the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.
As much as we may want to hug each one of our friends and let all our kids drool on the same toys, social distancing is still necessary this summer.
Need to stay 6 feet away from others? Check. Want to keep the kids’ friends outside? Check. Need the kids to burn off some energy, keep entertained, and make lasting summer memories? Check, check, & check.
We can still make the best of this strange situation! Kids and adults alike will enjoy this specific list of social distancing-friendly summer bucket list ideas.
Challenge your family to complete as many as possible and make the most of your time together!
>> Check out 15 Best Games for Zoom or Videoconference for even more distance between your family and others.
Outdoor Backyard Fun
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- Sidewalk Chalk Art – it doesn’t matter their age or interests, every kid loves drawing with sidewalk chalk! Whether it’s drawing whatever pops into their imagination or creating the latest trend of geometric patterns, this activity can be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults alike. Buying on Amazon may be easier, but sidewalk chalk is much cheaper at places like Target or Michaels.
- Water Balloon Fight – when my sister and I were young, we would spend hours filling old-fashioned water balloons one at a time. While more expensive, these instant water balloons are ready-to-go in 60 seconds! Oh to be a child today.
>> Want the grown-ups to join in? Check out these Water Balloon Games for Adults!
- Paint Pet Rocks – when I was a kid, we just collected rocks for fun. Now, a trend is to find a rock, paint it with an inspiring message or picture, and then hide it for someone else to find and rehide. We could all use some positivity and good feels these days! If you can’t find palm-size rocks outside, you can buy a Hide & Seek Rock Painting Kit.
- Plant a Garden – not only will this entertain the family for the time it takes to plant, but gardens also need daily attention with picking weeds, watering, and harvesting!
This is also the best kind of educational experience – the kind that teaches a life skill. - Water Games – get creative! Your kids could probably spend all day outdoors playing with water.
Visit Fabulessly Frugal for 10 Fun Backyard Water Games to check off your summer bucket list, like Water Tag, Duck Duck Splash, and Ice Chalk.
Adventures Away-From-Home
- Pick Fruit at Your Local Orchard – we love our local orchard because they not only have the most delicious fruit to hand pick, but they also have wonderful children’s programs and lots of fun for the whole family.
- Take a Family Road Trip – mid to post-pandemic is the perfect time to pack up the family and go camping in your tent or RV.
Lots of fresh air, space between you and other campers, and a change of scenery are just what we all need right now.
Road trips have always been one of my favorite summer bucket list adventures! - Go Fishing – this is a timeless skill for children to learn and a fun experience for the whole family.
>> I don’t personally enjoy fishing, but I do enjoy time with my husband and family – so I’m happy to tag along and read a book.
- Take a Bike Ride – for a while, bicycles were sold out everywhere we looked. It seemed everyone wanted to get outdoors yet still remain socially distant from others.
Get some fresh air and exercise with the whole family by cycling through your neighborhood or a local trail.
- Go to the Skatepark – Little tikes may enjoy a skatepark during off-hours when they can use scooters or enjoy the ramps on foot.
However, if your kids are older, by all means take them to a skatepark that matches their skill level.
- Get Out on the Water – your local lake or river is the perfect spot for kayaking, swimming, or anything else that gets you out of the summer heat!
>> If it’s a rainy day, check out 14 Fun & Free At-Home Indoor Activities for Kids for some more fun!
Play at the Park
- Picnic – pack up a large picnic blanket, tasty lunch, and a frisbee for an afternoon in the sun. It’s just what the doctor ordered – a carefree day unplugged from technology!
- Disc Golf – find a park that has a disc golf course and enjoy a socially distanced game with a friend! Here’s a great Three-Disc Starter Set – or just use a frisbee from home!
- Kite Flying – does the thought of this not take you way back to your childhood? Kites can be super cheap, and they provide fun, digital-free entertainment! Check out these cool kites on Amazon that are a little more expensive but will likely last longer.
- Hike a Trail – whether you set out on your favorite trail or find a new path, enjoy the scenic route and exercise with your family. I personally would MUCH rather go on a hike than go to the gym!
- Group Games – The number of games you can play at the park are limitless, and I bet your kids have a whole bunch they’ve been dying to play with others!Frisbee, dodgeball, four square, and capture the flag are a few of my favorites. What are your favorite park games?
>> Too close for comfort? Check out 15 Best Games for Zoom or Videoconference for even more distance between you and others.
Nighttime Entertainment
- Drive-In Movie – in the area we live, a few local parks and businesses have been hosting drive-in movie nights.
Check your local listings to find out if there is one near you. You’ll save a boatload on movie theater popcorn and snacks!
- Bonfire & S’mores – maybe you have a designated fire pit or maybe you have an area you can temporarily turn into a fire ring – either way, break out the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers!
- Outdoor Movie Night – If you don’t want to travel to a drive-in movie, host an outdoor movie night of your own!
Visit Taste of Home to get all the details about how to host the perfect outdoor movie night!
Share with us what you’re most looking forward to checking off your summer bucket list!
About the Author
I love all of these ideas! My son is getting old enough to do some of these activities, so I will definitely be coming back to this list once it’s warmer!
Such great ideas for this summer. I am looking forward to doing some of them with my family.