The Summer Bucket List

Every summer I have all these things in mind to do with the kids. Some get accomplished. Some don't. Often time gets away from me before I get to do some of the things I really want to do. I have yet to plan our summer travel, so this list is just for some nearby fun or day trips. 

So far summer is off to a nice start. The kids have only been out of school for one week. Actually, my two youngest only got two full weekdays off and then started summer enrichment classes on Monday. My 7-year-old, who really wanted to be in the "Camp Invention" class, was really bummed when the class was filled and he couldn't get in. He ended up in "Deep Sea Dive" where he's studying all about the ocean and underwater creatures. Sounds fun to me. 

My 8-year-old is in the "Summer Musical" class. He was in the same class last year. He's my ham...always singing and VERY dramatic, so it's a nice fit for him. At the end of the class, there's a play that the parents get to come an watch. They go Monday through Thursday, so I plan to pack things in on Fridays and perhaps do some afternoon activities during the week. This year I wrote it all down, so I can check things off as we go along. (I've already got a few checked off!) Some will have more than one check mark next to them, I'm sure, like trips for ice cream or to the movies. Some are free. Some are inexpensive. Some are costly. So, I know not all are going to happen, but these are all reasonable things that are either very local or within an hour or so drive. I'm hoping to at least get half way through the list of 50 items. Do you have a summer bucket list? What are some of your favorite summer activities?

Summer Bucket List

Pool visit (maybe get passes)

X                     Sand Ridge Nature Center

Zig E’s Funland

Albanese Candy Co.

Deep River Water Park

X                     Library visit

Chelberg Farm

Wicker Park Splash Pad

Calumet City Fun Center

X                     Indiana Dunes

Frozen Yogurt Express in Munster

X                     Free Movie at Lansing 8

                        Zoo (Broofield or Washington Park)

                        Picnic at a local Park

                        Kite flying

X                     Berry Picking (strawberries)

                        Downtown day via Metra train

                        Roller Skating (free passes from school)

X                     Tyler’s Tender (free kid meal from birthday club)

                        Mini Golf

                        Wihala Beach

X                     49-er Drive In

                        Berry Picking (blueberries)

                        Green Lake Aquatic Center

                        Zoa Island

X                     Cubs game

                        Splash Pad (either Homewood or Valpo – one we haven’t been to)

                        Tyler’s Tender (take report cards – 5 tokens for each A)

                        Hollywood Park

                        Car Show

                        Out for a family breakfast

                        Boat ride                     

                        Find a new park to visit

                        Fishing

                        County fair

                        Minor league baseball game

                        Chinatown

                        Try Dairy Belle in Hammond

                        Hoosier Theatre

Try a new restaurant

                        Movie in the Park

X                     Attend a parade

                        Ribfest

                        Overnight at a campground

                        Farmer’s Market

                        Summer Concert

X                     Dairyville

                        Vintage Base Ball Game

                        Navy Pier

                        Cruise Night