Confession: I am an all-things-Fall kind of person. I start getting the itch for autumn in July and typically start watching Fall movies, using fall candles and making seasonal food come August. BUT! I am trying to live into the seasons more so than rush them.
The way I see it, we only have about 18 or so summers with each child, so we ought to make the most of them. And for me, a bucket list helps me to do just that. If I can check things off a list, I’m in. Better yet if that list is fun and not cleaning oriented.
So yesterday, my 3 1/2 year old and I made a bucket list to savor the last bit of summer. 10 things we’d like to do before preschool starts in September so that we can live into these hot months and appreciate them.
My kids are 3 and 1, so this list is definitely geared toward littles and meant to be easy. I put it up on our bulletin board so that as we do the activities throughout this month, we can check them off as we go.
Here’s to savoring the summers with our little ones in big and small ways!
10 ways to savor the summer with your little ones:
1. Make s’mores – whether that’s over a fire, your oven or even a melted marshmallow in the microwave, this quintessential summer dessert should definitely be made more than once a season, so let your littles get messy and enjoy.
2. Go on a bug hunt – maybe you and your kids like to search for butterflies, or perhaps your they like to collect little bugs in an open-air container. Either way, try this like a scavenger hunt and see how much fun they have!
3. Do some sidewalk chalk art – simple and summery. Try drawing shapes, hopscotch, nature and even vehicles with roads to make it more fun.
4. Have a picnic at the park – pack your lunches and head for the park to eat outside. Perhaps better yet if it’s in the evening and a little cooler out!
5. Blow bubbles – bust out those bubbles one last time. Let your little ones try catching them, and even let them get a bit messy learning to blow bubbles themselves.
6. Do a water activity – this list has some great ideas, but whether it’s a splash pad, water table, or the old sprinkler, getting cool on a super hot day with water can make such fun memories.
7. Go berry picking or to the farmer’s market – seasonal produce is so very summery. Whether you walk to your local farmer’s market or go big and try berry picking, get some yummy produce and enjoy eating it with your kids.
8. Catch fireflies – stay up late enough (if even just for a night) to let your kids see and catch some fireflies.
9. Make fruit popsicles or go out for ice cream – whether you’re in the mood to get a little creative and make fruit pops or just head to your local ice cream shop, either option is a win-win in my book!
10. Have a family movie night with pizza – pick out a family favorite movie, order in some pizza and make some memories together!
There you have it! 10 ways to savor the summer with your little ones. Print the picture below and check items off as you complete the bucket list. I hope it blesses your end of summer when the days are hot and long!
