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The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Teens and Their Families
Summer is a time for relaxation, adventure, and creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. With longer days and warmer weather, there’s no better opportunity to explore new activities and bond as a family. Here’s a fun-filled summer bucket list for teens and their families to enjoy together.
1. Outdoor Movie Night
Transform your backyard into a magical movie theater under the stars. Set up a screen and a projector, or find outdoor movie events in your area. Bring cozy blankets, pillows, and a selection of your favorite movies. Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks to complete the cinematic experience.
2. Start a Fight (A Fun One!)
Food Fight
Channel your inner child with a playful food fight. Choose foods that are easy to clean up, like whipped cream or mashed potatoes, and head to a designated area where messes are welcome. Make sure to set some ground rules to keep it safe and fun for everyone.
Water Balloon Fight
Cool off on a hot day with a classic water balloon fight. Fill up plenty of balloons, divide into teams, and let the water warfare begin. You can also set up targets for a friendly competition to see who has the best aim.
Nerf War
Gather your Nerf guns and darts for an epic battle. Create obstacles and hiding spots in your backyard or a local park. Teams can strategize and work together to capture the flag or defend their territory.
Color Powder Fight
Bring a burst of color to your summer with a color powder fight. Use safe, non-toxic color powders, and wear white clothes for the best effect. This vibrant activity is perfect for an afternoon of fun and makes for great photo opportunities.
3. Themed Snack Party
Candy Salad
Create a delightful and colorful candy salad. Mix different types of candies in a large bowl, and let everyone add their favorite treats. It’s a sweet and playful twist on a traditional salad that’s sure to be a hit.
Color Food Baskets
Organize a party where each guest brings a basket of food in a specific color. Arrange the foods creatively, and enjoy a rainbow feast. This is a fun way to try new snacks and enjoy a visually appealing spread.
Board Party
Everyone brings a different charcuterie board. Get creative and have everyone bring a different themed board: a sweet board, a dips board, a cheese and crackers board, etc. Or by country: an Italian board, a Greek board, and so forth. You could even play board games. You get the idea.
Collaborative Dinner
Invite friends and family over for a collaborative cooking challenge. Each person brings an ingredient, and together, you have to create a delicious dish using everything provided. It’s a fun way to experiment in the kitchen and discover new flavors.
4. Game Night
5. Be a Tourist in Your City for a Day
Rediscover the hidden gems in your home city by being a tourist for a day. Visit local attractions, museums, parks, and historical sites that you’ve never explored before.
Let ChatGPT Plan Your Day
For a unique twist, let ChatGPT plan your itinerary. Share your interests and preferences, and get customized recommendations for a day full of exciting activities and new experiences. You might uncover surprising destinations and activities you never knew existed.
Creating a summer bucket list ensures that your family makes the most of the season by blending fun, adventure, learning, and relaxation. These activities provide opportunities for bonding, personal growth, and making lasting memories. So grab your calendar, start planning, and get ready for a summer filled with joy and connection!
Also in this episode
- Should teens be using ChatGPT 4 and talking tips for helping them navigate it.
- An update for the future of the Teen Life Podcast and exciting things coming soon.
Have a question?
If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
About Us
Karlie Duke
Director of Communications
Karlie Duke
Director of Communications
Tobin Hodges
Program Director
Tobin Hodges
Program Director
Caleb Hatchett
Podcast Host
Caleb Hatchett
Podcast Host
Caleb Hatchett | Podcast Co-Host
Caleb loves helping teenagers take ownership of their faith and relationships. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry and is currently Student Ministry Director at Jenks Church in Oklahoma.
Tobin Hodges | Program Director
Tobin’s entire career has been centered around students and teens from all walks of life. He has a passion for helping teens be their best selves. As Program Director, he loves working directly with school staff and students through Teen Life Support Groups. Tobin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Texas Tech University.
Karlie Duke | Director of Communications
Karlie has always had a heart for teenagers. Through her role at Teen Life, she loves to showcase the amazing stories coming out of Support Groups, but she is especially passionate about helping adults and teenagers find connection. Karlie has a BS in Communications with a minor in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University.