Summer Bucket List for the Formerly, Over-Scheduled, Family

A slower, more spontaneous season for the calendar-loving mama learning to let go.

Listen, I love a good bucket list as much as the next Pinterest-loving mama. Throw in a color-coded calendar, labeled bins, and a weekly schedule and I will thrive. That structure has gotten us through school years, sports seasons, and more snack rotations than I can count.

But this summer? I’m intentionally stepping back from the micromanaging. 

I'm trading schedules for spontaneity (well, some spontaneity), and I'm giving my family the gift of breathing room. We’re shifting from productivity mode into presence mode. Because sometimes the best memories aren’t the ones we plan—they’re the ones that sneak up on us in the middle of a messy, magic summer day.

So here it is: our realistic, joy-filled summer bucket list—for the planner who’s learning to loosen the grip and embrace a bit more “go with the flow.”

1. Have at least one completely lazy pajama day.

No camps. No errands. No expectations. Just cartoons, cereal, and cuddles. Bonus points for not brushing anyone’s hair.

2. Water fun—anywhere, anyhow.

Whether it’s a beach day, sprinkler in the backyard, or dumping a bucket over your kid’s head on a hot afternoon—it counts. Water is water. They’ll remember the fun, not the location.

3. Make s’mores. Even if it’s over a candle.

You don’t need a fire pit or a camping trip. A microwave or a stove-top works just fine. Melt the chocolate, eat the marshmallows, make the memory.

4. Host a “friendship picnic.”

Grab some snacks, text your mom friends, meet at a park. That’s it. Zero pressure. Let the kids run wild while you sip juice boxes (or a little mama juice) under the sun.

5. Backyard (or living room) movie night.

Popcorn, string lights, and whatever Disney+ movie everyone can agree on. Don’t overthink it—blankets and cuddles are the main event.

6. Let the kids be bored.

No schedule? No problem. Boredom breeds imagination (and also a lot of “I’m hungry” complaints—but we push through). It’s not your job to entertain them every minute. Let 'em be.

7. Do one impossibly messy craft.

Paint, glitter, slime—whatever makes you cringe a little. Do it once. Take pictures. Then swear it off until next summer.

8. Say yes to ice cream for dinner. Once.

It’ll blow their little minds and give you a core memory point in the parenting book. You’re not a regular mom—you’re a fun mom (for one night only).

9. Take a spontaneous day trip.

Don’t over-plan. Pick a random nearby town, lake, or hiking spot and just go. Keep expectations low, snacks high, and see where the road takes you.

10. Watch a sunset—really watch it.

Find a quiet moment, pull up a lawn chair or sit on the porch, and just be with your people as the sky does its magic. No phones. No rush. Just peace.

Final Thoughts from This Tipsy Mama

Summer doesn’t need to be packed full of perfect moments to be meaningful. It just needs a little laughter, a little mess, and a whole lot of grace.

Whether you check off one thing or all ten, remember: you’re making memories even on the boring days.

So here’s to a season of loosened schedules, sticky fingers, late bedtimes, and spontaneous joy.

Because this summer?

We’re doing it real, not perfect.