Family Bucket List: 100+ Fun Activities & the Best Things to Do with Kids

For an easy option, just buy an herb starter kit. Nature Blossom’s Sow & Grow makes it simple by giving you everything you need to grow five organic favorites: Basil, Thyme, Parsley, Sage, Cilantro. Or get creative with these top 30 low-budget garden pots & containers
Origami is a big part of the Japanese culture and it truly is fascinating how little tiny pieces of paper can be crafted into beautiful pieces of artwork. The crane is one of the most popular shapes and you can fairly easily learn how to make one. There are countless videos and instructions online and below are two that worked for me.

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1. Have a Family Game Night Marathon

Watching movies under the stars in the comfort of your own backyard is something you don’t get to experience very often. It can also be a fun and exciting way to spend your evening with your family.

With creating the booth and making signage, it also helps bring out their creative. Plus, they will always know how to turn lemons into lemonade!


2. Bake Cookies

There’s nothing quite like surrounding ourselves with nature (and eating s’mores!). From setting up the camp to fishing in a lake to telling stories around the fire, it all will be a great bonding experience. It can even become a yearly family tradition!

This activity is guaranteed to make everyone smile, whether you’re singing pop songs or, if your children are younger, songs that even babies can learn things from. Either way, the whole family can get involved in this one!

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3. Go Camping

Bowling is a fun thing to do for almost every age. Even for the younger children, lane bumpers can be put up to prevent them from getting discouraged with too many gutter balls! For the competitive family try splitting up into teams and have a full blown tournament. No matter who wins, there’s guaranteed to be a lot of giggles.

Need more convincing? You can check out: How (and Why) to Write a Letter to Your Future Self.


4. Have a Lemonade Stand

Fishing trips with my dad are one of the best memories from my childhood. It is an activity that gives you undisturbed time to just be there in each other’s company, and catching a fish along the way is just a bonus!
Yes, it can turn out embarrassing (for many years to come), but so what? You can recreate an old number that your family enjoys or create something completely new. Your kids may be mortified when they see it as adults, but that is part of the fun.

I hope this list gave you some fresh and fun family ideas to enjoy life and strengthen your familial bonds. Which of these are you excited to check off with your family?

Participating is a 5k is a great way to teach your children that it’s not always about winning, but about doing your best just to complete the goal. It’s even better if the race has a fun theme, like a mud run (check Active’s 5k Race Finder for ideas). It’d be even more of a bonus if running the 5k was to support a local organization.


5. Make Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

If your child is a picky eater then you may want to start with checking off some things from our American Food Bucket List: 60 Foods in the USA to Eat. But, if your family is feeling really adventurous than pick an item from this list: Weird Food Bucket List: 60 Strange Foods From Around the World

Gardening can be a lot of fun and growing your own herbs is a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle and teach the same to your kids. They will definitely have a blast digging in the soil and planting seeds, growing seedlings and watering them. You don’t need a lot of space and the vessel can be anything from a wooden crate to a mason jar to an old tire.


6. Go Bowling

It doesn’t have to be something completely ‘original’, you can base it off of another tune. If you have little kids, you can even make up nursery rhymes!
When it comes to karaoke it doesn’t matter how good your voice is, it is all about having fun. Whether you feel tired and unmotivated or the kids are feeling bored, plug in the karaoke machine (check out this budget-friendly one) and sing away your troubles away.
This is the ice cream maker and popsicle molds that I use for my sweet treats.


7. Go Ice Skating

No matter how simple the adventure is on your family bucket list, getting to make memories of family activities is something that will definitely last you a lifetime.
Jump on a Trampoline


8. Overcome a Fear

Don’t know what you’d be in store for? Read about my Colorado Dude Ranch Vacation at Drowsy Water Ranch.

Has your family ever tried sushi or Thai food? Maybe your kids have never had something as simple as beets. Think of all the things you have yet to taste (for some fun ideas go to an Asian market!), then go out and try something new.


9. Visit a Farm

While you’re at the beach, make sure to check some other fun activities off our Beach Bucket List.
If you need a family tent, the CORE Instant tent fits up to 9 people and has a room divider. Also, don’t forget anything with this packing checklist.


10. Have a Picnic

Swimming is not only fun, but it gets your kids outdoors and moving. So, plan a beach trip to swim amongst the waves. It’s a bonus that you can knock a few other items of this “Family Things to Do” list while you are there, like make a sandcastle and go on a picnic.

Hunting for rainbows as a family is one of those fun out-of-the-box activities you can do together, especially if you have little kids.


11. Take a Factory Tour

making homemade pizza


12. Create an Herb Garden

Stay in for the evening, get cozy in your jammies and have a game night marathon. There are different games for all ages, but Bingo is a favorite for almost everyone in the family (this bingo set comes with everything you need!). You can make it even more fun by adding prizes for the winner, like store like gift cards, candies or extra TV time for the kids.

Clear off the kitchen table and spend the day getting crafty. Arts & Crafts can range from simple seashell bracelets to intricate dreamcatchers to even homemade slime. Make of plan to take your creations and put them to use, wether it be using it, wearing it or putting it on display in the home.

Herb Garden


13. Have an Arts & Craft Day

It is never too early to save up! Instead of the traditional piggy bank, why not open a savings account? Most banks have options for teens or kids with varying interest rates, so you might have to do a bit of research to find one that suits the whole family.

Whether the entire family is invited to a festive holiday party or you’re spending a quiet Christmas at home, wear matching ugly sweaters just for fun.


14. Research your Family Tree

Play in The Rain


15. Make S’mores

Who isn’t mesmerized by ginormous tanks filled with larger-than-life swimming fish? An aquarium is also very educational, plus there are certain exhibits that allow hands-on experiences with sea creatures.
If you want memories that will last forever in a physical form, then organizing a family photoshoot is a great idea. You can hire a professional photographer and have the pictures with costumes on that will surely make the kids go crazy.

Fill up dozens of these latex fun makers and target your favorite family member, while trying to stay the driest of the bunch. If winning the fight is just as important as having fun, research techniques on How to Survive a Water Balloon Fight.

S'mores


16. Learn a New Language

It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, it can be as simple as eating dinner together as a family daily or maybe wearing a themed shirt during the holidays!

You can learn a new skill at any age, so why not learn a new language? It can be a fun and interactive experience for the whole family. Perhaps you can learn the language of a dream destination where you hope to go on a family vacation someday? Dream big!


17. Go to a Museum

Baking cookies with kids can get a little messy, but who doesn’t like a home filled with smiling faces and the smells of fresh-baked cookies? It doesn’t matter whether it’s snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin or simple chocolate chips, spend an entire day just baking. The one who does the most work gets to lick the spoon!
Do a Fun Family Photoshoot


18. Swim in the Ocean

We’ve all jumped on trampolines here and there, and these days it’s easier than ever to get one added onto your backyard or to go hang out at a trampoline park. So, grab the kids and see who can jump the highest, or even do a flip!
You can easily buy some washable sidewalk chalk, or make your own with these easy DIY instructions.


19. Create a Family Scrapbook

You can then organize the professional photographs into an album or scrapbook to remember the day for the rest of your life.

From riding on large tractors to picking vegetables while cute animals run all around you, farm life if the good life! Some farms even have interactive tours where you get to do things like feed the goats, milk a cow or even collect eggs from the hens.


20. Build a Fort in the Living Room

Learn How To Play a Musical Instrument


21. Go for a Hike

A factory tour is not only a unique addition to your family bucket list, it can also be very educational. The tour can be at a food factory or book or even a car company—whatever you can find close by or whilst traveling. One of my favorites was the Jelly Belly Factory where we got some delicious samples at the end!
Most of us haven’t done this since we were children. You don’t find too many opportunities where you can concentrate on one thing, so be present and let everything else in your mind go. That alone will be worth every minute.


22. Go Fishing

Here are 4 easy homemade lemonade recipes to get you started.

Traditions help provide a sense of identity, connect different generations, and often tell a family’s story. If you don’t have one already, maybe it’s time to start making one!


23. Play Mini-golf

The items that you would want to put inside the time capsule can be anything: letters, drawings and memorabilia—literally anything that can fit inside it.


24. Play Cards

Not only does playing dress up important for children because it helps them use their imagination and builds confidence, it is just a plain fun family thing to do. Let your kids pick a them, and make sure to join them is dressing up!
Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling things you could ever do and giving without expecting anything back is a valuable lesson to teach every child.


25. Build a Model Airplane

Another unique way to bring the family together while letting their creativity and imagination run free is by drawing or painting family portraits.


26. Make a Family Music Video

Do you have a bunch of white T’s you would like to breathe some life into? Why not make tie-die T-shirts? This is something that the entire family can get into and enjoy as you all try to outdo each other with your various brands of creativity. A tie-dye kit will make it much easier for you!


27. Create a Masterpiece with Sidewalk Chalk

For some of the best picnic ideas check out these 37 ways to have the most delightful picnic ever.

All the activities on this family bucket list aren’t difficult to check off, and this is one of them, since sunsets/sunrises happen every day. Maybe make it more exciting by completing another idea from this list at the same time?

Sidewalk Chalk


28. Play Charades

You don’t have to go far to sleep under the stars, you could do it right in your backyard. On a warm evening, get out the sleeping bags and set up camp steps away from home.


29. Learn a Magic Trick

We can all agree that food brings the family together, and having a cook-off or bake-off is a fun way to bond as a family while also having a little bit of friendly competitiveness in the kitchen.

Whether it be tradition or just something you want to see with your family, watching fireworks is such a magical experience. Kids will definitely love it, as they get to see different colors and shapes from the fireworks lighting up the night sky. 


30. Go Berry Picking (Make a Pie)

Need some crafty ideas? Try one of these 50 easy crafts for kids or these 30 cool crafts that can be used for gifts.
If you are planning to have a family reunion, you can check out this great guide to get some ideas and more.

For kids of all ages, who wouldn’t want to splash around and run through sprinklers, especially on a hot day? You don’t even need any fancy equipment, just turn on the water and let the fun begin!

Kids of all ages know the simple joy of what a simple swing in your backyard brings.


31. Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Road Trip


32. Make Tie-Dye T- Shirts

You can even tie it in with occasions like a birthday or Christmas to bring the celebration a step further.


33. Go to a Dude Ranch

If you need help with getting motivated, read how to train, run & finish your first 5k race.

You should be able to find an illusion to attempt within these 13 easy magic tricks for kids, or simply by a magic set that includes 20 tricks to try.

Dude Ranch


34. Sing Karaoke

Perhaps more out of the box thinking things to do with your family is to declutter your house. It may not sound like the most exciting thing to do, but here are some tricks you can employ to make it fun. 
Face painting, spinning teacups and caramel apples—who doesn’t love a good carnival? There is something for everyone so the whole family can enjoy. You can also play some games and see who is the first to win a prize.


35. Play Dress Up

If you are looking for a unique and cheap night out, how about going to a drive-in movie? They may be more difficult to find these days, but they are a whole lot of fun when you do. Look at the Drive-In Movie Website to locate the nearest one.

It is also a great way to expose kids to how to cook or bake simple recipes and can also be a way to explore new cuisine with the family.


36. Decorate Cupcakes or Cookies

Get started with this easy pizza dough recipe and these 10 Kid-Friendly Pizza Recipes.

You will have to break out that dusty old picnic basket for this family activity. It is quite simple to put together a picnic. Just getting some refreshments and heading to a local park, mountain or canyon will do the trick. Need a basket? Check out this cute extra large picnic basket.

Cupcakes


37. Do a Science Experiment

Family hiking


38. Put on a Family Talent Show

Creating a scrapbook is a great way to be able to look back and reminisce about all the adventures and good times you had as a family. You can preserve all your experiences in the form of pictures, ticket stubs, pressed flowers or just about anything else. And if you get the entire family in on this beautiful project, it will be something you cherish for a lifetime. PS: Here are some cute layout ideas!


39. Visit a National Park

There’s no denying that desserts bring out the kid in people, regardless of their age. And what better way to indulge in some sweet goodness than having a dessert party! 

Hosting a foreign exchange student as a host family is one of the unique ways to learn more about another country’s culture (and language) while also sharing things about your own culture (aside from providing basic accommodation and more).

You can try your luck waiting for one to appear in the sky after a rainfall or if you have a garden hose or prism with you, you can make an artificial one instead!


40. Go to a Carnival

Watch Sunrise/Sunset


41. Have a Movie Night

No matter what activities you pick you pick for your family bucket list, the main thing to take away from it is the value and importance of family bonding—creating memories that will last a lifetime.


42. Make Homemade Pizzas

Glide along, hand-in-hand and score bonus bucket list points for anyone in the family who can learn to ice skate backwards. Don’t forget to follow it up with a cup of hot cocoa.

Playing frisbee is another sporty activity to commit to on the beach; whether that means putting together a group of people for a round or two of ultimate frisbee or just tossing it back and forth with your family while enjoying the sound of the waves.

Watch Fireworks

 


43. Go to a Drive-in Movie

Run Through Sprinklers


44. Sleep Under the Stars

Even if you’re not a big gamer, having a few rounds to compete with your family for the title of ultimate champion is a lot of fun. It doesn’t have to be something like Fortnite or Call of Duty. Even with classic games like Tetris or Mario Kart, the friendly competition will make everyone hyped! 


45. Have Breakfast for Dinner

Maybe you have a room in your home that needs a makeover. Or maybe your kids are growing up and want to redecorate their rooms. Whatever the reason, it can be a fun and creative bonding activity to do with the whole family.

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46. Go 24 Hours without Internet, Radio or Television

It can be making a new variation of tag or charades or even a completely new game altogether with your own set of rules and mechanics!


47. Have a Water Balloon Fight

There are plenty of places online to buy one, but it’d be so much more fun to make your own personalized sweater. Need help? These 74 Ugly Sweater Ideas will definitely be an inspiration.
Find the closest farm and start picking your favorite fruit for your next masterpiece. It doesn’t matter if it’s apples, lemons or peaches—pick whatever is sure to make your mouth water.


48. Go to a Play

Build a House of Cards
These two hunts involve a list of things that take you on a search to have each item on the lineup found. The difference between the two is that a treasure hunt involves clues in trying to find them. Either way, it is entertaining going from place to place to find stuff. There’s endless themes for a scavenger hunt, but here are 8 good ones.


49. Visit an Aquarium

Are you or any of the family members a fan of climbing? You will surely enjoy scaling the walls at an indoor climbing gym! Not only is it challenging and fun for all skill levels, but it is also a great way to work up a sweat in the comfort of the gym. 


50. Go Roller Skating

With sidewalk chalk the size of your masterpiece is only limited by your imagination! Whether everyone works on the same piece or individual ones, it’s a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon.


51. Complete a Ropes Course

If you need a little push read my 8 tips to facing your fears in this article about overcoming anxiety to live your dream.

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52. Visit a Historical Site

Go for Bike Rides in the Park


53. Do a Random Act of Kindness

Family swimming


54. Try a New Food

Making a song is probably one of the most memorable experiences you can do as a family, especially if you guys are musically inclined.
Every once in a while, it is fun to take a walk down memory lane by looking at your old family photos. You’ll probably realize all the things that have changed throughout the years and be grateful for all of the memories you made (and captured!). You might also get to remember some funny and embarrassing moments and have a laugh with your family.

While it may require a bit of know-how at working with tools and stuff, it makes for a great DIY home project that you can do with your kids!

Try A New Food


55. Make a Collage of all Your Dreams & Goals

Playing cards
This family-friendly activity goes hand-in-hand with your lemonade stand. So, instead of using a standard lemonade mix, make some fresh squeezed juice of your own. Squeezing your own lemonade allows you to add a bit of your own flair into the mix. Go wild and let the inner mixologist come out and play!


56. Go on a Scavenger or Treasure Hunt

Make your way to the beach and create a masterpiece made of sand. The best part is that once you are there it doesn’t take many more tools than a bucket and shovel. If your family are more perfectionists than not, then you may want to read how to build the perfect sandcastle before you begin.


57. Take a Road Trip

A deer found on a National Park
Not sure which games to play? Check out this list: Board Games Bucket List: 50 of the All Time Best Ones to Play


58. Fly a Kite

Bring on the abracadabra! Everyone can appreciate the good old vanishing coin trick or pulling a flower bouquet out of your sleeve. You can even have each member of the family learn a different trick and then put on a show!


59. Run (or Walk) a 5k

This may not sound like the most fun family activity, but it is a chance for the entire family to spend quality time together. Whether it’s science fiction, fantasy or a classic novel doesn’t matter as long as everyone will put down their dang phones for an hour or two! 

If your creative juices aren’t flowing, these crazy cute cupcake recipes will help. So will these cookie decorating hacks for children.


60. Make Ice Cream

One of my favorite school projects where when they assigned us to complete a science experiment. It’s quite an epic moment to see that lava flowing out of the volcano! Of course it doesn’t have to be the typical volcano, you can also choose something creative from these 14 best science experiments to try at home.

I’m the first person to admit that I am not a typical museum lover, but throughout my travels it has become very clear that not all museums are created equal. They really don’t have to be boring!

Make Ice Cream


61. Make a Sand Castle

Ice skating is an excellent way to incorporate both fun and fitness into your activities with the kids. Frozen ponds, lakes or rivers can provide you with some of the most scenic ice skating rinks around the world. If you can’t find a lake or such, indoor ice skating rinks are popping up everywhere!


62. Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

You can choose to visit a historical or art museum, but my favorite type, and a favorite for children, are the interactive museums with plenty of family activities. These immersive museums encourage kids and adults to play while learning.


63. Make an Origami Animal

Whether it’s the major leagues or in the local community, sporting events are a great way to build that family bond and show support as a family, such as cheering for your favorite sports team or even your kids.

A talent show is a great way to get your extended family together. You can get the young children and teens to sing and dance while the moms show off their old baton twirling talents and dad can perform a magic trick. Don’t know what to do? Check out these 11 talent show ideas.

Crane Origami


64. Volunteer

Sometimes it will be ages since your family got all dressed up and you went out to have a delicious dinner at a fancy restaurant. Don’t wait any longer!

Have a Backyard Movie Night


65. Go Somewhere You Have Never Been

Accomplishing this bucket list goal doesn’t mean that you have to travel to the ultimate dream location, just go somewhere you and your family have never been. It could be something as simple as visiting a new park in your city or taking a day trip to a nearby town that you have been meaning to explore.
Setting up a Lemonade stand is one of the simplest ways of teaching your child good communication skills, while also building a work ethic and igniting an entrepreneurial spirit inside them.


66. Attend A Sporting Event

So, get that gaming console out, pick a few favorite games, and get your competitive spirit on!


67. Build a House of Cards

Catch Fireflies in a Jar
For some people, the rain is something that puts a hold on their plans, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. But for us living the bucket list life, it is an opportunity to make a one-of-a-kind memory with the family.
Not sold on adding this to your family bucket list? Check out these 10 benefits of dress-up play for children.


68. Build a Rope Swing in Your Backyard

Flying a kite is a relaxing way to spend a sunny day that has a bit of wind kick to it. If you haven’t previously had any luck getting your kite in the air, wikiHow can tell you how to fly a kite in 8 steps (and this rainbow kite is a hot seller!)
While there are certain things to keep in mind before you become a host family, it can be a rewarding experience that will foster everyone’s understanding and respect for different cultures. You can find more information on the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs website.


69. Buy an Ugly Sweater Set for the Family

There’s an art to making the perfect homemade pie. It’s all about the freshness of the fruit, creating the perfect pie crust and making it with a touch of love. Getting your kids to the local fruit farm is a good way to show them where their food comes from (and so much funner than just picking a basket off the grocery store shelf!).
Adopt an Adorable Pet
Write Letters to Future Selves


70. Catch Fireflies in a Jar

Look Through Photo Albums Together
Gather all your pillows and blankets to make an unforgettable fort in your living room. You can have snack boxes and binge watch your family’s latest obsession over food and laughs. Aren’t sure how to create one? Here are 8 steps to building an awesome indoor fort.


71. Create a New Game

Fun family things to do don’t have to be expensive, you could have a great time just picking out a movie and spending the night at home. Maybe even combine it with making some homemade pizza! You can even make a little side challenge to watch Timeout’s 50 best kids’ movies to watch as a family.
Climbing high in the trees, ziplining or walking a tightrope to different platforms are some of the challenges you might face on a ropes course. These sort of courses are used for team building for good reason, they can be difficult and will need the support of the whole group in order for everyone to finish.


72. Declutter The House

This recipe should help to get you started on the right foot. And if the traditional style doesn’t do it for you pick a unique one from the 12 Creative S’mores ideas.
Read A Book Together


73. Draw/Paint Family Portraits

Street or block parties are a great way to connect or welcome families to the neighborhood, especially if they are new to the community. What’s also great about this is people of all ages can join in on the fun!
You never know, you may all stumble upon some delectable delicacies that you may never have heard of had you not been adventurous with your food.


74. Find a Rainbow

It’s time to channel the family’s inner rock star spirit and learn a song on the instrument of your choice. Pick something like a guitar, keyboard, ukulele or even a harmonica for your musical gadget then pop onto YouTube to find a class. Who knows you might be able to build a family band.
You can say that making a family time capsule and burying or hiding it away until the agreed-upon time is one of the most memorable and unique fun family activities you can do together.


75. Adopt an Adorable Pet

History doesn’t have to be boring, especially when you take it out of the classroom and into real life. Find a local historical site and teach your children the cultural significance and heritage of our ancestors.
Creating a family bucket list, using these ideas as a guide, gives families a chance to get excited about adventures that are big and small while creating great memories that last a lifetime.
While we all love to feel the sun in our faces, sometimes the heat of summer can get a little too…toasty! On those days, very few things even come close to feeling as good as having a cold shower, but the next best thing is to have a water balloon fight.


76. Go for Bike Rides in the Park

On top of which you might also get some great scenery to enjoy during your bike ride!
It does require a bit of setting up and equipment like a projector and a sheet or wall to project the film, but the effort is way more than worth it!
Mini golf is so entertaining because you could be hitting your fluorescent ball into the mouth of a clown or through a squiggly tunnel. It also promotes a healthy competitiveness that can teach sportsmanship. If you are extra creative you can build your own course with this easy how-to.


77. Go Horseback Riding

Building a house of cards is one of those unique and fun family activities you can do at home. It will help work on teamwork and, most of all, test everyone’s patience.
Staying in touch with loved ones is easy with today’s technology, no matter how far we are from them. Still, nothing beats catching up with family than having a reunion with them.


78. Have a Dessert Party

Here are 10 tips for a successful lemonade stand.
If you are rusty on your pie making skills, this book should help: Art of the Pie: A Practical Guide to Homemade Crusts, Fillings, and Life.


79. Have a Fancy Dinner

Charades is a classic game that is suitable for all ages. It’s simple to play, all you need to do is act out words, phrases or movie titles that are written on slips of paper. If you don’t know how to play, then this how-to has detailed instructions. If you need some easy topic ideas (or picture cards for those children who don’t read yet), these charade cards will help.


80. Do a Fun Family Photoshoot

Family Reunion
Dude ranch family vacations have been popular for years, and these no doubt why. Where else can you get the opportunity to experience the Old West as a real cowboy or cowgirl! Visiting a dude ranch will let you step back in time, unplug and indulge in fun-filled activities like hiking trails, fishing, hayrides and, of course, horseback ride.
A cute sheep on a farm


81. Have a Tea Party

A simple deck of cards can lead up to hours of entertainment. Teach the young ones to play your favorite childhood game (here are 5 classic card games) or learn something new together by checking out these top 25 card games for families. Throw in some homemade goodies and a crackling fireplace and you’ve got one heck of an evening going.


82. Have a Backyard Movie Night

Have a Lemonade Stand
It’s also incredible how even the simplest activities can turn into hours of fun, especially when spent with your loved ones.
This might seem like an odd family thing to do, but it’s actually a bonding experience. You can write one letter together or one for each family member. Each letter can include a little about your current life and your expectations of the future: your goals and your dreams.

Agree to reading the letters on a specific date in the future. Reading the letter written by your old selves will remind you of the things that have changed since then.


83. Host a Cook Off/Bake Off

Allow me to elaborate: The best kind of S’more, the ones I like most, go a little something like this – You take a fire-roasted marshmallow, sandwich that with a layer of your favorite chocolate and then cover it all up with two pieces of graham cracker.
Horseback Riding


84. Host a Video Game Tournament

Whether its bonding over a board game (Scrabble is my favorite!) at home or going on a spontaneous road trip with your kids, spending time doing fun family activities can be one of life’s greatest joys.
Going to the theater is a great way to spend an evening. Whether it’s a local play or a large professional production, the whole household can find something everyone would enjoy. If nothing else, there will probably be popcorn and nachos.


85. Host a Foreign Exchange Student

Whether it be on a forested trail or along the beach, horseback riding is another amazing way to enjoy time with your family, outdoors and in nature. You can even take it a gallop further, spending some time at a dude ranch (I went to a great one in Colorado called Drowsy Water), where you’ll be immersed in ranch life while learning valuable riding techniques.

Break out old magazines, a pair of scissors and some glue to make a collage of all the family things you want to do in the future. It can be related to anything from vacations you want to take to foods to cook together or new activities to try.


86. Jump on a Trampoline

Learning a song of the harmonica has been on my bucket list and this harmonica and lesson guide will have you playing When the Saints Go Marching In (or one of these easy harmonica songs) in no time at all!
Don’t know where to start? Visit VolunteerMatch who has opportunities in many major cities or check the United Way website.


87. Learn How To Play a Musical Instrument

Every amusement park in the world seems to be equipped with at least one roller coaster these days, whether it’s a simple ride or one that’s steep and speedy! 

There are so many incredible benefits to adopting a pet. They’ll enrich your life in numerous ways, from helping you to destress, to getting you moving more, to giving you someone to nurture and add meaning to your life. Not to mention, pets are perhaps the best cure for loneliness. 

Go Somewhere You have Never Been


88. Look Through Photo Albums Together

Whether it be dancing in the rain with the kids or running around splashing each other, make sure to make every moment spent with them count!
Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are two great programs to get you started.


89. Make a Time Capsule And Bury It

Bowling
Ugly Sweaters


90. Plan a Family Reunion

It may sound like a pretty simple thing to do, but it is actually sending out a message to your kids that life doesn’t have to always follow the rules and a fixed routine. Who says you can’t have eggs and sausages, and pancakes topped with strawberries and maple syrup at night?
For some delicious cookie ideas see the Epicurious’ 113 Favorite Cookie Recipes (and send me a dozen of the spiced molasses cookies!). Don’t forget the cookie sheets! The Rachael Ray Yum-o! Nonstick Pans are amazing, or at least get yourself some silicone baking mats that make the process so much easier! Life is too short to hold yourself (or your children) back from experiencing new things just because of an irrational fear or anxiety. One of the best ways to get over your fear is to have your loved ones by your side to encourage and support you while you are facing it head on. So, hike up that mountain peak, go on that roller coaster or swim through the ocean.


91. Plant a Tree

Hiking can be a great way to get the whole family outside to enjoy nature, whether it be at your local park or a high mountain peak. If the kids need a little extra motivation you can even make a game out of it—check out these 7 hiking games for kids. Make sure to pack a backpack of the essentials, snacks and cameras to capture all the beautiful memories you make along the way.


92. Play a Game of Beach Frisbee

And in turn, you’ll give a loyal and an innocent animal a loving home they absolutely deserve – and there are so many pets out there just waiting to be adopted by you and your family! You can start your search for your family’s new friend at Petfinder.
There are lots of fun obstacle course ideas online, but HGTV’s DIY Dollar Store Backyard Obstacle Course is great and cheap!


93. Play in The Rain

Like the old adage says, it’s better to give than to receive. Just determine what is close to your households heart and then make a decision to make a difference today. It could be walking dogs at the shelter, cleaning up litter at the park or spending an afternoon feeding families at the soup kitchen.
This random act of kindness is simple enough, but it can also do its part in saving the world. Make sure to plant your tree in the optimal place and watch them blossom into a scenic foliage. The earth deserves it plus you can teach your kids how to take good care of our planet.
If you and your family are up for some friendly competition, you can even go against each other to see who can make the highest stack of cards before time runs out!


94. Read A Book Together

Watching a play

Pick a spot on the map, pack up the car and just drive. It doesn’t even have to be a long trip, it could just be for a day or two. Make sure you have plenty of entertainment along the way! These car games for kids should keep them busy, or invest in a Backseat Bingo pack.

Games are one of the best go-to activities when looking for something fun to do with the family. While there are plenty of tried-and-true games one can choose to play (just check out our Board Game Bucket List!), it never hurts to try something new to keep things interesting.


95. Redecorate a Room in the House

Instead of going to the grocery store to buy your favorite ice cream flavor, set up shop and make some at home. If ice cream seems too complicated, try making fun flavored popsicles, like Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt. Yum!


96. Ride a Rollercoaster

If you love the classics then check out the Classic Books Bucket List: 25 of the Best Must-Read Novels. You can easily download many classics to your Kindle for free. Find a ton of free classics on Amazon.


97. Run Through Sprinklers

Learning about family tree with your kids is a great way to make them aware of their roots and even spark an interest for genealogy! Although it is typically a hobby for adults, there are many constructive and creative ways to get the children involved (like have them make this cute handprint and footprint tree).
Try to find a cafe that offers a fancy afternoon tea with your kids or if you have a garden you can make your own—don’t forget the tiny little sandwiches! Get inspired dreaming and planning by checking out this gallery
Now, I know, this is a tall order. We use the internet for everything nowadays. But think about it. When was the last time you went for two hours without your phone? Try going 24 hours without internet, radio or TV. Go camping, read a book together or use the time to complete some of the ideas on this family bucket list.


98. Set up an Obstacle Course Your Backyard

There are actually several things that you can tick off your family bucket list simultaneously in a national park (bonus!). There is something for everyone, from camping to fishing, or just taking a hike through beautiful landscapes. Find a park nearby and plan a little nature getaway.

Berry Picking


99. Start a Family Tradition

A fishing pole is also a great gift! This rod and reel kit has everything your child will need.
If you haven’t had these yet, drop everything you are doing and go make some—s’mores are absolutely divine. As the perfect campfire treat, making S’mores is something that the whole family can get into and thoroughly enjoy.


100. Start a Savings Account Just for Family Fun

Building model airplanes takes a lot of time, effort and dedication. That is why it is an excellent activity to add to your family bucket list. You get to spend valuable time with your kids, teach them patience and get something truly amazing as its end product. It may even look good on that mantelpiece.


101. Take the Kids Indoor Rock Climbing

You can make your own obstacle course using items like old car tires, jump ropes, hula hoops, anything! It may not be on par with American Ninja Warrior, but it is still a fantastic way to encourage everyone (especially kids) to go outside and be active. You can even design one for your dogs as well!


102. Throw a Street/Block Party

With just paper and some coloring materials, you and your family can get started on this art project—even if you are not good at drawing or painting. Plus, the portraits make for a lovely keepsake that you can hang on the walls!


103. Watch Fireworks

At Home Bucket List: 50 Fun Things to Do Without Leaving the House
Mother’s Day Bucket List: 30 Fun Activities & Things to Do With Mom
Couples Bucket List: 68 Fun Activities & Romantic Things to Do
Best Friend Bucket List: 50 Fun Things to Do With Your BFF
Teen Bucket List: 85 Fun Things Every Teenager Should Do
Board Games Bucket List: 50 of the All Time Best Ones to Play
It’s perfectly okay to use a simple piece of white paper, but you can also buy traditional Colorful Japanese Origami Washi Paper online.


104. Watch Sunrise/Sunset

Just an idea, but how about creating an entire memory book dedicated to this family bucket list?
Children can be picky little eaters, but almost all of them love pizza! From kneading the dough to adding your favorite toppings and sprinkling hearty amounts of cheese, everyone in the family can have fun making their own personal pie.


105. Write a Song Together

Not to mention, you’ll feel quite accomplished and proud after! It also rings true that your mind will feel more peaceful and clear once you’re surrounded by a clean home.
Read More: US National Parks Bucket List: 61 Beauties to Visit in America


106. Write Letters to Future Selves

Let’s face it. It’s enjoyable to eat just the frosting. But try to refrain, and set up shop on the kitchen counter for some serious decorating. It doesn’t matter if it’s cupcakes or cookies, let everyone get wild with their creations.

There is more to life than hanging out at the bowling alley and the mall. Take the time to visit more than just your usual family hangouts. Be a tourist in your own city, go someplace new and you may be surprised by just how wonderful that old town can be.

You never know, your kids could grow up to love it and one day end up becoming a professional, or just doing it on a more serious level! 

. . .

Catching fireflies on a summer night is probably one of the most memorable things you can do as a family, especially for the kids. Plus, you can do it in the comfort of your backyard with just a mason jar!
Biking is such a great outdoor activity to have, it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Not only can the bike actually take your family to the same places you might otherwise go by public transportation or a car, but it’ll keep your family fit as you do so!

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Roller skating may be an easier thing to do than ice skating—four wheels is simpler than one blade! Typically during skate session they will also play games and have disco lights.