Summer Bucket List for Nerd Moms 2020

Education and Learning

Summer reading challenge – Often, libraries will conduct summer reading challenges or contests to keep kids engaged when school is out for the summer. Even kids younger than school age can participate if you’re reading to them regularly. If there are no programs like this near you, Scholastic is doing an online challenge. Set a goal and get your little future nerds reading!

Write a book – Do you have an aspiring young writer? Help them write their first book! When I was a kid I would use Microsoft Word to write the text for my stories and leave room on the pages so I could print them and draw in the pictures. You could also play a writing game where one person starts the story by writing a sentence or two and then passes to the next person, who continues the story. Everyone participating takes turn writing a little at a time. The results are often hilarious!

Start a book club – If your child has friends in the neighborhood who like to read, why not start a children’s book club? Choose a book and read it together or come together to discuss.

Take an online class – Because of the pandemic, a lot of organization are offering online programs. This list has a lot of great resources for online learning programs geared towards kids of all ages.

Lemonade stand – Teach your children about business and economics by helping them set up a lemonade stand. It’s educational, they can spend time outside, and you can enjoy a cold, sweet, treat!

Do mad libs – These are a fun way to get everyone’s creative juices flowing and create some laughs in the process. Check out these Star Wars-themed mad libs for kids!

Printables and worksheets – To continue your child’s education into the summer, try some geeky-themed printables and worksheets. There are tons of resources for printables online, but one of my favorites is Rock Your Homeschool.

Summer Blog/Journal – Kids can blog too! Set up a blogging account for them and have them make entries about all the other exciting summer bucket list activities they’ve been doing with you.

Music, Art and Crafts

Draw your own comic strip – Have your kids create their own comics. You can also buy a comic coloring book featuring your favorite superheroes or a blank comic book with templates for creating your own.

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Pool noodle lightsaber craft – Star Wars fans will enjoy this summer craft – making pool noodle lightsabers! This DIY tutorial from The Crafty Blog Stalker will show you how to make one (no kyber crystals required!). Of course, you’ll have to follow up with an epic battle in the pool.

Make and fly a kite – Showing your kids how to properly make a kite is a teachable moment and it’s a ton of fun to watch it fly! Check out this kite making kit!

Start a band – You can use real instruments or just let your future rock stars bang on pots and pans. Put on a concert in the driveway for the neighbors!

Finger paint – Take the painting supplies outside and really let your kids get messy… you can just hose them off afterward.

Make homemade slime – Check out this tutorial for DIY Fortnite Chug Jug Slime.

Make a summer playlist – What are the songs that remind you of summer time? Build the ultimate list of you and your kids’ favorite summer tunes.

For more craft ideas, check out my post 51 Geeky Crafts Your Kids Will Love.

Nerd Out

Learn a new board or card game – From tabletop RPGs to Magic: The Gathering, card and board games are a staple for nerds. Take the opportunity to teach your favorites to your kids.

Play a new video game – Gamer moms will love this one. Find a game you can play together like Super Smash Brothers or Fortnite.

Go 24 hours without screens – We are all plugged in a majority of the time. Set aside a day when you don’t need screens. Spend time doing other activities and put the phones and TV remotes away for 24 whole hours.

Have a movie marathon – Whether your thing is Disney, Marvel, or Lord of the Rings extended editions, binge away!

Food

Ice cream truck – Most people like to eat ice cream during summertime, but have you ever gotten it right at your doorstep from an ice cream truck? These vehicles are a bit antiquated, but you can still find them in many neighborhoods. Half the fun is listening to them approach with their tell-tale music. Wave them down and enjoy a sweet treat without having to leave home! You can also try using the Snack Tracker app to find a truck near you.

Homemade popsicles – You can make your own popsicles from just about any consumable liquid you want (even breastmilk – great for teething babies!). You can use kits designed just for DIY popsicles or use the old popsicle stick in the ice cube tray trick.

Geeky recipe cookout – I absolutely love the 2 Geeks Who Eat blog for their amazing collection of geek and nerd inspired recipes. Put a nerdy twist on your summer barbecue! Try their Millenium Falcon burgers or World of Warcraft inspired roasted cauliflower.

Pick berries – Summer is the prime berry-picking season. Check to see if local farms in your area are hosting pick-your-own events.

Have a picnic – Spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy lunch in the great outdoors.

Make s’mores – You can’t have a summer bucket list without s’mores. These are some of my favorite summer treats. Marshmallows roasted over the fire are delectable.

Outings

Zoo scavenger hunt – What kid doesn’t love the zoo? There is magic in seeing real versions of the animals they usually only see on TV or in books. Add some extra excitement by making it a scavenger hunt. Write up clues like “I have a long neck and brown spots. Who am I?” and check off the animals as you go. Are the zoos near you still closed? Try looking for a nature center or other smaller attraction where animals can be observed.

Summer day camps – Search for local day camps or classes for kids that focus on activities your kids enjoy. Your local libraries, museums, or schools may offer art, music, or science classes over the summer.

Guided nature hike – Many parks and recreation organizations offer programs for kids of all ages to take a guided hike in the woods. The guides often prepare fun activities to educate kids on local wildlife and teach outdoor skills along the way. If there aren’t any programs like this available in your area, try picking up a book at the library about the plants and animals you can find locally and take it along on a walk to make it educational.

Medieval/Renaissance faire – These period themed festivals are amazing attractions for nerds, with lots of activities for kids. Dress up in costume or go as you are. There are performances, games, shops, food, and sometimes even a joust! Don’t have a faire close to you? Create your own at home, complete with medieval-themed music, food, or games.

A day at the museum – On a day when it’s raining or just too hot to be outside, why not check out one of your local museums? Whether it’s a museum of art, natural history, children, or some other focus, there is a lot to learn and see. Many museums have special activities geared towards younger kids, so check the museum website for a calendar of events.

Mini-golfing – A mini-golf course is a fun place to play a game as a family, learn a new skill, and enjoy the outdoors. Kids of all ages can enjoy a round of putt-putt.

Road trip – Plan a trip to a place you’ve never been and can reach in your car. Your options may be limited depending on where you live and how strict the pandemic restrictions are. But even if you don’t go far, you can enjoy the time sightseeing from your car.

See a movie at the drive-in – Drive-in’s are the perfect way to see a movie while maintaining social distancing.

Watch fireworks – Look up where fireworks displays are scheduled near you. Because of social-distancing, you may have to stay in your car, but the shows can be spectacular. If you choose to set off your own fireworks, please make sure you are being safe.

Water Activities

Superhero water balloon games – One great way to cool off on a hot summer day is to play games with water balloons. There are some fun ideas here. If your kiddos are into superheroes, see if your local party store has superhero-themed balloons, or check out these. You could also draw your own with markers!

Play on a slip’n slide – You can cool off and have a blast with one of these in your backyard!

Run through sprinklers – Another way to keep the heat at bay during summertime is to turn the sprinkler on and let your little ones run through the water.

Backyard Fun

Backyard camping – A camping trip can be a challenge with little ones, so why not just camp at home? You can pitch a tent in the backyard, build a fire (check if this is allowed in your neighborhood, you may need a permit), and spend a night under the stars.

Outdoor movie night – Take family movie night to the outdoors by setting up a screen or projector outside. Grab some blankets and popcorn and enjoy one of the kid favorites under the stars. If you don’t have the equipment to set up at home, many local churches, libraries, or schools host outdoor movie events you can attend.

Sidewalk chalk drawing – Let your kids get creative in the driveway with some sidewalk chalk. Check out these ideas for games you can play using sidewalk chalk.

Play in the rain – You don’t necessarily have to pack up and head inside next time it rains! Summer is the perfect time to jump through the puddles barefoot or dance under the downpour.

Watch the sunset – I love relaxing while the sun sets in the evening and seeing all the beautiful colors. Did you know those colors are the result of the sun’s light passing through particles in the atmosphere at the horizon, which scatter blue and violet light away from your eyes? This is one of my favorite summer bucket list activities.

Put on an outdoor performance – Set up a stage area outside and have your kids reenact their favorite movie or story for you. You could even grab some old costumes or dress-up clothes and ask them to create their own story.

Catch fireflies – When the sun goes down, the fireflies come out, and their cute little golden lights can be a wonder to little kids. Stay up late and show them how to (gently) catch and release.

Plant a vegetable garden – There’s something really special about eating vegetables you grew in your own garden. And who knows – even your most vegetable-averse child may try some!

Blow bubbles – This is a simple activity for any age, but the bubbles are especially fascinating for babies and toddlers. Sit back and relax watching your bubbles float on the breeze.

Learn to shoot a bow and arrow – Fans of The Hunger Games or Lord of the Rings may be especially excited about this one! Archery is a really cool outdoor sport for those wanting to learn a new skill. If your kids are younger, foam-padded projectiles can allow them to still enjoy the sport.

Bury a time capsule – Have your kids fill a sturdy container with items that represent their current favorite hobbies and interests. Bury it in the backyard and don’t dig it up till several years have passed. It is fun to see what was important to you in the past!