What’s On Your Summer Fun List?

A few weeks ago I saw a link on Twitter leading to one mom’s “Summer Bucket List.” A few days, later I Googled “Summer Bucket List” and found oodles of similar posts, all detailing fun summer activities parents are hoping to share with their kids. With a full 12 weeks of unstructured time with a pre-teen ahead of me, I thought, “Why not?” It couldn’t hurt to have a list of activities to choose from when one or both of us utter the inevitably whiny words, “I’m borrrrrrred!” Here’s what we’ve come up with so far. Any additional suggestions you can offer in the comments below will be more than greatly appreciated! AT-HOME ACTIVITIES: Baking: My son loves to bake sweet treats with me, so that’s definitely high on our list. He’s been bugging me for ages to try to make fondant and decorate a cake or cupcakes, which I’m not too eager to get into (seems like a whole lot of work!) but who knows? This might just be his summer! Gardening: This summer I’m determined not to let the weeds take over our garden. There. I wrote it down and posted it online. Now I have to keep up with the weeding, right? This might not qualify as “fun,” per se, but I’m keeping it on the list. Board Games: We have a whole shelf full of games. Why not play them? What are your family’s favorite games? Water Play: Even though my son is starting middle school in the fall, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with a Slip ‘n Slide and a blow-up wading pool. Water balloons, squirt guns and plenty of neighbors add to the excitement. Making Ice Cream: On those days when it’s too hot to bake, we’ll make frozen treats. Reading: Check out our July issue to find out what new books local librarians recommend for kids of all ages. AROUND TOWN: Bowling: We have coupons for two free games every day through kidsbowlfree.com , so we might as well use them! Ice Skating: I have a nearly-11-year-old who’s never been ice skating. Please don’t call Child Protective Services on me. I am determined to take him skating this summer! North Clackamas Aquatic Park: I’m ashamed to admit this, too: I’ve never been to the North Clackamas Aquatic Park, although my son has. We’re going this summer for sure! Hiking: So many lovely hiking spots to explore around these parts! What are your family’s favorites? Berry Picking: I’m hoping to check out Bella Organic Farms this year, one of the only certified organic u-pick farms I’ve ever seen. For more berry picking options around the area, check out our Family Fun editor’s list . Movies: From $1 movies at Regal Cinemas to second-run features at the Academy Theater and McMenamins to the occasional first-run splurge, I’m sure we’ll see a few movies on a rainy (or super burning hot) Portland summer day. Farmers Markets: Fresh produce for our baking projects, sweet treats to enjoy while we shop, music and more – and there are so many markets to choose from! (For a comprehensive directory of local markets, visit The Oregon’s Farmers’ Markets Association .) Swimming: Nothing like a cool splash in a community pool — or a frolic in a public fountain — on a hot summer day! Oaks Park : My son loves the Scrambler. I’m more of a roller coaster gal. We both love the Big Pink Slide! DAY TRIPS: Mt. St. Helens: The Silver Lake Visitors’ Center is about an hour away, according to Google maps, and the Johnston Ridge Observatory is about two. One or both of these seem like an ideal day trip for a sunny weekend day when the hubby is off work and can join us. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge: I’ve wanted to visit this nearby wildlife refuge , including the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, for years. Hopefully this will be the year I stop wanting and go! Bonneville Lock, Dam and Fish Hatchery : More local icons I’ve never visited. Is this a fun day trip? Please weigh in with your thoughts and experiences! Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park : Another potential weekend day trip to enjoy with the whole family. It can get pricey, I know, but it looks like a whole lot of fun! What are we missing? Please post your suggestions below. I’m sure we’re going to need them!

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What’s On Your Summer Fun List?