bucket list 1165

San Diegans have it really rough—living in a top travel destination that many people dream of visiting. One thing is sure--there is no shortage of fun things to do, especially when the kids are out of school! We took a poll around the office of must-do family activities this summer. Here are our suggestions. We call it our Summer Sand-Bucket list (see what we did there?). Use it to help your family plan while the kids are out of school.

Water Play
Have a water gun battle.
Spend a day at the beach.
Play at a sprayground.
Run through sprinklers.
Rent hydrobikes on the bay.
Take a family surf lesson.

Lazy Days
Host a lemonade stand.
Write in a summer journal.
Blow bubbles.
Write a letter to a long-distance relative.
Leave surprise treats on a neighbor's doorstep; or get other ideas like that HERE.
Read a book.
Create a summer scrapbook. Get directions on how to make one using a few paper lunch bags and art supplies HERE.

Outdoor Adventure
Go hiking at a popular San Diego trail.
Attend a free outdoor concert.
Build a sandcastle.
Enjoy the spectacular ocean views at Torrey Pines Glider Port and Cabrillo National Monument.
Roast marshmallows. Discover 21 ways to indulge in s’mores treats.

Summer Treats
Make homemade snow cones or popsicles.
Eat fresh berries.
Drink root beer floats.
Visit San Diego ice cream shops. Check out our list of favorite spots to get frozen treats.

Under the Stars
Have a beach bonfire.
Pitch a tent in the backyard.
Take a picnic to watch the sunset.
Attend an outdoor movie or rooftop movie downtown.

Take a Field Trip
Tour the U.S.S. Midway.
Ride the carousel at Seaport Village or Balboa Park.
Ride a train.
Take the ferry to Coronado.
Ride the Big Dipper rollercoaster at Belmont Park.
Go camping. Get helpful tips and ideas about where to go HERE.
Take a road trip.



Out and About cover

Get inspired with even more family adventures (to create your own summer bucket list) in the 2023-2024 edition of Out & About: San Diego with Kids!

While you're checking items off your Summer (Sand) Bucket list, share your family adventures with us on Instagram. Tag us @sandiegofamilymagazine and use #sdoutandabout and #sharesandiegofamily.

-------

Updated: June 2023

--------

November Holiday Events and Thanksgiving Camps 2024

November Holiday Events and Thanksgiving Camps 2024

Indulge in extra helpings of family fun! Check out this month’s calendar “stuffed” with an abundance of Thanksgiving and holiday events. November 2024 Featured Holiday Events FREE The Super . . .

Read more

Fun Fall Family Traditions in San Diego

Fun Fall Family Traditions in San Diego

Traditions create family closeness and make memories that last a lifetime. If your family doesn’t already have fall traditions, try some of these ideas—you’re sure to look forward to them each . . .

Read more

Thanksgiving Activities for Families: crafts, games and ways to give thanks

Thanksgiving Activities for Families: crafts, games and ways to give thanks

Celebrate Thanksgiving and the fall season by making festive crafts, cooking delicious fall recipes, giving back to others, counting your blessings and participating in family-friendly events—all de . . .

Read more

San Diego Turkey Trots and 5K Runs 2024

San Diego Turkey Trots and 5K Runs 2024

Before you gobble up all your favorite Turkey Day treats, wobble out and burn some calories while helping support our community.   O’Side Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & Kids Run. Move yo . . .

Read more

Festive Fun After Thanksgiving:

Festive Fun After Thanksgiving:

Activities that keep the celebration going   Sitting down with family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner is a great time to express gratitude and celebrate all we are thankful for. But the fun . . .

Read more

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving Traditions

Our Very Own Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is coming, and along with that comes a new opportunity for our family. Normally, we celebrate this day with my parents. Mom roasts the turkey, Dad watches footb . . .

Read more

San Diego's Favorite Pie Shops

San Diego's Favorite Pie Shops

Looking for the best places to get pie in San Diego? Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Pi Day (March 14) or a birthday, everyone loves pie! Here are some of San Diego's favorite pie shops. . . .

Read more

Choosing Gratitude for our Children this Thanksgiving

Choosing Gratitude for our Children this Thanksgiving

Are you happier now that you are a parent?A couple years ago, Florida State University sociology professor Robin Simon created a stir with her suggestion that “bundle of joy” is perhaps inaccurat . . .

Read more

Family Fun AFTER Thanksgiving Dinner

Family Fun AFTER Thanksgiving Dinner

Dinner's done — now what? After all the hours of prep work that go into Thanksgiving dinner, it seems as if it's gobbled up in no time flat. What to do next? Here are ideas for the family to enjoy . . .

Read more

How to Have a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

How to Have a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Plan a Thanksgiving celebration just for kids. Make the kids’ table the best one in the house by celebrating like the Peanuts Gang in the popular movie, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. With Cha . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe