Every summer, we like to make a bucket list of simple adventures, family outings, and little moments we want to enjoy together. It’s not about checking every box; it’s about making memories, trying new things, and soaking up all the magic that Michigan summers have to offer!
It’s an especially bittersweet time with a tween and a teens {15, 13, 11} because I know how fast time flies and I want to maximize these years together.
This year’s list is packed with our annual favorites plus a few new experiences. I hope this inspires you to make your own list. We love having this hang on the fridge to remind us of ideas when those “We’re bored” days hit.
Our 2026 Summer Bucket List
- Pick strawberries {We love Diederich’s in Webberville and Bentley Lakes Farm}
- Pick blueberries {Hazen’s in Howell is our favorite}
- Pick lavender {at one of these spots}
- Visit the sunflowers {our family’s favorite spot}
- Go kayaking
- Thrift day
- Go fishing
- Mini golf
- Watch a sunset
- Play pickleball
- Hike to secret swim spot {sorry, not revealing this}
- Slurpees from 7-11
- See Toy Story 5
- See Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Bowling
- Visit a new bookstore
- Get acai bowls
- Appetizer dinner
- Visit Teso Life in Novi
- Boulder Ridge with cousin
- Carnival
- Cinnamon rolls from Cinnaholic
- Family vacation
- Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
- Attend a concert
- Beachy’s in Caseville {we went last year and I’m obsessed. The owner is so inspiring for young people!!}
- Visit a new Michigan town
- Visit the Japanese Cultural Center in Saginaw
- Summer reading {at least for me!}
- Escape room
- Bonfire dinner
- Try a new craft
Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, adventure, books, good food, and lots of family memories!
What’s on your family’s summer bucket list this year?
See our summer bucket list posts from the past several years here:
A few things we’ve done and loved the past few summers:
- Michigan’s Adventure
- Frankenmuth
- Sloan Museum {Flint}
- Hocking Hills
- Mackinac Island / Mackinaw City
- Dow Gardens
- Tie-Dye Beach Towels
- Reptarium {Utica}
- Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Big Bay, Michigan {Upper Peninsula}
- Alpena, Michigan
- German Park {Ann Arbor}
- Cat Cafe
Leave a Reply