Summer Bucket List BINGO!

Summer Bucket List BINGO! Tricia Goyer

When I was a kid, most of my summer days were spent outside. Sure, I loved to read, but sunshine and fresh air were non-negotiable. Why? My mom kicked me out of the house—and sometimes locked the door behind me! I had to find places to go and things to do. Can you relate?

Now, as a mom of ten, I’ve heard those familiar words more times than I can count: “I’m bored.” Which often means, “Mom, entertain me,” or “Can I have more screen time?” But summer isn’t meant for just screens and snacks—it’s a gift from God, filled with sunshine, growth, discovery, and memory-making.

Let’s help our kids finish summer well—with fun, meaningful activities they’ll remember! Here’s your printable Summer Bucket List BINGO for each age group. Pick 5 in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to complete a “BINGO.” Then, for a real challenge, go for a blackout!

Summer BINGO for Babies & Toddlers
(Ages 0–3)Splash in a kiddie poolWater play with cups, spoons, or water toysBlow bubblesFinger paint with yogurt or edible paintsStroller nature walkDance in the sprinklerRead books outsideSing songs with hand motionsVisit a farmPlay with sidewalk chalkWatch butterfliesScoop and pour sandPick wildflowersSensory bin playCuddle and cloud-watchTaste-test fruit slicesBuild a block tower outdoorsUse toy trucks and cars in the dirtGaze at the stars (early evening)Practice animal sounds with stuffed animalsMake fruit juice or yogurt popsiclesMake homemade ice creamPlan a play date at a local playground or parkPaint with water on the sidewalkEnjoy a popsicle picnic on a blanket Summer BINGO for Preschoolers
(Ages 4–6)Visit a farmer’s marketGo berry pickingBuild a toilet paper roll bird feederPaint rocksColor scavenger huntFly a kiteMake juice popsiclesBackyard picnicWatch a sunsetNature walk leaf collectionPress flowers in a bookBuild a cardboard fortRoast marshmallowsPuddle jumpLibrary summer reading programCreate a nature collageBuild with pool noodlesHave a costume paradeCatch raindrops in cupsTrace shadows with chalkWatch fireworks or stargazeCatch firefliesMake homemade ice creamCreate bubble artFreeze small toys in ice and excavate Summer BINGO for Elementary Kids
(Ages 7–10)Bug collection boxSidewalk chalk muralsMake a time capsuleSkip rocksVisit a nature center or museumFamily bike rideBackyard campoutFlashlight tagPaper airplane contestTry geocachingPlant flower or veggie gardenDesign a board gameCatch firefliesMemorize a Bible verseStart a book clubBuild LEGO summer scenesDIY birdhouse craftWater balloon fightHave a family game nightMake your own comic stripJoin a summer reading programHost a lemonade standBake cookies from scratchCreate a treasure huntLearn a Bible verse song Summer BINGO for Tweens
(Ages 11–13)Build a stick fortDIY science experimentBake and deliver cookiesWrite a short storyCreate a summer scrapbookNature photographyChalk mural projectMake a video journalPrayer journalCook dinner for familyGo fishingMake homemade pizzaStart a lemonade standWrite letters to grandparentsStargaze and ID constellationsLibrary summer reading challengeBabysit a siblingVolunteer at church eventHave a day at the lakeLearn an origami craftTry a new outdoor sportMake tie-dye shirtsDesign a family flagBuild a bird bathOrganize a clothing or toy donation Summer BINGO for Teens
(Ages 14+)Volunteer locallyDIY photoshoot with friendsSunrise hikeHost a themed movie nightLearn a new skillIce cream outing with siblingRedecorate your roomRead a book & review itCook a full mealJournal through PsalmsOrganize a closet or garageLead a Bible study for siblingsCreate a worship playlistBabysit for a neighborHave a day at the lakeMake a vlog or blogDo yard work for a neighborPlan a no-tech dayServe at VBS or church campPlan a game night for familyWatch fireworksOrganize a car wash fundraiserLearn a new worship song on an instrumentPlan and lead a family devotionTry out a new podcast and discuss it with family

Summer Tip for Parents: Print each BINGO sheet by age group or write the ideas on a poster. Encourage your kids to fill in a row for a special treat—or go for a blackout challenge by summer’s end!

Encourage Connection: Summer is a gift. Let’s use it to laugh more, explore more, read more, and grow in grace together.

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24Prayer for a Joyful Summer:

Lord, thank You for the warmth and joy of summer. Help us use this season to draw closer to each other and to You. Bless our family with laughter, learning, and rest. Help us cherish the ordinary and see Your goodness in the small moments. Amen.

Do you have a favorite summer activity? Share it in the comments!

Additional Resources Towers of Light Audio Tower

Looking for a screen-free summer activity for your kids? Try this out!

The Towers of Light audio tower has truly been a game-changer for my dyslexic son. This remarkable device has opened up a whole new world for him, allowing him to immerse himself in stories without the distraction of a cell phone. He absolutely loves the fact that it’s not just an audio tower, but also a light and a radio, all in one. The solar charging feature is an added bonus, making it a gift that keeps on giving. This tower has become an essential part of his daily routine, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the joy and independence it has brought him.

Get yours here!

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