Life with kids is full of surprises, milestones, mess, and magic — and that’s exactly why we’ve created these family bucket lists. Whether you’re looking for ways to fill your days with joy, find new adventures close to home, or plan memorable trips, these lists are designed to inspire and guide you every step of the way. Family life doesn’t have to mean expensive holidays or far-flung travel (though those are brilliant too!) — it’s also about the simple moments, the firsts, and the laughter shared over everyday adventures.
Find Your List
Our family bucket lists cover all ages and stages, from toddlers discovering the world, to those precious years before school starts, right through to the teenage years when you want to hold on to the last bits of childhood while getting ready for adulthood. Wherever you are on your family journey, there’s something here for you. And if you want even more ideas and inspiration, check out our full Ultimate Bucket List — it’s the ultimate source of family fun and unforgettable experiences.
50 Family Bucket List Ideas
Here are 50 amazing ideas for your family bucket lists — a mixture of adventures, simple joys, and activities to bring your family closer together:
- Go stargazing on a clear night
- Have a family movie marathon with homemade popcorn
- Build a den or fort indoors or outdoors
- Visit a wildlife park or nature reserve
- Learn to cook a new recipe together
- Explore a new city or town nearby
- Have a beach day with sandcastle building
- Go on a scenic train journey
- Take a family bike ride on a new trail
- Try an outdoor adventure like zip-lining or canoeing
- Visit a farmers’ market and try new foods
- Go camping, even if it’s just in the garden
- Attend a local festival or fair
- Volunteer together for a community project
- Take part in a family-friendly sports event or fun run
- Create a family time capsule to open in the future
- Visit a castle or historical landmark
- Go fruit picking at a local farm
- Have a picnic in a park or woodland
- Visit a children’s museum or science centre
- Try a new craft or DIY project
- Go on a boat trip or ferry ride
- Visit an aquarium or zoo
- Have a tech-free day to enjoy nature and board games
- Take a day trip to a nearby beach or lake
- Go on a wildlife safari or guided nature walk
- Learn a new sport or activity together
- Go apple or berry picking
- Visit a botanical garden or flower show
- Take a cooking class as a family
- Go ice skating or rollerblading
- Stay somewhere unique (like a yurt, castle, fort etc…)
- Go hiking and have a picnic at the summit
- Attend a theatre or puppet show
- Have a family photo shoot
- Learn a new language or phrases for a future trip
- Build and fly a kite on a windy day
- Go horse riding or pony trekking
- Visit a local art gallery or museum
- Take a family yoga or dance class
- Create family bucket lists
- Visit a planetarium or science museum
- Try geocaching or a treasure hunt outdoors
- Make homemade ice cream or lemonade
- Go on a sunrise or sunset walk
- Have a family game night with classic board games
- Take a ferry to a nearby island or town
- Go to a local theatre performance or concert
- Have a backyard BBQ or garden party
- Write and perform a family play or talent show
Every experience on our family bucket lists helps you build memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re travelling far or simply soaking up the moment at home. For even more inspiration, don’t forget to visit our Ultimate Bucket List, packed with exciting ideas for the whole family.
Toddler Bucket List: 25 Joyful Experiences for Little Explorers
Toddlers bring a whole world of wonder — and often mess! While I’m not a huge fan of the phrase “bucket list” for such tiny humans (it can sound a bit morbid), our toddler bucket list is really about celebrating those simple, joyful moments and milestones. Whether it’s their first tastes, first steps, or first adventures, these ideas focus on fun experiences that can be done close to home or on the go.
- Go on a plane for the first time
- Feed ducks or other animals at a park
- Have a splash in a paddling pool or beach
- Visit a soft play centre or indoor playground
- Watch a puppet show or children’s theatre
- Have a messy painting session outdoors
- Go for a boat trip or ferry ride
- Play in the leaves or snow
- Visit a petting zoo or farm
- Have a picnic with favourite snacks
- Build a den or tent with blankets at home
- Explore a nature trail or woodland walk
- Blow bubbles in the garden or park
- Plant seeds or flowers in a pot or garden
- Visit a local library storytime session
- Visit a children’s museum or discovery centre
- Collect shells, stones or leaves on a walk
- Dance and sing to favourite songs
- Have a teddy bears’ picnic
- Try a new fruit or vegetable together
- Build with blocks or simple puzzles
- Take a ride on a carousel or small train
- Make simple homemade playdough
- Grow your own vegetables
- Watch the sunset or stars before bedtime
These sweet, simple experiences form the heart of our toddler bucket list, making the most of every magical day. You can always find more ideas on our Ultimate Bucket List or explore our other family bucket lists for inspiration across all ages.
Things to Do Before They Start School: 20 Special Milestones
The years before school can feel like the calm before the storm — a chance to explore, learn and enjoy family time before the busy school days begin. Our list of things to do before your child starts school focuses on fun, learning, and making memories you’ll all treasure.
- Have a ‘yes day’ where kids choose activities
- Visit a local museum or gallery
- Learn to swim or have fun in the water
- Explore a botanical garden or nature centre
- Visit a fire station or police station open day
- Plant a small garden patch or window box
- Bake simple cakes or cookies together
- Have a day with no screens, just books and games
- Go on a scavenger hunt outdoors
- Try a simple science experiment at home
- Take a short train or bus journey
- Visit a zoo or animal sanctuary
- Make a family scrapbook or photo album
- Have a dress-up day with favourite costumes
- Visit a local farm and learn about animals
- Try a family yoga or movement class
- Go on a nature walk and identify birds or plants
- Make homemade pizzas or favourite dinners
- Host a playdate with friends or neighbours
- Write and post a letter to a family member or pen pal
This list helps make the most of those precious pre-school years, offering plenty of opportunities to connect, learn and grow. For more family fun, take a look at our Ultimate Bucket List and other family bucket lists.
Teen Bucket List: 50 Things to Do Before You Step Into Adulthood
Teenage years are such a unique mix of excitement and nerves — the last moments of childhood combined with the first steps towards independence. Our teen bucket list celebrates this time with a mix of fun, self-discovery, and a few challenges to help prepare for the grown-up world, all while making the most of the freedom and energy of youth.
- Go on a solo day trip to explore somewhere new
- Learn to cook three simple meals from scratch
- Volunteer for a cause you care about
- Plan a road trip with friends or family
- Have a technology-free weekend
- Start a journal or blog to record your thoughts
- Learn basic first aid and emergency skills
- Go camping under the stars with friends or family
- Take part in a local theatre or music production
- Have a picnic in the park with friends
- Learn how to budget and manage pocket money
- Try an extreme sport like rock climbing or surfing
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from a special spot
- Create a vision board for your dreams and goals
- Take a class in something creative like photography or art
- Attend a live concert or festival
- Spend a day exploring your local city as a tourist
- Read a classic novel or book series
- Host a movie night or game night with friends
- Learn how to change a tyre and basic car maintenance
- Write a letter to your future self
- Take part in a charity fundraiser or event
- Try meditation or mindfulness exercises
- Learn to swim if you haven’t already
- Have a beach bonfire with friends or family
- Master a new skill like juggling or a musical instrument
- Explore different cultures through food or festivals
- Go on a hiking or cycling adventure
- Make a scrapbook or photo album of your teenage years
- Try a new hobby or sport each season
- Plan a surprise for a family member or friend
- Take a public speaking or debating class
- Visit a place that’s significant to your family history
- Bake something complicated like a layered cake
- Try a new style or fashion statement for a day
- Host a themed party or event
- Go to an amusement park or theme park
- Take a dance class or join a local team
- Learn to knit, sew or craft something useful
- Write a poem or short story and share it
- Explore your town or city’s hidden gems
- Try a day of volunteering abroad or locally
- Visit a museum or gallery that interests you
- Have a lazy day with no plans, just relax
- Make a playlist of songs that mean something to you
- Learn to drive or take a driving theory course
- Try journaling or sketching daily for a month
- Take part in a community clean-up or garden project
- Spend a day without complaining — focus on gratitude
- Reflect on what you’ve learned and what you want next
This teen bucket list is all about embracing youth, preparing for the future, and making the most of the unique, sometimes tricky, but always exciting teenage years.
With these family bucket lists for every stage, you’re all set to fill your days with adventure, learning, and joy — creating memories that will stay with you for years to come. Whether you’re chasing northern lights, baking in the kitchen, or blowing bubbles in the garden, every moment counts. For even more ideas, inspiration, and adventures, dive into our Ultimate Bucket List and keep your family journey exciting at every turn.
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