You’ve heard of the Summer Bucket List and now we’re spicing it up with an ABCs of Summer Fun that you can do with your whole family! With 26 great activities for family fun, you cand do this on repeat - and don’t forget to check out our linked articles or guides for some additional inspo!
A - Amusement park visits to enjoy thrilling rides together
B - Beach days filled with sandcastles and refreshing swims. Check our guide to local NC and SC beaches.
C - Camping trips to connect with nature and tell stories by the campfire. Not into the outdoors, check out this fun way to set up a camping adventure in your home!
D - Discovering new hiking trails and exploring scenic landscapes. We have a great guide to local hiking and biking trails right here.
E - Evening bike rides to feel the warm breeze and watch the sunset. Wheter you go for a bike around your neighborhood or on one of these trails, its a great way to spend time as a family.
F - Frisbee games in the park, laughter filling the air. Here are some fun frisbee golf courses:
- Hornets Nest Park, Charlotte
- Reedy Creek Park, Charlotte
- Renaissance Park, Charlotte
- Sugar Creek Park, Charlotte
- Squirrel Lake Park, Matthews
- Lookout Park, Tega Cay
- Riverchase Park, Fort Mill
- Creekside Park, Indian Trail
- Bearskin Creek, Monroe
- Waxhaw Elementary School, Waxhaw
G - Go gorilla and enjoy our city from the trees….by doing a Treetop ropes course at the White Water Center! You can also do the ropes course at Mr. Putty’s - both are a ton of fun!
H - Hitting up museums is another great option - especially for the hot and rainy days. Some museums offer free and reduced price days, too! Some of our favorites include:
- Mint Museum, Uptown and Randolph
- Main Street Children’s Museum, Rock Hill
- Schiele Museum, Gastonia
- Discovery Place Science and Kids (Nature is under construction!)
- Rock Hill Fire Station Museum
- Fort Mill History Museum
- Monroe Science Center
- Museum of the Waxhaws
- Museum of Illusions
I - Ice cream outings to indulge in sweet treats on sunny days. You can find a full list of great ice cream shops below:
J - Jet Skiing is so much fun and with two great lakes from which to chose, we love this options for thrill-seeking families!
K - Kayaking or canoeing adventures both locally and within a short drive. Some of our favorite spots include:
L - Lemonade stands to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in kids.
M - Movie nights under the stars, snuggled up with blankets and popcorn. You can find local movie nights hosted by your town on our calendars:
N - Nature scavenger hunts, spotting birds, bugs, and other wildlife. Here are a few links to pre-made sheets we have for you:
O - Outdoor markets are one of our favorite ways to spend summer weekend mornings. Check out this list of fun farmers markets and local farms to visit:
P - Picnics in the park, complete with sandwiches, snacks, and laughter.
Q - Quiet reading time, each family member enjoying a book outside. Need some book ideas? Check out this list from your local library summer reading program:
R - Road trips to explore new destinations and make lasting memories. Here are a few we love from:
S - Splash pads or water parks for endless water-filled fun:
T - Truist field is a blast with kids - so go see the Knights play in uptown Charlotte! This is one of the most kid-friendly sporting events in town and one of my kids’ favorties. Summer is a great time to see the Knights play and then enjoy the fireworks on weekends!
U - Unwind with yoga sessions in the fresh air, finding inner peace as a family. You can enjoy some outdoor yoga sessions at:
V - Victory Lanes is always a fun way to speed through summer. Try your hand at goKarting and see who’s the….er…best driver in your bunch?
W - Water! Water! Water! There are so many great water play ideas - make sure to check out this article for some.
X - eXploring new cities or towns for a change of scenery. Did you know we have a whole series on exploring your own city!? Check out our recent posts on:
Y - Yacht or boat rides on nearby lakes or rivers, embracing the water. Rent a boat at Lake Wylie or Lake Norman and go for a cruise!
Z - Zoo visits to marvel at exotic animals and learn about wildlife conservation. We have two accredited and amazing zoos within a 2 hour drive from us - the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro and the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. If you’re up for a longer drive, you can also check out Zoo Atlanta
For more great fun, make sure to check our calendar of events and subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
