Sweet Summertime!
Even though it’s only just beginning, summer will be over way too soon. For some reason, it always seems to fly by quicker than any other season. Vacations, family reunions, pool days, and kid’s activities very easily make it seem like 24 hours a day isn’t enough.
Making the most of each hot day is the best way to take full advantage, and the summer is a perfect time to be busy.
So what’s the best way to make sure you do everything you want to do this summer? Make a list of course! And we’re here to help get you started!
Top 9 Summer Bucket List Ideas for 2021
Farmer’s Markets:
These are a great way to support local businesses! Farmer’s Markets are a fun atmosphere with delicious food and a variety of unique items for purchase. Sometimes they have live music or other activities for all ages to enjoy. Check out our list of area Farmer’s Markets here!
Camping, Campfires, Hiking…oh my!
So many memories can be made during a camping adventure. Maybe you have a trailer of your own or you plan to just pitch a tent. Or maybe you’d prefer to rent a cabin. Either way, S’mores are a must! Here’s our guide to area campgrounds.
Drive-in Movie Theater
Everything is more fun outside and movies are no exception! The 61 Drive in Theater describes themselves as “family fun under the stars” and that’s exactly what it is. If you haven’t visited this outdoor theater, this is a must for your summer list!
Strawberry Picking
There’s nothing sweeter than freshly picked berries! These berry farms provide a fun for the whole family! You can find a few strawberry patches not far from Cedar Rapids; The Berry Basket Farm is located just south of Iowa City and Bagge Strawberries is located in Independence.
Baseball Game
Whether it’s the Major Leagues or just our hometown Kernels, a visit to the ballpark is always an enjoyable way to spend a summer evening. Here is the link to the Cedar Rapids Kernels 2021 schedule.
Beach Day
Pack a picnic lunch and go enjoy a day at the beach! You can build a sand castle, swim, build a sand volcano, or just relax in the sand. Maybe you want to rent a paddle boat, kayak, or a canoe. Pinicon Ridge is a great place that offers that option. Other area beaches include: Palo Beach, Lake Macbride, Backbone State Park, and Coralville Lake.
Take a Day Trip
Some easy but fun day trip places could be Adventureland, Lost Island Water Park, Blank Park Zoo, or the Niabi Zoo.
Miniature Golf
“Putt Putt” golf is another activity that is fun for all ages. You can visit the Airport National Golf Course or Mini Pines Miniature Golf Course located at the Twin Pines Golf Course.
Water Fun
The best way to cool off from the summer heat is with water. You can visit a local pool or splash pad, float the river, have a water balloon fight, slide down a slip-n-slide, run through the sprinkler, or just go “old school” and spray each other with the garden hose! All of these options are a great way to beat the heat while still having fun.
Other ideas for your summer bucket list could include the following: set up a lemonade stand, have a tie-dye party, visit a county fair, lay in the backyard and stargaze, visit a different park each week and have a picnic, visit a local library, sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles, go camping in your backyard, make homemade popsicles, snow cones, banana splits, or milkshakes.
What keeps your family busy in the summer? What are some of your favorite summer activities?
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