The Ultimate Tween Summer Bucket List: Fun, Active & Screen-Light Ideas for Your Tween

Summer with a tween hits differently. They’re growing up fast, craving independence, fun adventures and a little freedom… but they still love making memories with you. A tween summer bucket list is the perfect way to make the holidays feel exciting, intentional and full of moments they’ll talk about long after school goes back.

This guide is packed with simple, joyful ideas that encourage confidence, movement, connection and creativity, all in line with the spirit of Fernleigh Avenue.

Why Create a Tween Summer Bucket List?

Tweens love:

• feeling included in decisions
• having something to look forward to
• checking off goals
• a mix of independence + structure

A bucket list helps them:

• stay active
• reduce “I’m bored” moments
• stay off screens (at least a bit!)
• build confidence by trying new things

And for parents?
It turns holiday chaos into fun, gentle structure — without feeling forced or scheduled.

The Ultimate Tween Summer Bucket List

Below are easy, low-cost and high-fun ideas designed just for tweens (ages roughly 8–13). Mix and match or print the whole list.

1. Plan a Pool Day With Friends

A classic summer must. Make it simple: music, floaties, snacks, and your tween’s favourite swimwear (something they feel confident in!).

Bucket List Prompt:
💦 “Invite two friends for a pool day and swim until your fingers wrinkle.”

2. Try a New Water Activity

Encourage skill-building and confidence with something active:

• Surf lesson
• Paddle boarding
• Snorkelling
• Body boarding
• Pool games or relay races

Bucket List Prompt:
🌊 “Try one new water activity this summer.”

3. Create a Summer Mocktail Bar

Let tweens mix fruit, lemonade, ice, and berries to make their own fun drink combinations.

Bucket List Prompt:
🍹 “Make your own signature summer mocktail.”

4. Have a Backyard Campout

Not quite ready for full camping? Pitch a tent at home and enjoy:

• Glow sticks
• Fairy lights
• Storytelling
• Toasted marshmallows

Bucket List Prompt:
✨ “Sleep under the stars (even if it’s in the backyard!).”

5. Make a Summer Memory Jar

Every time something fun happens, write it down and add it to a jar.
At the end of summer, read them all together.

Bucket List Prompt:
📬 “Write down 10 favourite summer moments.”

6. Plan a Picnic at the Beach or Park

Tweens love picking:

• snacks
• a playlist
• outfits
• the perfect picnic spot

Bucket List Prompt:
🥪 “Plan and pack a summer picnic.”

7. Build a Fort or Chill Zone

Inside or outside — blankets, pillows, fairy lights, and a good book.
Tweens LOVE having a cosy space that feels “their own.”

Bucket List Prompt:
✨ “Make the coolest summer chill-out fort.”

8. Learn a New Recipe

Simple ideas tweens can make:

• Fruit skewers
• Smoothie bowls
• Popcorn mix
• Easy wraps

Bucket List Prompt:
🍓 “Make one new snack all by yourself.”

9. Create a Summer Photoshoot

Tweens love an aesthetic moment. Pick a location and let them create fun memories:

• Beach
• Backyard
• Pool
• Playground
• Local gardens

Bucket List Prompt:
📸 “Do a mini summer photoshoot with a friend.”

10. Have a Digital-Free Day

A refreshing reset that helps them reconnect with the real world.

Bucket List Prompt:
🌱 “Have one screen-free day.”

11. Make Friendship Bracelets

A summer classic that doubles as a keepsake.

Bucket List Prompt:
💛 “Make friendship bracelets and trade them.”

12. Create a Summer Journal or Scrapbook

Print photos, add drawings, ticket stubs, and memories.

Bucket List Prompt:
📖 “Fill a summer scrapbook with your favourite moments.”

Bonus: Tween Summer Bucket List Checklist

Copy/paste this into notes or print it:

• Swim all day with friends
• Try a new water activity
• Make a signature mocktail
• Have a backyard campout
• Start a summer memory jar
• Plan a beach picnic
• Build a chill-out fort
• Learn a new recipe
• Do a mini photoshoot
• Have a screen-free day
• Make friendship bracelets
• Start a summer journal

💕 In Conclusion

Tweens are at that magical stage between childhood and the teenage years — full of creativity, bravery and big feelings. A summer bucket list gives them something to look forward to, helps them feel capable and independent, and lets you enjoy more meaningful moments together.

And of course…
🌊 Make sure they’ve got swimwear they feel confident, comfortable and age-appropriate in.
Fernleigh Avenue pieces are designed specifically for swimwear tweens + teens, built for movement, sun protection and that feel-good summer confidence.