The Ultimate Kid Summer Adventure Bucket List
From visiting all state parks in the United States, to camping at the beach, discovering hidden hot springs or witnessing the Northern Lights, most adults have a travel bucket list. But what we want to know is—why can’t kids have one too? To help the adventurous kids in your life build their ultimate summer bucket list, we pulled together 15 of the coolest outdoor experiences for kids of all ages. Be forewarned: Once your kids learn about these adventures, they’ll be begging you to go.
This is the ultimate summer travel experiences bucket list for kids.
1. Float down a real lazy river on an inner tube
Destination: South Llano River in Junction, Texas
Age Range: 3+ (with life vest)
Description: When the summertime heat becomes too much to bare, grab an inner tube and float the South Llano River in Texas hill country. Swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing are also encouraged.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Texas.
2. Rappel down a 200-foot waterfall
Destination: Big Bradley Waterfall in Saluda, North Carolina
Age Range: 15+
Description: Calling all high-adventure adrenaline junkies! Learn to swallow your fears and rappel down the 200-foot Big Bradley Waterfall in the rugged mountains of Western North Carolina.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in North Carolina.
3. Whitewater raft down wild rapids
Destination: The Rogue River in southern Oregon
Age Range: 7+
Description: From action-packed rapids to tranquil waters perfect for floating, taking a multi-day trip down the stunning Rogue River in southern Oregon is an adventure to remember.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Oregon.
4. Mountain bike through the desert on an electric bike
Destination: Moab, Utah
Age Range: 6+
Description: When visiting Utah, you must see the brilliant red rocks and breathtaking desert scenery on an backcountry electric mountain bike tour of Utah’s hoodoos and cliffs.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Utah.
Recommended: Top 10 Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in the East
5. Ride through the skies in a hot air balloon
Destination: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Age Range: 8+
Description: If floating over the earth in a giant balloon sounds like fun (how could it not?) then a visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is in order. Take to the skies during this colorful annual festival and see the world from a whole new perspective.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in New Mexico.
6. Visit the waterpark capital of the world
Destination: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Age Range: Any age
Description: The Wisconsin Dells area is home to six major waterparks. Noah’s Ark waterpark is the largest in the U.S., with over 50 waterslides, two wave pools and two lazy rivers.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Wisconsin.
Recommended: Creative Kid-Friendly Camping Dinner Ideas
7. Learn to live off the land
Destination: Wild Food Adventures, multiple locations, Oregon
Age Range: 7+
Description: Finding edible food that grows wild in our forests and oceans is a fun and useful skill. Self-sufficient kids can learn to live off of the land with workshops and multi-day foraging excursions.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Oregon.
8. Learn to ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean
Destination: Los Angeles, California
Age Range: 8-17
Description: Master your cool California style by learning to surf. Boogie boarding, body surfing and getting the perfect tan are also part of the beach summer itinerary.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in California.
Recommended: 10 Reasons Why Kids Need to Spend Time Outdoors
9. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark
Destination: Missouri River Canoe Trip in Great Falls, Montana
Age Range: 5+
Description: The Missouri River is the longest river in America, over 2,300 miles long. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark while floating the peaceful and scenic waters in a dugout canoe.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Montana.
10. Explore the underworld
Destination: Carlsbad Caverns in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Age Range: All ages
Description: Located in the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Canyons National Park has 119 caves, three of which are open to the public. Watch several hundred thousand bats spiral out of the caves in a clockwise motion each night or squeeze through small crevasses while exploring Spider Cave.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in New Mexico.
11. Release baby sea turtles back to the ocean
Destination: Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, Texas
Age Range: All ages
Description: Calling all animal lovers: Every year, endangered sea turtles are released into the Gulf of Mexico. Rise early to see these tiny turtles waddle toward their new life in the ocean.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Texas.
12. Snorkel with the manatees
Destination: Florida Manatee Tour, Homosassa, Florida
Age Range: 2+
Description: The Florida manatee is one of the most beloved sea animals. Weighing in at over 1,000 pounds, it’s incredible to see one with your own eyes while floating in the warm Florida waters.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Florida.
13. Set out on the ultimate treasure hunt
Destination: Your own backyard and beyond
Age Range: 3+
Description: Did you know that there are secret treasures all around you? Millions of geocaches are hidden around the world. Download the geocaching app and find your own hidden treasure.
14. Take on an outdoor obstacle course
Destination: Kids Obstacle Challenge, multiple locations, USA
Age Range: 5-16
Description: Adventurous kids can climb cargo nets, jump through ball pits, crawl through mud obstacles and rope swing their way to the finish line in this made-for-kids obstacle challenge.
Where to Camp: Location dependent. Search for campgrounds.
15. Kayak through an alligator filled swamp
Destination: Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida
Age Range: 2+
Description: Explore mangrove forests and freshwater swamps from a kayak in Everglades National Park. But think twice before you go for a swim—over 200,000 alligators call the Everglades home.
Where to Camp: Search for campgrounds in Florida.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!