Summer 2022 Bucket List

Summer 2022, our first as a family of five. Also, will be our first in a new home with lots of other changes happening. Needless to say, it’s been a busy past few months for the Kennedy family, and I’m ready to focus on how we can make the most of our summer, so I have put together a summer 2022 bucket list. I am feeling lucky to be on maternity leave for the summer, and to have time to really focus on our family and all the adjustments we’re making. It’s a lot for the kids (and us!) — a new baby/sibling, a new home, new schedule with mom on maternity leave and school ending. It’s also a special time. Our first summer as a family of five, but also the first time I’ve had a summer off of work (well, my day job — running my own side business never gives me a break) and this much time to focus on the kids and our family. I’m counting my blessings, and going to really try to make sure we have the best summer yet. To help, because we all know we’re going to blink and summer will be over, I’ve put together a summer 2022 bucket list with everything I want to do with our family during this special summer. For more summer activity ideas, check out my 2019 summer bucket list and summer 2021 summer bucket list.

1. Rye Playland: We went last year and the kids had a blast. I promised we’d take them back this year.
2. Legoland: There’s a location not far from the lake house and I know James would love it.
3. Martha’s Vineyard: We’re planning to join friends in the Vineyard at the end of the summer for a week and I can’t wait.
4. Quogue: I really want to make an effort to go back to our favorite spot out East for at least a week. Hoping on a last-minute rental since we haven’t exactly gotten our stuff together.
5. Tennis: This is more for me, but I want to get back on the courts now that I’m cleared for exercise and play at least twice a week, whether it’s a clinic, lesson, game with friends, or some friendly singles with the hubs.
6. Swim Lessons: My goal is to have James fully swimming on his own this summer and Charlotte on her way if not there.
7. Sesame Place: Not sure if this will happen, but I’d love to take the kids to Sesame Place for a change of scenery and special treat.
8. Bike Rides: Now that we all have bikes and a trailer for the littles, I’d love to spend more time taking bike rides.
9. Fly Fishing: We do a lot of fly fishing up at the lake, and I’d love to take James out this summer. I mostly just hike down but I think the older kids would love getting in the river and trying to fish.
10. Birthday Celebration for Andrew: We didn’t do a big party for Andrew last year because we went on a trip instead. It doesn’t have to be something crazy, but I’d love to put together something fun for the hubs this year — maybe an ’80s tennis party or something.
11. Bronx Zoo: I really want to spend more time at the zoo with the kids this summer. It’s so close to us and such a great zoo.
12. Summer Camp: We’re planning to send James back to camp at our club and do something for Charlotte as well. She’s a little young for camp, just missing the cutoff, as she won’t be three until end of summer, but I want her to be in some fun activities since she enjoyed school so much.
13. Watch Fireworks: I hope we can get to the lake to enjoy fireworks this year (Andrew likes to put on our own show and wage a friendly competition with the neighbors across the lake) or at least watch them from around here.
14. S’Mores: One of my favorite lake traditions is making s’mores around the fire pit with the kids and looking at the stars.
15. Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Sailing and Canoe Rides: I love getting the water toys out on the lake. I want to do more paddle boarding and kayaking and then I’d like for the kids to get more time sailing and canoeing.
16. Ice Cream Dates: I am a firm believer that as much ice cream as desired should be consumed during the summer. I love taking the kids on special ice cream dates and want to plan a lot of those this summer.
17. Beach: We didn’t spend as much time at the beach last summer as I’d hoped. I’d like to spend more time there this summer with the kids. It’s a nice change-up from the pool, so making this a priority on our summer 2022 bucket list.
18. Host a fun third (!!) birthday for Charlotte: How is my little girl turning three at the end of the summer?!
19. Baseball Game: I’d love to take James to a Yankees game this summer. I think he’d really enjoy it.
20. Lemonade Stand: Time for our kids to learn the value of a dollar.
21. BBQ with Friends: Always a favorite part of summer for me and a must-include on our summer 2022 bucket list.
22. Sprinkler and Bounce House: Sometimes hanging out in the backyard is the best way to end a summer day.
23. Strawberry Picking: We did this last year and the kids loved it. Can’t wait to do it again.