A Family History Summertime Bucket List

Summer has a way of creating memories that stay with us long after the season has ended. The simple moments—eating popsicles on the porch, taking a family road trip, or staying up late just because—often become the stories we tell for years to come.

I created this Family History Summer Bucket List to help families find simple ways to weave family history into everyday life. My prayer is that each activity will help strengthen family connections while creating lasting memories together.

You do not need to complete every item on the list. Choose one or two that spark your interest, adapt them to fit your family, and enjoy the conversations and connections that follow. After all, family history is not just about discovering the past. It is about strengthening the relationships we have today, preserving the moments we are living right now, and helping future generations understand where they come from.

I hope this bucket list inspires your family to create meaningful memories this summer, deepen your connections with one another, and discover where their stories lead.

to download simply click here or on the image.

I printed mine at Staples using the blueprint option in the size 18x24. I printed it in black and white for $2.25 before taxes. 

Ask a grandparent about summertime when they were children

ideas for questions:

What was your favorite thing to do during the summer?

What is your favorite summer memory from childhood?

Did you have a summer job?

Did your family have any special summer traditions?

What did your family do on holidays like the fourth of July?

What was your favorite summer treat?

What games did you play with friends?

What was the funniest thing that happened one summer?

What is one summer memory you never want to forget?

What story about your childhood summers would you like future generations to remember?

learn the story behind your name

here is the link to my post on the children's book, Alma and how she got her name with an accompanying activity page. 

Have a family storytelling night

Gather your family together and spend an evening sharing stories. They can be funny, meaningful, or simply memories from childhood. The goal is not to tell perfect stories, but to connect, laugh, and remember together.

For example, everyone could take turns answering the same prompt, such as:

• What is the funniest thing that happened to you as a child?
• What is your favorite place our family has visited?
• Tell about something memorable that happened on a road trip.
• What is your favorite summer memory?
• What family tradition do you remember most?

Look through old family photos together

Pick an ancestor and explore the culture, traditions, and history of their homeland

ex: Look at it on a map, try a traditional food, listen to local music, learn a few words in the language, or explore a holiday celebrated there

Fill out a "my favorites right now" memory page

click here or on the image to download/print this activity page

Create a "summertime memory" jar

Place an empty jar in a central location and encourage family members to add memories throughout the summer. Write down special outings, funny moments, family traditions, or simple everyday experiences on slips of paper and place them in the jar.

At the end of summer, gather together and read the memories aloud. You may be surprised by the moments your family remembers most.

Make a family recipe together

Explore old family photos and see which ancestor you look most like

You could also do the compare-a-face activity on FamilySearch. Simply upload a photo of yourself, and FamilySearch will compare your features to photos of relatives in your family tree.

Record a miracle your family has experienced

Learn about your parents love story

Find an object in your house with a story behind it

then share the story!

Draw or paint a picture of an ancestor

As you create, talk about who they were, where they lived, and what you admire about them. This simple activity can help children connect with an ancestor's story in a creative and meaningful way.

Begin filling in your family pedigree chart

Start a new family summertime tradition

ex: record one family story each summer, learn about an ancestor each summer, create a "my favorites" page each year for each family member, take a family photo in the same location each year, or create a summer scrapbook page

Try a new food or recipe from an ancestor's homeland

Create a digital family photo album

Choose photos from a recent family trip, a special event, or even everyday moments. Organize them into an album on your phone, computer, or a photo-sharing app. Consider adding names, dates, locations, or a short description to help future generations understand the stories behind the pictures.

Make a playlist of songs that are meaningful to your family

Create a playlist together and invite each family member to contribute a few songs that are meaningful to them. Include favorite family sing-alongs, songs from childhood, road trip favorites, or music that reminds you of special memories.

Discover one new thing about an ancestor

Recreate an old family photo

Walk through a cemetery or bring flowers to the grave of a loved one or ancestor

here is the link to my blog post about this activity and how it went for us. There is also a free printable to use when you do this activity. 

Start a family gratitude journal

Watch old family videos

Go on a nature walk and share a favorite outdoor memory