Family Summer Bucket List
Summer is the perfect time to unplug, unwind, and try something new! Whether you’re rocking a road trip or kicking it at home, turn up a boppin’ summer playlist and make some memories with the family. We asked the Shoe Carnival staff for their favorite summer activities with the kids, and they suggested loads of ideas to put on your summer bucket list!
Build a Fort
Right: Men’s Vans Ward Skate Shoes in Black/White Suede
Vans also available in women’s, toddlers’, and kids’ sizes
“Summers with my family are great for being outside, but when those summer storms roll in, we find ways to play inside. My kids put their Minecraft skills to good use by building epic blanket forts that quickly grow into ‘The Pillow Fortress to Rule Them All!’ Last summer we had plenty of shipping boxes left over, which we used to transform our stairs into a slide for more indoor fun! Pro tip: Make sure the kids are wearing Velcro sandals or sneakers to avoid cardboard burns. Having the house filled with laughter helps us pass the time and create good memories on those rainy summer days.” – Harrison
Take a Family Bike Ride
“My son is coming up on one and a half years of age and is in awe of the outdoors. Everything outside is so new and exciting to him. We had our first outdoor bike ride of the summer, and we wanted to teach my son how to ride his brand-new balance bike (a bicycle without pedals, powered by the feet, perfect for toddlers). He struggled at first, but eventually, he was able to get his little athletic sneakers moving across the concrete. We all had so much fun with it that we decided to spend the rest of the evening riding all around our street. I can’t wait to ride again, but with my son giving training wheels a try.” – Sean
Explore Nature on a Hike
Right: Men’s Teva Minam Outdoor Sandals in Black
“If you’re looking for my family on a sunny summer day, chances are you will find us enjoying a family hike! Nothing says summer more than lacing up our tennis shoes or slipping into our hiking sandals and heading for adventure in the great outdoors. My son loves exploring the trails in his comfy camo Crocs. They are the perfect shoe for taking your little one on a nature walk! Nothing is sweeter than discovering the rocks, sticks, and other treasures he’s shoved into his pockets from our explorations. They are a great reminder of life’s simple pleasures!” – Courtney
Hula Hoop Contest
Also available in men’s
Right: Girls’ Nike Little Kid & Big KId Kawa Move Sport Slides in Arctic Punch
Also available in baby and toddler sizes
“Here’s a great family activity to add to your summer bucket list: The Hula Hoop Contest. This fun competition can be enjoyed by the young and young at heart. Just go outside, turn on some tunes, and see who hula hoops the longest. The last person standing gets a prize! To make the contest more challenging, every few minutes, call out special instructions like ‘stand on one foot’ or ‘kick off your slides’. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face as you watch your whole family come together.” – Arvanna
Read a Good Book
“Opting for a staycation? Take the kids on faraway trips and adventures right at your local library! Each summer we’re eager to dig into the summer reading lists with our daughters. Your library’s summer reading program is the perfect way to keep everyone intellectually and academically engaged while still enjoying the break from school. Kick off your Birkenstock sandals as you revisit your favorite literary characters and take the kids to explore new continents and new worlds with their imaginations. Reading really is FUNdamental!” – Brook
Pack a Picnic
“As soon as the weather turns warm and sunny, one of our favorite activities is to head to the park for a family picnic. We make sure to let the kids help us pack lots of easy picnic foods that are good for small fingers, don’t spoil quickly, and don’t need utensils. Some of our favorites are bananas, caprese skewers with basil-wrapped mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes, and hummus with pretzels. The sneakers usually come off so we can feel our toes in the grass, but once we’re done eating, we slide them back on so we can go explore the park as it wakes up from its long winter nap. Give it a try!” – Ashley
Enjoy an Ice Cream Sundae
Right: Women’s Converse Shoreline Summer Fest Slip-On Sneakers in Blue/Green Tie Dye
“One of the many things that my family looks forward to during the summer is ice cream. Whether store-bought, trips to the local ice cream parlor, or indulging a 4-scoop waffle cone on vacation – summer is for ice cream! One of the things that made me fall in love with ice cream is how there is always a flavor for everyone. Maybe you’re like me, rocking those All-Star Converse Chucks and tight-rolled jeans enjoying a simple cone of vanilla ice cream. Ahh, perfection. Or maybe you like to spice things up with a bowl of rocky road or even dare we say it, gelato?! No matter which flavor is chosen, it’s always a summer favorite for my family. If you need me this summer, I’ll be at the local ice cream shop.” – Austin
Swim at the Pool
(Jibbitz sold separately in store only)
“Take the excitement of summer, and add a pool, new shoes for said pool, and boy oh boy – you’ve got yourself a real good day! Last summer, my two boys soaked up every ounce of careless summertime that comes with childhood, dripping chlorinated water onto their new Crocs™ slides as they took turns tackling me into the crisp pool water. Concrete in July is one h-o-t tamale and their pool shoes made that transition from aquatic superstars to terrestrial fiends painless and much more fun! We are so excited to soak in the sun at the pool again this summer.” – Kennedy
Post. Vote. Win. in the Shoe Carnival #UnboxGoodTimes Summer Contest! Enter weekly for a chance to WIN a FREE pair of shoes or a grand prize $500 Shopping Spree. Follow us on IG @shoecarnival to keep up to date on the weekly challenge and check out the full details.
All items in stock as of time of publication.