Like many families, I began my summer by creating a bucket list of must-see and dos for my family. The list includes many Seacoast summer standards: Fort Foster, the Prescott Park Arts Festival and classics like running through the sprinklers, bowling, lemonade stands, and fishing. Then I got to thinking, what about me? What did I want to do this summer for myself? My summer bucket list started as a scribble in the margins of the kid’s list, solo beach day, but as the idea took hold the list grew and grew. It turns out that summer is the perfect season to rediscover myself and I plan to do just that!

I present my Summer Bucket List: Mom Style

1. Solo Beach Day

One of my greatest summer joys is spending some carefree time at the beach with my kids, but honestly some days all I want to do is sit in my chair with earbuds in, read my book and not have to nag anyone about sunscreen or watch one more backflip. We are truly blessed here in the Seacoast with no shortage of choices when it comes to beach time. Here’s a roundup of the best Seacoast Beaches. Pro tip: Take a scooter or bike to the beach and skip the parking hassle. The bonus is that no children will be able to come with you (sorry kids, no space!). 

2. Girls’ Weekend Away

Heading up the Mommy Bucket List for every season is the girls’ weekend. It used to be that a girls’ weekend meant a flight to Vegas, some booty-shakin’, and a hefty price tag. With the plethora of sites like Airbnb and vrbo a girls’ getaway doesn’t have to mean an expensive hotel. It doesn’t even have to mean getting far away. There are some amazing escapes just a short drive from the Seacoast like this Yurt on a farm in Berwick or this oceanfront affair in Kennebunk.

3. Boardwalk Date Night 

I blame Grease and the “Summer Lovin” duet for my starry-eyed summer romance ideas. After a long winter, Momma could use a little summer heat; a warm salty breeze on my neck, cotton candy on my lips, and a few carefree hours with my love. A good boardwalk features carnival games, bumper cars, and a kick-butt french fry. Luckily, Hampton, Old Orchard, and Weirs Beaches all offer that awesome combo of carnival and seashore. 

4. Hit Up a Farmer’s Market

I love farmer’s markets! The lovely fresh produce and handcrafted wares make my Birkenstock-loving heart sore. The truth, however, is that this bucket list item is about more than lovely tomatoes. Local food reduces our carbon footprint and is fresher. We here in the Seacoast we are blessed with active, year-round farmers markets. Check out the Maine Federation of Farmer’s Market and Seacoast Eat Local for market locations and dates. 

5. Enjoy Some Local Theater

Hackmatack Playhouse is doing Mamma Mia, Ogunquit Playhouse– Cabaret, and Seacoast Rep is taking a turn at West Side Story. (Don’t forget to put Beauty and the Beast in Prescott Park on your family’s bucket list)!

6. Drink In a Local Brewery

I’m not much of a drinker, but the siren song of the local brewpub has enticed even me to check out a local brewery or two (or 5). Local breweries and microbrews are hot right now. These spaces are fresh, innovative and delicious. Need a recommendation? Check out our Guide to Seacoast Breweries and Distilleries! 

7. Yoga in the Park

Go beyond your weekly Vinyasa and join the local community of Yogis who come together to enjoy some gentle stretching in the beautiful Seacoast outdoors. Interested? You can join groups in both Portsmouth and North Berwick.

[pinterest count=”horizontal”]8. Go to the Drive-In

and make out like a teen (see again with the Grease thing!) This is probably the most nostalgic item on my bucket list. When I was in high school many summer nights were spent with my friends at the Weirs Drive-in. While the recliners at Regal are nice, going to the drive-in turns going to the movies into an event! There are three options within an easy drive of the seacoast: The Milford Drive-In in Milford, NH, The Saco Drive-In in Saco, ME, and the scene of my teenage angst, The Weirs Drive-In in Weirs Beach, NH. 

9. Go Stargazing

I can’t remember the last time I simply sat and watched the night sky. I can’t remember the last time I just sat. Isn’t that a shame. Our ancestors made an art out of sitting for a spell but now between cell phones and other modern conveniences we never have to be alone, or bored. The real cost is all that we are missing in the world around us. Want to join me? Check out this awesome stargazing guide put together by hipcamp.com. 

10.Create Something

Sometimes I feel like I used all of my creative juices up creating my beautiful babies. Most days I debate not taking a shower never mind filling my time with painting, or quilting, or crafting like I did b.c. (before children), but you know what? I miss it. From a gorgeous DIY succulent wreath to embracing the reemergence of tie-dye, there’s a lot to be said for making something this summer!

So what do you think? Is there something you would add? I’d love to know what things made it onto your Mom’s Summer Bucket List!