Most people, adults and children alike, have a bucket list place they would like to see. As a family, we sat down together and discussed some family bucket list ideas, decided which places were actual possibilities, and started putting a plan in place. While your vacation ideas may seem out of reach, there are plenty of options that can be achieved with a little bit of planning. Here are some ways to come up with a few family bucket list ideas that everyone is happy with.

How to Create Your Family Bucket List Ideas
Get a Family Consensus
One of the first things to do when creating a family bucket list is to set aside some time together to talk. Discuss visiting an exciting destination or doing something you haven’t done before, but have always wanted to. Then, come up with some simple family bucket list ideas. Decide as a family where you would like to go or what types of things you would like to do. Would you like more of an outdoor adventure vacation? One with theme park stops? Would you prefer
Even if you are looking for the next weekend getaway, sit down with your family members, and discuss some options about where each member would like to go. Clearly, assuming they are old enough and their suggestions are plausible. Staying nearby is also an easy option that could be lots of fun and a great first step. Traveling locally can be a great way to vacation. Take a look at these family staycation tips.
If possible, consider a family gap year. If both adults are able to take the time off of work or work remotely, and willing to homeschool the kids, this adventure could be a way to get your family bucket list taken care of. If you are looking for some destination inspiration, then these family holiday destinations for 2020 may help. Check out World is Wide, if you would like more resources, including a free e-book, to help you get started on creating your family travel bucket list.
Clearly, this is easier said than done. Try to have some type of activity that you know each member of the family would like. That way even if there is one part that someone isn’t thrilled about, there is some form of compromise. Here are some family bucket list ideas and destinations:
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Disney World
- Road to Hana in Hawaii
- Iceland Road Trip
- Route 66 Drive
- Dive in the Bahamas
- Cross Country Road Trip
- Scandinavia and the Baltics
- Europe Backpacking Trip
- Live in an RV Full Time
- USA National Park Vacation
- Road Trip Adventures Around the World
- A Family Holiday in Sicily
Your family bucket list ideas could also be general and done in various locations:
- Go kayaking
- Ride a roller coaster
- Swim in the ocean
- Visit a cave
- Go for a hike
- Explore a tide pool
- Visit an aquarium
- Visit a science museum
- Take a family bike ride
- Collect seashells
- Take a picture with a famous monument








Plan Ahead
Figure out how you are going to achieve this trip. What would be the best time of year to go? Do you need to save money? Where will you stay? Do you need a rental car? Should you apply for a credit card to get you there with miles/points? Regardless of the answers to these questions, the key is to have a plan. That way it helps you organize the trip better, and very likely, save money. Finding cheap rentals cars is always a great way to start!
Although the planning of a trip can sometimes be a daunting task, if you pace yourself, it can be part of the fun! Check out – 10 useful Tips for a Newbie Traveler if you need ideas or if you have little ones, tips for flying with a baby. Use Pinterest or Tripadvisor to help you find things to do in the city and nearby. Also do not forget, if you are going abroad, see if you can use Mobile Passport or Global E
Need ideas for packing? Check out these Things to Bring on Vacation.
Enjoy Your Trip
As silly as this last part sounds, it is important to make the most out of your vacation and try not to sweat the small stuff. Here’s how to avoid holiday disasters by creating the perfect family holiday checklist before you leave.
Booking.comOur Family’s Simple Bucket List Idea
The 50 State Challenge
We are currently at 45/50, but have plans to make it by 2021! For our remaining states, we plan to fly to Las Vegas and drive the southwest states of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah. Lastly, Hawaii will be our final spot to reach all 50 states. We are putting our travel photos to good use and documenting this whole family bucket list idea on a personalized travel photo map.

Simple Family Bucket List Ideas
If you aren’t able to get out and travel together right away, here is a list of some other family bucket list ideas that you can do just about anywhere.
- Have a picnic
- Eat too much ice cream
- Bake cookies
- Fly a kite
- Jump on a trampoline
- Go camping in the backyard
- Play in the rain
- Sleep in a hammock
- Have a water balloon fight
- Sample local foods
I hope these family bucket list ideas inspire you to get started on building those memories together as a family and experience fun moments together now while your kids are young. Enjoy!


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It’s really great to have family goals related to travel. It makes it more fun and adds more structure to your travel planning!
I love checking items off our bucket list. There is something extra special about experiencing something you have talked about, planned and looked forward to with your loved ones.
I think creating a family bucket list, together, Ian a great idea!!
Great list this is a big help! Saving for our family to use in the future 😉
I love this! I’m looking forward to setting up a family bucket list when my daughter is old enough to give her input! 🙂
Great tips. I need to set some goals, we kind of pick places at random at the moment.
Love this idea! I’ve tried making a list with the kids and it’s interesting where they want to go, including “Disneyland on the moon”
great ideas for the NOW as we get ready for the LATER and all the travels!
This is a great tool get us motivated and ready for Travel.
I absolutely love a bucket list! And I love getting the family involved in making one together! So much to hope and dream for the future!
We are a ‘family travel bucket list’ family too! With the current travel bans, we are falling a bit behind! Can’t wait to get back on the road!!
Iceland Road Trip is the next on our list! Do you have a post about it?
It’s such a great idea to create a family bucket list! I especially love that map for your 50 States Challenge! So cool!
I love your beautiful 50 States photo bucket list! I’ve written a list that goes up to 2035 and takes into account all the major anniversaries/ birthdays so we have big trips in those years! Hoping to have a big trip from uk to Florida next year but depends on the pandemic situation! I love planning all the little details of each holiday, and there are always new places I want to add!
I love the idea of a family bucket list-especially a travel bucket list!