End-of-Summer Bucket (and Book!) List

In Montessori, we believe that learning is not just something that happens at school. Children are naturally curious and want to discover, explore, and learn. They are often eager for opportunities to expand their awareness and engage in something meaningful. Why not use these last weeks of summer as an occasion to soak in experiences that will feed your child’s sense of wonder?

 To inspire some end-of-summer adventures, we have combined the idea of a summer bucket list with a curated book list! 

If your child is older, you can share or post this list and offer a challenge to see how many items they can accomplish before school begins. For younger children, you can use the list as a source of inspiration to enjoy some special time together. 

We have included some of our favorite titles under each bucket list item. Heading to the library to gather books on the topic can inspire further exploration and spark interest. Although most of the books included are picture books, wordless books, or early readers, even older children can be inspired by a book left out on the kitchen table! Be sure to click on the book title to access the description. 

Happy adventuring!

Climb a hill or a mountain. Explore a new hiking trail.

Hike by Pete Oswald

The Hike by Alison Farrell

Walk, bike, or skate along a bike path.

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva 

Canoe or raft on a local river.

River by Elisha Cooper

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

Explore a nature area near your house.

I Took a Walk by Henry Cole

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman 

A Walk in the Woods by Christin Couture

Climb a tree.

Just Like Me, Climbing a Tree: Exploring Trees Around the World by Durga Yael Bernhard 

The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick 

Learn how to use a compass and map to find your way.

How to use a compass for kids (and adults too!): Your Little Guide to Becoming an Expert Navigator With a Trusty Compass by Henry D Bridges 

My Heart Is a Compass by Deborah Marcero 

Learn how to pitch a tent, make a fire, and cook breakfast outdoors.

S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Lita Judge 

The Kids Campfire Book: Official Book of Campfire Fun by Jane Drake and Mordicai Gerstein, illustrated by Heather Collins

Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O’Connell George, illustrated by Kate Kiesler

Make sandcastles on the beach.

A Day for Sandcastles by Jonarno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng

Make mud pies.

Mud Book: How to Make Pies and Cakes by John Cage & Lois Long

Mud by Mary Lyn Ray

Search for invertebrates in seaside rock pools or woodland streams.

What's in the Tide Pool? by Anne Hunter

A River by Marc Martin

Build a fort or lean-to in the woods.

Fort-Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

A Kids' Guide to Building Forts by Tom Birdseye

Spend some hours making dams and bridges on little streams.

Streams and Ponds: My Nature Sticker Activity Book by Olivia Cosneau 

All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson  

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Deborah Hocking 

We're Going to Build a Dam by Gillian McClure 

Try catching frogs.

ribbit by Jorey Hurley

a boy, a dog, and a frog by Mercer Mayer

Try catching fireflies in a jar.

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe  

Fly, Firefly by Shana Keller, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki 

Learn how to identify a few constellations and how to find the North Star.

Wishing on a Star: Constellation Stories and Stargazing Activities for Kids by Fran Lee  

Glow-in-the-Dark Constellations by C. E. Thompson  

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Learn where north, south, east, and west are in relation to your home.

The Compass Rose and Cardinal Directions by Caitlin McAneney

Maps and Globes: A New True Book by Ray Broekel

Maps and Globes by Jack Knowlton, illustrated by Harriet Barton

Watch the Perseid meteor shower (which peaks August 11-12).

Meteor Showers (True Book: Space) by Jane Kelley 

Exploring Meteor Showers (Discover the Night Sky) by Brigid Gallagher

Build a birdhouse (here are some good reasons why!).

Bird House by Blanca Gómez 

Building Birdhouses (How-to Library) by Dana Meachen Rau, illustrated by Kathleen Petelinsek 

The House I'll Build for the Wrens by Shirley Neitzel, illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker 

Ask your parent or grandparent to teach you how to whittle a piece of wood.

Forest Craft: A Child's Guide to Whittling in the Woodland by Richard Irvine

Whittling Projects for Adventurous Kids by Floris Books 

Be able to name the local birds in your neighborhood (use binoculars, learn to recognize bird songs, etc.).

Backpack Explorer: Bird Watch: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing, illustrated by Oana Befort 

Bird Watch by Christie Matheson

My Awesome Field Guide to North American Birds: Find and Identify Your Feathered Friends by Mike Graf 

Have You Heard The Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard Pak 

Learn the names of the trees on your property or in your area.

Backpack Explorer: Discovering Trees: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing 

Trees (Field Guides for Kids) by Andrea Debbink  

Collect something and make a little museum at home (shells, rocks, feathers, postcards of natural wonders, etc.).

What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell: Based on the Childhood of a Great American Artist by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Gérard DuBois

Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst, illustrated by James Stevenson

Keep a Nature Journal.

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

Dig for worms.

An Earthworm's Life by John Himmelman

Yucky Worms by Vivian French, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg

Go fishing.

Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner

H Is for Hook: A Fishing Alphabet by Judy Young

Go for a night hike with a flashlight.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd 

Night Walk by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Pick fresh berries and bake a pie.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett, translated by Earl N. Cook 

Pie for Breakfast: Simple Baking Recipes for Kids by Cynthia Cliff

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey