We're smack dab in the middle of summer and I already feel like it's coming to an end. Here in Georgia school starts back as early as August 1st. I can't help but to feel like we've missed out on an adventure, or we've forgotten to do something. So I enlisted the kids (16 and 5) and we came up with a bucket list of summer fun.

I've put together a little list of some of my local favorite spots for summer fun. While this mostly covers the beautiful state of Georgia, I'm sure you can find some awesome places in your hometown that are just waiting to be explored!

Hit the Beach

My favorite beaches are right on the Gulf Coast. I was lucky enough to spend most of my adult life in Pensacola, home of the sugar sand beaches. There's just something about the beach that always just centers me. This summer we took a family trip to Tampa and spent most of our time on Madeira Beach, and just last weekend I took a little trip to Okaloosa Island. Both are roughly 6 hours from Atlanta and well worth the trip! I was even talked into parasailing, the very first thing on my daughter's bucket list. Terrifying but amazing!

Visit a State Park

Georgia is home to over 65 state parks. You can knock out a ton of bucket list items here too. Camping, geocaching, lake swimming, fishing, hiking, and even mini golf! One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday is just get in the car and drive and see where the day takes us. Get out and about in your state and explore those parks. Most parks have a nominal parking fee for entry (usually $5 in GA). Makes for a great family day and easy on the budget.

Take the Pups Out

If you live at a Camden community, you may not even have to leave your neighborhood for this one. Many of communities in different cities offer a Bark Park amenity for your furry friends. At Camden we welcome up to three pets with no weight restrictions!

DIY Slip-n-Slide

Seriously, do it. A quick trip to Home Depot or Walmart and you'll be ready to go. Good times. Pinterest has about a 1000 ideas to make this happen.

Tubing at Helen

This one is all mine and I've got two weekends left to make it happen. Helen is a small German-style town in North Georgia. Even if you're not into a tubing trip down the Chattahoochee, check out the surrounding town. There's something to do for all ages.

Have you been inspired to start your own Summer Bucket List? Be on the lookout for the next chapter, the Fall Bucket List. 

Follow me on Pinterest for some of my favorite spots and other nifty ideas.