Make a “Jar of Summer” (Nostalgic Boredom Busters for July and August)

July 6, 2026

Shelley Thompson

That post–holiday stretch in early July can feel like a tiny cliff: the fun weekend is over, the days are still long, and suddenly everyone is asking, “So… what should we do today?” If you’re the default activity-planner (for kids, grandkids, a partner, or even just yourself), that daily decision-making gets old fast.

A “Jar of Summer” is a simple, screen-light way to bring back that old-school anticipation—like choosing the next adventure from a hat at camp. You’ll spend about 20 minutes setting it up once, and then you’ll have a ready-to-go list of summer boredom busters you can draw from all July and August.

What a “Jar of Summer” is (and why it works)

Think of it as a low-pressure tradition: you write activity ideas on small slips of paper, tuck them into a jar (or any container), and draw one when you need a plan. It’s not about doing big, expensive outings—it’s about making ordinary summer days feel intentional.

It works for a few practical reasons:

It reduces decision fatigue. The “what should we do?” question is answered before you’re hungry, tired, or short on time.
It builds anticipation. Drawing a slip feels fun in a way scrolling for ideas doesn’t.
It’s flexible. You can make it adult-friendly, kid-friendly, grandkid-friendly, or a mix.

One simple rule keeps it light: draw one slip and do it within 48 hours. If it truly doesn’t fit (weather, energy, schedules), swap it—no guilt.

Supplies + a 20-minute setup that saves your week

You don’t need anything fancy. Use what you have, and keep it easy to maintain.

Container: jar, gift bag, shoebox, bowl—anything you’ll actually leave out
Paper + pen: scraps, sticky notes, or index cards
Optional: 4 colors (highlighters, markers, or colored paper) for quick sorting

Quick setup (about 20 minutes):

Pick 4 categories (use the ones below) and assign each a color.
Write 30 slips: mix a bunch of “easy wins” with a few slightly more special ideas.
Add 5 wildcards: “Free choice,” “Redo a favorite,” “Invite a friend,” “Let the kids pick,” or “Swap for a cozy at-home option.”

Pro tip: keep a pen nearby. When someone says, “We should do this sometime,” write it down immediately and drop it in the jar.

Categories that work for any energy level (and any weather)

Categories are the secret to making this usable on real-life days—when it’s hot, rainy, or you’re simply not feeling ambitious.

Quick & easy (15–30 minutes): small resets that still feel like “we did something.”
Out & about: simple errands that become a mini outing (library, park, ice cream stop).
At-home cozy: calm, screen-light traditions for afternoons and evenings.
Make something: gentle creativity—food, crafts, or tiny home projects.

Heat and outdoor comfort note: For outdoor slips, plan for cooler parts of the day, take shade breaks, and bring water. Adjust based on local conditions and any personal health needs, and use common-sense pacing—especially for kids and older adults.

30 nostalgic “Jar of Summer” ideas (safe, low-cost, and actually doable)

Mix and match these into your categories (or rewrite them to fit your household). Aim for variety: some active, some cozy, some social, some solo.

Sidewalk chalk art (driveway “gallery walk”)
Porch/patio reading time + cold drink
Popsicle taste test (rate them 1–10)
Library browse + everyone picks one book
Picnic dinner on the floor (blanket required)
Card game night (UNO-style or classic deck games)
“Summer photo walk”: one photo, one caption
Neighborhood walk at sunset
Make a summer playlist and listen outside
Write a postcard or short letter
Backyard (or living room) scavenger hunt
No-bake snack board (fruit, crackers, yogurt dip)
Bubble time (kids) or “tiny joys” patio break (adults)
DIY lemonade bar (plain + one fun add-in)
Drive to a new park and try one loop
Mini thrift-store browse (set a $5 limit or “just look”)
Watercolor or coloring session
Jigsaw puzzle sprint (20 minutes, then stop)
Make friendship bracelets or keychains
Sheet-fort afternoon (yes, even for big kids)
Backyard “cloud watching” with silly shapes
One-room tidy + reward (music + popsicles)
Try a new sandwich combo for lunch
Nature textures rubbing (paper + crayon) with leaves/bark
“Yes day” hour: one small request each (within reason)
Cook a simple breakfast-for-dinner
Window herb garden check-in (or start basil in a cup)
Stoop/porch snack hour and neighbor wave
Board game or dominoes tournament
End-of-day “rose and thorn”: one good thing, one hard thing

A weekly cadence that keeps it fun (not one more task)

The goal is consistency without pressure. Choose two draw days that fit your life—one weekday and one weekend works well, but any rhythm is fine.

Draw day: pick a slip in the morning or right after lunch.
48-hour rule: do it within two days, or swap it for a better-fit option.
End-of-month reset: put favorites into a “repeat” pile and retire anything no one wanted.

If you’re coordinating with grandparents or friends, consider keeping a few “invite someone” slips. It’s a gentle nudge to add connection without making every plan a production.

If you make a jar, add one idea you loved as a kid. That’s where the magic usually is.

Sources

Recommended sources to consult for verification and extra ideas (especially for heat and outdoor safety, library programming, and screen-light family activities). Library offerings vary by location, so it’s best to check your local branch’s calendar.