50 Things Every Child Should Do

The older I get, the more fondly I look back on the simple innocence of youth. In a time when children are growing up so fast, and are mature beyond their years, it is even more important to make sure kids experience the joys of childhood. It is easy to get caught up in routines and the craziness of life, and before we know it, our children are grown. So here is a list of things that I think every kid needs to experience. Simple things that they will always remember and one day share with their kids. With summer break upon us, now is a great time to make these memories with your family. 

1. Read books, and lots of them. Real books, with real pages.
2. Dress up and play make believe. 
3. See a rainbow and try to find the pot of gold at the end.
4. Pretend the floor is lava.
5. Learn to build a proper blanket fort. 
6. Catch fireflies.
7. Make s'mores.
8. Have a lemonade stand.
9. Go camping and sleep under the stars.
10. Identify the big and little dipper. And the North Star.
11. Make sock puppets and put on a puppet show.
12. Sing silly songs.
13. Dance until your legs hurt. 
14. Build a sand castle and watch it get washed away.
15. Run barefoot.
16. Go for bike rides.
17. Make your own Halloween costume.
18. Blow bubbles. And chase them.
19. Use sidewalk chalk. 
20. Create art. 
21. Play an instrument. 
22. Make a new friend, all by themselves. 
23. Feed some wildlife.
24. Catch a frog, a turtle and a snake.
25. Pick wildflowers.
26. Eat fruits and veggies right out of the garden. 
27. Plant a tree.
28. Donate their own possessions to someone in need.
29. Learn to write a proper thank you note.
30. Play in the rain. 
31. Learn to make their bed. And do it every day.
32. Eat too much candy.
33. Have a pen pal.
34. Fall down. And get back up.
35. Ride a horse.
36. Learn to swim.
37. Go down a water slide.
38. Have a water balloon fight.
39. Build a snowman.
40. Have a snowball fight.
41. Listen to your parents favorite music.
42. Go to a drive in movie in your pajamas.
43. Watch fireworks and play with sparklers. 
44. Ride on a tractor. 
45. Build Legos. 
46. Go to museums. 
47. Learn to color inside and outside the lines.
48. Drink right from the hose.
49. Learn to do a cannonball.
50. Fight and make up with a friend.

Obviously there are many, many more things children should learn and experience, but this is a pretty good start. :)