53 Family Bucket List Ideas

Now that Christmas has passed and the New Year has arrived you may feel like you are in a state of reflection. You could be thinking about what did or didn’t go well for you this year and how you want to make 2025 better than 2024. A great way to plan your goals for the coming year is by brainstorming! Start thinking about all the different things you want to experience in your life and get writing them down. If you are struggling with where to start don’t worry! We’ve got 53 Family Bucket List Ideas to inspire you.

We’ve thought of everything from religious bucket list ideas to travel ideas, family activities, health and so much more. Grab your notepad and pen, get comfortable and start brainstorming…

Religious Bucket List Ideas

Do you practice your faith as much as you’d like to? Maybe you have been feeling a little lost this year and are in search of some spiritual guidance. You may even wish to go on a pilgrimage! Either way, why not make this year, the year you achieve your spiritual goals?

person holding their hands towards the sunset.

Pray Everyday

If you feel your spiritual connection is wearing thin or you’ve been neglecting your religious practices this year, it’s never too late to get back on track. Take a few minutes each day to pray or meditate on things you feel grateful for. Reconnect with community members through prayer by attending more of your local prayer groups.

Practice Yoga

Incorporate ancient mindfulness activities like yoga into your daily routine. Initially founded in Northern India 5,000 years ago, yoga has become an international trend in the fitness & mindfulness community. Yoga not only increases flexibility, muscle strength, breathing, and circulatory health but your mental health too. Primarily, it calms the body and mind as well as being a spiritual practice in Hinduism.

Attend a Reiki session

Reiki is a Japanese technique used to aid stress and relaxation through spiritual healing. A Reiki session includes a practitioner moving their hands above your body while you lie in a meditative state. The idea is that you become aware of emotional distress and allow healing energy to flow through you. People experience memories, visualisations and even bursts of colour during their reiki sessions. If you’ve had a rough year why not soothe yourself and attend a reiki session?

Go on a Pilgrimage

2023 welcomes the ability to travel around the world again without the fear of COVID-19 so where better to plan your next trip than to the holiest locations in your religion?

In Islam Muslims make a religious journey called the Hajj in which they travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to visit the Kaaba – “House of God”.

Catholics travel to multiple locations from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (France), the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Israel), Vatican City (Italy), and many more.

Members of the Jewish community may wish to make a sacred journey to Jerusalem at different times of the year. In Spring Jews celebrate Passover, in Summer they celebrate Shavuot and in Autumn Sukkot is celebrated. Religious festivals are held in holy lands like Jerusalem where members of the faith are encouraged to visit. Jewish people also make voyages to the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem to leave religious letters in the wall or to pray.

In Hinduism, the most famous pilgrimage is called the Kumbh Mela which takes place at the River Ganges in India. Up to 40 million people purify themselves in the water and it is known for being the biggest gathering of people on Earth!

In Sikhism, a pilgrimage is called a Yatra. Many Sikhs make a Yatra to the Golden Temple in the city of Amritsar (Punjab) to pay their respect to Guru Granth Sahib – the Sikh holy book.

These are just a few of many religions and religious pilgrimages people go on in the world.

Affordable Travel Bucket List Ideas

Kick off your new year with a European mini-break or an exciting Summer holiday destination to look forward to. We know travelling with a family can be expensive so we’ve picked out some travel bucket list ideas most suitable and affordable for families.

Ireland

Ireland is a magical country rooted in mystical folklore, poetry, dance, rugged coastlines, and stunning wildlife, and it is also known for sport. Ferries to Ireland are a great way to keep the costs down when travelling. There are many self-catering cottages throughout the country and there is even a Center Parcs located in Longford Forest! There are lots of great places to holiday in Ireland, so don’t limit yourself to Dublin. Galway and West Cork are also great places to visit with kids.

Amsterdam

You can fly to Amsterdam for as little as £11 per person!!! Take a long weekend during the school holidays or have a parental getaway. Ride a bike across the famous canals or hop on a boat from Those Dam Boat guys and cruise down the high streets. Sample some traditional Dutch food at Moeders (mothers) or hit some of the quirky museums like the immersive contemporary art museum, Moco.

Paris

Aside from Ireland, France is the closest country to the UK, meaning shorter travel times and cheaper travel prices! Whether you arrive by plane, ferry or the Eurotunnel, travel prices are very reasonable! Hit all the bucket-list landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. Buy a Pain Au Chocolat or a famous Parisian hot chocolate from a cafe overlooking the River Seine. And hey, there’s also Disneyland Paris to consider too!

Bali

Sun-loving families who can appreciate beautiful beaches and tropical rainforests will love visiting the ‘Island of the Gods’ in Indonesia. Bali isn’t just a place for young travellers as there are many excellent family resorts too. Flights are more expensive to Bali than the other locations we have mentioned but Bali is known for its cost-effective hotels, restaurants, and activities. For a small fee, you can experience lots of luxury.

UK staycations

If you aren’t in a position to travel abroad this year there are lots of wonderful travel destinations within the UK you can visit. Check out our Unique Airbnb Stays for out-of-the-ordinary accommodations. Stop over in a spaceship and play retro video games. Bunk with a horse called Basil or stopover in an ancient wing of an Edinburgh castle. Pick your own location and use our things to do pages for activity inspo during your UK holiday. We’ve written lots of great articles over the last year detailing fun family activities and travel tips so feel free to check them out on our hub.

Bucket List Ideas for Music Festivals

No one is EVER too old or too young to enjoy the magic of a music festival. Lots of mainstream festivals have great facilities for kids to enjoy and family campsites where all the family can pitch up after days and nights of partying. Whether you’re a family of party animals or want to inject more fun into your year, music festivals are magical experiences for all ages. Music festivals are so much more than watching your favourite music artists with street food shacks, family areas, fun activities and community spirit on the campsites you’ll have a ball!

festival lights and fireworks at night time.

Glastonbury

Hands down the most famous UK festival, Glastonbury hosts all the hippiefied fun of a British festival with all the world’s top music acts performing on Pyramid Stage. You can find almost every genre of music at this festival with up-and-coming artists on smaller stages too.

Kids under 12 do not require tickets and do not need to register! Glastonbury is set up to cater to all age groups. Tickets sell out extremely fast so make sure you all have your phones, laptops and iPads out at once to buy tickets.

Isle of Wight Festival

All ages are welcome at the IOW festival and teen tickets are available too. The line-up for 2023 includes some of the UK’s most influential music artists from the Britpop era to electronic music, rap and so many other genres. You can expect to see Example, Groove Armada, The Human Leagues, Echo & The Bunnymen and more.

Boomtown

Does rave culture rule the roost in your household? From techno to DnB, Jungle, and so many other dance genres to check out at Boomtown, you’ll be two-stepping all day long.

Boomtown is a popular festival among students and young adults but did you know there are lots of family-friendly areas too? Families of ravers can take their kids to Kidztown which is a colourful town full of shops, a Wild Wood Forest (with a mud kitchen), circus performances and it even has a theatre!

There is a family campsite available alongside ‘teen tickets’ for youngsters aged 13-17. Kids aged 18+ will have to purchase adult tickets.

festival lights and landscape at night time.

Reading Festival

All ages are welcome at Reading Festival and children under 13 years old can attend Reading for free!

Bucket List Ideas for Physical Health

2023 could be the year you treat your body like a temple! Push your physical strength and stamina. Go hiking up the tallest mountains in the UK or find new physical activities you love and make them your no.1 hobby.

Run a Marathon

Running a marathon is one of the most popular bucket list ideas among us humans. A marathon is 26.2 miles long so it’s a pretty big challenge that requires a lot of mental and physical strength. If you are seeking more discipline this year setting yourself a goal to complete a marathon is an impressive goal to meet. Depending on your mobility and health a half marathon or charity run may be more suitable and are also fantastic goals to work towards.

Attend the Gym solo

For many people attending the gym is a very daunting prospect especially if you are starting your fitness journey alone, whatever your age. Gym anxiety is very real but if you are serious about getting fit there are things you can do to make attending the gym on your own easier before you get into a comfortable gym routine.

Pick quiet times in the gym if you wish to miss the gym’s rush hour (typically between 4:30 pm – 8 pm).
Buy a session with a personal trainer. They usually cost between £20-£35 depending on which gym you are attending. PT sessions help build your knowledge of gym equipment as well.
Download free gym apps like NIKE ID or watch YouTubers. This is a good option for learning what to do at the gym without having to pay the extra fee for a trainer.
If you are a woman, try to find an all-women’s gym.

man high fiving girl after a climbing wall workout.

Go Climbing!

Build your upper strength and coordination at climbing centres!

Take Surfing Lessons

Looking for some great cardiovascular exercise? Grab your board and head to your nearest beach or activity centre and learn how to surf! Perfect your balance, power up your arms, and strengthen your core as you experience the Earth’s elements. Surfing has a great impact on your mental health, so why not kickstart a new bucket list hobby today? There are surf schools all around the country from Whitby to Bristol and Moray. We recommend checking out The Wave, it’s the UK’s first inland-surfing destination.

Take part in a triathlon

If you’re already a fitness fanatic and you are looking for your next challenge why stop at a marathon? Triathlon is made up of three different sporting activities. These activities are swimming, cycling, and running. Preparing for a triathlon takes a lot of training and dedication which makes it the ultimate bucket list idea.

Cycle across the best landscapes in the UK

This is a bucket list of ideas in itself! There are so many beautiful coastal and forest cycling trails in the UK. From Colnywn Bay in North Wales to The famous Camel Trail in Padstow, there are many magnificent views to catch as you whizz over the clifftops and small winding paths.

Climb the tallest mountain in your country...

The United Kingdom as we know is made up of four countries, so why not add the tallest mountain in each country to your bucket list ideas?

Scafell Pike, England

Scale the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike! Located in the Lake District in Cumbria, the mountain peaks at 978m tall – that’s a whopping 3209 feet!

Snowdon, Wales

Trek to the top of a 1,058m high mountain, Snowdon in Gwynedd, Wales! Don’t just stick to hiking, you’ve got the whole of Snowdonia National Park to explore! Go wild exploring the rugged hillside and sandy beaches. Make a day of it and check out Surf Snowdonia, the Snowdon Mountain Railway, or the Snowdonia Zip Wire.

Ben Nevis, Scotland

The mighty Ben Nevis is not only the tallest mountain in Scotland but the whole of the UK at 1,345m tall! There are gentle and accessible routes to the top of the mountain, you don’t need to be a pro-hiker. So beginners, please do not be deterred. Just think of the feeling you’ll get when you reach the top and the magnificent landscapes and beautiful scenery you’ll see. What a perfect way to kick off the New Year!

Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland

At 850 metres tall the Slieve Donard is the tallest mountain in Northern Ireland – that’s 2,796 feet tall! It’s also the oldest mountain in Ireland. From the top of the mountain (on a clear day) you’ll see the Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales, and Scotland may be seen, as well as the long stretch of Newcastle Beach.

For more hiking inspiration check our Hiking Trails Near Me article!

Develop Your Mental Skillset

Learn to play chess

Learn to play chess and master the art of logic.

grandad and grandson working through sudoku.

Master Sudoku

Improve your memory with Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles, or go and get some exercise.

older family painting together and laughing

Join a class!

Join an academic class at your local community centre or arts centre. Try out pottery, jewellery making, English or even a cooking class!

Meditation

Conquer your restless mind with at least 10 minutes of meditation every day. Consistency is key with this one and remember: The day your plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit… in other words keep it at!

Pride and prejudice novel laid open on chapter 10.

Finish a classic novel

Looking for ways to boost your IQ? Read at least one classic novel and analyse all its cryptic themes. Here is a list of the greatest classics you should choose from…

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
1984 by George Orwell
Wide Sargasso Sea (a postmodern classic) by Jean Rhys
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Random Bucket List Ideas

Attend A Bike Rave

Bikes + Lights x Night = BIKE RAVE! Gather your wheels, connect your Bluetooth speakers and wind your wheels in colourful lights.

(Photo credits: @Domwhiting (twitter) )

Bungee jump

Virgin Gift Experiences do lots of great bungee jumping activity packages like a 160ft bungee jump from the top of a crane in London. If you have your VIP Pass you can save 20% on Virgin Gift Experiences. Sign up for just £1 to get access to thousands of discounts for 30 days!

Cheddar Gorge caves lit up in pink and blue lights.

Explore an ancient cave...

Grab your torches and waterproof macs and head to your nearest cave! The UK is full of fascinating places that are hidden away. There are lots of incredible caves to explore like the Cheddar Caves which you can learn all about in our Cheddar Gorge Walks article.

Visit a volcanic eruption site

Daredevils will love this idea! The most popular volcanos to visit around the world are Mount Vesuvius (Italy), Kilauea (Hawaii), Sierra Negra (Isabela Island), Cotopaxi (Andes of Ecuador), and Tongariro (New Zealand).

Ghost Hunting!

If you are up for more adrenaline in your life why not head to the eeriest parts of the country for a night of ghost hunting? Wrap up warm, fetch your torches or motion-detecting devices and head to the creepiest castles, prisons, and stately homes in the country. We love the look of The Dark Walk at Bodmin Jail – a notoriously supernatural location in Cornwall.

A group of llamas at the Catanger Llama Trekking Centre.

Go trekking with animals!

Experience the full throws of nature on the Catanger Llama Trekking activity. With your llama by your side, you are unstoppable on your hike. There are lots of other great animal treks around the UK involving alpacas and horses too. If you are interested in horse riding treks you should check out our Horse Riding Near Me article. You’ll find everything from swimming with horses in the Cornish sea to mesmerising treks in the lush Highlands.

four people doing goat yoga with a goat balancing on their backs.

Do Goat Yoga

This crazy little trend looks hilarious as well as mindful. Get zen with some pygmy goats as they climb on top of your mid-yoga position. We love the Pygmy Goat Pilates hosted by The Pilates Attic in Edinburgh!

Doing activities with animals is not just something for kids but for all ages. Animals have a positive psychological effect on humans. Did you know when humans are around animals it increases levels of the hormone oxytocin? This means that a person’s heart rate and breathing slow down as well as a reduction in blood pressure. Bye-bye stress hormones!

Do a skydive

Enter 2023 as an absolute daredevil! You must be 16 years old+ to go skydiving in the UK. Virgin Experiences offer lots of great skydiving days out and if you have your VIP Pass you can save even more on these discounted experiences.

parent and child in ocean tunnel pointing at sharks in the SEALIFE centre.

Go on a VIP shark Afterdark experience at SEALIFE

For £250 a group of 6 people can enter SEALIFE Birmingham after hours and where you will find out all the secrets beneath the surface… Follow your tour guide through the centre and soak up your surroundings.

Hop aboard a Sea Safari

Whether you scout the sea for porpoises and puffins in Oban or go down South to spot seals on the Cornish coast, sea safaris are fun days out for all the family. If you have a fear of boats or the sea it’s also a great way to conquer them. Beautiful landscapes, adorable animals and an enthusiastic guide will really put your mind at ease.

Bucket List Ideas for Culture

One of the best things about living in the UK is that we have a broad range of cultures and communities. If you want to learn more about other cultures or become more socially aware this year, we have a few excellent bucket list ideas for you to try out…

person reading book on a rock pool by the sea

Educate yourself on other cultures and communities through reading!

There are lots of great books whether they are educational, self-help or fiction that you can read to become more socially aware of topics like history, race, identity, sexuality and culture. Here are a few great reads for adults and children…

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon
Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta
The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie A. Brill and Rachel Pepper
Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Renni Eddo-Lodge
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Pride: The Story of the LGBTQ Equality Movement by Matthew Todd
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
An Essential Guide to Caring For Afro and Mixed race Children’s hair by Salem A Wynter
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K Ali
Body Boundaries Make Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole
The Story of Diwali: Rama & Sita (adapted for children) by Jay Anika.

Attend talks or protests!

Have you started to become more socially aware of the inequalities we face in the country? Get inspired by local talks or head out for the next protest – there’s always a cause worth fighting for!

young adults smiling behind a pride flag

Join or support a community charity

Whether you have a passion for elevating black British projects like Black British Voices, Urban Synergy is South London, The Black Curriculum, Black Minds Matter, and many more worthwhile projects.

For members of the LGBTQ+ communities or those with a fire in their bellies to help the community’s causes, there are lots of excellent projects you can get involved with. From mental health charities like Metro to LGBTQ+ Muslim charities like Imaan and Homeless LGBTQ+ charities like The Outside Project, there are lots of great charities to help support those in the queer community.

Cook different nationality foods

Every city has lots of great restaurants and quarters for specific nationality foods. Why not head to China Town or a street food market? You can sample flavours from all across the world and find out more about the culture in which your food comes by chatting with the people at food markets.

If you have friends or family members who have different cultural practices to you why not take an interest and help them cook up a delicious meal influenced by their culture/country/religion?

Visit a place of worship

What better way to meet and learn about people different to yourself than at a place of worship? All religious buildings are open to people of different faiths. Find your local church, gurdwara, temple, mosque or synagogue.

Brass band performing at At The Kingsway in Birmingham.

Attend community events

When was the last time you checked your calendar for significant cultural events? Whether it’s Pride, Diwali or Eid, make a note and find local events near you and have fun while you learn.

You don’t have to stick to religious events either in order to celebrate your community members. Community centres or organisations usually organise fun events throughout the year too from food festivals to vintage stalls, outdoor cinemas and more! At the Kingsway in Birmingham is a great example of a community hub. This old cinema has been refurbished into an arty paradise for all ages to enjoy. They host all kinds of exciting events with live music and great street food too!

Museums are also great places to check out cool community events. They usually throw monthly exhibits – especially at art museums.

Bucket List Ideas for Dream Trips

Rio de Janeiro

Home to beaches, hiking trails, botanical gardens, lagoons, waterfalls, rainforests, and of course world-famous art deco statue of Jesus Christ, Rio De Janeiro is on many people’s travelling bucket lists.

Serengeti National Park

Have you been dreaming about Africa recently? The beaming sunsets, beautiful animals and vast ecosystem are a draw for many people. The Serengeti National Park has over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs and 500 bird species that inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometres in size. Families can go on safari rides, learn about Maasai culture and explore the animal kingdom in an incredibly ethical manner.

San Francisco

Wander down steep streets and catch the marvellous cable cars. Scale the Golden Gate Bridge, or visit Alcatraz, the world’s oyster! San Fransisco is also known for its world-famous restaurants. From family steakhouses to quirky cafes like the Hollow, there are lots of cool spots to dine out with your little ones.

Hong Kong

Ooze into Chinese culture in one of the most famous regions of China, Hong Kong. Witness a contrast between ancient temples and skyscrapers. Tuck into local cuisine in the late-night markets. Attend festivals or take part in watersports activities. Kids will go wild for days of thrill-tastic fun at Hong Kong’s Disneyland Resort. Shopaholics LOVE Hong Kong too and tend to stick visit Central, Causeway Bay, North Point, and Admiralty during their travels.

Loch Ness

I know what you’re thinking – Loch Ness Monster… and you’d be right! That’s exactly the direction we are going with this bucket list trip. Home to Scotland’s most enduring myths, Loch Ness is the nesting ground of the beloved Nessie which you can learn all about in the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

Loch Ness is also a famous freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. It extends for approximately 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness. Surrounded by luscious hills and wildlife, it’s just a short travelling distance from Glasgow and Edinburgh! You can rent loch-side lodges and it’s a popular place for families to camp and hike.

Mount Everest

If you’re an avid climber, there’s one mountain that’s going to be on your bucket list: Mount Everest. This mountain is 8,849 m tall and many travellers take on the dangerous summit each year. This really is aimed at those who are experienced climbers as any mistakes while climbing could lead to a fatal accident. No climbers are allowed under the age of 18!

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is on many bucket lists as it is a dream trip with the potential for incredible experiences. Stay the night in an overwater bungalow. Listen to the calm waters and wake up to heavenly views of lush hills and buzzing wildlife. People tend to visit Matira Beach, the Bora Bora Turtle Centre, Mount Otemanu and the Lagoonarium.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. a wilderness area in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. If you’re a family who loves exploring the outdoors there are up to 700 miles of hiking trails at Glacier National Park!

Bucket List Ideas for World-Famous Landmarks

Visit the Taj Mahal

People flock to the Taj Mahal every year to witness its architectural genius. Its immaculate appearance is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole of Indo-Islamic architecture. It was built 390 years ago and continues to be protected and maintained to this day. You can visit the Taj Mahal for just £10 – £11!

The Great Wall of China

10% of the Great Wall of China Is standing today which stretches between Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province to the west. The wall was under construction for a whopping 2,500 years and finished in the 17th century. Since the Ming Dynasty, 30% of the wall has vanished without a trace… Today, you can walk the Great Wall of China with a few sections open to tourists. If you were to walk the whole wall it would take you 18 months…

Petra

Located in Jordan, Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Hidden in a canyon called Al Siq, Petra contains ancient tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs. It’s also known as Rose City. Petra was built around 300 BC and is a real vision to behold. People often describe the feeling in Petra as very peaceful. It costs around £50 – £70 for a day ticket to Petra.

Machu Picchu

Remember the Incas? They were the largest empire in pre-Colmbian America. You can see and feel the echoes of their history in the high mountains of Machu Picchu. It’s famous for its impressive agricultural techniques and its art and architecture which uniquely combined geometrical stonework with the natural landscape.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is home to the largest religious monument in the world which was built in the 12th century for the Hindu God Vishnu. Tourists are welcome to visit the temple-mountain in Cambodia on most days from 5am until 6pm. It costs around £30 for a day pass to visit the sacred grounds.

Family running around a field in the sunshine.

We hope you’ve been able to add to your family bucket list, or if not, we hope you’ve now made your own. It’ll be a great way to journey through this year with your family, give them something to look forward to when things are uncertain and trying new things is only ever good!

Make sure to check out our other New Year’s blogs from 30 Things To Do With The Kids On New Year’s Eve to Things To Do Between Christmas And New Years, we’ve got lots of ideas to share with you.