It goes faster than you think, Mom. One day, you’re dropping her off at middle school, and the next, you’re holding a graduation cap in your hands. You have about 2,500 days in between. That sounds like a lot, until it isn’t. A teenage bucket list can help you slow these years down just enough to be intentional. And it gives your teen space to explore her interests, try new things, and start discovering who she wants to become.
You can even follow the TikTok trend by turning it into a bucket list bingo card. Same concept, but laid out in a grid your teen can check off. (Bingo!) Gamifying goals has been shown to boost dopamine levels, increasing motivation and making teens more likely to follow through.
You can’t make it for them, but by asking your teens these 12 questions, you can help them create a teenage bucket list that will leave them (and hopefully you) with great memories. You know your child best, so feel free to add more questions to your brainstorming session. We also provided some ideas for what items might end up on your teenage bucket list.
1. What local spots have you not been to?
Every town has something that makes it special, whether it’s a family-owned restaurant or a cheesy tourist spot.
Visit the local history museum.
2. What’s a food you haven’t tried but want to?
What does your teen want you to cook or what restaurant does he or she want to hit up?
Try that new Indian place with Mom and Dad.
3. What’s something fun you and your friends keep saying you’ll do but never actually do?
Every friend group has a running list of “we should really do that someday” ideas that never quite happen. This question turns “someday” into a plan. It’s also a great way to help your teen see that lasting friendships take initiative.
Finally take that day trip I’ve been saying I’d do since sixth grade.
4. Is there someone who has made a difference in your life who doesn’t know it?
Teens are often more impacted by the people around them than they let on. This question gives your teen permission to say so. Encourage him to do more than just think about it. A handwritten note goes a long way.
Write a thank-you note to Mrs. Graves for not giving up on me in calculus class.
5. What’s a great memory from when you were little that we could recreate?
This one is as much for you as it is for her. Think about the things she loved at seven or eight, like your Saturday morning traditions, chips and salsa at that one restaurant, or family movie night. Kids grow up and move on, but those early memories have a way of sticking. Recreating one together is a simple way to remind you both that some of the best things don’t have to be left in the past.
Have a scavenger hunt like we did when I was a kid.
6. What’s an outdoor experience you’ve never had but always wanted to try?
Teens spend a lot of time on screens and not enough time outside (and most of them know it). This question gives your teen permission to dream a little. His answer might also surprise you and spark your next family adventure.
Take a family camping trip to the mountains.
7. What’s something you want to experience with your family before you’re grown?
Sure, kids are itching to grow up, but you never know what their youthful hearts want to do with mom and dad while they can. Once you’re done making their teenage bucket list, make one for the two of you. We have ideas on a printable bucket list for moms and sons and one for moms and daughters.
Have a family game night and eat banana splits.
8. What’s something you want to learn?
Archery? Guitar? Horseback riding? A new language? This question often reveals a hidden interest she’s never had the nudge to pursue. Plus, your teen is still figuring out her gifts and talents and the best way to do that is to keep trying new things.
Sign up for a pottery class or teach myself to play a song on guitar.
9. Is there a challenge you want to take on just to prove to yourself you can?
This is the question that separates a fun list from a meaningful one (and gives a big confidence boost). It might be running a 5K, auditioning for something scary, or finally speaking up in a class.
Try out for the school play.
10. Is there something fun or different you’d like to do with your appearance?
Guiding your teen through adventurous moments with appropriate boundaries is a great way to build trust with him. It’s also a low-stakes way for him to experiment with his appearance in a safe, supported environment.
Cut off my hair and go red!
11. What have you been afraid to do but think you should do so you have no regrets?
The difference between this and question 8 is the fear factor. This one is about the thing that makes her stomach flip just thinking about it. Getting a gentle push from Mom might be what gives your teen the courage to try it.
Ask _____ out to a movie.
12. What’s a cause you want to get behind?
Instill a love of service and performing acts of kindness in your teen now and you could create a lifelong giver.
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
If you could go back in time, what would you have put on your teenage bucket list?
