How to Create a Summer Memory Box Tradition Your Kids Will Never Forget
Some of my favorite childhood memories aren’t tied to expensive vacations or perfectly planned days. They’re the little traditions that quietly marked the seasons: popsicles on the porch during thunderstorms, catching lightning bugs until the porch light called us home, staying outside just a little longer because the sun hadn’t set yet.
This is the kind of summer I want for my kids. And to be real, this is the exact kind of summer I desire for myself too!
So we started a new tradition we call Once Upon A Summer.
At it’s heart are three simple pieces:
- a jar of adventures
- a journal of memories
- a keepsake box filled with treasures
If you’re looking for an easy tradition your family can look forward to year after year, here’s everything you need to create your own Summer Box.
Why We Started This Tradition
Come sit with me. Do you have time? Well, my friend, I wish I could say this was created out of the overflow of my heart, my abundant love for my children, and a desire to run wild & free. Maybe, deep down, there is truth to all of those things. But, if I’m being honest, it was more-so created out of desperation.
In a wild & chaotic season with four young kids, I was feeling pretty burnt out. I’m trying to run a homestead, homeschool, cook nourishing meals, move my body, drink enough water, volunteer at our church, sort through some heavy stuff in therapy, stay on top of housework, AND create an influencer business model for me to earn some extra income “on the side”. Oh yeah, and of course, give my family the most enjoyable & memorable summer EVER…no pressure.
I have been learning to lean into the natural rhythms of life. My desire for all of these things are GOOD, and most are downright necessary, but I felt like I was constantly fighting against myself. Talk about exhausting. I’ve realized that all of these things aren’t exclusive. My children are home with me, learning how to care for themselves and God’s creation. And we can slow down, create anticipation, spark joy, and make ordinary days feel special.
We can have real family connection, savor the days, preserve memories and yeah I guess run a little wild & free. My “business model” is now formed out of our real life: intentional, God-centered, and family-focused. I’ve gone on too long, I’m sorry. But think about your WHY. In my desire to earn some extra money, I didn’t need to sacrifice the things I value most. I just needed to run hard after having THE SUMMER TO REMEMBER, and then document it along the way.
What are you trying to achieve? What matters to you most? What do you want your children to remember about this summer? Write it down, and then run hard after the spark.
Part One: The Jar of Adventures
Buckle up, crafty girlies, this one is for us! Creating the Jar of Adventures is half the fun! Okay, I guess I am giving away the fact that I am not super adventurous, haha. But, this part can be as simple as writing some words on a strip of paper, or as luxurious as pulling out all of the scrapbooking materials to deck it out!
The important part is that everyone gets to contribute their ideas. And GO BIG. Sure, we can go in the backyard and blow bubbles, but how about that trip to the waterpark? A family camping trip? The Zoo? That concert you’ve been wanting to go to?
We’ll share more detailed lists & suggestions another time, but for now, think about some fun family activities that spark creativity, joy, wonder.
And don’t forget to plan for different occasions:
- family activity slips
- free ideas
- special outings
- rainy day ideas
These are some of my favorite ideas:
- root beer floats
- library + farmers market
- splash pad
- water balloons
- movie night
- homemade popsicles
- lake day
- backyard camping
Once you’ve filled your jar, you can choose how you’d like to implement the activity jar. You could pick 2-3 slips throughout the week and be spontaneous, choose them ahead of time to plan your week, or keep a special jar for rainy day reserves. The possibilities are endless!
Part Two: The Summer Memory Journal
After you draw your activity and live out your summer dreams, come back to the box. Inside I keep a simple blank journal and some markers. I like to ask my kids about their favorite memory, the best thing they ate, what feelings did it stir up in them.
You could also include:
- favorite moments
- funny quotes
- photos
- drawings
- pressed flowers
- ticket stubs
- simple reflections
Some days might only be one sentence.
That’s enough.
Part Three: The Keepsake Box
This is where memories become tangible. The box doesn’t have to be fancy. We’re using an old box my mother-in-law found and it works just fine. Maybe someday we’ll decorate it or upgrade in size. For now, we’re keeping it simple.
Some ideas of what to keep in the box:
- shells
- recipes
- brochures
- polaroids
- pressed flowers
- friendship bracelets
- tiny toys
- maps
- event wristbands
- craft creations
The box becomes a time capsule.
Why All Three Pieces Matter
This is where the heart of the tradition lives.
The activity jar helps us make memories.
The journal helps us remember them.
The keepsake box lets us hold onto them.
One creates the adventure.
One captures the story.
One preserves the treasure.
Together, they tell the story of an entire summer.
The Rhythm
- Choose an activity from the jar.
- Enjoy the adventure.
- Write about it in the journal.
- Save a little treasure in the keepsake box.
Tips for starting your own summer box tradition
Keep it simple. Let kids help. Don’t worry about perfection. Include ordinary days. Make it your own. Add to it every year.
Conclusion
Years from now, I probably won’t remember every trip to the pool or every popsicle we shared.
But I hope we’ll pull out this box, flip through the journal, laugh at the tiny treasures tucked inside, and remember exactly how this summer felt.
That’s what Once Upon A Summer is really about.
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