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3 Ways to Inspire Kids to Dream Big This Summer
Summer is here, school is out, and the days feel just a little bit longer, don’t they? There’s something magical about this time of year—bare feet in the grass, sticky ice cream hands, late-night giggles, and endless possibilities.
For families like ours, summer isn’t just a break from routine—it’s a chance to press pause and dream a little bigger.
At Dream Boldly Live Fully, we believe every child (and every grown-up, too!) deserves the space and encouragement to chase those dreams, no matter how big, small, or downright wacky they might seem.
1. Create a Family Dream Board
Let’s start with a little arts-and-crafts magic! Dream boards (sometimes called vision boards) are a fun, hands-on way to help kids (and adults!) get clear about what they want to try, learn, or experience. Plus, it’s a project the whole family can do together—no artistic skills required.
How to Make Your Dream Board:
- Gather supplies: Grab some old magazines, scissors, glue sticks, markers, stickers, and a big piece of poster board or cardboard.
- Set the scene: Spread out on the living room floor, backyard, or even at the beach. Put on some favorite tunes and maybe bring out snacks—snacks make everything better!
- Ask the big questions: Encourage everyone to think about their biggest, boldest dreams for the summer. What do you want to try? Where do you want to go? Who do you want to meet? What do you want to learn?
- Cut, paste, and create: Flip through magazines and cut out pictures, words, or colors that represent each person’s dreams. Glue them onto the board—no rules, just fun!
- Share your dreams: Once everyone’s finished, take turns sharing what you put on the board and why. You might be surprised by what your kids come up with—like building a backyard obstacle course, learning to surf, or even starting a lemonade stand to raise money for a cause.
Why it works:
When kids see their dreams in pictures and words, those dreams start to feel real—and possible. Plus, sharing as a family shows your kids that their ideas matter, and that dreaming big is something you value together.
Pro Tip:
Hang your dream board somewhere everyone can see it—on the fridge, in the hallway, or even in the car. Let it remind you to keep chasing those dreams all summer long.
3. Make Dreaming a Family Adventure
- Listen for the “What ifs”: Pay attention when your child says things like, “What if I could fly?” or “What if we camped in the backyard?” or even, “What if I wrote a book?” Instead of brushing it off, get curious! Ask questions: “What would that look like? How could we try something like that together?”
- Break it down: Big dreams can feel overwhelming, even for adults. Help your child break their dream into smaller, doable steps. Want to write a book? Start with a single story or comic strip. Dreaming of flying? Maybe you can visit a trampoline park or try kite-flying together. Want to camp in the backyard? Plan a night with s’mores, flashlights, and sleeping bags!
- Celebrate the effort: Whether your child’s dream is huge or tiny, celebrate every step along the way. Did they draw a picture of their invention? Awesome! Did they try a new food, learn to ride a bike, or make a new friend? That’s dream-chasing in action.
Real-Life Example:
Last summer, one of our kids announced, “I want to be a scientist and make a volcano!” So, we Googled a simple baking soda volcano experiment, gathered supplies, and spent the afternoon making a (very messy) backyard eruption. The best part wasn’t the volcano—it was seeing our kid’s face light up when their idea came to life.
Why it works:
When kids see that their dreams are taken seriously, they learn that their ideas matter—and that they have the power to make things happen. Plus, trying new things together builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of adventure that lasts long after summer is over.
3. Make Dreaming a Family Adventure
- Start a “Summer Dream Jar”: Set out a jar and some slips of paper. Every time someone in the family has a dream, idea, or wish for the summer—even the silly ones—write it down and drop it in the jar. At the end of each week, pull out a few ideas and see which ones you can try together.
- Plan a “Yes Day”: Pick one day this summer to say “yes” (within reason!) to your kids’ ideas. Want to have pancakes for dinner? Yes! Build a fort in the living room? Yes! Wear pajamas all day? Why not! It’s a fun way to encourage creativity and show your kids that their dreams are worth exploring.
- Share your own dreams: Kids aren’t the only ones with big ideas. Share your own dreams with your family—maybe you want to learn a new skill, visit a new place, or even just read more books. Invite your kids to help you chase your dreams, too. It’s amazing what happens when everyone cheers each other on.
Real-Life Example:
When our families started dreaming about moving to new countries, it was a little scary—and a lot exciting. We talked about what we hoped for, what we were nervous about, and what we wanted to experience together.
Some dreams were big (like living in Portugal or traveling across Europe), and some were simple (like making new friends or learning to cook a new dish). Chasing those dreams as a family made every step an adventure—one we’ll never forget.
Why it works:
Summer is a season for sunshine, adventure, and—most importantly—dreaming big. Whether your family is traveling the world or staying close to home, these three simple strategies can help you inspire kids to dream big and make this summer unforgettable.
Remember, the best dreams aren’t always about where you go or what you do—they’re about the memories you create and the courage you build along the way.
What’s the biggest dream your family wants to chase this summer?
Tasha DaCosta
Tasha DaCosta is a co-founder of Dream Boldly Live Fully, mom to two adventurous kids, and passionate believer in intentional living. She loves inspiring families to chase their dreams and create unforgettable memories together—wherever life takes them.
More than an adventure, DBLF is a way of life!
Whether it’s quitting the job, chasing the dream, starting over, or simply choosing yourself for the first time in a long time—this brand is here to say: You’re not crazy. You’re called.
We’re not just an apparel brand. We’re a movement of people daring to dream louder, live braver, and trust that the risk of regret is always greater than the risk of failure.
