A free summer-long challenge designed to help Maine families create meaningful memories at home and across Maine.
Families will earn points by completing a mix of free activities, local adventures, and Bucket List Stops while working toward a chance to win amazing local prizes.
Why It Matters
One of the biggest reasons I started Real Maine Mom was to create a life that allowed me to spend more time with my children while helping other families discover the best of Maine.
Summer has always felt especially important to me because it creates opportunities for the kinds of moments our families remember for years to come. While the big vacations are wonderful, some of the most meaningful memories come from the simple things: a family ice cream stop, a day at the beach, a new adventure, or an afternoon spent exploring somewhere together.
The Real Maine Mom Summer Bucket List has inspired local families for years. In 2026, we’re excited to add a challenge component designed to encourage families to intentionally make the most of summer while exploring Maine and supporting local businesses along the way.
How Families Participate
Families will complete activities throughout the summer and earn points along the way.
❤️ General Bucket List Activities = 1 Point
📍 Bucket List Stops = 2 Points
⭐ Featured Bucket List Stops = 5 Points
Participants who reach the required point threshold by August 15 may submit their completed challenge for verification and will be entered into a drawing for the Ultimate Maine Family Prize Package.
Families will complete a short & easy completion submission to enter and will be encouraged to submit photos from some of their completed activities.
The Ultimate Maine Family Prize Package
Families who successfully complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing for an incredible collection of local experiences, tickets, gift cards, memberships, and family-friendly prizes.
Prize partners will be announced throughout the summer, creating additional excitement and motivation for participating families.
Participating bucket list businesses will have the first opportunity to contribute prizes, though prize donations are completely optional.
Participation Options
Bucket List Stop
$79
Perfect for businesses that want to be included in the challenge and discovered by participating families throughout the summer.
Includes:
- 2-point challenge activity
- Listed on the bucket list (accessible by web, downloadable & social media)
- Included on the Summer Bucket List Map at realmainemom.com/summer-bucket-list (coming soon)
Featured Bucket List Stop
$199
Designed for businesses that want to not only be listed as a bucket list stop but also desire enhanced visibility throughout the challenge.
Includes:
- 5-point challenge activity
- Featured placement on bucket list (accessible by web, downloadable & social media)
- Logo on bucket list
- Optional offer inclusion
- Gold star google map placement
- Custom business description on map
- Social media promotion
Featured Stops are highlighted, help families earn points faster and are included in additional promotion throughout the summer.
Why Businesses Are Joining
The Summer Bucket List Challenge is designed to help families discover new places, support local businesses, and create meaningful memories together.
Rather than traditional advertising, participating businesses become part of the challenge itself and are integrated directly into a community-wide initiative focused on family experiences and local exploration.
Benefits include:
- Summer alignment with Real Maine Mom
- Increased visibility with local families
- Inclusion in a unique summer program
- Website exposure
- Interactive map placement
- Association with a positive community initiative
- Opportunities for repeat family visits
Become a Bucket List Stop
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to provide a discount or special offer?
No. Offers are completely optional.
Do I need to donate a prize?
No. Prize contributions are optional.
How are winners selected?
Families who reach the required point threshold may submit their completed challenge by August 15. Verified submissions will be entered into a random drawing for the prize package.
What qualifies as verification?
Families may submit photos, and will complete a short and easy submission requirement.
How many Featured Stops are available?
To maintain a balanced experience for families, the number of Featured Bucket List Stops within any one category may be limited.
When does the challenge launch?
The challenge will launch in Summer 2026 and run through August 15.
How are Bucket List activities selected?
The Summer Bucket List Challenge is designed to offer families a variety of experiences across Maine, including free activities, at-home activities, local attractions, dining, treats, outdoor adventures, rainy day ideas, and family-friendly businesses.
As businesses sign up, we will continue shaping the final challenge to ensure a diverse mix of activities and experiences for participating families. While we may include multiple businesses within a category, we will work to maintain a balanced challenge that encourages exploration across a variety of interests, locations, and price points.
Is the Summer Bucket List Challenge limited to Greater Portland, Maine?
No. The Real Maine Mom Summer Bucket List Challenge is open to family-friendly businesses throughout Maine.
While many participating families may be located in the Greater Portland area based on our primary demographic, and many prizes may be centered there as well, the challenge is designed to inspire memory-making across the entire state. Families will be encouraged to explore their own communities, discover new destinations, and participate in activities that make sense for their location and interests.
Businesses & families from anywhere in Maine are welcome to participate. Why not? It is FREE and FUN!
