E very January, I become wildly optimistic about the person I will be in the new year. As a goal-setting, list-making, Type A Enneagram 3, I cannot resist an opportunity for self-improvement. I’ll organize every closet, meal plan, wake up early, get to bed by 9 p.m. and somehow become the most productive, well- rested version of myself at the same time. And, of course, I convince myself this will also be the year our family makes the most of every weekend, season and opportunity. The problem is that even something as fun as a family bucket list can become another item on a mom’s to-do list. But a good goal for us moms is to stop putting so much pressure on everything and realize that maybe making the year memorable doesn’t require a perfectly planned list. It can be as simple as exploring a new park, trying a locally owned restaurant or finally visiting the museum you’re always driving by. This year, let’s make the goal to experience more, but without the stress. As a mom of two who is very much still figuring this out herself, here is where I am starting in 2027: Your Local 2027 Family Bucket List Exploring Oklahoma with Children A simple plan for more family fun and connection in the year ahead BY ASHLEY GLASS . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Teach Kids Goal-Setting Habits by Creating the Family Bucket List Together Creating the list together is an easy, low-pressure way to introduce goal setting. Kids get to practice turning an idea into a specific plan, choosing what matters most and working toward something over time. As you complete each adventure, they can check it off and see the progress your family has made. How to Create a Family Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete A list of 100 adventures sounds exciting on January 1. By February, it starts to feel like homework. Instead, choose 12 experiences for the year — roughly one per month. You can always add more adventures later, but starting small makes the list feel possible. Mix free outings, special-ticket experiences and flexible ideas for whenever everyone has the energy. A neighborhood park counts just as much as a full-day excursion. The memory police are not coming to check. Oklahoma's state parks feel completely different from one another, making a goal of visiting three an easy way to plan several mini adventures. Start close to home with a picnic, hike or afternoon near the water, then venture farther when your schedule allows. If the kids return with one cool rock, I call that success. Mom Gets to Have Fun, Too Can we normalize moms enjoying family outings—not just organizing them? For a long time, family activities have been marketed as something we do for our kids. But the best family outings are usually the ones everyone is excited about. Maybe that’s grabbing coffee before heading to the playground. Wandering a local farmer’s market while the kids get to run. Spending an afternoon somewhere with live music, good food, and room for kids to explore while you actually get to finish a conversation. When parents are genuinely enjoying themselves, kids notice. The day feels more relaxed, conversations last a little longer and everyone leaves happier. Family memories count for moms, too. See Oklahoma One State Park at a Time
68 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2026
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