2023 Summer Bucket List

Summer is right around the corner, and we are looking forward to the warm sunshine, longer days, and of course the 2023 National Junior Limousin Show & Congress. There are so many fun activities to enjoy during the summer, so we’ve created a 2023 Summer bucket list.

1. Visit a Water Park – Looking for a fun way to stay cool in the summer heat, check out some of the top-rated water parks in the US. Some of these water parks include Universal’s Volcano Bay in Orlando, FL; Water World in Federal Heights, CO; Noah’s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, WI; Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort in New Braunfels, TX; Legoland Water Park in Carlsbad, CA, and Silver Dollar City’s White Water in Branson, MO. Find a water park near you and enjoy some fun in the sun.
2. Visit a National Park – One of the best outdoor activities to partake in during the summer is visiting a beautiful national park. Here you can enjoy some fresh air and take in all the beautiful sights. Some of the most popular national parks to visit are Yosemite National Park, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Redwood National & State Parks, Yellowstone National Park, and the Rocky Mountain National Park to name a few.
3. 2023 Eastern Regional Junior Limousin Show & Southeast Summer Classic, June 2-4 in Gray, TN.
   • Visit Nashville, TN – If you are planning on making a trip to Eastern Regionals, consider extending your stay and making a trip to the music city. There you can take in all the live music at places such as the Grand Ole Opry and try the famous Nashville hot chicken. There are plenty of activities and museums to tour with the family as well.
4. 2023 National Junior Limousin Show & Congress, July 7-13 in Rapid City, SD
   • Visit Rapid City, SD – While you are in South Dakota for the 2023 NJLSC, take some time to explore all the fun activities at Rapid City and surrounding areas have to offer. Stop by Bear Country USA for a unique drive-thru park featuring wildlife such as black bears, bison, and more. Take the kids to walk through Dinosaur Park to see some life-sized dinosaur statues and take in the beautiful scenery of South Dakota. You can even explore the world’s largest reptile zoo at the Reptile Gardens. If you’re looking to take a ride on the wild side, travel a little outside of Rapid City to Custer State park for a buffalo safari jeep ride. Don’t forget, if you are attending the 2023 NJLSC a Mount Rushmore tour will be taking place on Saturday, July 8 for the whole family, free of charge!
5. Backyard Camping – The hustle and bustle of getting ready for summer shows can make it hard to sneak away for a family vacation, so bring the vacation to your backyard. Set up a tent in the backyard where you can spend a night sleeping under the stars. Set up a firepit and toast some marshmallows to make some delicious smores. Get some campfire tunes going and play some card games or backyard games that will get your whole family laughing the night away.
6. If you are a junior 14-21, plan to attend the 2023 Summit IGS Youth Leadership Conference, July 20-23 in Phoenix, AZ. Juniors will have the ability to not only develop leadership skills that can be used in their future, but also a place where they are able to gain new friendships, experience a new college campus and expand their knowledge on the current issues of the agricultural industry. The weekend event is held in the summer at a different major university each year to give youth a feel for a college setting and to experience what that college offers. Participation is not limited to Limousin juniors; anyone interested in the agricultural industry is encouraged to attend!
7. U-Pick Fruit Farms – Looking for a unique experience, try out fruit picking at the best farms and orchards in the U.S. You can find farms where you can pick your own berries, peaches, apples and more. Not only does it make for a fun day, but you also get to take your sweet treats home with you!
8. Visit Orlando, FL – Orlando has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the US for families as it is known as the theme park capital of the world. There you can enjoy the world-famous Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, Discovery Cove, Sea World and more! If you can’t get in a trip to Orlando this summer, join us January 31-February 2 for the 2024 NCBA!
9. Go to a Zoo – Zoos are a great place to take the family on a warm summer day to enjoy looking at animals other than the cows at home.

Bonus: Fun Summer Snack

Looking to enjoy a cool refreshing snack on a warm day, give popsicle making a try. To make a fruit popsicle, combine ¾ cup yogurt, 2 ½ cups fruit (your choice), 4-6 TBS honey, 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract, and ½ tsp lemon juice. Once all the ingredients are mixed until smooth, pour the mixture into popsicle molds and put it in the freezer. In 4-8 hours, you will be able to enjoy a chilled snack. There are loads of different, fun, and easy recipes to try out that the whole family can make together.