Your Ultimate Metro Detroit Summer Bucket List (With Prizes!)

This summer, adventure tastes better with dairy. Whether you’re sipping, scooping, crafting or exploring, our friends at United Dairy Industry of Michigan invite you to check off summer’s sweetest and most spirited moments.

Try 10 items from this list for your chance to win prizes — and more importantly, make memories. Scroll to the bottom to learn what you could win!

This exciting summer challenge is supported by Michigan’s Dairy Farmers. Be sure to share your fun using #MIDairyBucketList and tag @MilkMeansMore so we can cheer you on!

1. Visit a Local Ice Cream Shop

Nothing says summer like a cold scoop from your neighborhood spot. Treat the family — and don’t forget to try something new!

2. Bring a Dairy Dish to a BBQ or Potluck

Be the hit of the party with a cheesy or creamy crowd-pleaser. Try this kid favorite: Veggie Garden Tarts!

Get the Recipe Here

3. Visit a Summer Nutrition for Kids Site

Support local kids and families by learning more or volunteering at a USDA Summer Nutrition for Kids site near you.

Learn More

4. Tour a Dairy Farm (Virtually!)

Get the inside scoop on where your milk comes from — right from your couch.

Watch Now

5. Visit the Dairy Cow Barn at Your County Fair

Feel the summer magic and meet the stars of the barnyard.

Find Your Fair

6. Make Ice Cream at Home

Turn your kitchen into a scoop shop — fun for kids, delicious for everyone. Check out these easy recipes to get started!

See Ice Cream Recipes

7. Take a Coloring Break

Cool down indoors with Maggie the Dairy Cow in these dairy-themed printable pages. Fun for little hands or your own mental break.

Grab the Printables and Start the Fun!

8. Make Mozzarella Cheese

Stretch your skills and discover the joy of homemade cheese.

Get the Recipe

9. Sign Up for The Sip Newsletter

Get fresh recipes, fun ideas, and bucket list updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign Up Now

10. Follow @MilkMeansMore

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok to stay inspired and in-the-know.

11. Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel

Take a peek behind the scenes of Michigan dairy farming, learn how college athletes refuel, find sweet ways to add veggies to your smoothies and a lot more.

Subscribe Now

12. Share a Photo of Your Favorite Ice Cream Shop

Snap it, tag it, and spread the dairy love to your favorite local business.

13. Cool Down from Spicy Food with a Glass of Milk

Next time dinner brings the heat, reach for milk — your tasty secret weapon.

14. Surprise a Friend with an Iced Latte

Because iced lattes and thoughtful gestures make summer even better.

15. Treat Yourself to Superman Ice Cream

Michigan’s iconic flavor — vibrant and totally scoop-worthy.

16. Scoop It Forward

Buy a cone for the person behind you and make someone’s day a little sweeter.

17. Active Kids? Refuel After Sports with Chocolate Milk

Finish your playtime strong with this creamy, kid-approved recovery drink.

18. Swap Your Energy Drink for Chocolate Milk

After chasing kids or squeezing in a workout, grab chocolate milk—it’s a smart, satisfying way to recharge.

19. End Meditation with a Yogurt Parfait

Balance your body and mind with a cool, protein-packed parfait. Namaste!

20. Pack the Perfect Cooler for Summer Fun

Don’t forget the cheese sticks, yogurts and drinks to keep the crew fueled.

21. Show Off the Perfect Cheese Pull

Capture that ooey-gooey stretch and post it proudly — #CheeseGoals.

22. Do a Milk Carton Craft

Turn empty cartons into garden tools or cute summer crafts.

How to Make Carton Flower Garden
How To Make Milk Jug Watering Can

23. Try a Blue Moon Iced Latte

A Michigan twist in your cup!

Get The Recipe Now

24. Donate Dairy to a Local Food Bank

Help families in need by sharing the power of dairy.

25. Take the Survey

Tell us what you loved and help shape next summer!

Start Survey

How to Join the Summer Dairy Bucket List Fun

Welcome to the Summer Dairy Bucket List, brought to you by Michigan’s Dairy Farmers!

This is your chance to celebrate all things creamy, cheesy and delicious while making the most of summer with your family. From local adventures to simple at-home activities, there’s something for everyone. Oh — and did we mention the prizes?

How Do I Get Involved?

Pick Your Challenges

  • Check out the full list of summer dairy activities.
  • Pick your favorites — you must complete 10 items to enter to win.

Capture the Moment

Snap a photo or video of each item you check off. Don’t worry about being fancy — have fun and show off your authentic summer vibes!

Share Online

  • Compile your favorite bucket list tasks into one carousel or video and post your photos/videos to Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
  • Use the official hashtag: #MIDairyBucketList
  • Tag @MilkMeansMore so we can see and celebrate your post!

Celebrate at the End

Complete your bucket list by August 22, 2025 to enter to win a Ninja CREAMi.

Start Your Own Summer Bucket List Challenge Now!