--- title: "Summer Smile Bucket List: Fun Things to Do Before School Starts" description: "A braces- and aligner-friendly bucket list to make the most of summer before it's back to homework and hallways." canonical_url: "https://smilesuiteortho.com/resources/articles/summer-smile-bucket-list" published_date: "2026-06-01" author_reviewed_by: "Dr. Kimberly Mays Smith, DDS, MS" practice: "Smile Suite Orthodontics" location: "2422 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202" phone: "(847) 665-1504" category: "Orthodontic Articles & Clinical Insights" --- # Summer Smile Bucket List: Fun Things to Do Before School Starts School may be out, but your smile is still hard at work — progressing a little more every day. Summer is the perfect time for our younger patients (and the young at heart) to build confidence, make memories, and keep their smile goals on track. Before the backpacks come back out, here's a bucket list of fun, confidence-building, orthodontia-friendly things to try. ### 📸 1. Take a "Glow-Up" Progress Photo Capture where your smile is right now. Use the same angle and lighting as your "before" picture so you can really see the transformation. ### đŸĻ 2. Try Every Flavor of Soft-Serve Ice Cream Soft-serve is about as [braces-friendly](/resources/articles/braces-friendly-summer-treats) as dessert gets — just skip the hard waffle cones and crunchy candy mix-ins. ### 🏖ī¸ 3. Have a Braces-Friendly Beach Day Pack your [orthodontic supplies](/resources/articles/summer-ortho-travel-kit), stick to soft snacks, and bring plenty of water. Skip the popcorn, but otherwise, enjoy the day. ### 🎡 4. Go to a Fair or Festival Funnel cake and cotton candy are fair game — corn on the cob and caramel apples are not. Check out what's happening around Evanston and Skokie this summer. ### 🛍ī¸ 5. Build a Back-to-School Retainer Case Kit Pick out a fun [retainer](/treatments/retainers) case and stock it with a travel toothbrush, flossers, a mini mirror, and some wax. ### 🎨 6. Host a DIY T-Shirt or Tie-Dye Day Make custom shirts — braces-themed designs make a great end-of-summer or back-to-school look. ### đŸĻˇ 7. Learn One New Smile-Safe Snack Recipe Try something new like a yogurt parfait, mashed sweet potato nachos, a soft rice bowl, or smoothie popsicles. ### 🏆 8. Set a "Retainer Challenge" Commit to wearing your retainer or aligners exactly as directed for seven days straight, and reward yourself with a small treat or privilege when you hit day seven. ### 💌 9. Send a Smile to Someone Else Make a card or care package for a friend, teacher, coach, or family member — sharing a little confidence and positivity goes a long way. ### đŸĒŠ 10. Dance It Out with Your "Smile Glow-Up" Playlist Put together an upbeat playlist to play while you brush your teeth or clean your aligners. ### 🗓ī¸ Bonus: Book Your Back-to-School Ortho Visit Get your next appointment with [Dr. Kim](/meet-dr-smith) on the calendar before August fills up, so your treatment stays right on track once school starts. Call or text us at (847) 665-1504, or stop by 2422 Main St in Evanston. And don't forget to tag [@SmileSuiteOrtho](https://www.instagram.com/smilesuiteortho/) with #SmileSuiteSummer. --- ## Reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Mays Smith, DDS, MS Lead Orthodontist at [Smile Suite Orthodontics](https://smilesuiteortho.com). Serving Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, and North Side Chicago. Schedule a complimentary consultation at [smilesuiteortho.com/#orthobook](https://smilesuiteortho.com/#orthobook) or call (847) 665-1504.