“Alright, ladies! Let’s talk end-of-the-school-year celebration ideas!” I got that group text and was tempted to reply, “Um… sleep? Or how about just not going to school?” At this point in the year, I’m just happy if my kids’ toes aren’t sticking out of their sneakers, so planning an end-of-the-year celebration brings pressure I don’t want to put on myself. Then I think that there are only so many “last days” left, and guilt settles in. Do ya feel me?
If you want to do something to mark the end of the year but struggle to muster up the strength, here are 12 ideas that require less energy than it takes to pack a lunch (for the last time for the next two months).
1. Summer Bucket List Party
Cue up a summer-themed playlist, scoop some ice cream, and use our Summer Bucket List printable to write down the fun things your family wants to do over the summer.
2. Post-It Pull Down Countdown
Put Post-Its numbered 1 through 10 on the fridge or your child’s bedroom door. On the back, write a joke, an encouraging message, or a silly question like, “Would you rather sit at a desk that’s made of cheese or covered in slime?” Each morning for the last 10 days of school, let your kids tear one down. On the last day, write an invitation for ice cream or a special outing.
3. Walk of Fame
In the morning on the last day of school, use chalk to draw a path to your car. In each segment, highlight your child’s achievements from the year or write a reason you’re proud to be her mom. No chalk? No time to get outside before school? Just use paper!
4. “See You Later Alligator” Treat Bags
This end-of-the-year celebration idea does take a little more work, but the kids can help. Fill small bags with candy, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk for children to hand out to classmates on their last day.
5. Summer Reading Adventure
If you have a voracious reader, visit your local library and pick out a stack of books to enjoy throughout the summer. Use a chart to track her progress and agree on a special reward for when she hits her goal.
6. End-of-Year Interview
Shoot a video of your child while you ask fun questions about his favorite things from the school year, funniest moments, and hopes for summer. Email it to yourself to have a backup file.
7. Backyard Campout
Pitch a tent in your yard or set one up on your patio. Roast marshmallows over a fire or the grill and tell spooky stories under the stars.
8. Hunt for Summer Treasure Hunt
Use one of iMOM’s scavenger hunts and hide clues around your house that lead to a hidden summer treasure like a new swimsuit or sunglasses.
9. Hydro Hooplah
Set up a slip-and-slide and fill water balloons. Surprise your kids and let them get soaked in their school clothes right when they get home.
10. Family Spa Day
Give everyone a pampering spa experience with homemade face masks, cucumber eye treatments, and soothing music.
11. “Be a Lump” Day
Kids are usually full of adrenaline when school gets out, so you might need to wait a few days for this end-of-the-year celebration idea. Pick a Sunday, and declare it “Be a Lump Day.” Prep on Saturday by baking brownies and loading up on snacks. Pick a movie marathon theme, order pizza, and eat it right out of the box. PJs and pillows required.
12. End-of-Year Awards Ceremony
Give your kids silly awards for their accomplishments throughout the year, like “Most Creative Craft” or “Biggest Laugh.” You can also celebrate growth in character with our character award printables.
As a kid, what did you and your family do to mark the end of the school year?
