“Summer’s almost over, and we didn’t do anything!” In years past, when my kids have said that, I pushed back because my bank account and car mileage offered evidence of the contrary. But this year, I don’t know. No big vacation, no memorable camps. We just kinda hung out. So I asked myself, Did we make the most of it?
Then I realized there’s still time left. Whether you’re like me and want to squeeze in a last-minute memory, or you’ve had an epic summer and want to close it out in a special way, these 10 end-of-summer activities will help your whole family savor the season’s final hurrahs.
1. Feast on quintessential summer foods.
End summer on a delicious note! Plan and prepare a meal that embodies the flavors of the season. Think seafood boil or burgers on the grill, juicy watermelon salad, and ice cream sundaes. Assign everyone to a course, and let them pick foods that scream “summer.”
2. Splash around.
It’s impossible not to smile when you’re playing at a water park (or when you’re watching kids at one!). Take the family to the nearest one and pack plenty of popsicles to keep everyone cool. No water park nearby? Crank up the sprinklers and let the kids leap in the grass. Think your kids are too big for this one? They might surprise you once the water is flowing.
3. Have a Yes Day (with boundaries).
Declare a Yes Day (or a No Rules Night) with a few ground rules—no expensive purchases and nothing dangerous, of course. Let your kids take the lead, choosing activities and meals for the day. This is a chance for them to feel empowered and create some unforgettable, last-minute summer fun.
4. Take in a sunset.
There’s something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon. Grab a blanket and some snacks, and head to the nearest beach, park, or even your own back yard. Reflect on the summer’s highlights, share your favorite memories, and express your gratitude for your kids and the time you spent together.
5. Walk the runway in a first-day fashion show.
Pick out a tune with a beat and have your kids model the outfit they plan to wear on the first day of school. Are they still debating? Have them show off three different looks. Keep the fun going by modeling outfits they’d never wear to school. Do your kids wear uniforms? Make that look number one, and then challenge them to give it some flair! (This is a sneaky way to make sure everything fits.)
6. Make freeze-ahead lunches.
Some kids might run from this idea, but if you have a kid who loves to cook, this is a great way to bond in the kitchen and get some meal prep done. Brainstorm some lunches that can be frozen and enjoyed throughout the first few weeks of school. Bonus points for creative names like “Beach Bum Bento Box” or “Cool Calzones.”
7. Make a fall bucket list.
Some kids thrive on looking forward to what’s next. Get the family excited for the upcoming season by talking about your must-do activities: apple picking, pumpkin carving, nature walks to see the changing leaves, or cozy nights sipping hot chocolate by a bonfire. Need some ideas? Download our free Fall Family Bucket List printable.
8. Have a family sleepover.
Sure, your family sleeps in the same house every night, but have you had a sleepover? Pull out the sleeping bags or lay out blankets on the living room floor. Ditch the TV and electronics in favor of board games, storytelling, and late-night laughs.
9. Make a top 10 list.
Scroll back through your phone and look at photos from the past two months. What was everyone’s favorite memory? What do you want to be sure to do again next summer? Use a printing service to create a book that you can look back on for years to come.
10. Do nothing.
Sometimes, the best end-of-summer activities are no activities at all. Declare a “do-nothing day” so everyone can relax and recharge before the school year begins. Read books, nap in a hammock, or cuddle up for a movie marathon.
What are some end-of-summer activities that make you feel like the season is complete?
