Now that the coffee shops have announced the return of all things pumpkin spice, football is back on television and the kids are heading back to school, it’s time to stop denying the fact that summer is over. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent a little bit excited to send the kids back to school or one who dreads the day your kids go back, you still want to enjoy the last days of summer. It’s these days your family makes the sweetest memories, has the best time, and it’s the final hours of a great season. It might be time to bid farewell to summer, but you can still enjoy what’s left of this season.
Plan One Last Getaway
Now that summer is winding down and the kids are headed back to school; plan one more weekend at the lake or the beach or somewhere that’s the epitome of summer to you and your family. You can head to the water park, theme park or the beach. This might be the last time you put on your swimsuit for months, make it count.
Dine Outdoors
Plan a picnic and enjoy quality time outdoors while the weather is beautiful and warm. The evenings are going to get shorter in the near future, so take advantage of the summer night light. Fire up the grill, set out the plastic wear and enjoy a meal outdoors. It’s one way to make the most of the beautiful weather before it gets darker earlier and the crisp air arrives.
Go Swimming
If you have a pool, use it. If you have water slides or a slip and slide or even water guns, go outside and use them while you still can. The kids are going to remember the night you all went outdoors and waged a water balloon war on one another. Let this be the kind of evening to let loose, have fun and worry about nothing.
Attend Fairs & Festivals
Now is the perfect time of year to seek out fun outdoor events and festivals. Small towns and big cities host food truck festivals, movie nights in the park and so many other events you and your family can enjoy. Find something that seems interesting and bring the entire family. Make memories, eat too much popcorn and cotton candy and have a good time celebrating the end of summer.
Go Glamping
Camping is not for everyone, but what if you try glamping? Instead of heading off to the middle of nowhere, go right into your own back yard to have a family camp out under the stars. Get out the tents, bring your sleeping bags, roast some marshmallows, and tell a few scary ghost stories. Glamping is a way to enjoy the positive aspects of camping without sacrificing comfort (it’s like real camping except you can use the bathroom inside.)
Give Back
Now that schools are almost back in session, there are many opportunities to teach your kids how to give back. Take them school supply shopping for kids in need. Let your kids choose things that they know other kids need in school and stuff some backpacks with supplies. Many communities around the country are thrilled to accept these donations and schools are always happy to take on school supply donations. This is a great time of year to volunteer and enjoy the last few beautiful days of summer. Giving back doesn’t sound nearly as fun as spending the day in the pool to most kids, but there’s no denying how good it feels to give back.
Stay Up Late
What is your favorite summer memory? If you ask most people about their favorite childhood memories from summer they’ll say playing outside all day and staying up late. There is no hurry to get up and go in the morning, so everyone gets to sleep in and be just a little bit lazy for just a little bit longer. It is one of those memories kids love to have and it’s one they’ll pass on to their own kids one day.
Play Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is a fun game to play outside in the dark during the summer. With no lights, there is an added element of surprise to the game. However, it is important to stay safe. Plan a game of hide and seek using flashlights, this is something that the entire family will enjoy. It’s one of those memories everyone will look back on with fondness.
Relax
It’s the end of summer, time to slow down and make the most of the last days of summer. Sports, school, fall, the holidays, and other activities are about to take over your life therefore make the most of your downtime before your schedule picks up again. The rest of the year is always so busy and hectic and this time of year is so sweet so enjoy it, you won’t get it back for another year. The end of summer is the perfect time to reflect on another season with your family.
