"Let’s be honest, we’ve all been counting down to summer like it’s our own personal Super Bowl. Between packing lunches, dodging spirit week surprises, and pretending we remembered it was field day, we’ve earned this break. And the kids have earned a special last day of school tradition.
Before we toss those backpacks in the closet for three months (where they’ll definitely stay untouched and probably moldy), it’s worth hitting pause to actually celebrate the end of the school year.
Your kids made it through months of homework, early mornings, and cafeteria mystery meals. And you? You survived it too, with only a moderate amount of tears and missed emails. That deserves a gold star or at least a fun family tradition to mark the moment.
Whether you’re feeling Pinterest-level inspired or barely functional, we’ve rounded up 15 last day of school traditions that are easy, fun, and memory-making. Glitter, glue guns, or a therapist on speed dial not required.
Below, we’re sharing 15 last day of school traditions that are sure to bring even more joy to the end of the school year for your kiddos.
1. Take the last day of school photo
We all know about the first day of school picture tradition, but the last day of school deserves some love, too. This is a super simple last day of school tradition that’s easy to stick to. Whether your tradition involves a Pinterest-worthy chalkboard sign, a front porch pose, or a sweet snap in front of your child’s school. Seeing your kid’s growth throughout their years of schooling is something so nostalgic, and will be so fun to look back on down the line.
2. Capture the moment with a video
Pictures are great too, but another meaningful way to mark the moment is by taking a creative video. One fun way to make this special is by capturing the moment your little one walks into the front door of your home at the end of the day. Do this each year and by the time they’re ready to graduate high school you’ll have a meaningful compilation.
3. Have them write letters
Having your kiddos write letters to their future selves is a sweet way to mark the end of the year. It can also come in handy years down the road when they celebrate their high school graduation. Each year they can write to their 18-year-old self with things like their interests, memories, and hopes for the future. Tears are guaranteed (mostly from you) on graduation day.
4. Go out for ice cream
Summer is practically synonymous with ice cream. Celebrate their last day each year by having a standing ice cream date planned for after school. A simple idea, but definitely something they’ll look forward to!
5. Make a last day of school/start of summer basket
Baskets filled with fun goodies (like a classic Easter basket) are a great way to get everyone excited. Build a last day of school basket for your little ones each year with some summer essentials. Things like new sandals, pool toys, a water bottle and more make a simple but meaningful gift. I also like to include a calendar with all of our summer plans laid out to make it easy for them to know their schedule.
6. Make and share a memory jar
Looking for something a little more sentimental? Create a memory jar where everyone in the family can jot down their favorite moments from the school year (a fun project, making a new friend, doing well on a test, etc.). Then, read them aloud during a special end-of-year celebration over a pizza and ice cream dinner (or another kid-favorite meal) to reflect on the year’s highlights and reminisce on everything that made the year great.
7. Create an end-of-year scrapbook
Encourage your little one’s creativity by making an end-of-year scrapbook together. Collect photos, drawings, and mementos from the school year and let your child personalize each page with a super fun day of crafting and DIYs. It will serve as an adorable keepsake of their growth and accomplishments, and will be so heartwarming to look back on as they get older. Imagine comparing their kindergarten scrapbook to their senior year scrapbook (cue the tears).
8. Have a last day of school party
When they get home on that last day, greet them with their favorite snacks, decorations, activities, and upbeat music at an a last day of school party! Go as big or as simple as you want. Make it extra special by letting them invite friends over for the festivities.
9. Decorate their bedroom door
Simple but oh-so festive. Decorating your little one’s door for the last day of school is sure to put the biggest smile on their face. Think streamers and balloons in their school colors.
10. Make their favorite breakfast
While this idea is relatively simple, it could mean so much! Prepare their favorite breakfast and carve out time to share the meal together before the big day. Spark conversation about how they’re feeling about the last day, what they’re looking forward to about summer, and what they think next year will be like.
11. Create a summer bucket list
The last day of school means summertime, which is one of the most exciting times of the year. Make it an extra special moment by crafting a family summer bucket list together.
Think of fun activities and adventures you want to take together before school starts up again. Spend the next few months checking things off. If you need some ideas to get you started, check out The Everymom’s Summer Bucket List!
12. Get their teachers a thoughtful gift
Getting a special gift for their teacher is a thoughtful and meaningful way for children to express gratitude. It can be a personalized item, like a handwritten note, drawing or craft. My son likes to draw a picture of his whole class and put it in a frame for his teacher every year. Or, you can grab them something like books, school supplies, a plant, or even a classic Starbucks gift card.
13. Plan a weekend getaway
If you’re looking for a more extravagant means of marking the occasion, or are celebrating a big milestone like a kindergarten, middle school, or high school graduation, planning a weekend away may be the perfect option. Go big with flights to Disney, or more low-key with a road trip and vacation rental. Either way, you’ll create great family memories.
14. Go out to dinner
A classic option, nothing says “celebration” quite like going out to eat. Each year, you can head to the kids’ favorite spot in honor of another year in the books. Don’t forget to take a picture so you can look back on that special dinner every year.
15. Ask them how they want to celebrate the end of school
We we want to make each significant moment in our child’s life feel extra special. Kids might actually have some creative ideas of their own for ways they want to celebrate! By asking them what they want to do, you might be pleasantly surprised by the sweet simplicity in their requests.
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editorial Assistant
Ever since she began her editorial work and interned for The Everymom during college, McKenna’s dedication to this field and drive to gain as much knowledge as possible has only continued to grow day by day. She draws from her experiences as a nanny and passion for topical conversations to write thoughtful pieces on news, entertainment, culture, and lifestyle.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Former Assistant Editor
As the former Assistant Editor, Brett worked with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also a baby names and family movies expert!