Fall is just around the corner, and while you might already be looking forward to PSLs and shopping for fall fashion staples, there’s still plenty of summer left before the first day of autumn officially pops up on your family’s calendar. This time of year, you might be the mom who’s thrilled her child is back to school—or you might be feeling like summer just began, wondering how it went by so fast.
Me? I’m in that last category. I feel not-at-all prepared to see less of my kids and have more to do on our daily schedule. I’m not quite ready to get back into the daily routine of lunch prep, school drop-off, and earlier bedtimes. I’ve enjoyed the looser, relaxed summer vibe. And to help keep it going just a little bit longer, I put together some easy-to-execute, end of summer family activities to make the the last of the summer season seem extra special for the kids—and for me.
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Outdoor End of Summer Family Activities
1. Have one last lemonade stand
Set up your table, make a pitcher or two of lemonade, and gather the neighborhood kids for the last lemonade stand of the summer. It’s a fun activity for your little entrepreneur(s), and it creates lasting summer memories.
2. Have a water fight in your clothes
Get the hose, sprinkler, or water blasters going spontaneously while the weather is still warm. Jump in with your kids and show them it’s OK to get wet, even if they’re in their clothes. Pro-tip: easily refill water squirters by having a bucket of water handy and showing your kids how to dip them in and fill them up. Plus, pick up some reusable water balloons that won’t harm the environment and don’t leave scraps you have to pick up later.
Whether you are in your backyard or at a local park, eating outside together on a blanket has a special summertime appeal. Gather everyone’s favorite foods and enjoy a relaxing day in the sunshine together while you still can.
4. Visit a beach or pool
While the cool temps are on there way, we still have a few hot sunny days to advantage of. Get outside at a local pool or beach and spend one last day splashing around together.
5. Plant something
This is a fun, fairly inexpensive option that can go a number of ways. You can go all out by planting some vegetables or trees, or start a fresh herb garden in the house. Either way, kids will love using their hands in this way, and, hopefully, see their hard work pay off in the long run!
6. Go to a county fair
Perhaps one of the most nostalgic activities we can partake in is going to a county fair. The cost may be significantly more than we remember as kids, but trust us, it’s worth seeing the smiles on your kiddos’ faces. Let them play games, ride amusement park rides, and eat all of the tasty fair food their hearts desire.
7. Take one more trip to the farmers’ market
If a trip to your local famers’ market is a tradition in your household, be sure to squeeze one more trip in before the end of the summer. Pick up everyone’s favorite goodies and then head home to whip up a delicious meal with all of your fresh produce.
Budget-Friendly End of Summer Family Activities
8. Paint everything (with water)
My grandma used to give us real paintbrushes and buckets of water. She’d then let us paint whatever we wanted outside. It didn’t matter that it was water, not actual paint. We still had a blast using adult-size paintbrushes to “paint” the patio furniture, the driveway, her car—anything within reach.
9. Stay up late to catch fireflies
Fireflies make summer nights seem so magical, so one night, let your kids stay up late and gently catch a few to make a firefly lantern. According to Firefly.org (yes, it’s a real website), fireflies can live in a jar, but they need damp air to survive. Put a few slices of apple in a jar, and if you have a spray bottle, mist some water on the inside. Only keep the fireflies overnight and release them the next evening because that’s when they’re most active and able to avoid predators. Plus, the release can be another special experience to share.
10. Have a family talent show
Did your little one learn something new over the summer? Gather around for a family talent show night. Whether it’s showcasing how your little one learned how to read, performing a fun dance, or playing an instrument, it’s a joyful way to end the summer. Make a DIY stage and curtains, pop some popcorn, or make it into a neighborhood affair and hand out flyers for everyone to either watch or join in on the fun!
11. Have a movie night sleepover
This has been a favorite summer activity for my daughters. We set up a movie on a laptop in their bedroom, and they snuggle in one of their beds and watch a movie together before they fall asleep. You could plan this just as easily with sleeping bags on the floor of the living room with popcorn or other treats. If you have an outdoor space, have a movie night with an outdoor projector and stargazing.
12. Have a baking day
Spend an afternoon in the kitchen whipping up everyone’s favorite treats. Throw on some upbeat music and dance the day away while you work on your creations. Then, taste test the finished products together.
13. Do nothing—literally
Before schedules and new routines take over, let them get bored and unleash their creativity. Sometimes, that’s when the real magic happens!
Meaningful End of Summer Family Activities
14. Make a summer time capsule
A nostalgic way to end the summer is reminiscing on all the good times that were had. Decorate a shoe box and fill it with a favorite item from the summer, like a disposable camera, a picture from a favorite summer outing, or a letter highlighting all your favorite summer events.
15. Host a summer slideshow night
Don’t forget about all the pictures you took during the season. It’s fun to look back at photos that your kiddos probably didn’t even know you took. Dim the lights and gather around on the couch and present a summer slideshow of everything you documented over the summertime.
16. Have a ‘yes’ day
Often as parents, we have to say “no” to set boundaries and to keep our children safe and healthy. But one day, see if you can say “yes” to your child’s requests throughout the day (within reason). Set some realistic expectations (i.e. we can’t fly to Disney World, but we could go to a nearby park/zoo/ice cream shop), and see where the day takes you. To get some ideas, pick up the Yes Day! book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal or watch the YES DAY Netflix movie starring Jennifer Garner and Jenna Ortega.
17. Take a road trip
While most of our summer activities are planned months in advance, if you find yourself with an open weekend, why not make it extra special? Take a spontaneous road trip to a town that’s not too far. Spend the weekend exploring, relaxing, and simply enjoying each others’ company before the busyness of the school year comes around again.
18. Have an end of summer party
Have a great backyard that hasn’t seen nearly enough people this summer? Put it to good use and invite friends and family over for an afternoon. Celebrate the end of the season together with yard games, conversation, and good food. You’re sure to make new memories that will last all the way to next summer.
19. Plan one-on-one ‘dates’ with each child
This could be watching their favorite TV show together or eating ice cream just up the block. Talk about your favorite summer memories. Ask them what they are most looking forward to now that fall is coming. Are they nervous about the upcoming school year? What do they hope to learn or do? Make note of their answers so you can talk about them again throughout the year.
Creative End of Summer Family Activities
20. Paint the summer sky
Remember the summer nights by painting your very own summer sky. On a cool summer night, set up a painting station outside for the kids and paint. Not only will their little masterpieces be perfect additions to your home, but every painting will be unique and special.
21. Tie-dye t-shirts
This classic summer activity is one every kid will have fun with. Not only do they get to be creative with the tons of tie-dye pattern options out there, but it will double as a back-to-school shirt they’ll be so excited to show off.
22. Start journaling habits
There are lots of benefits to regularly journaling. Not only does it help with writing and communication skills, it’s also been known to help with stress management. Start the practice when there’s free time during the summer. Prompt your kiddos to write about the things they loved about their vacation, and what they look forward to with the year ahead. This is a fun opportunity to either gift them a journal and some fun pens, or to let them pick out their own while back-to-school shopping. Who knows, this may turn into into a hobby they keep with them the rest of their lives.
23. Draw with chalk
Chances are we all have plenty of chalk laying around that doesn’t always get the use it deserves. Spend time outside getting creative. They can even use the chalk to draw inspirational pictures or words for the school year ahead.
24. Do a funny family photoshoot
You and your kiddos can get dressed up in your silliest outfits and spend an afternoon snapping some memorable photos! Not only will they love getting ready and posing, but the images will act as their own little time capsule for you to look back on.
25. Make your own popsicles
This is a great way to soak up the warm weather while it lasts. Collect all your family’s favorite fruits from the farmer’s market and then experiment with taste, texture, and color—you can personalize them to look however you want!
FAQs
What are fun end of summer activities for toddlers?
Some of the best end of summer activities for toddlers include crafting or baking (hands-on, sensory activities are always a win!), a park picnic so they can play and spend time outdoors, or a classic summer activity like going to the pool. Toddlers typically do best with short bouts of activity that leave room for naps and snack breaks, so plan accordingly!
What are fun end of summer activities for little and big kids?
For little kids and big kids, fun and memorable end of summer activities include going to the zoo or a local museum, having a water fight (even as an adult, this one is always fun), or just doing nothing. Sometimes—especially for older kids and preteens—some relaxation before the hustle and bustle of school takes over is the best gift of all.
What are good end of summer traditions to start with kids?
Some fun and easy end of summer traditions you can start with your kids include an annual family photo—perhaps at a favorite summer spot, like your local pool—making a summer slideshow or scrapbook, or creating a summer time capsule to look back on. Most of these don’t require an excessive time commitment, but are great ways to remember the small moments!
How can I make the last week of summer feel special on a budget?
You don’t need to spend exorbitant amounts of money to make the end of summer memorable for you and your kiddos! Consider free end of summer activities like movie marathons, staying up late to stargaze or catch fireflies, or visiting a public beach or pool. These will be plenty memorable for your kids without breaking the bank.
How can working parents make the end of summer feel special?
For working parents, summer doesn’t always feel like the vacation from reality we associate with childhood. That being said, there are still plenty of ways to make the end of the season feel special as a full-time working parent. Consider at-home, low stress family activities like movie marathons, baking (maybe you make a fun dessert after dinner?), or just playing outside with your kids as the sun sets.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for nearly a decade, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.