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As the countdown to school begins and backpacks start filling with fresh pencils and lunchboxes, don’t freak out—there’s still time to squeeze in a little more summer magic. For many of us, the best summer memories didn’t come from elaborate vacations or camp schedules, but rather the simple moments: riding bikes until dark, eating popsicles on the front steps, and making up games with the neighbor’s kids.
Before you trade swimsuits for school supplies, we’re bringing back those classic, feel-good vibes from the summers of our own childhoods. Think ’90s and early 2000s, like PBS after breakfast, tie-dye on the patio, and a lemonade stand that made you feel like a mini CEO. Here are a few nostalgic activities to do with your kids before the season slips away:
Tune into nostalgic TV shows
For many of us as kids, mornings started with PBS, and for good reason. Classics like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood weren’t just TV shows but also a cornerstone of early childhood comfort and imagination. Kids who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s will remember the gentle voice of Fred Rogers, the calming energy of each episode, and, of course, the beloved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, where hand puppet characters like Daniel Striped Tiger and X the Owl taught us empathy, kindness, and curiosity.
Today, PBS KIDS is helping raise our own kids with shows from Fred Rogers Productions (the company started by the TV icon) that feel both fresh and deeply familiar, like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Donkey Hodie—both inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. In fact, PBS KIDS is premiering a brand-new episode of Donkey Hodie (the series produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures), which features special guests Daniel Tiger and his dad as puppets once again. Regardless of what generation you’re a part of, we’ve all experienced the excitement of watching your two favorite TV characters come together for a special crossover. We love that PBS KIDS is doing the same for our kids, but with a nod to us parents who have fond memories of Mister Rogers. Full circle moment, right? Tune into the brand new crossover special of Donkey Hodie, “Daniel Tiger Visits Someplace Else,” now on PBS KIDS!
Source: Fred Rogers Productions
Have a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood
Turn a simple neighborhood walk into a playful adventure by hosting an old-school scavenger hunt. Make a list of fun and easy-to-spot items like a red bird, a white rock, a garden gnome, a basketball hoop, a sidewalk chalk drawing, a butterfly, etc. Give each kid their own list and let them check things off as they go. You can even offer a little prize at the end, like picking the movie for that night or choosing what they want for dessert. It’s a great way to slow down and appreciate the everyday magic hiding right outside your door.
Catch fireflies after the sun sets
There’s something magical about watching fireflies flicker across a summer night sky. If you live in an area where lightning bugs are common, take your kids out just after sunset with a mason jar and some holes punched in the lid. Have them gently catch a few to observe up close, then release them after a few minutes. Not only is it a calming end to a summer day, but it also sparks a little wonder about the natural world. Just don’t forget the mosquito spray.
Have an outdoor movie night
If you have a projector, now’s the time to break it out. Set up a sheet or screen in the backyard, bring out some blankets, string up a few lights, and pop a giant bowl of popcorn. Let your kids pick from a list of nostalgic classics—The Sandlot, Matilda, The Parent Trap, or Space Jam are all hits. No projector? No problem. Set up a laptop or TV outside for the same vibe. Either way, it’s a summer night they won’t forget.
Go kite flying
There’s nothing like watching a brightly colored kite take off on a breezy day. Grab a couple of affordable kites from your local dollar store or order a pack online, then head to a park or open field. It might take a few tries, but once they get the hang of it, kids will love the thrill of flying something they control. You can even challenge them to see who can keep their kite up the longest or do the coolest swoops. It’s simple, screen-free fun at its finest.
Tie-dye is basically a rite of passage for kids. Pick up a kit on Amazon or at your local craft store and let your kids design their own shirts, socks, or even pillowcases. Set everything up outside to avoid stains and enjoy the process of twisting, tying, and squirting color. The best part? No two creations are alike, and they’ll get to wear something they made with their own two hands. Instant camp vibes, minus the actual camp.
Create a time capsule
Help your kids preserve their summer memories by making a time capsule. Have them gather small items that represent their favorite parts of the season, like a seashell from vacation, a movie ticket stub, or a drawing of their best day. Add a note about their favorite summer memory or something they learned. Place everything in a sealed container and bury it in the backyard or stash it in the garage to open in a year or two. It’s a sweet tradition that turns into a meaningful memory down the road.
Play vintage board games
Unplug for an afternoon and break out the board games we grew up on. Classics like Monopoly, The Game of Life, Uno, Clue, Guess Who?, and Trouble still hold up, and they’re perfect for teaching patience, strategy, and good sportsmanship. Set up a game station in the living room or even take it outside with a few snacks. You might be surprised how much your kids love playing the games that once kept you and your siblings busy for hours.
Few things feel more iconic than setting up a lemonade stand in the front yard. Help your kids make signs, mix up a big pitcher of lemonade (add strawberries or mint for fun), and offer cookies or treats if you have them. It’s a great way to practice math skills and learn about handling money, making change, and talking to customers. Even if only a few neighbors stop by, your kids will feel proud of their hard work—and might just ask to do it again next weekend.
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