"Even though we’re all practically counting down the seconds until summer starts, celebrating the end of the school year is still an absolute must. As the school year draws to a close, you have the special opportunity to celebrate your child’s accomplishments and create treasured memories through traditions that will be cherished for years to come. Your little ones have spent the school year working hard five days a week—not to mention all the emails you read, lunches you packed, and school events you attended—everyone deserves a little celebration, right?
By establishing traditions, the end of the school year comes with an extra dose of excitement, turning it into a truly special moment for everyone. These traditions not only provide a way to acknowledge their achievements but are also a way for the entire family to come together and enjoy some meaningful quality time. So, whether you want something low-key or a little more thought out, we have you covered.
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. Whether your tradition involves a Pinterest-worthy chalkboard sign, a front porch pose, or a sweet snap in front of your child’s school, this is one of the super simple last day of school traditions you will not regret sticking to. Seeing your kid’s growth throughout all of 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 as well as 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. This will be such a meaningful way for them to celebrate their graduation down the line.
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. Put together 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 can be put together to make a simple but meaningful gift.
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 some appreciation for the dedication and hard work their teacher has put in throughout the school year. It can be a personalized item, such as a handwritten note, craft project, or another DIY that can be fun to spend some time putting together. 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 lake house rental. Either way, you’ll create memories that will last.
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.
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. Like an elaborate first birthday party, these big moments are sometimes more for parents than for them (and for the pictures we can show them when they’re older). 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.
