8 Family Activities to Soak Up the Summer Before the Kids Go Back to School
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As the new school year approaches, us parents should strive to make the most of the remaining summer days.
If it feels like summer is flying by, don’t worry—you still have time to create lasting memories with your children. Whether it’s crafting a summer scrapbook or organizing a family game day, these activities will help you savor every last moment.
Cherish these final days of summer with activities your family will love, leaving everyone refreshed and connected as they transition into the school year.
Summer Scrapbook
Dig out the photos you snapped over the summer. Starting with a photo of your family at the local beach or the neighborhood barbecue can spark joy and nostalgia. This tangible collection of memories will be a treasure in years to come.
Backyard Camping Night
Pitch a tent under the stars in your own backyard. Fun activities and memorable ideas include camping stories, s’mores, sleeping bags, and even cooking dinner over the campfire.
For a different approach, consider setting up a telescope and exploring the constellations. Learning about the stars and planets can inspire awe and a love of science. Time under the sky can be quite educational and spur new interests in children.
Farmers Market
If you haven’t made it to a farmers market all summer, August or September is a great time to hit the stalls of your local market. You’ll find fresh fruits, homemade jams, and colorful crafts, perfect for savoring the flavors of summer. In fact sometimes the end of the summer is the perfect time to hit a certain product. On much of the East coast from North Carolina up to Maine, tomatoes and corn really peak during late summer.
Organize a Book Swap
Invite friends and neighbors to bring books they’ve finished reading. It’s a lovely way to refresh your children’s library and help others find their next great read. This is a great way to get kids ready and excited for the shift into the school year.
Write Letters to Future Self
Encourage your kids to write letters to their future selves. They can recount current hobbies, friends, and dreams. When they read these years later, they’ll have a unique snapshot of their past selves. It’s also another great way to get kids engaging in reading and writing activities that they may have ignored for much of the summer.
Create a Time Capsule
Learn about your local history by visiting sites of historical significance.
Afterwards fill a container with your child and consider their own history by adding a current favorite toy, newspaper, or other significant items related to time. Sealing memories in a time capsule can be a thrilling mystery for kids.
Prepare a Summer Journal
Have your children start a journal documenting their summer experiences. Writing about daily activities can enhance their writing skills and preserve memories. This journal can be a return ticket to those summer days whenever they wish to relive them.
Volunteer Together
Choose a cause that resonates with your family and spend a day helping out. Whether it’s cleaning up a park or organizing books at a local library, volunteering instills a sense of responsibility and gratitude.
Often the end of summer is a ‘dead-period’ where kids are in between camp and school and parents are looking for engaging activities to bridge these weeks.
Theresa is the founder and owner of Simple Is More from Beavercreek, Ohio. She is a nationally syndicated writer whose work has been featured on the Associated Press Wire, Blox Digital, and more. With a passion for words and a love for simplicity, Theresa has built a reputation as a trusted source on minimalism, home organization, budgeting, travel, and wellness. When she's not writing or tidying up, Theresa loves to explore new places, read a good book, and spend quality time with her family.