Running through the grass barefoot. Lazy days at the beach. Family cook-outs and backyard campfires. Summer is full of so many opportunities to make happy, carefree memories. But unfortunately it doesn’t last forever.
Whether your kids are young and still at home or heading back to school in the fall, there is always a twinge of sadness as summer comes to a close. But there are many ways to spend quality time together and really savor the last days of summer.
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Savor the Last Days of Summer
Shared below are 10 ideas that will help your family savor the last days of summer. The best part about these ideas is they’re budget-friendly, local, and help the whole family appreciate the outdoors.
1. Go Camping
Reserve your favorite campsite, pack up the tent and some sleeping bags, then get out there! If you’re not big on spending the night outside, just go for the day and hike around and cook on the campfire. If heading to a campsite isn’t your thing, try a backyard campout instead.
2. Take Care of a Park
Teach eco-friendly lessons and give back to the earth that provided so much summer fun. Grab some protective gloves and a garbage bag, then clean up a local park with your family.
3. Make S’mores
Mmmm! Chocolatey, gooey goodness. Need I say more?
4. Visit the Beach
Nothing says summer like a day at the beach, right? Whether lake or ocean, grab your best sand toys and sunscreen, then soak up the sun. If the weather is right bring some kites!
RELATED: No access to a fire pit? Bake these amazing S’mores Cookies with your children instead.
5. Donate Back to School Supplies
Check with local organizations to see how you can donate supplies to students in need.
6. Spend the Day in the Yard
This is so simple it almost seems obvious. Simply spend the day outside! Play yard games like Root Beer Ring Toss, read a book under a shady tree, do outdoor art like Squirt Gun Painting, run through the sprinkler, play with the hose, and invite friends over for a picnic lunch.
READ: Best Backyard Water Play Ideas for Kids
7. Make a Summer Memory Album
You probably captured some beautiful moments throughout the summer. Get together as a family and put the best photos in an album as you talk about your favorite days.
8. Pick Berries
Blueberries, elderberries, mulberries, blackberries and late summer raspberries are in season now. Grab some baskets, find a berry farm, and gather some sweet berries while they last!
9. Sell Lemonade
A timeless activity kids of all ages can enjoy. For variety, use summer berries to make Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blueberry Lemonade. Set up a table in the yard and enjoy your neighbors and sales.
10. Shop the Farmers’ Market
This is such a great way to support local business, get outside, and appreciate where our food really comes from.
So, sadly summer does come to an end. But these ideas will create some barefoot, sun-soaked memories to hopefully last all winter long.
Planning Fall Family Fun?
If you are already busy planning fall activities for your family, you may want to read:
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