10 Fun End-of-Summer-Activities for Families

By: Dr. Erica Wollerman

As summer winds down, I wanted to share some ideas for embracing and enjoying the last days of summer fully. Particularly as the back-to-school season is so busy for families, I thought it would be nice to set some bucket list goals for these next few weeks! The more we focus on enjoying the present moments with our kids, the more we can soak up the enjoyable memories of this time, and then hopefully, this can help ease our eventual transition into school and Fall! 

1. Picnic at the Park - Gather your family and head to a nearby park for a fun end-of-summer picnic. Pack a basket with tasty sandwiches, refreshing fruits, and some sweet treats. Enjoy the last warm weather days by playing outdoor games, flying kites, or simply enjoying the sun.
2. Beach Bonanza - If you're fortunate enough to live near the coast, plan a beach day filled with beachcombing, sandcastle building, and frolicking in the waves. Don't forget to bring beach toys and sunscreen! 
3. Backyard Camping Adventure - Create a mini-camping experience in your backyard for an exciting and memorable night under the stars. Pitch a tent, tell campfire stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the magic of the great outdoors right in your own backyard.
4. Nature Scavenger Hunt - Organize a family scavenger hunt in a local park or nature reserve. Prepare a list of items to find or challenges to complete, such as spotting different birds, identifying specific flowers, or finding certain landmarks. This activity encourages exploration and sparks curiosity about the world around us.
5. Movie Night - Transform your living room or backyard into a cozy movie theater and have a family movie night. Pick your family's favorite films or opt for a new release, and don't forget the popcorn and comfy blankets for an unforgettable movie marathon.
6. Ice Cream Social - Host an ice cream social right at home with a variety of ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces. Let each family member create their dream ice cream sundae and enjoy this delicious treat together.
7. End of Summer BBQ -  Gather friends and family for a festive end-of-summer BBQ. Fire up the grill, play some music, and enjoy delicious food and laughter as you celebrate the memories made throughout the summer.
8. Memory Scrapbooking - Encourage creativity and reflection by crafting an end-of-summer scrapbook as a family. Print out photos, collect mementos, and jot down special memories from the summer adventures. This activity serves as a beautiful keepsake to cherish for years to come.
9. Visit Local Attractions - Explore local museums, amusement parks, or other attractions that you might not have had the chance to visit during the summer. Take advantage of end-of-season discounts or special offers to make the most of your family outing. Our favorite as a family is the Legoland Waterpark! 
10. Family Game Night - Unplug from technology and enjoy a good old-fashioned family game night. Gather a selection of board games, card games, or even puzzles, and engage in friendly competition and laughter together.

As the summer season winds down, there are countless ways for families to celebrate and make the most of these precious moments together. Whether you choose to indulge in outdoor adventures, relish in sweet treats, or simply enjoy each other's company, these end-of-summer activities will create cherished memories that your family will treasure for years to come. Keep in mind that you don’t need to do all of them, but picking a few with your kids will certainly leave you enjoying your time together rather than dreading the transition to come! Happy end-of-summer adventures!

​ If you are interested in learning more about connecting with your child please make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Dr. Wollerman will be launching a parenting course all about this topic later this summer or early fall! You do not want to miss it!

At Thrive, we take a positive, client-centered approach to therapy that is focused on creating a genuine connection with our clients.  If you would like to talk with a Thrive Therapist about yourself, your child, or teen attending therapy we offer in person and telehealth via video sessions, please reach out to us by phone at 858-342-1304.