Summer always seems to fly by, and before you know it, it’s time to pack up the swimsuits and sunscreen. But before you dive into back-to-school mode, there’s still time to make the most of the warm days and create lasting memories with your family. Here’s a list of 50 fun and unique things to do before summer ends, including some local hidden gems and creative at-home activities.
All of these ideas were recommended by either Kosher.com staff members, or our Instagram followers. Thank you to everyone who sent in awesome ideas!
1. Visit a Local Park’s Splash Pad:
Head to a local park with a splash pad for a refreshing and playful day out. Don’t forget lots of towels!
2. Swan Boats:
Rent swan boats and paddle around the lake. It’s a unique and relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon.
3. Pick-Your-Own Farms:
Visit a local farm and let the kids pick their own fruits or veggies. Continue the fun at home with a cooking or baking session.
4. Hiking Adventures:
Explore the great outdoors with a family hike. Whether it’s a simple trail or something more challenging, hiking is a wonderful way to connect with nature.
5. Frisbee in the Park:
Enjoy some free fun by playing frisbee in a beautiful field. Sometimes the simplest activities are the most memorable.
6. Sparklers with Neighbors:
Gather with neighbors in the backyard or a local park, and light up sparklers for a magical display of light and color. It’s a simple, yet joyful activity that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
7. Make S’mores Around a Fire Pit:
Gather around a fire pit for a classic summer treat—s’mores!
8. Explore a New Playground:
Find a playground you haven’t visited before and spend the day exploring the new equipment.
9. Order Pizza Delivery to the Pool for Dinner:
Enjoy a fun and relaxed evening by ordering pizza delivery straight to the pool.
10. Tubing Down the River:
Embrace the thrill of tubing down a gentle river with your family or friends. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy nature, cool off, and have some fun on the water.
11. Grocery Store Date:
Take the kids to a grocery store and let them pick out snacks or ingredients for a meal. Once home, cook together and enjoy your creations.
12. DIY Summer Photoshoot:
Capture the last rays of summer with a fun DIY photoshoot. Use props, play with different outfits, and let the kids be the stars of their own photo session.
13. Create a Summer Photo Book:
Collect all your favorite summer memories in a photo book. It’s a great way to remember the season, and something the kids will love flipping through.
14. Learn a New Kitchen Skill:
Spend a day learning how to make something new, like homemade pasta or boba tea. It’s a fun way to bond and pick up a new skill.
15. Amazon Surprise Unboxing:
Have you heard of Amazon’s Mystery Boxes? You don’t know what you’ll unbox, but it sure is a thrill!
16. Backyard Camping:
Set up a tent in your backyard for a night under the stars. If it’s not safe to camp outside, create an indoor camping experience with blankets and pillows.
17. Host a Lemonade Stand:
Teach your kids some basic entrepreneurial skills by setting up a lemonade stand. They’ll love making the drinks and selling them to neighbors.
18. Stargazing Night:
Grab a blanket, some snacks, and find a spot away from city lights to gaze at the stars. Download a stargazing app to identify constellations.
19. Ice Cream Sundae Bar:
Set up an at-home ice cream sundae bar with various toppings. Let everyone create their dream sundae.
20. Visit a Local Zoo or Aquarium:
Spend a day learning about animals. Many zoos and aquariums offer summer programs and special events.
21. Chalk Art on the Driveway:
Let the kids unleash their creativity with some sidewalk chalk. You can even have a family contest for the best artwork.
22. Bike Ride Around the Neighborhood:
Explore your local area on bikes. It’s a great way to get some exercise and discover new spots in your neighborhood.
23. DIY Tie-Dye Shirts:
Get colorful with a tie-dye project. Each family member can design their own shirt to remember the summer by.
24. Visit a Farmers’ Market:
Take the kids to a local farmers’ market and let them pick out fresh produce.
25. Visit a Butterfly Garden:
Find a local butterfly garden and watch these beautiful insects in their natural habitat.
26. Mini Golf:
Head to a local mini-golf course for some friendly family competition.
27. Visit a Beach:
Spend a day at the beach collecting seashells and splashing in the waves.
28. Have a Picnic in the Park:
Pack a lunch and head to a nearby park for a relaxing picnic. Bring along a ball or frisbee for some after-lunch fun.
29. Visit a Science Center or Children’s Museum:
These are great places for hands-on learning and can be both fun and educational.
30. Take a Scenic Drive:
Find a scenic route near you and go for a drive. Stop at interesting spots along the way and enjoy the views.
31. Host a Water Balloon Fight:
Cool off with a water balloon fight in the backyard. It’s a fun way to beat the heat and get everyone laughing.
32. Build a Sandcastle:
If you’re at the beach or a sandbox, challenge your family to a sandcastle-building contest.
33. Outdoor Yoga:
Try a family yoga session in the backyard or a local park. It’s a calming way to start or end the day.
34. Visit an Animal Sanctuary:
Spend a day at an animal sanctuary learning about rescued animals and how to care for them.
35. Visit a Historic Site:
Explore a local historic site or landmark. It’s a great way to learn more about your area’s history.
36. Volunteer as a Family:
Give back to your community by volunteering together. It could be at a local shelter, food bank, or community garden.
37. Go on a Scavenger Hunt:
Create a scavenger hunt for the kids, either in your backyard or at a local park.
38. Visit a Waterfall:
Find a nearby waterfall and spend the day hiking and enjoying the natural beauty.
39. DIY Slip ‘N Slide:
Create your own Slip ‘N Slide in the backyard using a tarp and hose. Hours of fun guaranteed!
40. Attend a Fireworks Show:
End your summer with a bang by attending a fireworks show.
41. Host a Summer BBQ:
Invite friends and family over for one last summer BBQ. Grill your favorite foods and enjoy the warm evening together.
42. Make Homemade Ice Cream:
Try making your own ice cream or popsicles at home with your favorite summer flavors.
43. DIY Kite Flying:
Build and decorate your own kite, then head to an open field to see how high it can fly.
44. Backyard Science Experiments:
Try some fun and easy science experiments with your kids, like making a baking soda volcano or homemade slime.
45. Plan a Themed Dinner Night:
Choose a theme (like Italian, Mexican, or tropical) and create a dinner menu and decorations to match.
46. Visit a Petting Zoo or Farm:
Spend a day at a petting zoo or farm where kids can interact with animals and learn about farming.
47. Go on a Train Ride:
Take a scenic train ride through beautiful landscapes, forests, or along the coast.
48. Outdoor Bagel and Lox Brunch:
Enjoy a brunch with bagels, lox, cream cheese, and all the fixings in a picturesque outdoor setting early in the day before it gets too hot out.
49. Painting Shells on the Beach:
Collect a variety of shells, bring some paints and brushes, and let everyone create their own unique designs. This fun and artistic activity will provide keepsakes to remember the summer by.
50. Drive-In Movie Theater:
Experience the nostalgia and fun of a drive-in movie theater. Pack the car with cozy blankets and pillows, bring along some snacks and drinks, and enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars.
Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to make memories. Whether you’re looking for big adventures or simple pleasures, these ideas will help you squeeze every last drop of fun out of the season.