End of Summer Fun
Posted
by
WinterKids
on Friday, August 8, 2014
In merely six-ish more weeks, the dog days of summer will be coming to an end and fall will take over. A few schools are already back in session, and the rest will be in the very near future. It’s a bittersweet time to think back on all the memories you’ve made this summer, knowing it won’t be around for much longer.
Did you and the kids cross everything off your Summer Bucket List? Make the absolute most of your summer by squeezing in as many more fun family summer adventures as you can before having to break out the hoodies and fall jackets. Go out with a bang with these 10 end of summer experiences that simply cannot wait until next year.
Go Out for Ice Cream
Whether it’s soft serve, fro-yo, dippin' dots or mochi balls, make their day by taking them out for ice cream. Turn at least one trip for ice cream with the kids into a special occasion by doing something out of the norm, like allowing them to get all the toppings they desire or buying them a snow cone from the ice cream man (even though it may spoil their dinner). Ice cream screams summertime enjoyment and it does not taste nearly as good when eaten on a cold winter’s day–trust me, I’ve tried!
Sleep Under the Stars
 Other than the occasional rainstorm, August is a great time to lie out under the open sky. You can either pack up the car and go to a nearby campground, or just lay out a tarp, some sleeping pads, and bags for the kids and yourself in the backyard. Make sure to bring along bug spray and extra blankets. Enjoy the nighttime summer air as you teach them about different constellations before catching some zzz’s. You may even catch glimpse of a falling star!
See a Drive-In Movie
Give your kids the treat you probably had when you were little and bring them to the drive-in movie theater. Nowadays, drive-ins don’t show only one feature, but usually two or three in a row! Since technology has changed over the years, drive-ins have decreased in popularity; however, you can keep American history running by taking your kids to the nearest drive-in for a relaxing night of movies, popcorn, and great family traditions.
Go for a Bike Ride
There is a special bond between kids and bikes. Riding a bike represents freedom, fun, and fresh air. Moreover, riding a bike is a healthy outdoor activity that the entire family can enjoy together. Plan a long bike ride with your kids before summer ends. Try packing up a small picnic that you can fit in the basket of your bike, riding to a nice park, and turning your bike ride into a special lunch date with your kids.
Visit the Zoo
 Bring your kids to the zoo so they can enjoy the wildlife firsthand, as well as learn about the educational aspects. Not only is a trip to the zoo a fun-filled day for the whole family, but it is also full of learning opportunities as well. Aside from giving your child a chance to see animals they may never have seen in the natural environment, the zoo provides opportunities to learn about habitats, different species of animals, and animal behavior.
Take Them Out to the Ball Game
Take advantage of cheap tickets and warm, fresh air while you can. At ball parks, there are usually concession stands or Fun Zones designed specifically with kids in mind (at some parks, kids are even invited to “run the bases” at a particular time during or after the game!). Get your hot dogs, peanuts, and crackerjacks, and sit back and cheer together in delight with your little ones as the home team wins over the crowd with dingers and grand slams.
Make a Salad with Fresh Fruit
Berries, peaches, and mangos–oh my! Whatever will you do when such sweet, succulent fruits are no longer available at the grocery store because they are ‘out of season’? Get your fill on summertime fruits while you can and try out a fun recipe that the kids can help out with. Mmm...I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Visit a National Park
We highly recommend you visit at least one National Park before summer’s end. As well as viewing majestic scenery, catching glimpses of wildlife, and breathing in the fresh air of the Great Outdoors, there is plenty more to do at a National Park. Camping, hiking, fishing, biking, picnicking, rock climbing, rafting, and backpacking are just some of the many different things you can do together as a family at one of America's 58 National Parks. Here is our list of the top National Parks to visit with kids.
Soak Up the Sun at a Waterpark
Whether you and your family are a bunch of thrill-seekers with an appetite for high speed, or you prefer the tranquil nature of the lazy river, waterparks really do have something for everyone. From tots and teens to adults and the elderly, there are few and far between activities that beat a visit to a waterpark on a hot summer’s day. Pack up your swim trucks, towels, and flip flops and head to the nearest waterpark before it’s too late!
Go to a Fair
 With entertainment for children and adults alike, you and the kids will undoubtedly have a great time at the fair and create unforgettable summertime memories. Get their faces painted, eat some fried dough, and take them on fun rides. A day of games, ferris wheels, carousals, and having their age guessed by the “fair expert” is just what the doctor ordered to go out with a bang and give your kids the summer finale that they deserve!
What's your favorite end-of-summer activity for the kids? Let us know in the comments below!
Categories:
Family Fun
Tagged: Family Fun, Summer, summer activities for kids, summer fun with kids
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