10 Fantastic End-of-Summer Ideas to send the Season out with a Bang
There’s something special about ending the summer on a high note. When the last weekend of summer arrives, everyone is looking for a way to make memories. The end of summer often means the end of a more relaxed schedule, especially if you have kids, like me. Wouldn’t it be great to close out the summer with some fantastic fun?
Really, for us summer has just begun. We are about 9 days in. Our summer season here in Canada goes a little longer because school doesn’t start again till September. I know for some parts of the US school starts in mid-August. But for us, we still have plenty of weeks to make memories.
However, if past years are any indication, I know that I’ll be looking at the end of summer and the start of September in NO TIME.
And this year I want to make the end of summer extra special because this is the first year my oldest teen is working the whole summer. That means we just don’t have as much time like we used to. So, once her summer job ends I want to take advantage of the few days we will have before we are knee-deep back into our homeschool routine.
No matter the age, or whether your schedule stays fairly the same or changes up once the end of the season hits, there’s plenty on this list you can do to make those lasting memories this summer.
10 End of Summer Ideas to go out with a Bang
Have a Bonfire with Friends
Invite some other families over and have an end-of-summer bonfire. Roast marshmallows, or better yet, make s’mores. You can also roast hot dogs over the fire for dinner. I generally don’t eat hot dogs too often, but I have a real weakness for a hot dog roasted over a summer bonfire.
You can do this in your backyard, or at a public beach that allows bonfires. Bonfires are one of my favorite ways to hang out with people in the warmer months.
Have a Sundae Bar
Ice cream and summer go hand in hand, but you can make ice cream night that much better by adding toppings. You can go as big or as small as you like. A few toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, and chocolate sauce will make everyone happy, but adding things like small candies, whipped cream, and cherries for the top will bring your sundae bar to a whole new level!
Spend an afternoon at the Cottage
If you or someone you know has a cottage, why not get together as a group and spend a few hours swimming, boating, tubing, or fishing on the lake? Cottage days are some of my favorite days.
Have a BBQ
An end-of-summer BBQ with friends or neighbors is a great way to end the year with a bang! If you have a lot of people coming, have everyone bring a dish to keep expenses from getting out of hand.
Take a Weekend Camping Trip
We did this last year and it was a great way to end the summer. Whether in a tent or a trailer, make a point to get out for ONE more weekend before routine and cold weather take over.
Go to a Splash Pad or Waterpark
If you have young kids, they’ll appreciate ONE last day splashing around. Bring a special picnic lunch to make it memorable.
Have a Tourist Day in your Own Town or City
Spend a day doing all the summer-y tourist things that visitors would do if they were coming to your town or city. The best part? You will save a ton of money by sleeping in your own bed instead of a hotel!
Splurge on Iced Coffee and Go for a Walk On a Boardwalk or Pier
I have a weakness in the summer and it’s iced coffee. I also love to walk on boardwalks near lakes or rivers. I especially love to drink cold, iced coffee and walk down by the marina to see the boats. Reading the names given to all the different boats can be lots of fun, especially when you walk by a boat with a quirky name the owners gave it.
Spend the day on a Boat
If you have access to a boat, or can rent one, pack a bunch of snacks maybe your fishing rod, some lifejackets and swimsuits, and get on the lake one last time before the season ends. This, once again, is way more fun with some friends. Boat days just scream summer!
Do a Pizza and Outdoor Movie Night
There are a few ways you can make this happen. First, you can order pizza, or make homemade pizza. You can have a “make-your-own” pizza night.
If you live in an area that has outdoor movies already, whether as a drive-in movie or a movie in the park kind of deal, you can just watch a movie outdoors in that way. However, you can also make a screen in your backyard if you have access to a projector. We used to go to our friend’s house who would project a movie on the side of their garage. It was so much fun.
Say Goodbye to Summer with Style
It’s always sad to see summer go, but it makes it a little easier if we are able to carry a season of good memories with us into the fall. And, whenever you feel a little sad over saying goodbye to summer, remember, fall is coming and with it are cozy sweaters, hot coffees, and all things pumpkin! Maybe moving on from summer isn’t all bad.