The summer is drawing to an end. Get the most out of the last few days with these fun end of summer family bucket list ideas.

Summer Family Bucket List

Summer is coming to an end. There are only so many days left of clear skies, warm sunshine, and high temperatures before school takes over again and fall checks in. The countdown to the end of summer has already started and if you’re like me, you’re busy scrambling trying to fit in some last-minute activities before the season changes.

If your kids are getting the end-of-season blues, why not cheer everyone up by ticking off items in your summer bucket list. Here are some fun family activities to squeeze in as the summer comes to a close.

1. Be a tourist in your own town.

There are sure to be a few things to do in your town that you’ve never explored. The end of summer is the best time to get to it as the tourist crowds thin out. So get your family together and spend a day taking in the local tourist attractions near where you live.

2. Have a picnic.

Food somehow tastes better when you enjoy it outdoors. Take advantage of the last days of summer by treating your family to a picnic. Make this one extra special by whipping up delightful summer treats like corn on the cob, lobster rolls, potato salad as well as popsicles or ice cream. Then pack up a Frisbee or football, go to your local park and find a place to put down your basket, roll out your blanket and dig in.

3. Get on the water.

Summer and water activities are two peas in a pod. Sure you’ve spent time in the water swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving but have you taken time to be on it? You and your family can head to the lake or sea, bring a stand up paddle board, a kayak or canoe and spend time taking in breathtaking views. You’ll be surprised at how different and lovely everything looks from your new vantage point.

4. Take a road trip.

If you’ve been putting off taking a road trip, take one now and end the summer on a high note. Pick a destination, gather up the kids, load the car and hit the road. Remember to plan enough activities to keep the kids happy during your trip. Additionally, make time to see the sights, visit national monuments and eat at new places along the way.

5. Go camping.

Kids love sleeping outdoors so make time for a camping trip. This is a great way to get out in nature and catch some fresh air. Make sure you choose a family-friendly campground then you can pitch a tent or two, tell stories around a campfire, stargaze and reminisce on the summer that was.

6. Enjoy the thrills of an amusement park.

Nothing thrills kids more than taking a trip to an amusement park. Timing your visit towards the end of summer might help you avoid annoying crowds. There might be more rides available for your kids as well so you don’t have to wait in long queues.

7. Have one last BBQ.

As the season draws to a close, fire up your grill and invite some friends and family over to say goodbye to the summer. Ask them to chip in by bringing some side dishes or beverages for everyone to enjoy so you don’t have to cater to everything yourself.

Summer is fleeting but that doesn’t mean you can’t pack as much fun and adventure for the family as you can. That way, you’ll get to bond while creating cool memories of the great time you had together. What more can you ask for?

Tyler Jacobson

Tyler enjoys going to the mountains near his home in Draper, Utah to connect with his wife and children through camping, hiking, and quality time together. When he isn’t rebooting in the outdoors, he shares his fatherly experiences with the world through writing and creative designs. Tyler shares the ups and downs of family life and the solutions he’s found through lengthy research and involvement in the industry and his own experiences to help parents everywhere. Follow Tyler on: Twitter | LinkedIn

I am always thankful to have Tyler Jacobson write for my blog because he covers a topic that I am not yet familiar with: teenagers.

Check out Tyler’s other on-point articles:

How to Handle Your Children’s Video Games Positively