Summer is flying by! With lots of kids heading back to school nect month it's time to make the most of the summer days we have left. Thrills at the amusement park, unforgettable camp adventures, memory-making family vacations, endless days spent splashing at the pool ... the list goes on and on. Let's keep soaking up the last moments of summer before the kids disappear back into the daily routine that comes with school.
Here are 10 things to do with kids before summer ends:
1. Stay up super late for an indoor slumber party in the living room or spend a night outside.
Surprise your kids with the no bedtime challenge! Don't worry mamas, little ones don't usually make it too long after their actual bedtimes. Your kids will love snuggling under sleeping bags in the living room, watching movies, and late-night giggles with you! OR go camping as a family, even if it's just in your own backyard. That time together creates fun and simple memories of finding constellations, making a perfectly roasted marshmallow, and giggling over not-so-scary stories around the campfire.
2. Play a full game of Monopoly.
OK, it doesn't have to be Monopoly, but finding time for a game night will be much harder once school starts. Plan at least one evening of game night fun before summer ends so you can crown a family champion.
3. Go visit that park you haven't found time for.
Maybe it's not a park, but a hiking trail. Or a new restaurant. Or a new local attraction. Now is the time to find the time!
4. Get to the water.
There's something about spending an afternoon at the water -- whether it's an ocean, a lake, a pool, or a stream -- that makes people unwind and relax. Skipping stones, digging holes, diving under over and over ... being on the water is what summer memories are made of.
5. Take a long bike ride.
Spending time together leisurely exploring your town on two wheels is the perfect way to spend a late summer day. Stop at your favorite restaurant for lunch, or pack a picnic to make a day of it.
6. Eat more ice cream.
I mean, do we really need to explain why this is on the list? Try and visit all the ice cream stores in Rancho!
7. Close down your local amusement park.
Amusement parks are fun during the day, but after dark when the lights come on, they are magical. Give the kids the experience of staying until closing time at least one night before the season ends.
8. Be a tourist in your own town.
Visit the local museums. Eat at the local restaurants. See the sights the tourists don't miss. You and your kids will gain a new appreciation for what makes where you live special.
9. Go to a movie in the park!.
Nothing says summer like an outdoor movie. Head to Victoria Gardens or Red HIll Park for a movie in the park this week or make your own "theater" outside by showing a movie on your garage door. Don't forget the popcorn and candy!
10. Go back-to-school shopping.
Kids everywhere love back-to-school shopping. Get them excited about the school year by taking them out to choose new shoes, outfits, and school supplies. Then don't let them touch anything until the first day of school.
After all, we know back-to-school days will be here before we know it. Keep making those summer memories!
