Now that August is here, your kids only have a few weeks left before classes, homework, and extracurricular activities once again become their top priorities. Be sure to make the most of these last few days of summer by spending some quality family time. If you need some inspiration for your end-of-the-season bucket list, get everyone together to try some of our favorite activities to celebrate the end of summer with your kids.
Celebrate ‘National Smile Week’
If you didn’t already know, the second week of August is also National Smile Week. Turn your frowns upside down and plan some smile-centered activities for your happy clan. Get the kids to write their own jokes, then see who can get the biggest laugh. While you’re eating dinner, go around the table and talk about all the things that make you feel like smiling. Make masks displaying crazy smiles, or paint pictures of smiling people.
Have a Lemonade Stand
The lemonade stand is a summer staple. If your kids haven’t already tried their hands at this classic entrepreneurial activity, help them get a stand started by creating a sign, setting up a table and mixing up some tasty lemonade. If your children have already checked lemonade-selling off their summer lists, switch things up by offering cookies, juice or other nontraditional treat.
Prepare for School
Getting your kids ready for the impending school year can be a bit stressful, but it’s also a great chance for learning and bonding opportunities. Teach the kids about money while shopping for clothes and supplies by creating a budget for and giving cash to each child. Help them pick out the necessary items and show them how to be responsible spenders. While shopping, talk to your kids about what they’ll be learning over the next year, and ask if they have any worries or concerns. Having these discussions throughout the month of August can ease the transition between school and summer.
Go on a Picnic
The season will be over before you know it, so why not bask in the warm temperatures while they’re still here and take your family on a picnic? Pack a basket with sandwiches, snacks and drinks, and head to your favorite park. Enjoy spending time outdoors with everyone before school and colder days make picnicking impractical. If leaving the house is too much, picnic in your garden that you spruced up with your kids early this summer!
These are only a few of our favorite end of summer activities, but the possibilities are endless! Summer might be stressful as a parent, but doing fun things before school start will create amazing memories together!
Need some inspiration for your end-of-summer bucket list? Get everyone together with these tips from Teleflora of fun summer activities.