Seven Ways to Close Out Summer Vacation with a Bang
by Alexander Tidd
You can smell it in the air: the sunscreen is running low, the popsicles are melting faster, and the back-to-school emails are multiplying like laundry after a pool day. That’s right—summer is almost over. But before we all shift back into morning routines, PTA sign-ups, and lunchbox math, let’s talk about going out with a bang.
This is your moment to squeeze the last juice out of summer. Whether you’ve got one last weekend, a few spare weekdays, or just an afternoon before those pencils get sharpened, here are seven fun ways to give summer the send-off it deserves.
1. The Backyard Bash (a.k.a. Summer’s Greatest Hits Party)
Affordable and unforgettable
Throw together a greatest-hits backyard party with all your kid’s favorite summer things. Water balloons. Popsicles. Bubbles. Sidewalk chalk. You don’t need a bounce house or a Pinterest board—just grab what’s already scattered around your yard and make it intentional.
Crank up a fun playlist, toss together a snack table with lemonade and popcorn, and let the kids run wild while you sit in a lawn chair wondering where June went. Bonus points if you invite the neighbors and make it potluck-style. No planning, no pressure, just pure summer nostalgia.
2. The Day Trip That Feels Like a Vacation
Think one tank of gas, max
Not every summer memory requires a suitcase. Pack snacks, throw some towels and extra clothes in a bag, and hit the road to the nearest beach, lake, state park, or quirky roadside attraction. Pick somewhere you haven’t been before—even a weird little diner 40 minutes away can become a memory-maker when you let your kid order dessert for lunch.
Pro tip: let your child “help plan” the day. Give them a say in the music or a few activity options. It gives them ownership and makes the trip feel special.
3. Camp-Out, but Make It Backyard (or Living Room)
Budget-friendly and bedtime-friendly
If your schedule doesn’t allow for a full-on camping trip, recreate the magic at home. Set up a tent in the backyard or even in your living room. Roast marshmallows over the stove or in the microwave. Tell ghost stories. Make shadow puppets. Stay up just a little later than usual.
There’s something wildly special about sleeping somewhere that’s not your bed—even if you can still reach the Wi-Fi.
4. Water Day: DIY Splash Fest
Perfect for a scorching weekday afternoon
Declare a Water Day at home. Set up a sprinkler, a few buckets, a plastic baby pool, and let chaos reign. Create a DIY “car wash” for bikes and scooters, or let the kids give their dolls or stuffed animals a bath.
This is especially great for little ones, but bigger kids still get soaked with glee—especially if you get involved. (Yes, you. The grown-up. Grab that hose and defend your honor.)
5. One-on-One Adventure with Each Kid
Priceless bonding, any price range
If you have more than one child, close out summer with a solo adventure with each of them. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—grab donuts and visit a bookstore, go on a mini hike, or spend an hour throwing a frisbee in the park. Just give them undivided attention and make it their day.
The one-on-one time helps kids feel seen and helps you remember who they are outside the sibling dynamic. It’s also a great way to connect before the school-year frenzy begins.
6. Go Big: A Last-Minute Weekend Getaway
Lavish, but worth it if you’ve got the budget
If you’ve been saving up all summer for a grand finale, now’s your moment. Find a cabin in the mountains, a cool hotel in the city, or that funky A-frame Airbnb with the hot tub. Even just a two-night trip can reset everyone before the return to routine.
Let the kids stay up too late. Eat dessert first. Break the rules. These are the moments they’ll talk about for years.
7. The Summer Time Capsule
Low-cost, high memory
Sit down with your kids and make a summer time capsule. Include photos, little mementos (like wristbands, shells, or ticket stubs), and notes about favorite memories. Let everyone contribute something that feels meaningful to them.
Then hide the box in a closet or under a bed with a “Do Not Open Until…” label. Choose a date next summer to revisit it. It’s a beautiful way to mark time—and a quiet reminder that seasons come and go, but the memories stick around.
One Last Popsicle, Please
You don’t need to do all seven of these to close out summer right. Even just one fun afternoon or surprise ice cream run can be the grand finale your family needs.
Summer will end whether you do something big or not. But putting a ribbon on it, even a sticky, sunscreen-smeared one, is a way of telling your kids (and yourself): “We lived this season well.”
Then? Bring on the crayons, sharpen those pencils—and don’t worry. Fall’s got its own kind of magic.
