End-of-Summer Bucket List for Families

By Jennifer Halter

August is here, which means there are just a few more weeks left to enjoy sweet summertime activities before getting back into school-year routines. Need suggestions? Here’s a quick list of activities to add to your end-of-summer bucket list.

Attend a Summer Concert

There’s no shortage of family friendly and often, free, summer concerts to attend in the area. Pack a picnic dinner, chairs, and blankets and settle in for a few hours of live entertainment. Check out our events calendar here at Prince William Living for ideas.

Make a Meal from the Farmers Market

Although we are fortunate to have some local farmers markets that operate year-round, there’s nothing better than fresh, local, summer produce. Take advantage of having access to these delicious fruits and vegetables by enjoying a farmers market only meal. Each family member can select their favorites and then once home, work together to create your meal. Get everyone involved with washing and preparing the produce. Look for fun recipes, such as salads or desserts, and see what you can create to bring to the table. Remember, the market also typically has other items, such as bread and meats, that you may choose to add.

Host an Outdoor Movie Night

Whether you invite friends or do this just for your family, hosting an outdoor movie night is a fun way to end the summer. You’ll need a projector and a screen or even a bed sheet to project onto. As a family, choose your movie and/or a theme, if you want to watch more than one. Then, decide on your snacks. You can create foods to match the theme or go the traditional route and have popcorn and movie theater candy. Choose comfortable seating, whether it be lawn chairs, blankets, or inflatables, like kiddie pools filled with pillows or cushy pool floats to lay on. Don’t forget the bug spray!

Visit a New Park

Hopefully, your family has been able to spend a lot of time outdoors this season. Before heading back to school, find a new park or playground to try. You can stay local or choose to go on a mini adventure and travel outside of our area. Pack a picnic, sunscreen, and a change of clothes (just in case).

Do Something You’ve Never Done Before

Make time to do something that you haven’t done before with your family that would be hard for you to do at other times during the year. Maybe go on a boat ride, try your hand at paddleboarding, take a hot air balloon ride, go parasailing, or jump on some jet skis.

Play Backyard Games

This is a great evening activity when the temperatures are cooler. Choose a variety of games that you can play outdoors. You can use typical games such as Jenga, Twister, or cornhole, to name a few. Or, get creative and make up your own games such as tag at night, where participants wear glowsticks so they can be seen. Try a summer egg hunt using plastic eggs that contain a glowstick inside so that they are easy to find at night.

Head to the Pool or Waterpark

Before saying goodbye to summer, make plans to head to the pool or waterpark one more time. If heading to a waterpark, be sure to check their websites to see if they have any special events happening as some offer themed activities or discounted admission on certain days. If you’re able to, invite friends and have a summer send-off gathering. Each guest can bring their favorite summertime dish or treat to share.

Have a Summer Photo Shoot

It’s always important to live in the moment and enjoy making memories with your family, so if you’re not able to capture everything in photos, that’s OK! Instead, you can plan a dedicated photo shoot for the family. Hire a photographer or keep things simple by taking photos yourself or inviting a friend along to assist. Go to a local beach, park, your favorite summer hangout, or even do this in your backyard. Include fun props such as a beach ball or pool floats or dress in matching attire. The options are endless, but the memories will be sure to last a lifetime!