Five fun ideas for an unforgettable end to summer

“So, what did you do this summer?”

Can you believe school is about to start in a few weeks? I bet that question would be one of the hot topics that teachers, old friends and random students are going to ask each other… If you’re still thinking of a cool answer to that, think no more! Here are –

FIVE fun ideas to make the end of summer memorable.

1. Head for the wild outdoors. One of the easiest ways to get away for the weekend is family camping. Of course you need the tents, gear and food packed, but it’s really quite faster and easier to plan than you think. Family Camping Gear is a great resource to start, with tips on cooking, campfire, safety and etiquette.

IDEA: Yogi Bear Jellystone Park is one of our favorite places to go. It easily accommodates families, has hot showers, pools, golf and mini-theme parks (depending on location).

2. Splash on the fun! Waterparks have 100% enjoyment factor for kids of all ages. There are plenty to choose from coast to coast, and you can be there one day, one weekend or the last week of school break. A big bonus to waterparks – the nice tan that teens can show off once they come back to school.

IDEAS: You don’t have to go far for a waterpark. Make one in the backyard! Retailers are about to put up summer gear and fun items for sale, so buy a small pool, sprinklers, slides and let the kids have it one last time! Jump in too, in your swimsuits, day suits or pajamas. The point is to go carefree.

3. Have a TV Marathon. There is something to be said about television.

But if you have a favorite TV show that everyone liked last fall, this would be the time to get those DVDs and watch the whole season all over again, before the new season starts. It might actually backfire (in a good way): the kids might have a TV overload that they’d be sick of it for the rest of the school year. (And I hear a “yeah, right!”)

IDEAS: Talk about the show, its lessons and funnies. Let the kids recreate an episode, complete with costume, and present to family and friends. Make an alternate ending, or play trivia.

4. Be a hometown tourist. Some of us have been living in a city or town for so long yet never thought to explore the place. As summer is ending, so business is dwindling in hot summer spots in your town. Maybe now’s the time to bring the kids along.

IDEAS: Discover just one tourist spot or street each night. Walk the streets (the weather is cooler now), enjoy the restaurants, and just hang at the outdoor cafes, like a real tourist would. And don’t forget the camera! Let your children pick the places to go, let them act as guides, have them eat/taste/drink something different.

5. Capture the memories. If the family has actually used up all your vacation days at work, and you can’t go anywhere anymore, then it’s time to stop, and reminisce.

IDEAS: Print the photos, buy the albums, scrapbook the vacation. Transfer the videos into DVDs and watch them again. Include your children in the process and listen while they talk about their memories. And while your at it, record this event as well. These are precious records of how you family spends time together.

So whether you head out, or stay in, the important thing is spending time together as a family. Summers are unique because the individual schedules are not as tight yet, and there is time to waste. But waste not, because next summer is a year away.

images: flickrcc (camp; waterpark; television; tourist; memories)