08/13/2026
Make the most of the final days of summer with 10 simple, budget-friendly ideas that help your family create lasting memories before the new school year begins.
Amanda at faithfullystepping.com suggests these 10 activities.
1. Grill out and eat outside.
2. Plan a day trip away. Pack up for a day away without telling the kids where you’re going.
3. Surprise your spouse or your kids with an overnight. A change of place and pace can be just what we need to relax and enjoy time together as a family before school starts up.
4. Take lunch to the park. It doesn’t have to be something fancy. Food always tastes better at the park.
5. Take each of your kids on a back-to-school date.
6. Plan a movie night. Movie nights are always a sure thing. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be.
7. Fit in a last trip to the beach or to a lake nearby or a splash park. Getting wet is the best part of summer!
8. Take a walk or a bike ride together in the evening, just for the fun of it.
9. Surprise the kids by taking them out for ice cream or water ice instead of getting ready for bed.
10. Plan a family game night. Set the table with a fun tablecloth, put some snacks in bowls, put out juice boxes, and stack our games on the table. Some favorite family games are Uno, Skipbo, Dutch Blitz, Ultimate Werewolf, Codenames, Guess Who Cards, and Ticket to Ride.
Which will you choose?
