School’s almost here, but summer isn’t done with us yet. There’s still plenty of time to squeeze in a few fun, memory‑making moments. Here’s your end-of-summer bucket list —25 simple ways to make the most of what’s left.
1. Hit the beach one last time
Pack a simple picnic, bring a speaker and let the kids bury your feet in the sand.
2. Watch a movie outdoors
Many parks and shopping centers in SoCal host free or low‑cost outdoor movie nights. Bring blankets and popcorn.
3. Spend a day at a splash pad
Easy, inexpensive and perfect for younger kids who aren’t ready for the ocean or a big waterpark.
4. Try a new hiking trail
Pick a short trail near home so you can go early in the morning and avoid the heat.
5. Do a backyard campout
Pitch a tent, grab flashlights, tell stories, and keep the bathrooms close by—win‑win.
6. Eat ice cream for dinner
No rules, just sprinkles. Let everyone choose their own flavor.
7. Visit a local museum
Look for family days or free admission nights—many SoCal museums have them in August.
8. Host a water balloon fight
A bag of balloons, a hose, and 20 minutes of prep time equals hours of laughter.
9. Make tie‑dye T‑shirts
Messy, colorful, and an instant souvenir of the summer.
10. Plan a day trip
Somewhere less than an hour away. Maybe the beach town you’ve been meaning to check out or a nearby botanical garden.
11. Go to a farmers market
Let the kids pick out produce and challenge them to help with dinner that night.
12. Have a picnic at sunset
Head to a park or even your own backyard. Watching the sun go down together feels special.
13. Explore tide pools
Check a tide chart for a minus tide and see what sea life you can spot.
14. Go mini golfing
No end-of-summer bucket list would be complete with mini golf — a quick, low‑stress outing that doesn’t need reservations and is geared toward family fun.
15. Visit a local fair or festival
Check community calendars—many small fairs pop up in August before school starts.
16. Build a giant blanket fort
One lazy afternoon, pile up every blanket and pillow in the house and let imaginations run wild.
17. Try paddleboarding or kayaking
Rental spots along the coast or at bays and lagoons make it easy to try without owning gear.
18. Have a family photo day
Head to a park or scenic spot, dress casually, and snap a bunch of candids before the school-year rush.
19. Bake something together
Pick a recipe that feels special—cookies, cupcakes, or a simple pie—and let the kids lead.
20. Visit a new playground
Even older kids get a kick out of exploring somewhere different.
21. Do a summer memory jar
Write down favorite moments on slips of paper and read them aloud on the last night of summer break.
22. Watch the sunrise
It’s early, but it feels like an adventure—and it’s a calm way to start a day.
23. Try geocaching or a scavenger hunt
There are free apps that guide you to hidden caches or let you set up your own hunt.
24. Spend a day being tourists in your own city
See a landmark you’ve never stopped at, take a walking tour, or just wander.
25. Make a back‑to‑school countdown chain
Use paper strips to make a chain—rip off one each day until school starts. It helps kids ease into the idea while still celebrating the days left.
Summer doesn’t have to end with a whimper. A few intentional, easy outings can turn these last weeks into some of your family’s best memories. Grab this end-of-summer bucket list, pick what feels fun and get out there—you’ve still got time.