Fun ideas and easy Back-to-School prep
August is always a bittersweet month. There are still plenty of summer adventures to enjoy, but the return to school and routine is just around the corner. But don’t worry! With a little planning, you can squeeze the last drop of fun out of summer and still be organized and ready when September rolls around.
When it comes to last minute ideas for summer fun, I like to focus on a few easy and inexpensive options. Five of my favourites are:
- Spread joy – I love a good “random act of kindness”, and summer is the perfect time to spread joy as a family. Some simple ideas include: buying a stranger coffee, baking cookies for a neighbour, or painting a rock and leaving it on a community trail.
- Have fun with food – Food is my love language, so having fun with food is one of my favourite simple summer activities. Eat ice cream for supper, cook over a campfire, host a BBQ, or have a week where a different family member cooks every day.
- Head outside – Take advantage of the warm weather by having a water fight, searching for a waterfall, going on a hike, flying a kite, stargazing, camping or watching a movie outside.
- Make something – Crafting is a wonderful activity for all ages. With many projects and materials to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, but I recommend keeping it simple. For an easy and affordable craft, gather a few beach rocks and shells, and spend an afternoon painting and having fun!
Along with making the most of the final days of summer, it’s also time to start thinking about the return to routine. Consider adjusting to a new sleep schedule a few days early, buying supplies and filling backpacks, stocking the fridge and pantry for lunches, and choosing an outfit for the first day.
And don’t forget to make the first day special. Plan for early morning pictures and bake a special treat to enjoy after school. A “You’re a smart cookie” bar featuring a giant cookie “cake” is a fun idea.
As August draws to a close, I hope you take the time to enjoy every last bit of summer, while preparing for the busy season ahead. A little planning now can help make the transition into September a little smoother, while still leaving you with wonderful summer memories.
