10 Exciting Last Day of School Traditions (Celebrate the Beginning of Summer!)
Are the kids giddy about school getting out for the summer? (Mine have a countdown going)
The end of school marks a fun transition. One where kids get a break to chill, wander, and well, be kids. Celebrate with one of these special last day of school traditions.
Once you find one you love, do it every year. It will be a uniquely memorable tradition to look forward to as a family!
1. “Run” Into Summer
Help kids feel the thrill of accomplishment by running through a banner!
First, make a long paper banner. Then, two people hold it across the driveway or yard. (Or you could hang it from the door). Let your kids run through it when they get home on the last day.
It could say “Welcome to summer!,” “You did it!,” or anything else you think they’d love. You could even play a summer song as they run!
Try:
- Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
- Summertime by Bon Jovi
- Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles
- Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
- Summertime – Kenny Chesney
- Summer Love – Justin Timberlake
- Summer Nights – Rascal Flatts
- Beat This Summer – Brad Paisley
- School’s Out for Summer -Alice Cooper
- I Know What You Did Last Summer – Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
2. Begin Summer With a Special Meal
Make a special breakfast, lunch, or dinner the first day of summer. You could visit the Farmer’s Market and make your first summer meal from whatever you find there. Or go out for ice cream if you need an easy option!
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3. Stay Up Extra Late
Summer marks…freedom!
Why not let them stay up late after the last day of school?!
4. Create an Epic Summer Bucket List
Use this amazing list of summer bucket ideas to make your own list of fun things to do. It will get you excited. And remind you to make the most of these precious, fleeting summers with your kids.
Here are a few things I’ll be putting on ours this summer:
- bike ride to a local lunch place
- visit the Farmer’s Market
- go stargazing at a nearby park
- do a homemade pizza party
- go see the movie “Twisters” (ok, this might just be for me!)
5. Host a Fun Summer Party
Gather the neighborhood, friends, and family for a backyard barbecue in celebration. Or, if you have a pool, make it a pool party!
Instead of a big birthday party for each of our kids, we opt for one bigger summer bash at the beginning of June. The kids talk about it all year long.
6. Take Donuts to the Park to Mark the Beginning of Summer
A friend gave me this idea many years ago. And it’s the sweetest (and easiest) thing to do after the last day of school! You could also turn this into a picnic with lunches.
7. Take a Last Day of School Photo
Adding a last day photo to your first day photo collection can be remarkable for seeing how much growth
8. Host a Driveway Movie With Neighbors
Pop popcorn and borrow a projector. Then, enjoy the show!
One benefit is that the neighborhood mostly stays outside. So you don’t have to worry about cleaning and hosting in your home.
9. Surprise your Kids on the Last Day
Challenge them to a water balloon fight as soon as they get home from school. Or put together a quick scavenger hunt with summer fun items (bubbles, coloring books, sidewalk chalk, etc.)
Try the Pirate “Shiver Me Timbers” Scavenger Hunt for this. You could create a little “summer fun box” as the treasure they find!
10. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Go hiking, biking, or kayaking for a day of outdoor fun. Or camp in a park or your own backyard. Either way, you’ll love reconnecting and moving in nature!
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