7 Fun End of Summer Activities to Get Ready for Back to School

As summer winds down, end-of-summer activities can help kids make the most of their last few days of freedom while easing into the school year. These activities can be fun and meaningful, helping children enjoy the transition from summer break to back-to-school season.

ALSO CHECK OUT: 6 Summer Activities for Foster Families

Here are seven great ideas to try before summer ends:

Outdoor Picnic and Nature Walk

Enjoy the last warm days by packing a picnic and heading to a local park or nature trail. It’s a relaxing way to soak up fresh air and get some exercise before the busy school routine begins.

Try easy, fun, and nutritious lunches like:

• Star-shaped fruit skewer “wands” (Talk about colors and patterns)
• Character-themed bento boxes (“What was your favorite tv show to watch this summer?”)
• Hummus and carrot sticks or peanut butter and celery “bug bites” (“Can you name a fun bug fact?”
• Alphabet-shaped fruit and cheese cutouts (Made with cookie cutters – practice spelling while you snack!)
  

DIY School Supplies Organization

Get kids excited for school by helping them personalize and organize their supplies. Decorating pencil cases or backpacks can spark school spirit and make back-to-school feel special. 

Dollar stores have lots of easy and colorful supplies perfect for this! And don’t forget to check the Dollar Spot at stores like Walmart or Target, and last-season’s clearance bins for discounted knick-knacks.

Visit the Library for a Reading Challenge

Encourage kids to pick out books related to their upcoming school subjects or fun summer reads. Many libraries host end-of-summer reading programs that reward participation.

Check out where you can get free and low-cost books on our blog here: Where to Get Free Books for Kids By Mail

Family Game Night to Spark Creativity

Turn a regular game night into a learning adventure! Choose games that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Games like Bananagrams or Scrabble can help build vocabulary while games like Connect 4 can teach critical thinking and strategy. You can even set up mini challenges or trivia rounds related to school subjects to make it extra fun. Here are more game ideas:

Guess Who? – A classic guessing game that helps with deductive reasoning and asking good questions.

Candy Land – Perfect for younger kids to practice colors and take turns.

Outfoxed! – A cooperative mystery game for ages 5+, great for practicing teamwork and logic.

Uno – A simple card game that teaches colors, counting, numbers, and strategy. 

Virtual and online games make back-to-school learning easy. Check out apps like Osmo, ABCmouse, and even Minecraft: Education Edition to make learning feel like playtime!

Try a New Hobby or Join a Sport

End summer by exploring something new! Whether it’s a new park, learning to skateboard, painting, or joining a local sports team; it builds confidence and curiosity for the year ahead.

Back-to-School Shopping Spree

Make shopping a fun event by involving kids in picking out clothes and supplies they’re excited about. Teach math and budgeting skills by adding up prices together and helping them understand how much things cost. You can try simple questions like, “If I have a $20 bill and this notebook costs $10, how much would I have left?” This makes shopping feel like a game and builds confidence with numbers. Try ending the trip with a small toy or treat as a reward for helping, making the day feel extra special and positive.

You can also use this time to shop for extra back-to-school supplies to donate to kids in foster care. Families can drop off donations at Foster Love HQ or purchase items from our Amazon wishlist to help foster children start the school year feeling confident and ready. 

Volunteer with Foster Love

Volunteering is a rewarding way to end summer. Foster Love offers opportunities for all ages to help children in foster care. All of our activities are made for all ages with easy and fun activities like coloring. Our Summer Series events are going until the end of August! Sign up here: https://pointapp.org/orgs/4299 

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These end of summer activities can help kids enjoy the last moments of break while getting ready to succeed in school. Try one or all to create great memories and a smooth transition into fall!