Savoring the Last Weeks of Summer: Simple Joys Before the Seasons Change

Dr. Deb Zupito

Somehow, the days are already getting a little shorter. You can feel it in the evening air, that whisper of coolness that hints at sweaters, pumpkins, and earlier sunsets. But before we give in to the fall wardrobe and pumpkin spice everything, there’s still time to squeeze the last drops out of summer.

Soon, quick day trips to the beach will be replaced with soccer practice, homework, and making sure everyone has matching socks (or at least close enough). But for now, the sun is still warm, the evenings are long enough for ice cream after dinner, and spontaneous adventures are calling.

Fun Ways to Savor Summer Before It Slips Away

• Beach or Lake Day – Even if it’s just for a few hours, throw towels, snacks, and sand toys in the car and go. Bonus points if there’s a post-swim ice cream stop.

• Picnic Dinners – Swap the kitchen table for a blanket in the backyard or a local park. Keep it simple: sandwiches, fruit, and a favorite drink.

• Backyard Stargazing – Lay out blankets, look for constellations, and let your kids stay up a little past bedtime.

• “One More Time” Adventures – Hit the playground, hiking trail, or local splash pad one more time before summer hours end.

• DIY SPLASH Day – Sprinklers, water balloons, and a plastic tub for splashing. (It’s basically a backyard water park without the long lines.)

  
  

Books to Spark Conversations About Summer’s End and New Beginnings

• Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak – A gentle, lyrical look at the changing seasons.

• And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner – A joyful celebration of summer traditions.

• The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing – Helps little ones prepare for the start of school.

• Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London – Lighthearted and relatable for preschool and early elementary kids.

• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson – A beautiful story about courage, connection, and new starts.

  
  

A Gentle Shift to School Year Rhythm

Summer’s free-flowing days are a gift, but so is the comfort of routine. The final weeks of summer are the perfect time to slowly bring back:

• Consistent bedtimes and wake-up times

• Packing a lunch for a picnic (and calling it “practice” for the school lunch routine)

• Morning check-ins to talk about the day ahead

• Daily reading time maybe outside in the shade with a tall glass of lemonade

  
  

Think of this time not as saying goodbye to summer, but as opening the door to the next adventure; crisp air, cozy mornings, and the excitement of a new school year. And remember, the best memories aren’t always made on big trips or perfectly planned outings. Sometimes, they’re in the messy popsicle afternoons, the wet bathing suits hung on the porch rail, and the sandy feet that refuse to be completely clean.

So grab these last few summer days and make them count…because before you know it, we’ll be trading sunscreen for scarves!!!!